Acupuncture benefits IVF

Results from a meta-analysis by Chinese authors indicate that acupuncture, especially around the time of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, can improve pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. The paper also suggests that more positive IVF outcomes can be expected if treatment is individualised to each patient. Twenty-three trials (a total of 5598 participants) were included in the analysis, including nine studies that had not been included in previous systematic reviews of acupuncture for IVF. The pooled clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) from all acupuncture groups was found to be significantly higher than that from all control groups, whereas the live birth rate (LBR) was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the results were quite distinct when the effect of the type of control procedure used and/or the timing of acupuncture treatment were examined in a sensitivity analysis. (The role of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:543924. Epub 2012 Jul 2).

Acupuncture, fatigue and breast cancer

A large-scale clinical trial has shown for the first time that acupuncture is effective in treating fatigue in former breast cancer patients.

England cricket star, Stuart Bond has acupuncture

Acupuncture benefits IVF

Many women turn to acupuncture when trying to conceive and will often use acupuncture as a means to enhance fertility. The research below suggests that acupuncture when used alongside IVF may be beneficial

Results from a meta-analysis by Chinese authors indicate that acupuncture, especially around the time of controlled ovarian hyper stimulation, can improve pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing IVF. The paper also suggests that more positive IVF outcomes can be expected if treatment is individualised to each patient. Twenty-three trials (a total of 5598 participants) were included in the analysis, including nine studies that had not been included in previous systematic reviews of acupuncture for IVF. The pooled clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) from all acupuncture groups was found to be significantly higher than that from all control groups, whereas the live birth rate (LBR) was not significantly different between the two groups. However, the results were quite distinct when the effect of the type of control procedure used and/or the timing of acupuncture treatment were examined in a sensitivity analysis. (The role of acupuncture in assisted reproductive technology. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:543924. Epub 2012 Jul 2).

Acupuncture for Bells Palsy

Tai chi increases brain size and improves memory

Once again the Journal of Chinese Medicine has reported on the latest research into Chinese medicine. This time it's quite a delightful bit of research into tai chi.

A joint Chinese-US research team has found that practising tai chi leads to increased brain volume and improved cognitive function in elderly people. One hundred and twenty older adults without symptoms of dementia were randomised to four groups (tai chi, walking, social interaction and no intervention) for 40 weeks. Two MRIs were obtained, one before the intervention period, the other after. A battery of neuropsychological tests was administered at baseline, 20 weeks and 40 weeks. Compared to the no intervention group, significant increases in brain volume were seen in the tai chi and social interaction groups. Throughout the study period, improvements in cognitive function scores were also observed in the tai chi group, including measures for dementia, learning capacity and verbal fluency. The social interaction also group showed some improvement on neuropsychological indices, but to a lesser extent than the tai chi group. (Changes in brain volume and cognition in a randomized trial of exercise and social interaction in a community-based sample of non-demented Chinese elders. J Alzheimers Dis. 2012;30(4):757-66).

It time to sign up to your local tai chi class!

Hip Pain? Need to watch this video then

Clicking hips, burning pain on the side of your knee when running, snapping hip, IT band syndrome, sciatica? I see lots of clients suffering from hip pain and diagnosing it is a part of my job that I really enjoy. In this video (which is part of a series and the other are great too) a good examination is carried out as to what the cause of hip pain may be. A good diagnosis leads to a good treatment which means that you will be out of pain in no time. If you a re suffering from hip pain then get in contact to see how I can help.

Stretch those legs

Here is Cameron Reid again giving a good little demo of some easy to do leg stretches. Get stretching!