Stress
Stress is very common in today's highly pressurised society.

We offer various treatments to help you through it………

What is Stress
The term stress is used to describe the effect of any event or experience which interferes with ones physical or mental well being. Different individuals will experience varying forms and symptoms relating to stress.

These symptoms may include emotional distress, short temper, restlessness, headaches, insomnia, irritable bowels, skin rashes or lack of energy.

One person may experience two or more of these symptoms and these may well result in difficulties in everyday life.

What Causes Stress
It is easy to say that an activity of circumstance which arouses your emotions or which you perceive as threatening or dangerous is stressful, but what upsets one person may not upset another. Traumatic life events have a high stress rating for almost everyone.
The include moving house, getting married, divorce, having a baby, the death of a close friend or relative, and losing a job or starting a new one. However for some people, even seemly small irritations, such as getting stuck in a queue of caught in a train, which is delayed, can be major stress events.

In this fast-life-rhythm society, working pressure is one of the major causes of stress for men. How to make the work outstanding, how to get promoted, how to impress the boss with one's work, and even how to create a close friendship with the boss etc, can all create pressure on people.

However, this modern society is also relatively isolated, even door-to-door neighbours hardly see each other, maybe only a few times a year. So that lonely feeling becomes one of the main causes of stress for women especially housewives.

Is Sress Harmful
Stress is not terribly harmful in the short term, but prolonged stress keeps your body in overdrive and can affect your health. It may, for example stimulate the production of excess acid in the stomach which can lead to a gastric ulcer or it may narrow blood vessels causing raised blood pressure or even angina or a heart attack. It may also provoke over of under eating resulting in obesity or severe loss of weight.

Prolonged (chronic) stress may also be involved in the onset or progression of a number of illnesses. These include migraine, hair loss, asthma, nervous habits, skin rashes, impotence, menstrual problems, colitis, rheumatoid arthritis and even cancer.

Management of Stress

(1) . Treatment by TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats stress related conditions by using

acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Acupunture excels in those areas, such as chronic diseases, pain control and stress

related disorders. Acupuncture treatment will unblock the energy of the body,

regulate the Qi (energy flow) and help the body relax. This is usually undertaken

once a week for three or five weeks, gradually reduced to once every one or two months.

Chinese herbs can help to tonify the liver and kidney which TCM believes link to stress with, to rectify the problem of emotional anger and depression, and to restore the essence of life. Chinese herbal medicine can also be taken in the long term as a preventative.

(2) . Diet
A good diet is always recommended. It is well known that an improper diet is one of the main causes of diseases. Many people turn to alcohol to help them relax, however this neither removes the cause of stress nor helps with long term coping. In fact alcohol will result in raised liver yang (fire) which will make the symptoms worse.

(3). Change of Lifestyle

Your lifestyle affects how the Qi circulates in your body. If you frequently feel ill, especially mentally, you might need to change your lifestyle. You may find that walking for an hour or doing some exercises in the early morning in a quiet green area will help you to relax.

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What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
This is an illness characterised by disabling fatigue and exhaustion together with a diverse range of symptoms. It used to be known as M.E.. M, `Myalgic` means pain in the muscles and E, `encephalomyelitis` means inflammation of the brain and nerves.

The typical symptoms are mental and physical exhaustion, muscle pain and weakness, insomnia, palpitation, lack of concentration, eye pain and light sensitivity, gastro-intestinal disturbance and abdominal pain, fever, chills and night sweats, etc. It is still not generally accepted or recognised as a “disease” since there is no accepted test for it. However, there seems to be general agreement that it is a chronic viral infection.

What Causes It in Terms of TCM
Pathogenic dampness, complicated by antibiotics, is the root cause of this problem. In terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Dampness is heavy and turbid in nature. A damp disease is usually marked by heavy sensations such as lassitude, heavy sensations of the head and body, and aching and sluggishness of the limbs. Pathogenic dampness is differentiated into exopathic dampness and endogenous dampness.

Exopathic dampness is usually due to a damp climate, wading in water or being caught in rain, as well as a damp environment. Endogenous dampness is usually caused by the dysfunction of the spleen in transportation leading to the impairment of water metabolism. Exopathic and Endogenous dampness can influence each other and are interdependent.

Some other factors are also liable to the accumulation of interior dampness. Over consumption of dairy products is a typical one. Dairy products are usually damp in nature and are high in protein. They burden the stomach and spleen in one aspect and attack the spleen to cause dysfunction of the spleen in fluid transformation and transportation, thus we have dampness within the body. The over use of antibiotics during virus infections can be another factor to cause the accumulation of interior dampness. Antibiotics are always cold in nature because of their intended function. In terms of TCM, such persistent cold disturbs the spleen and stomach, and therefore results in the deficiency of the spleen. This is why we often have an upset stomach when we have taken antibiotics.

The pace of life in modern society is increasingly competitive and stressful and this can contribute to the high occurrence of chronic fatigue syndrome. We sleep less, do not eat a healthy balanced diet, we become addicted to smoking and drinking, exercise less and less, creating for ourselves high levels of stress.

Such actions in terms of Chinese Medicine results in a deficiency of spleen Qi and this in turn causes the accumulation of dampness.

Diagnosis and Differentiation
Besides pathogenic dampness, pathogenic heat and pathogenic cold can also be agents responsible for the illness independently or combined with the dampness.

Although many different types can be differentiated, the most common types are dampness, damp-heat, and cold-damp accumulated in the interior. The dampness type with no obvious appearance of pathogenic heat or cold usually occurs in those who are physically deficient. The damp-heat type is most common in younger patients, or in those who were healthy before having the problem, or in those who have addictions to smoking and drinking. Cold-damp type is most common in patients who have a cold constitution.

It also should be pointed out that a C.F.S. patient has two stages in general: acute and chronic stages. In the acute stage, the patient shows symptoms of the initial disease besides the C.F.S. Symptoms. This stage is usually short, from a few months to a year. In the chronic stage, the symptoms of the initial disease are less apparent. The main symptoms are lack of energy and drowsiness. This stage could last for many years.

Treatment
After proper diagnosis and differentiation to the syndrome, the principle of the treatment is very clear, tonifying the spleen and expelling dampness. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are suitable for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. They can be used separately or in a combination. Most patients prefer the combined use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, which makes observable improvements to the patients health.

Self Help
Try to live life in a more sensible way, plenty of rest, appropriate diet and physical exercise if possible, trying to avoid being exposed to dampness. For damp-heat type, eat less hot food such as chilli, curry sauce, lamb etc., avoid smoking and alcohol, and try to control bad temper. For cold-damp type, keep warm in general, use moxibustion or musk oil to warm muscles, avoid taking cold drinks and very cold food.

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What is Hay Fever
Hay fever is a seasonal disease occurring most commonly from the beginning of May to the end of September. Sufferers can get it at any time during this period depending on the individual and their environment. The Main symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, headaches, sore throat, coughing, feelings of first, feverishness, restlessness and general lethargy.

What Causes Hay Fever
In term of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) hay fever is classified as exogenous wind heat with superficial syndrome. People who have a hot body constitution easily suffer from hay fever when the warm and hot summer weather arrives. The external heat and wind accompanies the heat inside the body to create hay fever symptoms.

The causes of hot body constitutions are as follows.

High Energy Food Intake
The British diet is often high in fat and high in heat. We eat large quantities of food such as curry, chocolate, dairy products and chillies. Also people are prone to drinking and smoking a lot. Men and Women in high-pressure occupations often fail to eat properly, they consume lots of junk food, and lack a high intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. These things all result in high heat blood.

Stress
People who work usually work very hard. There is a lot of stress from work especially when it involves working long hours, driving long distances etc. Apart from working pressures, there is always something else in our daily life, which can bring pressure to people, such as instability in relationships and marriages, problems with family and friends, etc. These all affect the emotions and raise the liver fire, again cause high heat blood.

Weather and Environment

Britain is in the far North of the earth. Its average temperature is low in general. So that most homes and places are well equipped with efficient central heating systems.

Many peoples daily routines consist of a journey to work in a warm car or bus and back again which means that they fail to take in any fresh air all week long. In addition, people tend to keep their doors and windows closed even in summer, which deprives them of fresh air all year.

Some hay fever sufferers have found that their condition improves when they go abroad to hot countries in the hay fever season. This is because in these countries, such as Spain and America , it is very hot in the summer and people sweat very easily to relieve exterior wind heat. Although people who live in these climates often consume alcohol and hot food, the natural sweating caused by the external temperatures expels the body heat caused by these food and drinks.

High pollution due to cars and factories and hot air are easily invade the body when the temperature starts to rise and exacerbates the condition of those who already suffer from high body heat.

Treatment of Hay Fever

Chinese Herbs

Usually we prescribe herbs which are cool in nature to clear away the heat and expel the wind. In severe cases it usually takes 4-6 days to see an evident improvement. Mild cases can be treated with herbal tablets or pills.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture can relieve the symptoms, especially headaches and stress.

Preventative Steps

1. Drink Chinese herbs before the hay fever season starts at the end of April or beginning of May. It is wise to drink some Chinese herbs to cool the body constitution to suit the warmer weather.
2. Acupuncture treatment once a week or fortnight can balance the body energy and temperature to avoid suffering from hay fever.
3. Eat the right food. Fresh vegetables and fruits such as celery, cucumber, apples, pears etc, are highly recommended. These are cool in nature and good for hay fever sufferers. It is best to avoid hot and spicy food like chilli and curry, chocolate, cheese, milk, lamb, as well as alcohol and smoking.
4. Take lots of fresh air and exercise to keep fit to ward off the negative effects of the warm weather and high pollution.

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 IS IT A HOPELESS DISEASE? NO!

One in fifty - this is the population in the UK suffering from rheumatoid arthritis alone which does not include rheumatic arthritis, osteoarthritis and others. It is somehow believed to be a hopeless disease as most researches state “the cause is unknown and there is no cure”.

We take a different view. The rheumatoid arthritis and all other types of arthritis are controllable and suppressible if not absolutely curable.

Causes of Arthritis
From the Chinese medical perspective, arthritis is caused by some of the following reasons:

1. Defective genes and weak joints

Only recently it was reported that defective genes, which are inherited from ones parents, cause some forms of arthritis. The genes are considered the essence of your being. This essence is responsible for the production of hormones, from which Qi (energy flow) is generated. When Qi flows inside ones body regularly or harmonically, the immune system is strong and sickness is less likely.

Weak joints can come from heredity or from lack of exercise. The body is a living machine, so the more you use it, the better condition it will be in. Chinese medicine believes that even if you have inherited weak joints it is still possible to strengthen it through exercise. When you exercise, Qi is brought to the joint by the movement of the muscles and tendons. This will nourish the joints and rebuild it.

1. Injury

The injury can affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or even the cartilage and bone. Whenever a joint injury, even a minor one, is left untreated, the normal smooth Qi circulating in the joint area will be stagnated. If the situation persists the Qi imbalance can cause problems such as arthritis.

1. Climate

From the view of Traditional Chinese Medicine, arthritis is an invasion of cold and dampness into the acupuncture meridians or pathways of energy flow within the body. Sometimes this cold and damp will lodge in the joints and cause pain what we call arthritis. Damp climates, wading in water or being caught in rain, living or working in a damp environment are more likely to accumulate dampness and cold in our bodies.

Necessity of Medical Treatment
Appropriate medical care is definitely needed by all arthritis patients no matter how light or severe the cases are. The condition can deteriorate very quickly if the disease is left unchecked. It can cause muscular atrophy, deformities and inability to flex and extend joints, and lead eventually to very restricted mobility. Cardiovascular damage can occur in some cases especially in those patients who have suffered from the disease in early childhood or if the disease has progressed over many years.

Long experience reveals that many patients are not treated early enough to prevent crippling deformity and chronic pain. All patients with any arthritic condition will respond well to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine, which includes Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, is a good alternative medicine in the treatment of arthritis. Acupuncture is good for pain relief and can be assisted by rheumatic oils which help to relieve the pain, stiffness and suppress swollen joints. Swift improvemtn in joint function can be expected.

All herbal medicines are prescribed on an individual basis and some prescriptions are very complicated as they may contain many herbs to suit the patients particular symptoms and personality.

Care for Yourself
It is considered that arthritis is closely related to cold, wind and dampness. It is always advisable for all arthritic patients to take special care to keep warm and to avoid draughts and dampness. A special Chinese herbal ointment/oil can be used to warm and relax muscles and joints and to relieve stiffness and aches and pains.

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 How And Why Chinese Herbal Medicine And Acupuncture Can Tackle It.

Eczema is an allergic inflammatory dermatitis. It is profoundly disturbing to patients because of the extreme itching on the affected part of skin. The skin lesions are a great source of embarrassment and often distress the patient. The condition is very difficult to treat with conventional medicine.

Medical Treatment
A lady aged 33, had eczema on both knees for about six months. The affected area on each knee was about the size of an adult palm. The itching disturbed her sleep and the lesion of the skin hampered her walking. She was treated with many types of cream and medicine and received no improvement. She finally came to try Traditional Chinese Medicine. Just one course of Chinese herbal medicine cured her completely.

What makes the Traditional Chinese medicine so effective for eczema? In terms of Chinese medicine, the eczema is not caused by the skin itself although it occurs on the skin. It is caused by internal pathogenic heat, dampness, wind or a mixture of them. The differentiation of these causes can be accomplished by the observation of the symptoms of affected skin, the colour of the tongue and its fur, and physiological reaction. Different remedies are then used specifically to remove dampness, to expel wind, to moist the dryness, or to cool the blood. This approach has been tried and tested for thousands of years. Today, the common types of eczema are well categorised, their causes and effective remedies are well documented in Chinese medicine. It can be treated successfully by taking several sets of Chinese herbal medicine in normal cases although some chronic cases may need longer treatment.

Organic
As a matter of fact, the entire system of Chinese medicine takes the same approach as we discussed above. Its fundamental principle lies in two aspects. First, it takes the human body as an organic whole and holds that the human body has very close and inseparable relations with external natural surroundings. Secondly, it emphasises that the diagnosis and treatment are based on an overall analysis of signs and symptoms rather than on illness itself. This approach explains why the Chinese medicine has started gaining high popularity as an effective alternative medicine.

Dietary Assistance
It is also important in the Chinese system of medicine to maintain an appropriate diet to assist the medical treatment and to prevent the recurrence of the condition after treatment. As we know, the symptoms relating to heat are easily observable with eczema patients. The affected parts of skin are usually diffusely red, with a sensation

of burning, severe itching, and sometimes patients feel hot and thirsty. According to the Chinese system of medicine, a high proportion of eczema is attributed to excess heat and dampness gathering inside the body. It is therefore recommended to consume fewer foods and drinks whose natures are hot and damp. These foods and drinks include mainly lamb, milk, cheese, chocolate and other dairy products.

Pork and beef are more of less neutral in nature and they generally do not aggravate the condition. Fresh fruits and vegetables are generally neutral or cold in nature and are therefore good for eczema. Exceptions are peach, tangerine (not orange) and grape. Peach and tangerine are warm in nature and grape can produce excess internal heat if eaten a lot, although its nature is neutral.

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Back Pain

What Causes It

Back pain is so common that it will affect more than 75% of people at some point in their lives. When it’s severe, it can seriously affect one’s quality of life.

There are many reasons why back pain occurs:

Internal illness  Backache or pain can occur as a symptom of other illnesses, such as kidney stones, kidney infection and gallbladder stones (which usually causes a radiated pain in the lower right shoulder blade). Sometimes, muscle spasms or even stomach aches can also cause back pain. For many women, menstrual cycles are often accompanied by lower backaches.

Wear and tear  This is the most common cause of lower back pain. As we age, our joints deteriorate and bone density decreases. The disc material, which is primarily composed of water and other proteins to function as a ‘shock absorber’, gradually diminishes, causing the disc to flatten out and even develop tears or cracks. All these “de-generative” discs or bones can cause bad pain.

Accidental trauma  As your lower back bears most of the weight and stress of your body, it is particularly vulnerable to injury or damage due to heavy lifting, awkward body movements or any external accidental impact. Damage to the bones, ligaments or muscles can cause severe pain.

How Can Acupuncture Help

The theory of traditional Chinese medicine behind acupuncture is very different from that of Western medicine. In traditional Chinese medicine, health results from a harmonious balance between the complementary extremes (yin and yang) of the life forces known as blood and qi (pronounced chee), which is believed to flow through pathways (acupuncture meridians) in our body and bring blood circulation. Pain occurs due to blood stagnancy in the area. These meridians and the energy flow are accessible through some 365 points distributed on 14 meridians. By inserting needles into these points, it is believed that energy flow will be regulated and rebalanced, thus, blood stagnancy can be removed and the pain eased.

Western explanation of acupuncture incorporates modern concepts of neuroscience. Many practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation appears to release the body’s natural pain-relieving hormone, boost the activity of it and increase blood flow.

How Many Sessions Do I Need

If your back pain is a symptom of another illness, then you will need to see your GP for medical check up and medication. Below, we discuss the cases for pain arising from wear and tear or accidental trauma.

Treatment will naturally depends on the severity and history of the damage. Usually, the longer the history or the more severe the problem, the more treatments will be needed. A course consists of 6-8 sessions, which is normally sufficient to clinically cure the pain, although people do sometimes require more than one course of treatment to recover.

Self-Care And Prevention

Keep moving  Prolonged bed rest is not a good idea for back pain as that can make you more stiff. Light activity speeds healing and recovery, so try to keep up activities that aren’t painful. Avoid any aggravating activities, especially those that make your back pain worse.

Exercise  Gentle exercise can increase strength and endurance in your back and will allow muscles to function better. Walking and swimming are good choices but always ask your practitioner for advice on which activities are suitable for you.

Using Feng-Shi-Oil regularly  This herbal oil (available from my clinic) is made of different Chinese herbs. It can promote local blood circulation; expel coldness and dampness which, in Chinese medicine terminology, are the main reasons for causing chronic pain. It is easily absorbed by the skin, and is effective at penetrating deep into the muscles. A few small drops rubbed in each time can help ease and treat the pain. One of my family friends (a French lady) suffered chronic back pain for years. There was no acupuncturist near her home (the suburbs of Paris), so I posted her two bottles of the oil and asked her to use it three times a day. When the second bottle was only half finished, she called to say that her back pain had completely disappeared.

Keep warm  This is especially important for patients whose pains are worse in cold and damp weather. Keeping the body warm is also important for senior patients, as this is also good for the circulation and general health.
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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

What Is IBS

 
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is one of the most common digestive disorders which upset the bowel. It causes either diarrhoea or constipation (and sometimes both alternately), creating pain and discomfort in the abdomen. When severe, it can be very debilitating and can seriously impact the sufferer’s quality of life. It is estimated that the condition affects 20% of the population to some degree.

IBS is considered to be a ‘functional’ problem, i.e. one that does not need surgery or major drug treatment. The first episode often occurs after a period of stress or gastrointestinal infection. IBS can develop at any age, but most people experience their first symptoms between the age of 15 and 40.

The symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating and an increased frequency of bowel movement. People with IBS often feel an urgent need to open their bowels, especially after breakfast. The stools may vary in consistency from hard and pellet-like to loose and watery, or just small amount of mucus. Symptoms are often exacerbated by upsetting emotional events or stress at work. The connection with emotional stress is recognised, which sometimes leads to the use of anti-depressants.

The Cause of IBS

The exact cause of IBS is unknown. Medical tests usually reveal no physical abnormalities that may explain the symptoms. What is known though, is that IBS results from a break in the regular rhythm of the muscles of the bowel wall. These muscles normally contract periodically to move food through the digestive system. IBS symptoms occur when this is disrupted, which can be triggered by various factors:

High-stress situations  Many sufferers date the start of IBS back to an event which involved great emotional impact on their lives, such as changing a job or divorce.

Lack of dietary fibre and excess of fatty food  High-fat and low-fibre diets can provoke bowel irregularities.

Intolerance to certain foods  Most IBS sufferers also have issues of food intolerance. Some foods such as lactose, wheat and other food allergies trigger a reaction in the gut.

Female hormones  Many women report worse IBS symptoms during menstruation.

Medication  Certain painkillers, antibiotics, antacids and other medication can sometimes affect correct bowel function.

TCM And IBS

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, which work by bringing the body into balance.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used to regulate the Qi (the natural healing flow inside our body) in order to bring the body into harmony. It excels in calming the mind, helping reduce stress and relieving depression. Some of the acu-points have functions of strengthening the digestive system, so that food intolerance and allergy conditions can be improved by stimulating these points.

Chinese herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine is effective at treating digestive problems. It works as a formula (a combination of different herbs), and is tailored to individual needs. It aims at helping food digestion, resolving dampness or phlegm, moving excessive water to the urinate system and calming the bowel muscles. It will be modified during the course of the treatment.

The aim of the TCM treatments will be, where appropriate, to promote the energy flow of the body and strengthen the system and improve digestive ability. It may be better to use a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the meantime to achieve a quick solution.

Self-Help

People with IBS should avoid potential irritants like alcohol or spicy foods, and also try to find out if any foods are triggers for IBS. Drink sufficient fluids, and take regular, moderate exercise. If stress triggers IBS, learning stress management or meditation may be beneficial.

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Infertility

What Is Infertility

Infertility is commonly defined as an inability to conceive after 1-2 years of trying. In approximately 60% of cases, the difficulty is with the woman and 40%, the man. Infertility also refers to repeated miscarriages.

In order for a woman to conceive, she must ovulate. The egg must travel through the fallopian tube towards the uterus, and a man’s sperm must fertilise the egg along the way. Finally the fertilised egg must implant into the wall of the uterus. Some of the main causes of infertility in women are; endometriosis (where parts of the uterine wall are deposited in the abdomen outside the uterus itself), ovulation problems, poor egg quality, polycystic ovary syndrome, and fallopian tube blockages. In men problems may be caused by low sperm count or sperm abnormalities. However, in many cases, the infertility is unexplained, with no underlying problems that can be identified.

From specialists, we know that “fertility in both sexes reaches a peak at about the age of 20. In women, it begins to decline perceptibly from the age of 30 onwards, and very rapidly from 38 or so. By the age of 40, one in three women will be infertile, and after 45 there is only a minute chance of pregnancy and most end up as Miscarriages” (Nicky Wesson, Enhancing Fertility Naturally).

TCM And Infertility

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) includes Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. They work by bringing the body into balance.

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of hair-fine solid needles into specific points on the body (called ‘acupoints’). This stimulates the flow of one’s Qi (pronounced chee), or natural healing energy, in order to achieve harmony inside the body. Recent research has shown that acupuncture increases the success rate of IVF by 50-60% (Germany).

Also in recent studies, Chinese herbal medicine was shown to result in a high success rate of pregnancy in infertile couples (Journal of Chinese Medicine 2006; 80; 20-8, et). It showed improvements in the size and number of eggs, and also in the thickness of the uterine wall, both of which could help to explain its success. Chinese herbal medicine may be used on its own or in combination with IVF or other forms of assisted reproduction.

How Does TCM Work

When you first start the treatment, your practitioner will note your medical history, the characteristics of your menstrual cycle and your general health. This information will be used to assess the nature of the underlying imbalance, which will help the practitioner to choose
acupoints or a herbal formula (a combination of herbs).

Acupuncture is used to regulate the Qi, relieve depression, improve blood circulation and reduce period pain. It excels in calming the mind and helps to reduce stress. It is suitable for those who have unexplained infertility problems. We may choose different points for you at each treatment according to your menstrual cycles and your current health conditions. ‘Moxibustion’ may be used together with acupuncture to warm up the uterus.

Chinese herbal treatment is tailored to individual needs. It aims at warming the uterus, resolving dampness or phlegm, eliminating blood stasis and regulating menstruation. It will be modified during the course of treatment.

The aim of the TCM treatments will be, where appropriate, to regulate the menstrual cycle and support ovulation or implantation. It may be better to use a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to achieve a quick solution. A minimum of three months’ treatment can be expected in the case of unexplained infertility. Although treatment tends to be longer for underlying problems such as endometriosis, improvement may be seen in other areas, such as a reduction in the severity of period pain.

Tips For Couples

A woman only has one chance a month (of a couple of days) to conceive, during the time when she is ovulating. This normally happens in the middle of the cycles. Count the day when period starts as Day 1, and 28 days a cycle, the ovulation would be on Day 14. Some women have it a few days earlier and some later. Too early ovulations mean that immature eggs are released, thus leading to none success in pregnancy. So, getting to know which day you ovulate is very important in fertility awareness. Fortunately, our bodies always give us ‘signs’ when ovulations are happening.

Cervical fluid   This tells you the exact day you ovulate. Every month as ovulation approaches, the estrogen level in the body builds up, causing the body to secrete even more cervical fluid or so called mucus. The increased level of estrogen also makes the mucus look obviously different from other normal days. It is stretchy and clear (jelly like), and occasionally pinkish in colour for some women. In addition, you may experience low abdominal aching. You should not miss this time if you are trying for a baby.

Body temperature   It is also known as basal body temperature or BBT which is taken when you awake in the morning. When a woman ovulates, the follicle containing the ovum ruptures, releasing the egg and the hormone progesterone into the body. This hormone thickens the lining of the womb to prepare bedding for a fertilised egg (if conceived) or next period (if not conceived), and also raises the body temperature. By monitoring the BBT you can pinpoint the actual date you ovulated. Click here to see a feature in a magazine

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Menopause

The menopause is usually known as the change of life, a natural event that every woman will go through.
It is marked by the ending of menstruation, and occurs at an average age of about 50. Sometimes the menopause is delayed to 55 or later, and sometimes it may occur at 40 or earlier. The menopause signals aging of the ovaries which slow down and finally stop the egg production (ovulation). This means a greatly reduced production of the hormone estrogen in the body. By the effect of this, many women experience different levels of discomforts either physically or emotionally or even both.

Symptoms

Hot flushes and sweating    The most common symptom of the menopause is hot flushes and sometimes accompany by sweating. The frequency of the hot flushes varies from person to person. Some women feel they are not bothered with it, but some may feel their lives are severely affected. The hot flushes are normally more noticeable at night. The exact cause of hot flushes is unknown, but it is thought to be related with estrogen deficiency.
Sleep disturbance    Sleep disturbance can happen even before the menstrual cycle becoming irregular (premature menopause). The sleep difficulty can be due to problems of falling asleep, restlessness, and night sweats.
Psychological changes    Depression is often seen in pre-menopause and during menopause. Mood swings and irritability are common as well.
Other Physical Changes    Due to estrogen deficiency, a woman’s body will have some physical changes. The skin becomes dull, dark and thin, the bones thinning (osteoporosis), dry and sting feeling in vagina during sex, more bladder infections (cystitis) and leaking of urine when coughing or exercising.
Treatment
HRT
In the UK, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is used to reduce menopausal symptoms. It helps lots of people get back to their tracks. However, there has been some concern about the side effects of HRT recently. Current advice from the Department of Health states that for women taking HRT on a short-term basis to relieve menopausal symptoms.
Is there something else that can be more natural and help people to go through this hard time? Yes, here they are.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine has been used in China for more than two-thousand years. They are always used as formulas (a combination of different herbs). For thousands years research and practice on human being in China, we have become very good in understanding these herbs’ properties, knowing which herb can support / reduce other one’s function / side effect if mix them together. That is why the Chinese herbal medicine is usually effective. The only problem for using raw herbal formulas is their taste which is always unpleasant (they work much powerfully than other types, unfortunately). But don’t worry; we usually have those commonly used herbal formulas in the types of pills, tablets or capsules as well.
The herbal formula is tailored to each individual needs, and be modified during the course of the treatment.
For finding more details for how the herbs work, please refer to the Chinese Herbs section.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is to use needles to stimulate the body’s Qi (pronounce Chee), the natural healing flow inside our body, in order to bring the body into harmony and balance. Some of the acu-points have functions of reducing excessive heat from the body (you feel less hot), and some points can calm the mind (you feel calmer) and relieve depression (you feel happier).
To find more details for how the acupuncture works, please refer to the Acupuncture section.

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