Oh boy, did it snow in the Midwest this past week! In our area,
we had a total of 21 inches. Even though Chicago was prepared for
the storm, it still was a messy cleanup. Needless to say, National
University instituted a "snow day" and classes and clinic were
cancelled on Wednesday.
Endometriosis Webinar
It was unfortunate school was closed because the AOM club had
arranged for a webinar to be seen on campus, to which we had no
access. The topic was Endometriosis and it was given by Giovanni
Maciocia. Dr. Maciocia is a leader in Traditional Chinese Medicine
and he has written several books that a student will become
familiar with. He has studied extensively in China and is also very
affluent in Chinese herbs. Endometriosis is commonly seen in the
patient population so as students we were thrilled to learn more on
the topic. I recently learned we do have the opportunity to see a
re-broadcast. Yippie!
Infertility Seminar
Speaking of seminars, I was fortunate to attend an Infertility
Seminar in Chicago a few weekends back. The presenter was Richard
Blitstein, a graduate and former professor of Pacific College of
OM. It was a two-day seminar that included biomedical foundation of
what, why and how infertility occurs - whether it is due to a
hormone imbalance, no follicle growth or pituitary related. Mr.
Blitstein also included information on Assisted Reproductive
Technology (ART).
As seen in clinic, many women are combining Oriental Medicine
with IUI or IVF. Truthfully, I haven't learned much on the
processes of either so this was of much help. Mr. Blitstein
discussed the medications women use during the treatment and how
they affect the process. Acupuncture methods, diagnosis, and herbs
were incorporated into each cycle of the ART process. Other topics
discussed were PCOS, also very popular in clinic, autoimmune
infertility, and premature ovarian failure. I was impressed with
the seminar because he clearly spelled out the Western meds used in
infertility. Patients will expect us as practitioners to be
familiar with the meds they are taking. It is also our duty to know
the impact of the meds they are taking, as well as any side
effects.
Studies have shown Acupuncture to increase implantation of
approximately 10% when administered before and after IUI or IVF.
Those treatments have a 20-40% success rate, but with acupuncture,
it could be as high as 50% success rate or more. Women with
infertility like those higher numbers and are definitely seeking
out ways to improve their fertility. I would love to be a part of
that success.