Menopause: An Empowered Perspective

/in , , , , , , , /by
Read more

Acupuncture for Postpartum Recovery

/in , , , , , , , /by

Congratulations, your new baby has arrived! The days, weeks, and months following the birth of your new bundle of love can be both exciting and joyful. It is also a delicate, and perhaps difficult, time for any new parent. In addition to adjusting to a new heartbeat and member of your family, there is also much postpartum recovery needed for you, the new mama. All of this adds up to a challenging time!

Chinese medicine actually views the postpartum period as the “fourth trimester,” a unique opportunity to restore and rebalance the health and hormones of the mother. In light of this, here are some tips to give you the support you need.

Help During Your Postpartum Recovery

Armed with evidence-based information and a healthy dose of Chinese medicine, new parents can have a quick recovery and a satisfying postpartum period. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can be really helpful for women recovering after childbirth. We support mothers at Lotus Leaf Acupuncture & Wellness Center during the postpartum period for a wide range of conditions such as:

Newborn Love

  • lactation insufficiency
  • mastitis
  • postpartum depression (PPD)
  • anxiety
  • fatigue
  • pain
  • incontinence
  • urine retention
  • c-section recovery
  • emotional overwhelm & stress

Postpartum Nutritional Support

Congee

A congee is traditional Chinese medicinal porridge made from rice. It is seen as a powerful therapeutic food for strengthening digestion, boosting energy and aiding in the recovery from illness.

A basic congee can be made from using ½ cup of rice to 3 cups of liquid.

  • Congee with Gou Qi Zi and Da Zao

    This liquid can be water for a very plain congee, milk or nut milks (rice milk or almond milk) for a sweet rice pudding type of congee, or you can use vegetable or chicken stock for a savory congee. You may also prefer to use a ½ water ½ milk/stock mixture depending on your taste preferences.

  • The amount of liquid you use will determine the thickness of the porridge, which can be thick like oat porridge or watery like a soup, simply adjust the amount of liquid depending on your preference.
  • White rice is usually the grain used  in China, however brown rice can be used to give a savory tasting congee.
  • For a fast cook: Place all ingredients in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or a Dutch oven and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook at a lively simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rice has completely broken down and the mixture is creamy, about 1 hour.
  • For the traditional slow cook (my personal preference) use a crock pot and cook overnight, about 8 hours on low heat. You will need to make sure you have enough liquid for this.
  • For postpartum support I like to add Gou Qi Zi (Chinese Wolfberry Fruit/Lycium berries) and Da Zao (dates) to nourish Blood, strengthen digestion, and improve energy.
  • Eat and enjoy~

Motherwarming for Postpartum Care

This is one of my favorite self-care treatments that can be done in the comfort of your own home. You can read about it here. For now, I will say it has also been one of the most frequently used recovery methods in China applied to the postpartum mother for centuries. Simply apply moxa to your lower belly for 5 -15 minutes a day and receive the benefits of:

  • helping the organs of the abdomen recover after pregnancy
  • increasing breast milk supply
  • healing scars from cesarean sections
  • decreasing abdominal pain after birth
  • providing the mother with increased feelings of well-being, stamina and strength

Research: Acupuncture for Postpartum Recovery

5 Tips To Dissolve Stress Naturally

/in /by

 

Most of us can attest to the fact that stress is reaching epidemic proportions in modern society. Balancing  family, work, health, money, etc. is a challenge that many of us feel ill equipped to face.

Eighty percent of the doctor visits in our country are stress related. Our quality of life and health is largely determined by how we adapt and relate to daily stressors. As a normal part of life, stress enables us to get things done. However, if left unmanaged, stress can lead to emotional, psychological, and even physical problems.

Stressful situations that last over a long period of time can create an ongoing low-level stress that puts continual pressure on the nervous and endocrine systems, and can cause the overproduction of hormones. These extra stress hormones–particularly cortisone–over an extended period of time may wear out the body’s reserves leading to fatigue, depression, infertility, a weakened immune system, and a host of serious physical and psychological ailments.

Excessive stress not only takes its toll on our bodies, but strips the joy out of life and suppresses our creative instincts.

A Few Signs of Stress Overload Include:

  • anxiety or panic attacks
  • sadness or depression
  • irritability or moodiness
  • feelings of being constantly pressured, hassled or hurried
  • physical symptoms such as stomach problems, headaches, or chest pain
  • allergic reactions, such as rashes, eczema or asthma
  • sleep disturbances, either falling asleep or staying asleep
  • overindulgence in food, alcohol, smoking, or drugs

Without physical health, joy, and creativity, life can feel challenging. Dissolving stress is certainly possible, but takes a commitment to making lifestyle choices that create balance throughout our lives. Here are a few ancient techniques for eliminating stress, increasing energy, and improving emotional balance. These are some of the most powerful tools we have for achieving optimal health and preventing future disease, naturally.

5 Tips to Dissolving Stress Naturally

1) Meditation: Practiced for thousands of years in many Asian cultures, meditation has long been recognized as one of the most powerful tools we have for cultivating peace of mind and balance. Numerous studies have proven the incredibly positive effect that meditation has on stress reduction. There are literally hundreds of meditation techniques taught around the world. For beginners, the most helpful approach is to start with basic mindfulness techniques that develop both relaxation and alertness.

Once a basic ground of awareness has been stabilized, then more advanced meditation practices can be undertaken. Meditation is a practice that helps us identify with stillness and silence. It cultivates intuition and surrender. It can deeply help just about anybody, but is truly a miraculous practice for reducing stress and anxiety.

2) Gentle movement; Yoga, Tai Chi & Qi Gong: These ancient practices have also been utilized by millions of people throughout history. These practices are often considered a form of meditation which involves putting the body into a variety of poses in combination with intentional and directional breathing to induce mental clarity, increased energy, and physical strength and flexibility. The healing benefits of have been repeatedly documented by a variety of clinical studies at the NIH (National Institute for Health).

There are many forms of yoga, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, and it is best to experiment to determine which form feels the most helpful for your needs. I highly recommend combining these practices with sitting meditation, as they work synergistically to induce deep states of relaxation and reduce stress.

3) Acupuncture: One of the pillars of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture has been practiced for at least 2,500 years. Perhaps one of the last truly holistic forms of healthcare remaining on the planet, acupuncture works with the Qi (life force ) of the body in order to induce a variety of therapeutic effects. The safety and efficacy of this practice are well documented which accounts for its incredible surge in popularity in the Western world. Acupuncture is considered one of the most powerful treatment options for stress reduction.

Numerous studies have demonstrated the substantial benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of stress. Acupuncture improves circulation of blood throughout the body, which oxygenates the tissues and cycles out cortisol and other waste chemicals. The calming nature of acupuncture also decreases heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles.

According to Chinese medicine, stress, frustration, and unresolved anger can play an important part in throwing the immune system off and allowing pathogens to affect the body. Through acupuncture, these energy blockages can be addressed. By stimulating the acupuncture points on your body, a licensed practitioner can help stagnant energy flow more smoothly, and alleviate not only the symptoms of stress and anxiety, but the stress and anxiety itself.

4) Herbal medicine: There are a variety of both Chinese and Western herbal formulas that have been clinically proven to reduce stress and create emotional balance. Herbs are much less concentrated than pharmaceuticals, which is why they have far less side effects (but can still be as effective). If you are interested in this treatment option, many acupuncturists can skillfully prescribe herbal formulas. I particularly recommend scheduling an appointment with a licensed practitioner rather than buying herbs over the counter, especially if you are someone with little knowledge of their intended usage.Chinese Medicine Bellingham

5) Nutrition: Eating a diet high in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and low glycemic carbohydrates can go a long way toward healing stress. The standard American diet (high in processed foods, saturated fat, sugar, and transfats) has been linked to anxiety, depression, and increased stress in numerous studies. Change your diet to an organic, whole foods approach and both your body and mind will reward you beyond measure. Poor adaptability to stress is often a sign that our brains are starving for nutrients that we aren’t getting from our standard American diets.

You Can Resolve Stress and Get Your Life Back

Making these lifestyle changes may not be easy in the initial phases. It is often helpful to seek out the support of a health care practitioner to guide you through these transitions. Once you start feeling the enormous payoff of making such changes, there truly is no turning back. Your stress will dissolve, your weight will decrease, and your energy will improve, not to mention the preventative measures you are taking for heart health. Isn’t that enough to warrant making a few changes?

While it isn’t always possible to remove the external forces causing stress, the ability to effectively deal with stress is a choice. Take time for yourself to cultivate the energy you need to handle your stress more skillfully and effectively.

 

Yours in Health,

Cally Huttar, PhD, LAc

 

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Menopause

/in , /by

Women are pillars of strength

Treat Menopause Naturally with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

Chinese medicine views menopause as a natural process in life, a transitional period marking the cessation of menstruation in a woman’s body. Menopause occurs naturally between the ages of 45-55, beginning with a noticeable change in your menstrual cycle. This time of change may last a few months to several years, a stage called perimenopause, with symptoms varying from mild to severe.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have enjoyed a rich and extensive history treating a wide range of perimenopausal symptoms. This includes hot flashes and night sweats, in addition to insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, vaginal dryness, and irritability. Millions of women have successfully treated unwanted symptoms of menopause naturally with Chinese medicine through safe, noninvasive, and most of all, effective treatment for these often debilitating symptoms.

Menopause is a time where many women become Yin deficient, meaning that the cooling, moistening, and calming aspects of their physiology are weakening. You can read more about the various types of menopause on my website page here. The main treatment principles in Chinese medicine for menopausal women involves:

  • Nourishing Yin and/or Blood
  • Moving Stagnant Liver Qi
  • Clearing Heat
  • Calming the Spirit/Mind
  • Harmonizing the Yin and Yang

Stagnation that occurs over an extended time for weeks or months will generate heat which will burn Yin and lead to Yin deficiency. Yin deficiency and Qi stagnation can occur due to a number of reasons including:

  • Stress
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of exercise

While it is important to receive acupuncture, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of healthy food choices. This includes eliminating caffeine and sugar from your diet due to the inflammatory nature of these substances. This does not need to be forever, but at least until your symptoms are under control.

Acupuncture for Menopause

Acupuncture is a balancing therapy. The thin stainless steel needles used during treatment disperse Qi and Blood that is stagnant or nourish Qi and Blood that is deficient.

Many women report feeling better right after the needles are inserted, bringing them immediate relief and a sense of calm. The needles are actually opening certain areas that have become stagnant, which has created a build up of heat. Certain points are also used that have a direct effect on nourishing Yin, thereby rejuvenating the cooling and moistening aspects of one’s physiology.

Chinese Herbs for Menopause

Chinese herbs work together with acupuncture to create a state of continuity between treatments. I would highly recommend committing to this approach before using hormone therapy, as these natural options are free of side effects. Hormone therapy is quite controversial in terms of its long-term effects. While it has worked wonders for many women in the short-term, I have read references to increased incidence of ovarian cancer, fibrocystic breasts, and emotional fluctuations, therefore I cannot give it a raving endorsement.

Below is a list of several Chinese herbal formulas that I prescribe to treat hot flashes, night sweats, accompanied with various patterns of fatigue, irritability, vaginal dryness, anxiety, headaches, and digestive disturbances:

  • Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan:  This formula is a Kidney Yin tonic that clears Heat, which includes symptoms of low back pain, scanty dark urine, and low energy. It is safe, gentle, and can work well if it matches the patient’s constitution.
  • Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan: This formula addresses hot flashes that are due to a Liver Depressive Heat pattern, which would include symptoms such as irritability, depression, high stress, red eyes, headaches, and indigestion.
  • Da Bu Yin Wan: This formula is for a pattern called ‘steaming bone syndrome’ in which the hot flashes feel as if they are penetrating into the depths of one’s bones. It is a Kidney Yin tonic that utilizes herbs that penetrate deep into the body to Clear Heat.
  • Tian Wan Bu Xin Dan: This formula is for a combination of Heart and Kidney Yin deficiency, which will manifest with symptoms such as insomnia, anxiety, irritability, thirst, and malar flush.
  • Er Xian Tang: This formula is for a combined pattern of Kidney Yin and Yang deficiency. Symptoms include a history of feeling cold with recent onset of hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, and low back pain.

It is important to keep in mind that herbs will only work if they address your specific constitutional pattern, rather than only your symptoms. It is important to have an evaluation and diagnosis from a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner before taking any Chinese herbal formulas.

Emotional Support

Most noteworthy, it is also natural to feel heightened emotions as you experience the sensations of heat, stagnation dryness, sleeplessness and fatigue. As a holistic and complete medical system Chinese medicine also addresses issues of depression and anxiety, as well as, anger, worry, and grief. Let your practitioner know about these underlying emotional concerns so that they can tend to your full body mind and spirit.

Research

Finally, the research showing the benefits of acupuncture for menopausal symptoms has been extensive. Hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and insomnia tend to respond very well to treatment with acupuncture and Chinese herbs. This is especially true when they are used together. These are a few important studies that show the benefits of using Chinese medicine for menopause:

  1. Cong HF, Gu XM & Wu WP. (2015). Clinical Observation of Acupuncture plus Medication for Perimenopausal Syndrome. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 34(4).
  2. Li Y & Huang KJ. (2014). TCM prescription in treating perimenopausal syndrome, 50 cases. Journal of Liaoning College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 16(5): 203-205.​​
  3. Tan KP, Yao X, Li XW. Observation on clinical effect of acupuncture plus Zi Shen Tiao Gan Decoction for perimenopausal insomnia. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 2015, 13 (1): 49-53. DOI: 10.1007/s11726-015-0822-1.
  4. Li, Rui-li, Jin-ying Fu, Ying-ying Deng, Wen-juan Shen, Hong-li Ma, Wei Li, and Xiao-ke Wu. “Review of acupuncture treatment for perimenopausal syndrome.” Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2, no. 13 (2015): 129-133.
  5. Shang YJ, Bhang Y, Kong LL, Wang YY, Wang DS, Li J. Clinical observation on combination of source point and Back-Shu point for treatment of perimenopausal syndrome. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 2009, 29(6): 444-448.
  6. Qin ZY, Ling H, Xia XH, Meng L, Wu ZJ. Effects of electroacupuncture of Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on genito- endocrine in patients with perimenopausal syndrome. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu, 2007, 32(4): 255-259.

In conclusion, I highly recommend seeking out the help of a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist to treat menopausal symptoms. I have worked for over twenty years in women’s healthcare, and particularly with women as they transition through menopause. Contact our clinic today if you are interested in scheduling an appointment. We would love to help you.

Yours in Health,

Cally Huttar, PhD, LAc

Acupuncture and Natural Treatment for PMS and Menstrual Cramps

/in , /by

Natural and Effective Treatment for PMS

menstrual cramps and PMS

Find Relief for PMS and Menstrual Cramps with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

PMS and dysmenorrhea (painful periods with menstrual cramps) are common reasons for seeking treatment with Chinese medicine because these natural and holistic methods are very effective. In addition, these treatments are free from the unwanted side-effects of drugs. Chinese herbs and acupuncture have been used for thousands of years in treating gynecological issues, and today more and more women are choosing this gentle, safe and holistic therapy for numerous health concerns. My twenty years of clinical experience has shown that women’s overall health improves greatly within 2 months of weekly treatment.

What Is the Cause of PMS and Menstrual Camping?

From a Chinese medicine perspective both PMS and cramping are generally attributed to an underlying Liver imbalance that creates Qi and Blood stagnation. While it is the Heart that pumps the blood, it is the Liver that is responsible for moving the Qi and Blood throughout the body; cramping pain and PMS are signs that the Blood has congealed and Qi has become stagnant.

The primary cause of Liver Qi and Blood stagnation is emotional in nature and is specifically related to the suppression of anger and frustration. When we feel stuck in our life and our creative resources are thwarted, the natural byproducts are anger and frustration. The continued attachment to these emotions makes us feel stuck on all levels. Therefore, the body will mirror this stagnation by impairing the circulation of Qi and Blood through the Liver meridian. This, in turn, causes pain, mood swings, and further emotional upset.

Liver Qi and Blood stagnation that creates cramping can also be caused by abuse that occurs during the onset of menses. Whether it is sexual, physical, or verbal abuse, such external harm can easily cause our blood circulation to shut down, which is our body’s protective mechanism against the injurious circumstance. Many women with severe and prolonged cramping have confided in me that they were  abused sometime in their childhood, teens, or early adult years.

When I explain to the women I work with that their menstrual imbalances are most likely related to this abuse, many of them intuitively recognize this as true, which is the first step in initiating the healing process. With gentle listening and support I am then able to attend to their full body, mind, and spirit, offering the deepest level of care they need and desire.

Acupuncture for PMS and Menstrual Cramps

Acupuncture Points Located On the Abdomen

PMS and menstrual cramping is actually one of the easier conditions to treat since acupuncture excels at moving stuck Qi and Blood. By harmonizing the flow of Qi and Blood, order is restored in the woman’s body, mind, and spirit.

Here are a few acupuncture points I commonly use for PMS and menstrual cramps:

  • Sanyinjiao (SP-6)
  • Diji (SP-8)
  • Guanyuan (CV-4)
  • Zhongji (CV-3)

Secondary acupuncture points I choose are based upon differential diagnostics. For Qi and Blood stasis, I add the following acupuncture points:

  • Taichong (LV-3)
  • He Gu (LI-4)
  • Xuehai (SP-10)
  • Qu Quan (LV-8)

For Liver Qi stagnation with Damp-Heat, I add:

  • Xingjian (LV-2)
  • Yinlingquan (SP-9)

For Kidney deficiency, I add:

  • Shenshu (BL-23)
  • Mingmen (GV-4)

For Qi and Blood deficiency, I add:

  • Qihai (CV-6)
  • Zusanli (ST-36)

These points can also be used for acupressure stimulation, for self-care. You can find the location of these points on this website.

Chinese Herbs for PMS and Menstrual Cramps

Along with acupuncture, I prescribe Chinese herbal formulas to help with PMS and menstrual cramping. Here is what I most commonly use as a base formula in my practice:

  • Xiao Yao Wan: Also called Free and Easy Wanderer, this is the quintessential gynecological formula in Chinese herbal medicine and one of the most popular herbal formulas for PMS. This formula combines a variety of herbs that regulate Liver Qi and strengthen the Spleen. Therefore, it is good for mild to moderate cramping, mood swings, fatigue, and bloating during menses.
  • Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan: This is Free and Easy Wanderer Plus, which adds two heat-clearing herbs to the original formula. This makes it suitable for more severe symptoms of irritability, headaches, cramping, and possibly elevated body temperature.
  • Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang: This formula promotes the circulation of Liver Blood and warms the lower abdominal organs, which makes it suitable for more severe cramping that is alleviated by the application of heat.
  • Crampbark Plus: This is a formula by Health Concerns in tableted form that I prescribe for women who travel a lot for work or family obligations. This formula combines a variety of blood moving herbs for menstrual cramps and irregularity. This is to be used cautiously or in combination with other formulas with anyone with Blood deficiency as part of their pattern.
  • Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan: I often prescribe a variation of this Chinese herbal formula for fibroids, cysts, endometriosis, and cramping. This formula moves Liver Blood, warms the uterus, and dissipates Phlegm accumulations (cysts and fibroids).

I either add additional herbs or possibly remove an herb or two from these formulas for each woman’s unique constitutional pattern, paying particular attention to her emotional and spiritual needs. Rarely is any woman diagnosed as one cookie-cutter pattern of the formulas above. Remember to seek out a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist when using Chinese medicine.

Dietary Therapy

Nutritional therapy can go a long way toward correcting the imbalances that cause PMS and cramping, and it is why it is the first recommendation I make with my patients. The standard American diet is certainly enough to create a host of problems for women’s health, including hormonal imbalances, various side effects of holding excess weight, low serotonin levels, and poor metabolism. Here are a few basic tips to follow:

  • Avoid Refined Sugar: Refined products, or processed foods in general, should be avoided in order to address the underlying cause of PMS and cramping. Sugar in particular is harmful for all systems of the body as it causes an inflammatory response that has been linked to many chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
  • Eliminate Wheat: I recommend this based on extensive clinical experience with my patients. In addition, research is now showing that eating wheat causes the disruption in the gut microbiome which interferes with proper nutrient absorption. This means that even if you are eating a healthy diet of organic whole foods, you may not be receiving the benefits of these vital nutrients if you are also consuming wheat.
  • Eat Organic Whole Foods: Eating organic means that the food is free from added hormones, is pesticide-free, and is not genetically modified (GMO). This one step can profoundly benefit your health.
  • Drink Plenty of Water: Natural spring, purified, or filtered water is best.
  • Avoid Coffee: Coffee is one of the main substances that causes Liver Qi stagnation conditions. It is an irritant to the colon and liver and can cause Qi and Blood stagnation over time. Switch to organic herbal tea for a warm drink that is both refreshing and nourishing.

Without the foundation of nourishing food, specifically tailored to the condition and constitution of each patient, herbs and even acupuncture may take much longer to have an effect. A diet that is seasonal, both in ingredients and cooking methods, for at least six months will create a baseline of health. You can read more about Chinese medicine’s dietary therapy here.

Nutritional Supplements

I also recommend adding vitamins and supplements for many women who are transitioning to a healthier diet, but haven’t quite gotten there yet. These can help:

  • Krill Oil: This is an essential fatty acid complex that is rich in phospholipids which makes it ideal for female health. I recommend starting at 3,000mg daily. Essential fatty acids are excellent for stabilizing the mood, reducing inflammation and pain, and aiding in the regulation of estrogen and progesterone (especially krill oil).
  • Phosphatidyl Choline: This is a phospholipid that has been shown to help balance estrogen and progesterone. It has a positive effect of PMS and cramping.
  • Antioxidant Complex: Taking a high quality antioxidant ensures that you are getting adequate vitamins and mineral for healthy blood and hormonal balance. Vitamins B12 and folic acid are commonly deficient in women and can lead to blood imbalances from the perspective of Chinese medicine.
  • 5 htp: This is a natural precursor to serotonin that is helpful for stabilizing moods and reducing cravings. It is also useful for fatigue and poor sleep.
  • Magnesium: deficiency is strongly implicated as a causative factor in PMS (use 360mg 3x/day)
  • Vitamin E: 100-400 IU/day has been clinically shown to reduce PMS symptoms
  • Vitamin B6: promotes healthy levels of neurotransmitters and endorphins for emotional stability

Exercise to Reduce PMS and Menstrual Camps

Make sure you get plenty of exercise. This is an important consideration for healing ourselves in general. Try to get at least 20 minutes of some movement a day, 5 days a week. Finding ways to manage your stress level is also necessary. Yoga and meditation are incredibly helpful for this purpose, along with many gentle forms of movement like Tai Qi and Qi Gong. Spending time outside in nature works wonders for me. A walk through the woods can be very restorative, and make sure to leave your cell phone behind.

Get Your Life Back

Unfortunately, many women have resigned themselves to putting up with these uncomfortable symptoms every month. They are conditioned by mass media and a misinformed society to think that PMS is normal and that there is no treatment available for them. When I explain to them that acupuncture and Chinese herbs work very well, they are relieved. When they start to see significant changes in their cycles they no longer feel like the world is ending, and they are no longer doubled over in pain for several days each month. They get their life back.

Hopefully after reading this article, you feel more encouraged knowing that there are effective and holistic therapies that you can take for PMS and cramping with Chinese medicine. It is important to remember that natural therapies take time, because these treatments are not simply masking your symptoms like drugs do, rather they are changing the underlying pattern and addressing the cause of the imbalance.

Be consistent in your treatment plan because acupuncture and Chinese herbs have an accumulative effect over several weeks or months. Our bodies love routine and regularity and will respond positively when you make a commitment to schedule a treatment each week. Seek help with a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist to support you, and you will be able to make vast improvements. Contact our clinic today to schedule your appointment.

Yours in Health,

Cally Huttar, PhD, LAc

References

  • https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/584401
  • https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/876205
  • Ma TA. Effect on Plasma PGF2 dPGE2 by Wagnl Acupuncture Combined with Yi Mu Cao Electuary Treatment for Primary Dysmenorrhea. Chinese Community Doctors. 2014.6:95-96.
  • Wang SZ. (1991). Theory and Practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Shanghai Scientific & Technical Publisher. 2009:122-123.
  • Kou HY. (2010). Tiaojingzhitong Decoction in Treatment of 92 cases of Primary Dysmenorrhea. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 20(15):204-205.
  • Xu SJ.(2010). Clinical Observation on Dan’e Fukang Decocted Extract in Treating 118 Cases of Dysmenorrhea. Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine. 11(15):143-144.
  • Fang L, Zhu XB, Zhu CC. (2010) Study on Mechanism of Active Site of Jingqian Sanji Zhitong Formula in Treating Primary Dysmenorrhea. Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 41(4):615-617.
  • Hou GY, Guo XQ, Cao L. (2011). Treatment of PD of Cold Coagulation and Blood Stasis with Acupuncture Combined with TCM. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 23(5):193-194.
  • Wang N, Song ZM. (2011). The Influence of Tongjingning Keli on PD Patient’s Sex Serum Hormone and Histamine Content. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 22(4):523-525.
  • Jiao FL, Liang YC & He M. (2014). Hubei University of Medicine. Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture-moxibustion for Primary Dysmenorrhea. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 33(5).