Reproductive Wellness

An overview of integrative medicine approaches (acupuncture, yoga, exercise, psychological therapy, maya massage) and their effects on fertility

August 22, 2006 - Tuesday
3:57 PM to (EST)
Guest Speakers: Sage de Beixedon Breslin, PhD and Gerald Williams, LAc, DA (RI), MSTOM

Categories
Acupuncture • Fertility • Pregnancy • Yoga

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deb_capone	Good evening and welcome to tonight's Online Education Session. We will be starting promptly at 8pm Eastern Time.
deb_capone	I am Deb Capone and I am your moderator. If you need to 'talk' to me, just double click on my name in the left hand column.
deb_capone	Tonight we are fortunate to have as our guests, Sage de Beixedon Breslin, PhD and Gerald Williams, LAc, DA (RI), MSTOM from Reproductive Wellness in San Diego California. Our topic is An overview of integrative medicine approaches (acupuncture, yoga, exercise, psychological therapy, maya massage) and their effects on fertility
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deb_capone	Good Evening LauraRosa, we will get started in a few minutes.
LauraRosa	Thank you,
deb_capone	Tonight we will be discussing the benefits of integrative medicine, i.e. acupuncture, yoga, excercise, psycho therapy, maya massage in relation to fertility.
deb_capone	Let's start tonight with you, Sage. Can you make some opening comments to set the stage. Then, Gerald can you do the same?
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deb_capone	Thanks for joining us, Melissa.
LauraRosa	My reproductive doctor told me to start yoga and or pschychotherapy, he said that would help in release the stress
Gerald	Hello thank you for joing us tonight, I hope to answer as many of your questions as possible. Please feel free to email me afterwards for more expanded answers. Gerald gwilliams@reproductivewellness.com
Sage	Welcome to all that are on with us tonight. I look forward to offering my experience and wisdom as a Psychologist as well as as an Integrative Medicine practitioner.
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deb_capone	Welcome, Luly.
deb_capone	An overview of integrative medicine approaches (acupuncture, yoga, exercise, psychological therapy, maya massage) and their effects on fertility
Gerald	Laura, yes it we have found that it can significantly help in lowering the fight or flight mechanisum that comes with fertility related problems. Try and find one that specializes in fertility yoga
Luly	I have heard that tai chi is better suited for fertility than yoga. What are your thoughts on this?
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deb_capone	Can you discuss the relationship between stress and fertility and how integrative approaches can materially make a difference.
Sage	Both tai chi and yoga are movement therapies that can enhance fertility. Yoga practices that incorporate significant heat are probably less suitable, though.
deb_capone	Hop on in Sana and mrswoodigit. We are talking with Sage de Beixedon Breslin, PhD and Gerald Williams, LAc, DA (RI), MSTOM from Reproductive Wellness in San Diego California. Our topic is An overview of integrative medicine approaches (acupuncture, yoga, exercise, psychological therapy, maya massage) and their effects on fertility.
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Gerald	Deb, at our clinic we offer the full mind and body treatment approach to dealing with fertiliyt issues, and they include acupuncture, botanical medicines, nutritional counselling, group and private mind body sessions. The reason is that we have found that it is never just one thing that is preventing a conception for happening.
deb_capone	How does one identify the therapy that is best suited for their needs?
Sage	Integrative approaches incorporate a range of methods and techniques that restore natural balance in the body. Because stress can create a biochemical response that diminishes fertility, it is important to reduce the impacts of stress when couples are trying to conceive. Integrative medicine allows for a natural approach to reducing stress and enhancing fertility.
sana	can we take acupunture during menses?
tsutter	Is there a way to treat cervical stenosis through integrative means?
Gerald	Deb, it is best if you can find an intergrative practioner to not only accuractly diagnose but then to prescribe the best combination of treatments. It is difficult to do it on ones own, some times it could be too much and other times too litle.
Ilene	Can acupuncture and chinese herbs be effective for treating high FSH?
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Sage	Sana, but of course! Actually, acupuncture can provide significant relief for the body during menses. It can decrease cramping, allow for the body to eliminate toxins and blood more effectively, and allow you to feel more relaxed during what can be a VERY stressful time (especially if the menses were unwanted- if you were hoping for a pregnancy).
Gerald	Tsutter, yes in some situations we have found that with our specialises myan massage therapy blockages and adhesions can be relasesd, but it has to be seen on an individual basis
LauraRosa	What type of chinese herbs would you recomend? can you name a brande and where to get it? Do they counteract the effects if we are taking Clomid or Lupron?
sana	can myan massage therapy help during stumulation phase of ivf?
deb_capone	Can you tell us what mayan massage is and what are the potential benefits? How does it differ from more traditional forms of massage?
tsutter	and to follow up to deb...where do you find a mayan masseuse
Ilene	Also, where can we find a practitioner who does Mayan massage??
Gerald	Ilene, yes acu and herbs helped a 41 year old with FSH levels in the high 20's concive and carry to term, the boy is now 14 months old
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Sage	Mayan massage is a very specialized form of massage that has proven to be very effective with infertility. Practitioners have highly specialized training and can be hard to come by. Please feel free to address these questions to our mayan massage therapist. She can be reached through our website at www.reproductivewellness.com
deb_capone	Glad to have you aboard, Renata. We are talking with Sage de Beixedon Breslin, PhD and Gerald Williams, LAc, DA (RI), MSTOM from Reproductive Wellness in San Diego California. Our topic is An overview of integrative medicine approaches (acupuncture, yoga, exercise, psychological therapy, maya massage) and their effects on fertility.
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deb_capone	Besides being specialized, what does mayan massage entail?
Gerald	It is not easy to find a good qulaified mayan therpaist we have an excellent practioner at our clinic here in San Diego and some patients come in for treatment intensives. If not I would use the web to search and if possile get refferals verses just info on the web.
Sage	Mayan massage can move tissue (fibroids, scar tissue) from the body, as well as enhance circulation, and can even help to adjust the placement of organs.
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Ilene	Thanks, so much, Gerald! How long would it be recommended to do integrative therapies, if used prior to intitiating artificial insemmination to prepare the body for pregnancy?
Gerald	Laura Rosa, there is never just one chinese herb, each patient that a good doctor of chinese medicine would treat will create a uniquly formulated perscription suited to the diagnosis.
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Ilene	Any thoughts on ayurevedic therapies? An ayurevedic counselor told me to be careful with Chinese herbs because they can be strong for certain body types.
Gerald	Illene allow at least several months, sorry to be so vague but other factors will have an influnce. some patient come to me and say Im scheduled for an IVF in 5 weeks and others come many months in advnace. The more time to perpare the better.
LauraRosa	Do you have any comments about Refelxology? Does it help?
Ilene	OK, is it safe to say one cannot overdo acupuncture and herbs? I was thinking to do it for around 3 months prior to my first non-medicated IUI.
Sage	While we don't incorporate Reflexology in our program, it may have some benefits, as there is research to suggest that it can lower stress, and may have point-specific impacts. For instance, as in Acupuncture, certain points are believed to be associated with certain points of tension or physical concern, so when those areas are released, there is typically a response in a specific area or system of the body.
Ilene	I have done foot reflexology given by a Nurse Practitioner at my center in NYC. It is delicious!
Gerald	Ilene if you can find a fertility specialist practioner who is nationally ( or caifornia board licensed)you can be generally asured that they will only prescribe the correct herbs and quantities (also at the correct stage) to be very safe. its the no specialists that I would look twice at.
Sage	I've experienced Reflexology as well with some interesting benefits!
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LauraRosa	Integrated medicine approches should be done on the female only, or can the male partner benefit from them too?
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jan	sorry to repeat this questions if it was already asked- I just pooped in. How far in advance do you recommend acupuncture prior to egg donor transfer ?
Ilene	Good point, Gerald. The woman I am going to has gotten several women pregnant, was a medical doctor in China for over 20 years, and is also a LAc. Is the LAc credential what you are referring to when you say nationally liscenced?
sana	what is the role of nutrition in infertility? do you recommend some special diet?
Sage	Anyone can benefit from Integrative Medicine! When we are attempting to enhance fertility, we think it best that BOTH parties be treated.
Gerald	Illene, yes in some cases 3 months can be just the right amount of time. But this should not be based on an arbitory number, work woth a good specialist and develope a good full term plan. (We work with all our patients to ensure they carry to term as best we can)
renata	Hello to everyone. I would like to know which type of yoga is beneficial for conceiving? I have a fibroid and scar tissue from past uterine surgeries.
Gerald	Jan, thanks for pooping in! Give yourself at least 3-6 months
Ilene	I have been doing a practice called restorative yoga...maybe Gerald and Sage are familiar...it is wonderful and extremely relaxation - they say good for the reproductive organs.
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Sage	In order to restore balance in the body and to combat stress effectively, it is imperative that the body become a lean, mean fighting machine!::smile Well, OK- what we really want to achieve is a body that is capable of producing a miracle, so we encourage a diet that is rich in natural foods that feed all the systems that are needing to be in GREAT working order. Our couples meet with a Dietician to get a good health regimen, and may also focus on specific foods or supplements to further enhance fertility.
renata	Thank you.
Gerald	renata, The yoga question I mentioned earlier. But with the fibroid you may need a combination of both western and eastern treatments. its tought to specifically say with out knowing the bigger picture. Please feel free to eamil me afterwards and I will be happy to point you in the right direction. gwiliams@reproductivewellnes.com
Ilene	I am a registered dietitian, I second the notion!!! Lots of organic vegetables are great.....
Sage	The fewer toxins in the body, the more effort it can expend on conception.
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Gerald	Illene, If your yoga teacher has done the reasearch and put togher an good programe I think you are on the right track. Also, just showing up and partiipating in even a reasonable good program will be helpfull
jan	What percentage iof pregnancy have you seen with a person who does acupuncture and those who do not? How often do you receommend acupuncture- 1-2 times per week?
Gerald	gwiilliams@reproductivewellness.com is my correct address, sorry big thumbs
Ilene	They are wonderful at my yoga studio, and very ayurevedic...thank you!
Sage	Gerald is REALLY at gwilliams@reproductivewellness.com. Yep- he really does have big thumbs!
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Gerald	Jan, we have seen success rates over 50 percent, As acu treatments accumulate in theraputic benifits, most of our patients are prescribed to come in twice per week in order to sustain the results that come with each sesion.
LauraRosa	Do you recommend everything organic? sometimes I feel that there's also a business behing "Organic products". I have started to consume some, like milk, eggs and yogurt but I feel that there's no return point, even is kind of addictive. Can you comment?
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Gerald	Thanks Sage, for the correct address!
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Gerald	Laura Rose yes genrally speaking the more organic the better, our goal is to remove as many potential negative influences as possible. An nutrition is a big one that in most cases can be modified realtively easilly (even if its for a short period of time)
deb_capone	Welcom to everyone who has joined us at around the halfway mark of our session with Sage and Gerald.
Sage	Many of you may wonder why psychotherapy is included in this form of reproductive medicine. First, therapy can be a great way for couples to learn to communicate better with one another, and to identify obstacles that may be getting in the way of conception or successful pregnancy. The mind is an incredibly strong organ and can be far more prohibitive to conception than other reproductive organs.
LauraRosa	I have heard that sweets and carbohydrates don't help in conveiving? Should be away of them?
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Gerald	Laura, the big organic one to do are the milk and dairy and meat products ( you seem to be on the right track)
LauraRosa	Thanks Gerald, I'll incorporate meats now
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Ilene	Keep in mind that there are healthy carbohydrates....whole grains e.g brown rice, millet, quinoa....
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Gerald	Laura, Generally too many carbs and sugars do not contribute to most peoples abilities to concieve. Creating a well structured nutritional plan can make things easier.
beccab96	hello everyone
deb_capone	I would be remiss, if I didn't take a moment to thank our guests, Sage de Beixedon Breslin, PhD and Gerald Williams from Reproductive Wellness in San Diego. As with all of our great guests, we literally couldn't do what we do, without you.
deb_capone	Hi, Beccab96
Gerald	Thank you for inviting us.
deb_capone	Jump on in, if you haven't asked your questions of Sage and Gerald
beccab96	did we just start are we in the middle or end?
Sage	Thank you, Deb! It's a pleasure to have such lively interaction.
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deb_capone	we are 20 minutes from the finish!
beccab96	oh ;-(
deb_capone	We are talking about integrative medicine approaches (acupuncture, yoga, exercise, psychological therapy, maya massage) and their effects on fertility
Gerald	sure jump on in, ask us the tough questions (if we dont have the time online we will do it off line)
LauraRosa	Should be away of coffee at all, or some decaff wouldn't be harmful?
beccab96	i tried acupunture and it hurt in my right arm and on the top of my left foot
beccab96	why is that?
renata	It is very difficult to change my diet, from the typical American diet (soda pop, white bread,sugar, etc., no veggies)..however, I have made some modifications....in fact, I just steamed my brocolli and garlic for a snack tonight...I cannot always buy organic, but I try to eat more correctly. Also, green tea is very good addition to my diet (instead of coffee)..I am trying to change my diet!
beccab96	how often to you recommend some one get acupunture ?
Sage	Becca- we are always happy to answer questions off-chat at gwilliams@reproductivewellness.com
deb_capone	As a reminder, we are here EVERY Tuesday night from 8pm-9pm Eastern! Our Online Education Sessions are hosted by the American Fertility Association and sponsored by Fertility Lifelines.
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LauraRosa	Any fertility specialized accupunture doctor can you recommend in NYC?
Gerald	Laura Rosa, simple answer is, the less chemically altered a food or product is the geneally better it is for the body (so regualr coffee verse decafe I find i better)
Ilene	my friend went to a LAc specializing in infertility and said she had a blood clot/black and blue...she heard this happens sometimes and is normal, but it scares me!
deb_capone	For all of the audience, Gerald and Sage have made a very generous offer for you to reach out to them with any additional questions. Email them at gwilliams@reproductivewellness.com
LauraRosa	I also heard that green tea isn't good during conception
beccab96	i was told by one of my drs that if you cut out all white things and stay away from things like pop and eat health that can help one get pregnant is that true?
Sage	Renata: Hooray for you! Everything you do to help your body free up energy for conception puts you one step closer. Just remember that when you're staring at the Hohos and Oreos in the cabinet....
renata	I read the opposite! I read of a study showing that a cup or two of organic green tea greatly enhances conception (I think a Kaiser study)...
deb_capone	As always, The AFA maintains an extensive referral network and will be happy to make a referral for you. Log onto www.theafa.org for more info. And if you aren't a free No Barriers member, then sign up for that, too.
renata	Right Sage! Or when Ben & Jerry come calling
LauraRosa	ah ok, I 'll try then
Ilene	I read something about green tea stregnthening the uterus.....maybe the jury is still out on green tea?
Gerald	beca, in most cases there should be very littel to no pain with acupunture, the skill of the practioner plas a crtical part also. But you can expect to feel perhaps some for of pressure, but it should never really be a strong sharp stabbing pain.
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Sage	Sometimes, when a needle is placed it can hit a smaill capilary, causes a little blood, or even a small bruise, but as Gerald said, acupuncture should be mostly relaxing, and with very little, if any pain.
renata	I don't think the jury is out! I am a great proponent of organic green tea for conception, instead of coffee (I was a coffee addict), because of the studies and advice from holistic practioners....adding green tea is the one great addition to my diet, other than brocolli
Gerald	Renata, oraganic green tea is very good, you cant go wrong with taking that. But remeber in most cases if there hasw been a long standing problem with infertility just taking one form of green tea may not be addressing the bigger picture.
Ilene	My acupuncturist (will start in Sept) said she sometimes uses electricity at a pressure point which she says can be effective...is this true?
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Gerald	Renata, absolutly green tea verses coffee, every one should be doing this
renata	It was hard to give up coffee!
Gerald	Illene, I think your acupunturist is talking about electro point stimulation, this is not the same as classic acupunture.
tkins	I'm sorry if this has already been addressed(I can't see the whole transcript and I joind in a little late)What is maya massage?
Ilene	I beleive that is what she is talking about....do you recommend classic acupuncture over electro point stimulation?
deb_capone	We are coming into the home stretch. If you have been 'lurking' and waiting for an opening to ask a question...now is the time!
Sage	Tkins, you can contact us at gwilliams@reproductivewellness.com and we'll be happy to have our Mayan Massage Therapist provide you with that information.
Gerald	Illene if your acupunturist is using external 'estim" to move the needles then that is different. But My opinion of just eletro stim ( with no needle insertion)is that it does not work as strongly
LauraRosa	once we have started with IVF (during the process and after it) is it safe to continou with this alterantives or should we stop any of this activities. Could them be contraproducents or cause miscarriages?
Ilene	Yes, thanks. She does use the external "estim" along with the needles.
Gerald	Illene yes clasic acupunture that has ben in practice for over 3500 years, you dont ned to many new gadgets to improve on what has been working for this length of time.
LauraRosa	Does it hurt the electro stimulation
Ilene	Thanks so much, Gerald. I actually told her I would prefer she not use it on me. Now I am glad I may not be missing out!
Sage	LauraRosa- all skilled practitioners will monitor your program very closely. If there are herbs or interventions that are contraindicated at any stage, your practitioner will shift your program. Most of the Integrative techniques can be used throughout the process.
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Gerald	Laura Rosa the "estim" should not hurt, basically it alow the practiioner to stimulate (physically move) the needle on a continuous basis with a minute current (you will not feel any elctricity even though we use the word electro)
deb_capone	We have time for a few more questions. This has been a great session. Thanks again to our guests, Sage and Gerald for sharing their time and expertise and to all of the audience for your participation.
LauraRosa	Thanks Gerald and Sage for the very helpfull meeting
LauraRosa	and thanks to all too.
deb_capone	Don't forget to pencil us in for next week, when Dr. Daniel Potter discusses Poor Responders and Egg Donation.
Ilene	Are there any benefits known of ayurvedic treatments e.g shira dara, pancha Karma massages, etc?
deb_capone	Sage, Gerald, how about some closing comments/advice or suggestions. And your contact info one more time?
Gerald	Wow an hour flys by when your having fun, please feel free to contact us we would happy to help in any way we can, we will try to point you in the right direection.
Sage	Ilene- I don't have much experience with ayurvedic treatments. We have put together a program that we feel is most beneficial, but we're always exploring new techniques!
Ilene	Thanks so much. I will look into Mayan massage - I hope they have practitioners in New York City.
Gerald	www.reproductivewellness.com and gwilliams@reproductivewellness.com for your other questions
Sage	I am happy to address any further questions at sage@reproductivewellness.com. Fertility challenges can be very frustrating, disappointing, and isolating. Reaching out to your resources CAN make a difference!
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Gerald	Illene if you contact us I will have our Mayna therpist help you find some one if she can.
Ilene	THANKS SO MUCH!!!!
Gerald	No problem, thank you all for allowing us to be here tonight
deb_capone	On behalf of our sponsor, Fertility Lifelines and all of us at The American Fertility Association, we wish you a good night. Thanks to everyone for a great session.
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Ilene	Thanks to all of you for such a helpful session.
Sage	Our pleasure!
renata	THank you everyone!!
deb_capone	Good Night, all.
Gerald	Wishing you all the very best on your journey to parenthood
LauraRosa	NIGHT NIGHT THANKS
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Reproductive Wellness

An overview of integrative medicine approaches (acupuncture, yoga, exercise, psychological therapy, maya massage) and their effects on fertility

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