Researchers recently at Beijing Erlong Road Hospital investigated the treatment effectiveness of acupuncture combined with herbal facial masks. They discovered a 96.67% total effectiveness rate. This is another confirmation by a number of clinical studies conducted in China on the positive effects of acupuncture and herbs on several types of acne.

In an analysis of 43 clinical studies of the effect of acupuncture on 5 different types of acne in 2012, researchers found that acupuncture synergistically enhances the effects of therapeutic regimes (such as herbs) and leads to better patient outcomes. Better yet, with a combination of 3500 patients represented in the studies, none reported adverse effects.

Additional results revealed that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine, either oral or topical, yields better results than herbal medicine as a standalone modality. Interestingly, the researchers discovered that adding cupping therapy also enhanced clinical outcomes.

Learn more about the Meta-Analysis Study Here

Chinese herbal therapy for dermatological conditions such as acne and eczema, is a science of its own. This is partly because Chinese herbal medicine is not a “one size fits all”. We do have standard formulas for specific conditions. But when it comes to more complex internal issues, a good Chinese herbal practitioner will need to differentiate carefully between symptoms, so as to provide the right formula.

Both acne and eczema involve inflammation, which in Chinese medicine is referred to as “Heat”. When the rash is oozing, or the acne contains pus, this is referred to as “Damp Heat” and the herbal formula will be different from dry “Heat” type rashes or acne which are usually more itchy and scale-y in appearance. Most acne and eczema also contain a component of “Spleen Damp”, which correlates to bacterial or microbial infection stemming from gut imbalances.

The most successful Chinese medical approach to acne and eczema will involve both internal and external (topical) Chinese herbs, dietary changes (that address gut and microbial health) and acupuncture. As far as Chinese herbal topicals go, we recommend Colorado-based Zi Zai Dermatology. Zi Zai Dermatology has developed products that target the various “types” of eczema or acne. You can order these products direct from Zi Zai, or through Denver Community Acupuncture.

To learn more about the kind of eczema or acne that you suffer from, and Chinese herbal topicals to treat it, follow the links below.

Chinese Herbs in the Treatment of Eczema

Chinese Herbs in the Treatment of Acne

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a red, itchy rash that affects up to 30 million Americans, many of whom are children. Ranging in severity from mild, slightly itchy dry patches in small isolated areas, to angry, inflamed, painful rashes covering large portions of the body, eczema can make a person anywhere from annoyed to miserable.

Conventional medicine considers eczema to have no known cause. Therapy usually includes steroidal cream that suppresses the immune response causing the inflammation. Eczema sufferers are often condemned to applying the creams for the rest of their lives.

Functional medicine on the other hand, views eczema as an over-reaction of the immune system to a perceived threat, causing inflammation at the level of the skin. Locating the cause of the threat–whether it is coming from food sensitivities, environmental allergy sensitivities, the consumption of foods high in histamine, and/or ultimately compromised digestive function–is a crucial first step. When the threat or threats are uncovered, and the person then changes their diet and/or lifestyle, the eczema usually completely clears. While this can take time (sometimes many months) and dedication, the advantage is permanent healing and the prevention of future more serious health concerns.

To learn more about the permanent healing of eczema, read this article by Dr. Amy Myers,

an expert in the healing of autoimmune and inflammatory illness. And while you are still suffering from outbreaks, read this article on our Blog for suggestions on herbs, acupuncture, and dietary supplements to bring quick relief.

Chinese medicine has a long successful history of promoting fertility, with records of herbal therapy dating as far back as 200 AD. One of the major reasons for this is the emphasis on preserving Jing or Kidney Essence. So what is Jing, and how is it connected to your fertility?

According to traditional Chinese medicine, Jing is stored in the Kidneys (the Organ system in Chinese medicine most intimately connected to the endocrine or hormonal system) and is the most dense physical matter within the body. It is said to be the material basis for the physical body and is yin in nature, which means it nourishes, fuels, and cools the body.

The ancient Chinese believed that we are born with a fixed amount of Jing which is consumed naturally through activities of daily living. The energy for all our physiological functions is derived in part from this prenatal Jing. Similar to DNA, Jing is passed down from one generation to the next so it is vital to protect what we have to ensure the success of future generations. The state of health of a person’s stored eggs as well as the quality and quantity of sperm is a direct relation to the condition of their Jing.

When it comes to fertility and Chinese medicine, we’re concerned with much more than the egg meeting the sperm, forming an embryo and implanting in the uterus. We look at the bigger picture to ensure both parents are in the best possible health prior to conception. Think of our bodies as beautiful gardens for growing a healthy baby. The fertile soil in your garden does not need to be perfect but rather be as balanced and nutrient rich as possible so that you may not only conceive a happy and healthy baby, but also have the energy and resilience needed for the child rearing years and beyond.

In other words, your Kidney Essence, or Jing, needs to be strong. Toward this end, the Chinese came up with specific herbal formulas that enrich the Jing, and therefore the egg and sperm quality. Foods that are said to support the Jing include eggs, fish eggs or roe, nuts and seeds (properly soaked before being consumed), algaes and seaweeds, royal jelly, organ meats, and bone marrow (think bone broths). Foods used for centuries around the world to support young men and women in child-bearing years as well as their babies most prominently included all types of eggs and raw liver.

Another major reason for the success of Chinese medicine in promoting fertility, is an emphasis on supporting healthy Liver function. To better understand Liver function from a Chinese medical perspective, and why it’s so important to keep Liver Qi moving smoothly for reproductive health, read our article on “American Culture and Your Liver: Do You Have Liver Qi Stagnation” here. The biggest contributor to our modern epidemic of Liver Qi Stagnation can be summarized in one word: stress. When it comes to fertility, the Liver is commonly out of balance because a stressful lifestyle pulls the body’s blood flow and attention away from reproductive, baby-making organs and funnels it instead to the arms and legs as part of the body’s “fight or flight” response. In fact, current clinical studies point to the major role stress plays in preventing the implantation of a new embryo.

We are designed to make babies (and digest our meals for that matter) in a parasympathetic or relaxed nervous system state, with the blood easily flowing to our inner organs. By increasing our resilience to stress with regular doses of activities such as acupuncture, moderate exercise, massage, and mindfulness meditation, we can naturally improve our circulation, metabolism, hormone balance, and even our DNA!

The other critical role the Liver plays in fertility health has to do with clearing toxins from the body, and normalizing hormone synthesis. In traditional Chinese medicine, this was simply referred to as clearing Heat Toxins from the Liver, and regulating the Liver Qi.

Clearing toxins is even more important in modern times, with the addition of a flood of xenoestrogens into our environment. Xenoestrogens are a class of environmental chemicals found in plastics, industrial products, skincare products, insecticides, and BHA (a common food preservative). Xenoestrogens will bind with estrogen receptors in the body, blocking natural estrogen pathways.

Many clinical studies point to problems with xenoestrogens and fertility, for both males and females, as shown here. The good news is: they CAN be cleansed from our body through Chinese herbs and targeted liver detox supplements. We have seen cases of women effortlessly conceiving following a cleanse, after years of trying.

Finally, a traditional Chinese perspective looks to the state of a woman’s digestion as an important factor in fertility. Most treatments will include support of digestion–as the consistency, quality, and thickness of the endometrial lining and its rich blood supply is seen to be intimately connected to the ability of the digestive system to metabolize nutrients. Your Chinese medical practitioner will typically ask you questions about your digestion, and seek to correct any problems, as part of your fertility treatment.

In summary, there are many ways that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine boost fertility and increase the likelihood of a viable pregnancy and successful birth. These include:

• Regulating hormones – PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids
• Encouraging a healthy menstrual cycle
• Reducing the effects of chronically high stress or lack of sleep
• Improving digestion and absorption of nutrients
• Supporting the elimination of toxins (endocrine disruptors/xenoestrogens) and improving the response to endogenous hormones
• Improving ovarian function for more viable eggs
• Increasing sperm count and motility and quality
• Encouraging blood flow to the uterus – healthy endometrial lining is crucial for embryo implantation and to support a full-term pregnancy
• Countering the side effects of Western medical drugs used in IVF and IUI
• Supporting pregnancy and preparing the body for labor In later stages of pregnancy

While these methods may take some time and commitment, the benefits of a healthy baby conceived naturally to a vibrant mother are well worth the effort.

There are many reasons a person might seek out The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Massage (ATMAT). One of the most prominent reasons is to see if it can improve fertility, particularly for women with unexplained infertility and/or women seeking a more natural approach to fertility challenges.

The idea in general is that through the massage there is an improvement in the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the pelvic region. If the uterus is displaced off to one side or toward the sacrum or lower in the pelvic bowel than is optimal, then there is potential for it to affect the blood flow in the area the uterus is leaning against, if not well centered.

Many ligaments and muscles hold the uterus in place and attach it to the back, front, and sides of the pelvis. Uterine ligaments can and do move to accommodate a growing fetus and to adjust when the bladder or bowel is full. Hard falls or physical and sometimes emotional traumas can impact the uterus and/or the ligaments and muscles. Over time they can weaken and loosen, causing the uterus to fall downward, forward, backward or to either side.

When reproductive organs shift, they can constrict the normal flow of blood and lymph, and disrupt nerve connections. It doesn’t take many extra ounces of blood or muscle tissue sitting on blood and lymph vessels to cause havoc throughout the different systems in the body. Also, there is a chance that due to malpositioning, one or both of the ovaries can be impacted by the restricted flow of oxygenated blood, and congestion and/or adhesions might develop. This potentially also reduces nerve communication and hormonal balance within the feedback loop between the pituitary, liver and digestive system.

Homeostasis, or the natural balance of the body, can be restored in the pelvic area and the surrounding organs by massaging the uterus back into place. When stored cellular waste products and toxins are cleared, nutrients that help to tone tissue and balance hormones are restored to normal order. This is essential for healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

As with many natural types of treatment, some women respond very quickly and others may not notice much movement toward their goal within six months to a year of monthly treatments. About half of the women who have come in to see me to improve fertility through ATMAT become pregnant shortly after one or two sessions and go on to have healthy pregnancies even after previously trying for up to 5 years. The remainder of clients, each with varying health histories and life situations have varying responses.

Responses are different for everyone, and unfortunately it’s not possible to predict what will result at the start of the sessions. At the very least, anyone coming in to improve chances of conceiving can view the treatment as good preparation for pregnancy. They can expect improvement of circulation within the abdomen and pelvic bowl, as well as improved or optimal positioning of the uterus for when conception does occur.

In the United States, an estimated 15% of the population falls into the category of being unable to conceive. Couples often look to the woman first for problems. However, in 40% of fertility cases, sperm abnormalities are either a factor or the factor.

The average ejaculate sample contains almost 200 million sperm. Despite this incredible number, only a few dozen sperm actually reach the egg for a chance at penetration. It is for this reason that sperm numbers must be so high, just to have a slight chance at reaching the vicinity of the egg traveling down the fallopian tube. If both partners have fertility issues, it seems a miracle that conception ever takes place!

While Western medicine can easily diagnose issues with male fertility, the only potential remedy is surgery. This is unfortunate, since so many factors in male fertility are not surgically related. Luckily, there are natural methods, including nutritional supplementation and herbs, to improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. These methods are particularly effective when combined with acupuncture, which increases blood circulation in the testes and male reproductive area. (But don’t worry, guys: no needles in the actual area are used!)

Some of the more common causes of male infertiity include:

• Congenital Abnormalities
• Damage from Surgical Procedures or Radiation
• Variocele (Scrotal Swelling)
• Drug Affects (Including Antihistamines, Anti-Hypertensives, and Anti-Inflammatories)
• Prolonged Fever
• Environmental Toxins (especially synthetic estrogens, or xenoestrogens)
• Endocrine Disorders (Hypothyroidism, Hypopituitarism, Adrenal Disorders)
• Antisperm Antibodies
• Urogenital Infections
• Tight-fitting Underwear
• Stress & Lack of Sleep
• Overuse of alcohol, nicotine and marijuana

If you and your husband are having trouble conceiving, and you are told by your doctor that your husband has problems with his sperm numbers, motility, and/or morphology (and yet they can find no structural issue), there are lifestyle and nutritional changes he can make that can dramatically improve these factors.

Environmental toxins, especially synthetic estrogens or xenoestrogens, are a serious problem for many men. Clinical studies reveal that sperm counts decrease with increased exposure. Therefore, avoiding excess environmental toxin exposure makes sense.

One way to reduce environmental toxin exposure is through diet. This would include making sure that meat and dairy products (conventionally high in bovine growth hormone) are from organic sources, and even drinking purified or spring water, as synthetic estrogens are now found in the municipal water supply. Many pesticides contain xenoestrogens, and therefore buying organic produce is encouraged. Fats are particularly high in pesticides, and therefore should be consumed from clean sources. Avoid cottonseed oil, as it contains gossypol, which inhibits sperm formation. Finally, men should avoid soy and soy products, as they contain high amounts of phytoestrogenic compounds that increase estrogenic activity in the body.

Xenoestrogens are also found in plastics (BPA), and many skincare products. Buying lotions, shampoos, soaps and detergents from natural (non-chemical) sources will help in cutting down on exposures, as will drinking from BPA-free plastic drinking bottles. Finally, liver detox supplements are available such as our in-house Amino D-Tox by Designs for Health that are effective in removing xenoestrogens from the body.

As far as other general lifestyle changes, men are advised to keep scrotal temperatures between 94 and 96 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal sperm count. Those with slight varicoceles are encouraged to use cool packs daily on the testicles. Obviously, a reduction or elimination of alcohol, nicotine and marijuana during periods when a couple is trying to conceive is ideal. And no tight pants!

There are many nutritional supplements that will enhance sperm count, motility, and morphology. These include antioxidant vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12, C, and E, Beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc. L-Arginine, an amino acid involved in cellular replication, and L-Carnitine, an amino acid that transports fatty acids that assist in sperm motility, are recommended. Other antioxidant sources that are helpful include pine bark extract, astaxanthin, grape seed extract, and bilberry extract.

What about from a traditional Chinese medical perspective? Can Chinese herbs and acupuncture help with male fertility? Absolutely! In Chinese medicine, the main causes of male infertility fall under three broad categories: one is a deficiency of the Kidneys (usually Kidney Yang; sometimes Kidney Yin); another is Damp-Heat (inflammation) in the pelvic organs. The third category would be trauma or structural anomaly: the presence of a varicocele, for example, translates to Blood Stasis in our Chinese medical diagnosis. The swollen veins obstruct transit; it is therefore necessary to invigorate and move the blood so the sperm can develop normally.

Chinese herbal formulas to nourish Kidney Yang and Essence/Jing (refer to our article on How Chinese Medicine Helps You to Conceive Naturally) work very effectively to increase sperm count and increase motility. Other formulas reduce inflammation. Both acupuncture and herbs help increase blood circulation to the testes and reproductive area, and correct underlying issues that are connected to an individual’s infertility, such as compromised digestion, weak adrenal function, or inflammation.

For more specific information on male infertility, please refer to the following article by Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor and fertility expert Randine Lewis, Ph.D, L.Ac.

Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat an array of ailments including infertility. In fact, fertility management is highly researched in China, and studies are revealing Chinese herbal formulas to be safe and effective in treating infertility with no side effects. Current research shows that Chinese medicine averages 70% effectiveness in all infertility cases for both men and women versus stand alone IVF procedures with a 20% effectiveness rate. To learn more about this recent clinical study review, including 1851 women participants, click here.

In addition to being highly effective, Chinese herbs are less invasive and more cost-effective in treating infertility. They also serve to correct underlying health imbalances; while pregnancy is the common goal between traditional Chinese medicine and allopathic medicine, medicinal herbs additionally improve the quality of menstruation, ovulation, and associated symptoms which are equally important in the success of a healthy pregnancy.

To learn more about clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine and fertility, menstrual syndromes, endocrine imbalances, and more, check out Dr. Attilio D’Alberto’s site.

Chinese herbs have been used for thousands of years to treat an array of ailments including infertility. In fact, fertility management is highly researched in China, and studies are revealing Chinese herbal formulas to be safe and effective in treating infertility with no side effects. Current research shows that Chinese medicine averages 70% effectiveness in all infertility cases for both men and women versus stand alone IVF procedures with a 20% effectiveness rate. To learn more about this recent clinical study review, including 1851 women participants, click here.

In addition to being highly effective, Chinese herbs are less invasive and more cost-effective in treating infertility. They also serve to correct underlying health imbalances; while pregnancy is the common goal between traditional Chinese medicine and allopathic medicine, medicinal herbs additionally improve the quality of menstruation, ovulation, and associated symptoms which are equally important in the success of a healthy pregnancy.

To learn more about clinical research on traditional Chinese medicine and fertility, menstrual syndromes, endocrine imbalances, and more, check out Dr. Attilio D’Alberto’s site.