Greenleaf Acupuncture Vancouver

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is one of the serious complications that can occur during the IVF process. It is caused by excessive ovarian stimulation and is accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pain, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, OHSS can be life-threatening, requiring careful attention. In these situations, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments are being suggested as complementary therapies that can help in the prevention and treatment of OHSS. Acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments contribute to the improvement of the overall condition of OHSS patients. Acupuncture balances the autonomic nervous system, regulating endocrine function and enhancing immunity through its stress-relieving effects. Herbal medicine treatment protects liver and kidney function and alleviates digestive symptoms, aiding in the improvement of nutritional status. Acupuncture treatment is effective in alleviating increased vascular permeability and inflammatory responses associated with OHSS. Stimulating acupoints related to OHSS improves the function of vascular endothelial cells, reducing capillary leakage and promoting smooth blood circulation. Furthermore, acupuncture contributes to the alleviation of OHSS symptoms by suppressing excessive inflammatory responses through its immunomodulatory effects. Herbal medicine treatment directly acts on the pathological mechanisms of OHSS, aiding in symptom improvement. For example, Dang Gui Shao Yao San is one of the frequently used herbal formulas in the treatment of OHSS, consisting of various herbs such as Angelica sinensis, Paeonia lactiflora, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Alisma orientalis, and Cnidium officinale. Angelica sinensis and Paeonia lactiflora reduce vascular permeability and inflammation, inhibiting the formation of ascites, while Cnidium officinale decreases fluid retention in the body through its diuretic action. Atractylodes macrocephala and Poria cocos strengthen the function of the spleen, promoting smooth fluid metabolism, and Alisma orientalis improves blood circulation along with its diuretic effect. Through the harmonious actions of these herbs, Dang Gui Shao Yao San approaches the main pathological mechanisms of OHSS from multiple angles, effectively alleviating symptoms. Research findings suggesting that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments can help in the prevention and treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are as follows: 1. "Effects of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome" (Acupuncture in Medicine, 2013) - In this study involving PCOS patients, the group receiving acupuncture treatment had a significantly lower incidence of OHSS compared to the control group. 2."Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome after In Vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer" (Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2020) - In this study, patients who developed OHSS after IVF-ET were treated with herbal medicine. The herbal medicine treatment group showed significant improvements in OHSS symptoms and a shorter recovery time compared to the control group. 3."The role of acupuncture in the management of subfertility" (Fertility and Sterility, 2008) - This review article mentioned that acupuncture may help reduce the risk of OHSS during the IVF process. 4."Clinical observation of the effect of modified Wuzi Yanzong Pill combined with acupuncture in the treatment of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome" (Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2018) - In this study, the combination of herbal medicine (modified Wuzi Yanzong Pill) and acupuncture significantly improved symptoms and blood test results in OHSS patients. The mechanisms of action of acupuncture and herbal medicine in the prevention and treatment of OHSS are being validated from a modern medical perspective. For those at high risk of developing OHSS or suffering from OHSS symptoms during the IVF process, incorporating traditional Eastern medicine treatments can be beneficial. However, as OHSS can be an emergency situation requiring prompt response, it is crucial to consult with professional medical staff and establish an appropriate treatment plan.

The Role of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Improving Ovarian Function and Egg Quality In the IVF process, the number and quality of eggs are crucial factors that greatly influence the success rate. However, many women face difficulties due to poor ovarian response or decreased egg quality. In these situations, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments are being suggested as complementary therapies that can help improve ovarian function and egg quality. Acupuncture contributes to the enhancement of ovarian function through the regulation of hormone secretion and improvement of blood circulation in the body. Stimulating acupoints related to the female reproductive system promotes the secretion of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, facilitating follicular growth and ovulation. Moreover, the improved blood circulation induced by acupuncture effectively supplies oxygen and nutrients to the ovaries, contributing to the improvement of egg quality. Herbal medicine treatment is effective in regulating hormonal balance and improving ovarian function. Herbal ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties directly aid in enhancing egg quality. Herbs such as Angelica sinensis, and Astragalus membranaceous prevent egg aging and repair cellular damage through their antioxidant effects. Additionally, cinnamon, licorice, and Paeonia lactiflora alleviate inflammatory responses within the ovaries, creating a favourable environment for eggs development. These actions contribute to improving eggs quality and increasing the chances of fertilization and implantation. Furthermore, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments also help alleviate stress and boost immunity, which are associated with the IVF process. Acupuncture balances the autonomic nervous system, while herbal medicine regulates cortisol secretion, preventing ovarian dysfunction caused by stress. Both treatments also enhance immune function, contributing to the creation of a uterine environment conducive to implantation. Thus, the physiological mechanisms of acupuncture and herbal medicine in improving ovarian function and egg quality are being explained from a modern medical perspective. For individuals experiencing difficulties in the IVF process, incorporating Traditional Eastern Medicine treatments can be beneficial. Research findings suggesting that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments can help improve ovarian response and egg quality are as follows: 1."Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Infertility: A Systematic Review" (Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2020) A meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture significantly increased the number of eggs retrieved during the IVF process. 2."The Role of Acupuncture in In Vitro Fertilization" (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 2018) In a randomized controlled trial involving IVF patients, the group receiving acupuncture had a significantly higher number of retrieved eggs compared to the control group. 3."Effects of Chinese Medicines for Tonifying the Kidney on Pregnancy Rates in Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization" (Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015) The group of infertile women who took herbal medicines for tonifying the kidney had significantly higher numbers of retrieved eggs and pregnancy rates during the IVF process compared to the control group. 4."Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Female Infertility: A Systematic Review" (Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019) It was reported that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments could help improve ovarian response and egg quality in the IVF process.