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What
can I expect at Wellness Within?
Wolfe
and her associates will review the hair
analysis and saliva lab results that reflect the state of hormones
and their relationship to each other for each patient. Integrating
both Eastern and Western paradigms of diagnosis and health care,
a comprehensive protocol is then designed for each individual person
using acupuncture, Chinese
herbal formulas, and appropriate
nutritional formulas.
Wolfe,
her associates, and her staff understand the enormous frustration
and stress that surrounds this issue of infertility. Our clinic
strives to make the experience much more balanced and pleasant for
both the mind and the body. The treatments are gentle and the staff
good humored.
When
addressing infertility with couples wishing to implement the highly
successful traditional and natural approach, Wolfe and her associates
begin with at least 3 months of preconception care. In this society
we make HUGE efforts to prepare for just about everything: parties/holidays/reunions,
careers, building/purchasing homes, perfecting hobbies. Indeed just
about everything is given a great deal of attention we consider
important except preparing our bodies and minds to become parents.
This is where pre-conception care concept comes into play. For more
information on this, read the
Newsletter, Volume 1.
When
should the treatments begin if planning an IVF schedule?
Usually
women find out about the benefits of Oriental medicine just a month
or two or even weeks before their ART (IUI/IVF) procedure. With
this amount of time, we do everything possible to support the woman's
body and mind, addressing stress levels and side effects of the
drugs.
However,
we find the highest success (60 - 65%) of women undergoing ART procedures
approach this form of conception exactly like those preparing for
natural conception, and thus we recommend treatments begin a minimum
of three menstrual cycles before any ART procedure. The pre-conception
care approach include herbs, acupuncture, whole
food nutritional supplements (see articles page for more information),
and for optimal results, engaging in daily stress releasing exercises
(yoga,
tai chi, etc.).
Are
herbs helpful and when should they be used?
Herbs
are an integral part of Oriental medicine and play an important
role in the physiology of the uterus, hormones, egg development
and general health before and during pregnancy. Herbs are particularly
important in helping to prevent miscarriage. Acupuncture and herbs
work together, one supports the other. It’s important that
a patient consult a properly educated, licensed acupuncturist regarding
herbal formulas which are beneficial and appropriate.
A review
of the medical research from China and Korea shows that there is
a 70 – 90% success rate for infertility using mainly Chinese
herbal formulas. The time frame necessary for this success is three
to twelve months. Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine is a very
efficacious and safe method of addressing infertility when performed
by a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist.
Can
acupuncture help with autoimmune problems?
When
there is an autoimmune problem, Wolfe has found that a specific
acupuncture treatment along with supplements works well in many
cases. Correcting autoimmune issues naturally takes time. We do
not suppress or try to control the body's functions as drugs do.
What
are the treatments like?
Women
usually find this part of the experience the most pleasant of all,
especially if undergoing the stress of IUI or IVF procedures. It’s
very calming for both the body and mind. Often women say they sleep
better, and that they feel more confident about the success of the
procedure, and generally more “balanced.” They say they
have a sense of “well being” when they leave. Wolfe uses
the smallest gauge needles available and gently inserts each one.
Each person responds differently. Some women enjoy the chi sensation
and find the needling not painful at all, others are more sensitive
Wolfe takes time with such patients, encouraging them to breathe
and relax before inserting the little needles. The actual insertion
is comparable to a mosquito bite, sometimes you notice it, and sometimes
you don’t. Certainly these needles are nothing like a syringe
that injects fluid. After experiencing the first treatment, women
are generally much more relaxed knowing what to expect, and begin
to look forward to the calm and relaxed feeling that comes with
these treatments. Of course, only disposable needles are used at
Wellness Within.
Once
pregnant, is there any need for acupuncture?
We recommend
that all newly pregnant mothers consider what is called the “pregnancy
tune-up,” a traditional acupuncture protocol she uses to help
‘settle the fetus’ and prevent miscarriage. Depending on
the history of miscarriage, this would be a treatment plan consisting
of acupuncture once or twice a week for the first trimester. Herbs
may or may not be recommended, depending on the patient’s history
and condition.
Additionally,
acupuncture can help prepare mother and baby for the birth process.
Obstetricians in Norway say acupuncture is the analgesic method
of choice for reducing labor pain whether supplemented by pain meds
or not. Choice was based on mother’s request for meds during
labor.
Once
pregnant, acupuncture is an excellent option for women who experience
back pain, migraines, itchy skin rash, and other discomforts. We
usually recommend at least two treatments a month just to keep a
healthy balance for mom and baby.
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