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This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to:

Many couples who have difficulty conceiving a child by conventional methods often turn to assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although IVF and related techniques have been in use since the 1970s, they are still something of an inexact science. The success rate for these techniques can vary greatly, and the chances of a successful pregnancy depend on a variety of factors.

Researchers in Germany and the People's Republic of China have found that adding acupuncture to the treatment regimen of women using assisted reproductive techniques can dramatically improve the chances of getting pregnant. Their findings could bring new hope to thousands of couples who would like to have children but have been unable to do so.

One-hundred sixty women undergoing either IVF or another technique, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), were divided into two groups of 80. Both groups received hormone therapy before and after having the transfer of embryos to increase the chances of success. One group of women also received acupuncture 25 minutes before and 25 minutes after embryo transfer. Points were used on the spleen, stomach and colon meridians, along with selected ear points, to relax the uterus, sedate the patient and stabilize the endocrine system

Six weeks after the embryo transfers were performed, all of the women were given an ultrasound exam. The presence of a fetal sac -- the scientists' criteria for pregnancy -- was found in 21 women (26.3%) in the control group. In the acupuncture group, the pregnancy rate was "considerably higher" -- 34 women (42.5%) were found to have a fetal sac at the time of the exam.

The authors concluded that acupuncture "seems to be a useful tool" for patients looking to increase their chances of becoming pregnant following assisted reproductive therapies. They added, "As we could not observe any significant differences in covariants between the acupuncture and control groups, the results demonstrate that acupuncture improves pregnancy rate."

SOURCE: Paulus W, et al. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility April 2002;77(4):721-4.

Corydalis is a tall, thin herb native to the Zhejiang province of China. It has a thin, green stem with green leaves and yellow flowers. The rhizome is used for medicinal purposes.

In traditional Chinese medicine, corydalis is believed to invigorate the blood and facilitate the movement of qi throughout the body, and is most often used to reduce menstrual, abdominal and hernial pain. Animal studies have found that substances in corydalis reduce the stickiness of platelets, which helps protect against heart attacks and strokes, and can lower blood pressure. Human trials conducted in China found that tetrahydropalmatine (THP), a powerful compound found in corydalis, could reduce nerve pain and pain associated with menstruation.

Corydalis is available in powdered, tablet and extract forms, although some Asian markets and specialty stores also sell whole corydalis root. The recommended dosage for corydalis is 5-10 grams per day of dried rhizome, or 10-20 milliliters of an alcohol-based extract.

Although there are no known drug interactions with corydalis, there have been slight concerns about its safety. The American Herbal Products Association has assigned corydalis a class 2B rating, meaning that it should not be taken by women who are nursing or pregnant. Some individuals who take large doses may experience vertigo, fatigue or nausea; there have also been many reports of people experiencing THP toxicity, which could lead to hepatitis. Make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking corydalis or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.

References

Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica. Vista, CA: Eastland Press, 1993, p. 270.
Xing JF, Wang MN, Ma XY, et al. Effects of dl-tetrahydropalmatine on rabbit platelet aggregation and experimental thrombosis in rats. Clin Pharm Bull 1997;13:258-60.
Zhu YP. Chinese Materia Medica: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications. Australia: Harwood Academic Publishers, 1998, pp. 445-8.

Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum

The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions:

Question #1: Can acupuncture aid in clinical depression as an alternative to medication?

Answer: Yes. People have different types and degrees of depression, and most can be helped with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine. You need to have your situation evaluated by a qualified acupuncturist, who can review with you the benefits of treatment.

Question #2: I have suffered from Morton's neuroma for the last two years. I have been seeing a podiatrist who states that surgery is the "next" treatment. My husband overheard a report on the news that acupuncture was being successfully used as a treatment of this disorder and would like to know if this is so and where I can get information about who can perform such a procedure.

Answer: Yes, acupuncture is a successful treatment for the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, and often the swelling goes into remission. Any qualified acupuncturist should be able to perform the procedure. You can ask someone in your area.

Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask.

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June 2002 [Volume 1, Issue 5] To Your Health is brought to you by:

This issue features a number of articles you will want to share with your family, friends and co-workers. Please feel free to forward this newsletter to them via e-mail. If you have received this e-mail newsletter from someone else, you may subscribe free of charge and begin receiving your own copy by going to: www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/subscribe.php In this issue of To Your Health: Acupuncture May Improve Success Rate of Test-Tube Pregnancies Herb of the Month: Corydalis Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum *Acupuncture May Improve Success Rate of Test-Tube Pregnancies* Many couples who have difficulty conceiving a child by conventional methods often turn to assisted reproductive techniques such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although IVF and related techniques have been in use since the 1970s, they are still something of an inexact science. The success rate for these techniques can vary greatly, and the chances of a successful pregnancy depend on a variety of factors. Researchers in Germany and the People's Republic of China have found that adding acupuncture to the treatment regimen of women using assisted reproductive techniques can dramatically improve the chances of getting pregnant. Their findings could bring new hope to thousands of couples who would like to have children but have been unable to do so. One-hundred sixty women undergoing either IVF or another technique, intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), were divided into two groups of 80. Both groups received hormone therapy before and after having the transfer of embryos to increase the chances of success. One group of women also received acupuncture 25 minutes before and 25 minutes after embryo transfer. Points were used on the spleen, stomach and colon meridians, along with selected ear points, to relax the uterus, sedate the patient and stabilize the endocrine system Six weeks after the embryo transfers were performed, all of the women were given an ultrasound exam. The presence of a fetal sac -- the scientists' criteria for pregnancy -- was found in 21 women (26.3%) in the control group. In the acupuncture group, the pregnancy rate was "considerably higher" -- 34 women (42.5%) were found to have a fetal sac at the time of the exam. The authors concluded that acupuncture "seems to be a useful tool" for patients looking to increase their chances of becoming pregnant following assisted reproductive therapies. They added, "As we could not observe any significant differences in covariants between the acupuncture and control groups, the results demonstrate that acupuncture improves pregnancy rate." SOURCE: Paulus W, et al. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility April 2002;77(4):721-4. Herb of the Month: Corydalis Corydalis is a tall, thin herb native to the Zhejiang province of China. It has a thin, green stem with green leaves and yellow flowers. The rhizome is used for medicinal purposes. In traditional Chinese medicine, corydalis is believed to invigorate the blood and facilitate the movement of qi throughout the body, and is most often used to reduce menstrual, abdominal and hernial pain. Animal studies have found that substances in corydalis reduce the stickiness of platelets, which helps protect against heart attacks and strokes, and can lower blood pressure. Human trials conducted in China found that tetrahydropalmatine (THP), a powerful compound found in corydalis, could reduce nerve pain and pain associated with menstruation. Corydalis is available in powdered, tablet and extract forms, although some Asian markets and specialty stores also sell whole corydalis root. The recommended dosage for corydalis is 5-10 grams per day of dried rhizome, or 10-20 milliliters of an alcohol-based extract. Although there are no known drug interactions with corydalis, there have been slight concerns about its safety. The American Herbal Products Association has assigned corydalis a class 2B rating, meaning that it should not be taken by women who are nursing or pregnant. Some individuals who take large doses may experience vertigo, fatigue or nausea; there have also been many reports of people experiencing THP toxicity, which could lead to hepatitis. Make sure to consult with a qualified health care practitioner before taking corydalis or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy. To learn more about the benefits of herbal medicine, visit www.acupuncturetoday.com/herbcentral. References Bensky D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica. Vista, CA: Eastland Press, 1993, p. 270. Xing JF, Wang MN, Ma XY, et al. Effects of dl-tetrahydropalmatine on rabbit platelet aggregation and experimental thrombosis in rats. Clin Pharm Bull 1997;13:258-60. Zhu YP. Chinese Materia Medica: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications. Australia: Harwood Academic Publishers, 1998, pp. 445-8. Acupuncture Q & A: This Month's Highlights from the "Ask an Acupuncturist" Forum The "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum provides a place for interested parties to ask questions about acupuncture and Oriental medicine and have them answered by a licensed acupuncturist. This month's questions: Question #1: Can acupuncture aid in clinical depression as an alternative to medication? Answer: Yes. People have different types and degrees of depression, and most can be helped with acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine. You need to have your situation evaluated by a qualified acupuncturist, who can review with you the benefits of treatment. Question #2: I have suffered from Morton's neuroma for the last two years. I have been seeing a podiatrist who states that surgery is the "next" treatment. My husband overheard a report on the news that acupuncture was being successfully used as a treatment of this disorder and would like to know if this is so and where I can get information about who can perform such a procedure. Answer: Yes, acupuncture is a successful treatment for the symptoms of Morton's neuroma, and often the swelling goes into remission. Any qualified acupuncturist should be able to perform the procedure. You can ask someone in your area. Have a question about acupuncture and Oriental medicine? Visit AcupunctureToday.com's "Ask an Acupuncturist" forum at www.acupuncturetoday.com/ask. Unsubscribe Thank you for subscribing to To Your Health. If you have received this newsletter in error or wish to unsubscribe, you may remove your name from our e-mail subscription list at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletter/TYH/unsubscribe.php. Update your e-mail address To update the e-mail address your newsletter is sent to, click here. If you have any questions regarding your subscription, please complete this form at www.acupuncturetoday.com/newsletterhelp/TYH.