East/West AcupunctureScottsdale, ArizonaDasha Trebichavska, L.Ac.,RN, M.S.
Available ModalitiesAcupuncture Herbal Medicine Nutritional Support Chi Nei Tsang Homeopathy Photonic Therapy
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If you live in Phoenix area, you may contact me for a private session or call for a phone consultation. Roughly 80% of women get pregnant. If you want to get pregnant naturally or want to improve your chances of getting pregnant with IUI or IVF, call 415-420-3750 or 480-272-6572.
Chinese Medicine for Pre- & Post-natal CareMany women who were pregnant agree that pregnancy can be stressful to the body. Pregnancy is a period of swift changes to which the body has to adapt. Acupuncture and herbal therapy have traditionally been used to help with a flow of blood and oxygen both to the fetus and the mother's tissue and organs. Acupuncture and herbs can help alleviate conditions such as:
Herbs for pregnancyPregnant and post-partum women respond well to herbs. Herbal therapy for pregnant women is commonly used in China and other parts of the world. There are many safe, effective herbal formulas (remedies) designed for the conditions like nausea, indigestion, fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, edema, constipation, post-partum depression and other pregnancy related conditions. Chinese herbal medicine is used for supporting the vitality of both the mother and the fetus. Recovery from childbirth is much faster when herbs are used. A Natural, Comprehensive Program for Resolving InfertilityTraditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture & herbal supplements) Helps Resolve Infertility through-regulating hormones to produce better quality eggs and larger number of follicles -increasing blood flow into the pelvic region and increasing the thickness of the uterine lining and preventing the uterus from contracting and thus decreasing chance of miscarriage -decreasing stress levels so that embryo implantation can take place in optimal environment -helping to lessen the side effects of drugs used in various forms of artificial insemination -improving semen quality--it's morphology (structure) and motility -strengthening the immune system and reducing stress Traditional
Chinese Medicine (TCM) employs a broad spectrum of treatment modalities
including herbs, acupuncture, bodywork, and dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
One of least commonly advertised uses of TCM is in the field of infertility.
Successful treatment of infertility dates back in China to the Sui Dynasty (589
CE). Chinese medicine provides a noninvasive, holistic approach to reversing
infertility and has a surprising success rate of sixty percent among infertile
women; a very high number, considering that many women discover TCM late in
their search for infertility solutions. Traditional
Chinese medicine treats infertility using a combination of specific herbs and
the stimulation of acupuncture points to strengthen and regulate organ
functions, primarily the production of hormones, an essential component to
fertility.
In addition, by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, Chinese
herbs and acupuncture serve the fertility process by restoring a deep relaxation
in the mind and body. Many women seek a single herbal approach for treatment of their infertility--for instance, they take ginseng, macca, etc. I do not agree with self-diagnosing and self-prescribing which often leads to loss of time and effort and in some cases could be harmful (for instance, one does not use ginseng when experiencing lots of anxiety, sweating at night, hot body sensations, etc. because it can lead to further depletion). One herb is not sufficient to make up for the health deficits of a modern woman who in her late thirties is trying to get pregnant. Many herbalists and health professionals who understand all the possible infertility causes use up to four different herbal patent remedies (each having up to 10 herbs) for the four cycles in the month. As a woman gets older, many different organ systems need a tune-up. The typical treatment for infertility consists of the following (with individual alterations) herbal regiment: day 1-7--menses time (moderate building and moving of blood or complete abstinence from herbs), day 7-14--pre-ovulatory time (the building of Yin=the organ function, egg formation, the blood quality, and the encouragement of egg release), day 14-21--post-ovulation time (building of the uterine lining, supporting the uterus and supporting the adrenal function), day 21-28 (enhancing the liver function, moving blood). I am not going to publish a list of herbs because as I mentioned in the beginning, I discourage the use of individual herbs (in 95% of cases). I also recommend for those who plans to do IVF or IUI to support their health with herbs for at least 4-6 months before they decides to try it the first time (many IVF fail because the woman's body is not in a good state of health). This way you will also save lots of money. I can provide a long distance herbal consultation and send you herbs or just give you a prescription if you decide to send me a filled intake form (available on my web--click here); call me to set up an appointment. Call at 415-420-3750 or 480-272-6572 Patterns
of Organ Disharmony From
the perspective of TCM, infertility is caused by patterns of disharmony in organ
systems such as the liver, heart, spleen and kidneys.
The TCM patterns of disharmony such as blood stagnation, cold entrapment,
phlegm accumulation, excess heat, and so on, play important roles
in blocking fertility.
In the vernacular of western medicine, these pathologies are known as
hypothalamic pituitary dysfunction (anovulation), polycystic ovarian syndrome,
luteal phase defect, and other syndromes and conditions that can make it
difficult or impossible to conceive.
However, the key factor in treating infertility with TCM lies in
regulating the menstrual cycle by re-establishing harmonious communication among
the endocrine glands. The herbal and homeopathic mixtures I often use at various phases of the woman's cycle: It is not uncommon for my clients to be on 3-5 remedies at the same time because several different organ systems need to be balanced at once for any specific illness or ailment. Jia Xiao Yao Wan (stress, irregular m. cycle, mood swings, etc.), Nu Ke Ba Zhen Wan (support hormone function, build and circulate the blood), Right side replenishing (improves adrenal function, thyroid function, increases energy/libido, improves ovarian function), Ovarium compositum (homeopathic remedy that supports the ovarian function, Thyrodeia compositum (homeopathic remedy that supports the thyroid, Traumeel (homeopathic remedy that supports the immune system), and other remedies (for heavy bleeding, irregular menses, blood stagnation, etc.) The
Growing Popularity of TCM As many recent newspaper and magazine stories demonstrate, TCM has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more women are waiting until they are in their mid-thirties and older to start a family. It is undisputed that women starting their families later in life have more difficulty becoming pregnant, and many couples spend up to $50,000 on attempting to conceive – with no guarantee of success. TCM offers rate of success for far less money; prices range from $50 to $70 per session for acupuncture plus the cost of herbs (approx. $150-200 per month). A routine treatment program consists of two acupuncture treatments each week, and many women become pregnant six months to a year after beginning treatment. Once pregnant, it is usually recommended that acupuncture be maintained once a week, and herbal therapy is usually recommended through the first trimester. Acupuncture
Used in Successful Artificial Insemination Encourage your reproductive specialist in Phoenix and surrounding areas to hire an acupuncturist to save you travel time (from your MD's office to your acupuncturist's office). Having an acupuncture before and after IVF or IUI will greatly enhance your chance for getting pregnant. Feel free to give my name to your MD, I will be glad to talk to your MD about offering acupuncture at your doctor's office for your convenience. (Dasha Trebichavska, L.Ac., 480-272-6572) Acupuncture
has been used as a successful adjunct to artificial insemination.
In a study conducted in Germany at the Christian Lauritzen Institute in
Ulm, acupuncture was used 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer, with
needles placed in the stomach and colon meridians, as well as the ear meridians,
to try to increase blood flow into the uterus and reduce uterine contractions.
The results were indisputable. In the control group, 26% became pregnant; in the
IVF-plus-acupuncture group 43% became pregnant. Women who have prepared for IVF with acupuncture and Chinese herbs have a better chance of getting pregnant (3 month preparation is advisable). Acupuncture and herbs are not a mere adjunct to IVF or IUI therapy, but can significantly alter women's chances for pregnancy. Acupuncture and herbs are complex and are designed to target the weak areas of woman's constitution which contribute to infertility. Women in today's society are bombarded with stresses and often need help with regenerating their reproductive organs--acupuncture and herbs can definitely help. Controlling nutrient intake and stress levels could often play a major role in treatment of infertility. For instance, essential fats have a profound effect on every system of the body, including the reproductive system and they are crucial for healthy hormone functioning. For men essential fatty acid supplementation is crucial because the semen is rich in prostaglandins which are produced from these fats. Men with poor sperm quality, abnormal sperm, poor motility or low count, have inadequate levels of these beneficial prostaglandins. Women need these fatty acids for their hormone production as well. I suggest you look into taking pharmaceutical grade fish oil to increase the intake of EFAs (go to fish oil page). Based on the above information, and mine and my colleagues' experience, in order to save effort and money, women who have trouble getting pregnant naturally, need to do acupuncture, Chinese herbal remedies and nutritional supplements which will help with their fertility issues. Preventing Premature BirthsPremature birth is a #1 health issue listed under the most common newborn health issue in the US. The number of premature babies is on a rise (according to some sources--up to 40% of newborns are born prematurely. The most common reasons listed are: age of the mother (more women in their late thirties thru forties get pregnant) and increase of diabetes and weight in US women. Chinese Medicine offers good solutions to miscarriages and premature births. Most women who are not in good health (diabetes, high blood pressure, overweight or women who are older) should consider doing acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies during the course of their pregnancies. Many miscarriages could be avoided if the woman starts an herbal supplementing program at the beginning of her pregnancy. Men's Role in InfertilityMale sperm provides half of the genetic material for the embryo. Therefore a high quality sperm can successfully fertilize the egg and contribute to successful embryo implantation. Weaker, underdeveloped sperm can lead to miscarriage. New York (Reuters Health) "Acupuncture may have a role as a treatment for certain types of male infertility, researchers suggest. They report, in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility, an improvement in sperm quality following acupuncture, especially the structural integrity of sperm. Based on the study from Christian-Lauritzen-Institute in Ulm, Germany, acupuncture could be a useful treatment for infertility in men. Acupuncture Improves Sperm Quality (Fertility and Sterility, July 2005), the report claims an improvement in sperm quality following acupuncture, especially the structural integrity of sperm. A variety of standard acupuncture points throughout the body were used. Though it may be difficult to believe, approximately forty percent of infertility cases are due to sperm quality and quantity. This is a difficult issue, as the male identity is often closely tied to sexual performance and virility, therefore making any malfunctions in this arena a very sensitive subject. It used to be that fertility issues were thought to be a female problem, and the possibility of male infertility was frequently overlooked. Rarely are there symptoms for male infertility, per se (other than not being able to conceive a child) so the issue is often not explored. In treating male fertility, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown to be very successful and fast acting. By providing natural, life-enhancing and economical solutions, TCM and nutritional support enable men to bypass costly treatments that medical professionals provide. Below are some major causes for infertility, and how they have been treated--for the most part successfully--with Traditional Chinese Medicine. "Sadly, millions of dollars are spent each year on IVF and other sophisticated procedures that could have been avoided if the male side of infertility had been properly diagnosed and treated." Dr. Harry Fisch-director of the Male Reproductive Center, New York, excerpt from his book The Male Biological Clock; Dr. Risch suggests that there some men's sperm quality and quantity could be improved by treating the prostate gland, testosterone levels, and sub-clinical infections. Research on Chinese Herbal Remedies Proof Effective in Treatment of Male Infertility IssuesAnti-sperm antibodies The male testicular inflammation and urethra infection are the most common causes leading to the positive rate of anti-sperm antibodies. Traditional Chinese Herbal remedies that promote blood circulation and remove heat toxins (due to infection) can help recover the weakened immune state. High viscosity High viscosity or non-liquefaction of semen may restrain the mobility of sperm. Beijing Gu Lou TCM Hospital diagnosed and treated 100 cases with this condition, using Chinese herbs. Another study showed treatment of 20 cases with this condition using Shaofu Zhouyu Tang Jia Huangbo (Remedy to remove blood stagnation) for 20 days. 17 cases (85%) had their semen became normal in routine examination. Erectile dysfunction Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicinals of Shandong Province and Qilu Pharmaceutics Plant, Jinan, Shandong, both have tested an herbal compound called Xiongbao which was used clinically on 103 cases with erection disorder. The total effective rate was 83.3%. A course of treatment consisted of one month application of herbs. When the remedy was applied to rats, pharmacodynamic study showed that it promoted and maintained the growth and development of the matured rat’s scrotum, prostate, and increased the power of the testicles to produce sperm. 145 cases with nocturnal seminal emission were treated with Ji Ji Tang. The curative rate was 88.2%. The herbs included: Radix Rehmanniae, Fructus Amomi, Fructus Corni, Ehizoma Dioscoreae, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis M., Radix Angelica Sinensis, Fructus Schisandrae, Radix Ophlopogonis, Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae, Radix Polygalae, Radix Modindae Officinalis, Herba Dendrobii, Radix Ginseng, Semen Nelumbinis, Placenta Hominis, Chen Runwen. A study on Sheng Jing Tang (A remedy that promotes sperm formation) reported that 151 cases with low sperm count were treated with herbs which assisted sperm genesis. The average period of treatment was 60 days. The total effective rate was 95.4%. The whole prescription invigorated and replenished what is called the Kidney Qi and Essence (adrenal function) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Besides improving sperm density, this prescription can also enhance sperm survival rate and increase sperm penetrating power. The above research was published in Diagnosis of Sterility and its Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment by Jin Weixin, Shandong Science and Technology Press Nutrients for InfertilityOther recommended supplements for the infertile couple (first number is for a woman, second one--in brackets is for a man): Folic acid 800mcg (800mcg)-for cellular replication Zinc picolinate or citrate 30-90mg-and add Copper picolinate if using Zinc for over 3 months (men only)-helps increase levels of testosterone Selenium 100mcg (100mcg)-antioxidant, constituent of sperm Glutathione (150 mg tid-both)-antioxidant, constituent of sperm Omega-3 oil in a form of pharmaceutical grade fish oil-(both women and men)-fats are important for cellular intercommunication Vitamin B complex (follow label dose)-improves ovulatory function, supports the nervous system Vitamin E 300-400iu (300-400iu)-decreases lipid peroxidation Vitamin C 1000mg (1000mg)-enhaces growth of ovarian follicle, improves sperm quality and number L-Arginine -for both partners L-Carnitine-man only-helps sperm maturation and motility Ferulic acid-man only Iron -women only and only if deficient (anemic) Phosphatidyl Choline (women only)--softens the ovarian cortex in ovulation Places to buy nutritional supplements on the Web:Fertility Blend--designed by Mary Lake Polan, MD, PhD, MPH, Chair and Professor of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. Please, tell them you got referred by my website or by Dasha Trebichavska, acupuncturist. Essential Nutrient For Pregnancy--Fish Oil & others
To find out more about fish oil and to order, go to Pelvic Movements & Breathing Exercises for Enhancing
Fertility
The
fertility enhancement exercises that I teach are based on the observation that
many women have weak, tense muscles in their pelvis, buttocks and abdomen and
their breathing is often shallow and uncoordinated. This leads to muscle spasms
and reduced metabolism and circulation in many parts of the body. The
reproductive organs become malnourished and dysfunctional, which can result in
infertility and a myriad of other gynecological problems. The approach that I use includes exercises designed by Ludmila Mojzisova, a well-known physical therapist in the Czech Republic, who has had great success helping women get pregnant after all other medical treatments failed. Forty-five percent of women who rigorously followed Mojzisova’s exercise regime became pregnant within six months. My program also includes safe, powerful breathing exercises developed by breath explorer Dennis Lewis, as well as several ancient qi kung exercises geared to open energy flow in the body and aid with treatment of menstrual cramps, fibroids, endometriosis, incontinence, uterine prolapse, and other conditions. Women of all ages can benefit from learning these exercises. TIPS FOR IMPROVING FERTILITYTips for Women:
Tips for Men:
Up to 30% infertility is caused by men’s sperm quality—get your sperm quality and quantity checked and consider the following:
Based on my experience, if both partners invest equally in alternative treatments of infertility (herbal and nutritional therapy, acupuncture, exercise, stress control), they reap benefits in much shorter period of time and save money and frustrations often connected with multiple IVFs, IUI, etc.. FOR BOTH PARTNERS:
Reduce or avoid completely:alcohol,
diet pills, tranquilizers, caffeine, excessive air travel, tobacco, heating pads
and electric blankets, recreational drugs, excessive TV and computer exposure,
household cleaners, deodorizers, organic solvents, microwave cooking,
insecticides, fungicides, pesticides. Diet:your meals should consist of mostly proteins, vegetables and good fats; reduce the intake of sugars and all carbohydrates except for vegetables and fruit, eat mostly pesticide and hormone free food, good fats are very important (flax, olive oil, fish oil, eat other fats in moderation and avoid hydrogenated fats); reduce alcohol overall and avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to conception; keep your blood sugar levels even—do not overeat; avoid cold icy food—ice cream, cold drinks, etc.; avoid artificial sweeteners and food with colorings and lots of preservatives. Exercise:moderate aerobic exercise is very important since it improves circulation and improves your endocrine function Helpful laboratory tests which might pinpoint origins of infertility issue:-thyroid function, adrenal function, test for endometriosis, fibroids and cysts, blood sugar level, and FSH, LH, progesterone and estrogen levels. Phone Consultation for Infertility (both women and men)Why a phone consultation? It can make your way to pregnancy much easier (you can save both money and time).
If you want help with your health related to infertility, follow these steps to set up a phone appointment:
Call or e-mail if you have further questions about the phone consultation at 415-420-3750, or 480-272-6572 or dasha-t@angelfire.com. If you fax me your BBT charts, I will interpret them for free--please call before you fax them. Press here for a fee schedule. Fertility Links: to search more about infertility
Infertility Specialists in the US and Some of My Success Stories:Keep in mind that not all specialist will produce "good" results. Just because one acupuncturist/herbalist or/and infertility MD have not succeeded in helping you get pregnant, does not mean that you cannot get pregnant. If you have tried for 6 months to a year with one specialist and have done everything they told you to do and have not got pregnant, you may want to switch to a different practitioner. refer to the directory of the National Infertility Association (Resolve) Scottsdale, Phoenix, AZ--Dasha Trebichavska, L.Ac. Dallas, TX--Acupuncture for Women Greenwich, CT--Yaaron Seidman, acupuncturist Los Angeles, CA--Roger Hirsch, acupuncturist San Diego, CA--Donna Keefe, acupuncturist New York, NY--Dr. Berkley, acupuncturist Chicago- Dr. Morris and a team Portland-Dr. Leigh Kochan, ND, call 503-490-3723 Success StoriesJeannete D., 42 years old- after doctors told J. that the only way she could get pregnant was with a donor egg because of her age and her FSH being high, I encouraged her to undergo an acupuncture and herbal therapy for a few months and then have her hormone levels tested. After 3 months, all her hormone levels became normal; she qualified for IUI and got pregnant with her first IUI. Elisa--"Hi Dasha, I think that the herbs that I took the month before I got pregnant could've definitely helped balance me out just enough to do the trick. Thanks again :)" (Elisa suffered from endometriosis and had several unsuccessful IUIs and was getting ready to start her IVF protocol). Reena--suffered from secondary infertility; she already had a son and wanted a second child; it was taking too long and she and her husband needed help. Reena called from the East Coast to order herbs from me for both her and her husband. Three months later, after regulating her menstrual cycles, strengthening her liver, spleen, kidney function, she conceived naturally and had no problems during her pregnancy. Michelle-- in her mid-thirties, was under lots of stress (left her job), had slightly irregular periods, otherwise was healthy overall. Her husband's sperm was normal therefore she was the only one who got treated for not being able to get pregnant. I put her on nutritional and specific herbals supplements and showed her pelvic exercises to improve blood flow into her pelvic region. Within two months she became pregnant and carried her child to term. Maria--in her mid-thirties, tried to get pregnant for a year with her husband. Her husband's sperm quality was mildly impaired. She was skeptical of Chinese medicine and was stressed out about her infertility. We worked with acupuncture, herbs, pelvic exercises, and after roughly half a year she got pregnant after coming back from a vacation. She continued receiving acupuncture thru the first trimester to stabilize her pregnancy. She successfully carried her pregnancy to term. Lynn-in her mid-thirties, tried to get pregnant for over a year. Her husband's sperm values were normal. Lynn was very healthy; her infertility did not have a clear cause. I worked on strengthening her digestion, relaxing her nervous system and improving her hormone levels. She was psychologically stressed out about her condition. After 8 months she announced that her pregnancy test showed positive results and is currently experiencing a healthy pregnancy. Amy-Thank you so much Dasha. We are so thrilled. We definitely have you to thank for our beautiful little girl. We really believe that the acupuncture helped me to conceive. Heather--"I can't say enough good things about you and your treatments. I feel so sure that I owe the success of this pregnancy to acupuncture, Chinese herbs and minor lifestyle changes". All the above women achieved pregnancy naturally and saved lots of money on western reproductive treatments. I suggest that women try to improve their health before getting pregnant or even before launching into IVF, IUI, etc.--the results could be breathtaking. In 2005 I worked with women, in an acupuncture infertility clinic in San Francisco, who underwent western reproductive treatments. I witnessed every day that herbs, acupuncture, nutritional supplements, and relaxation were the key in helping balance the women's reproductive power and enhance IVF, IUI and other western treatments.
Where is reproductive medicine heading?
I am upset about the way
reproductive specialists today treat women who have difficulty getting pregnant.
I had acupuncture clients come to me on many occasions, stating that they were
“pushed” into an IVF cycle because the doctor told them that their egg
reserve was low and/or their FSH was too high. They felt
they had very limited number of choices offered to them. My experience
has been that many doctors decide on infertility treatment plan based on
interpreting one solitary laboratory result or diagnostic procedure of the
patient (or the couple). Every
endocrinologist knows that levels of hormones fluctuate through the day and
through the month, and also in response to stressful stimuli, therefore the
doctor ought to test hormone levels several times before he makes a definitive
treatment plan. I have witnessed significant changes in hormone levels in my
clients after they started and maintained some form of holistic therapy—such
as herbs, acupuncture, meditation, visual imagery, and other forms. When I
worked with Dr. Lifang Liang in Many women who are attempting to get pregnant feel they do not have a choice but to opt for the most expensive procedure--IVF--with only 20% chance of success. Why should a doctor promote IUI when he/she can make more money on IVF? And because the doctors get paid directly for big part of the IVF cycle (most insurance companies do not cover IVF), they get guaranteed cash flow. Again, who would turn that down?
In my opinion, the western medical approach to treating infertility is hasty.
Does modern reproductive medicine have money driven approach to treating women
for fertility issues? It certainly looks like that to me. Unless
women educate themselves about other options and start requesting multiple
medical opinions, they will continue to be pressured to make decisions based on
their state of emotions. I encourage women to write letters to their health
insurance companies because fertility issues ought to be put on the list of
medical conditions which health insurance pays for. Having trouble getting
pregnant should be taken seriously. In In addition, there are acupuncturists like me and other alternative healthcare practitioners who can help women get pregnant just with special herbs and nutrient. Women with pregnancy issues need to regain their faith in natural conception (and I am not trying to be moralistic) ; they have to know that it is possible to get pregnant without the use of expensive medical procedures. I have worked in the alternative healthcare field successfully addressing infertility since 1998. You can contact me at dasha@mindspring.com and tell me your story.
If you live in Phoenix area, you may contact me for a private session. If you want to get pregnant naturally or want to improve your chances of getting pregnant with IUI or IVF, call 415-420-3750 or 480-272-6572. Go to hormone balancing page to find out about hormone role in infertility. Treatment modalities and special protocols
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Phone: 415-420-3750 Fax:
480-237-5436, Scottsdale |