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ArticlesArticles:Infertility & Traditional Chinese Medicine by Jenny Byrne B H Sc (Acu)There are many reasons why some women find it difficult, and in some instances, impossible, to conceive. These includes hormonal imbalance, tubal abnormalities, and a sensitive internal environment. In many cases of "unexplained infertility" it may be that the woman is run down from a busy career, prolonged used of "the pill" or from the effects of previous pregnancies and children. IVF is probably the most well known treatment option, and usually includes the use of potent hormones to maximize ovulation and the production of more mature follicles in the ovary. Traditional Chinese Medicine is also effective in many cases by helping to regulate a woman's distinct, individual menstrual cycle, through the regular use of acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Not only is the cycle regulated, ovulation is regulated as well and can assist fertility within 6-12 months. The major side effect of this approach is a feeling of wellbeing and energy as the underlying imbalance in the body is addressed. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can also help relieve some of the physical and emotional side effects of hormonal treatments for fertility. As infertility is often a couple related issue, it must always be determined if the male partner is fertile and has an adequate sperm production. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs can also help in some cases of male infertility and sterility. Jenny Byrne B H Sc (Acu) is a Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture lecturer and practitioner with a special interest in women's health, fertility and pregnancy care. Jenny consults at the Kenmore Acupuncture clinic.  PMS & Traditional Chinese Medicine by Jenny Byrne B H Sc (Acu) Women today have many demands upon their time. We lead extremely busy and complex lives, often juggling family, home, job and/or school, while still trying to meet the physical, emotional and recreational needs of those in our care. Amidst all of this, where do we get time for ourselves? The normal cyclical fluctuation of hormones leads to weekly changes in a women's body, yet she still has to perform to the same standard. According to Chinese Medicine, this can place a level of stress on her body and emotions causing the cycle to become unbalanced and result in what is commonly known as Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMS can include swollen tender breasts, abdominal bloating, cramping, edema, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, headaches, neck and shoulder tension, sugar cravings, feeling irritable, teary, depressed or just a bit down. PMS can begin from 1 day to a couple of weeks prior to the period, and is common in all age groups of women. Chinese Medicine is highly effective at relieving the signs and symptoms of PMS. Treatment is individualised to each woman's cycle and the severity and onset of PMS. Combining Chinese herbs with acupuncture helps bring the cycle back into balance. For optimum results, it is ideal to continue treating for at least three months. Jenny Byrne B H Sc (Acu) is a Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture lecturer and practitioner with a special interest in women's health, fertility and pregnancy care. Jenny consults at the Kenmore Acupuncture clinic. Menopause amd Traditional Chinese Medicine by Jenny Byrne B H Sc (Acu) Recently I wrote about Premenstrual Syndrome, another syndrome that some woman also experience is Menopausal Syndrome. Menopause itself is a normal occurrence, usually between the ages of 45 to 50 years. It is when the ovaries undergo changes, the hormone estrogen declines and menstruation eventually ceases. It is termed a syndrome when there are accompanying physical and emotional signs and symptoms. Like PMS, these can range from mild to severe, and include hot flushes and sweating, menstrual changes, palpitations, insomnia, irritability, depression, anxiety, lethargy, easily tired, numbness and tingling, urinary problems and gastric disturbances. This can be a very difficult time for a woman. In some ways her role is being redefined with the loss of fertility, and the inevitable changes in the body that come with it. If there is physical and emotional discomfort as well, especially if extreme, it can be very disorientating and confusing. Symptoms can go on for years, placing considerable stress upon her. Once again Chinese Medicine can offer some relief to sufferers of this syndrome. Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture are used to relieve or reduce signs and symptoms. The well-being of each person always needs to be taken into account and in some cases the oestrogen levels can be so low that HRT is an informed option. When this is the case Chinese Medicine can be used as an adjunct to it. Jenny Byrne B H Sc (Acu) is a Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture lecturer and practitioner with a special interest in women's health, fertility and pregnancy care. Jenny consults at the Kenmore Acupuncture clinic. Holistic Surgery by Stephen Janz RN B Ac Clinical Director Kenmore Acupuncture Clinic The surgeon's skill is in removing, repairing or re-plumbing anatomical structures. The surgeon relies on the anaesthetist to keep the patient alive through this procedure. Everyone then hopes and expects the patient to get on with the job of recovering from the anaesthetic and repairing the surgical trauma to their body. Postoperative recovery will be better, wound healing improved and the ability to resist infection will be best where overall health and function are optimised pre-surgically. The Traditional Chinese Medical model is an ideal model to assess the baseline state of vitality and wellness prior to a surgical procedure, and in the case of elective surgery 3 or 4 weeks of treatment prior to surgery places the body in better condition to cope with recovery. At the clinic we also like to see people soon after discharge to evaluate their recuperation needs. Sometimes all that is required may be rest, an acupuncture treatment and some herbs to promote healing. In other cases, eg hip replacement or spinal surgery a course of treatment may be recommended integrating massage therapy. Frequently Chinese herbs & acupuncture are used after major surgery such as a hysterectomy with good results. Acupuncture can quickly settle disturbed sleep. This process is designed to optimise recovery and get the client back to their normal routine as quickly as possible. In the future this wholistic approach to a surgical encounter may become standard. Until then it is necessary to look beyond the "system" to optimise health and surgical outcomes. A Bright Future for Natural Medicines: Current Research and Practice in Women Health by Stephen Janz, Clinical Director, Kenmore Acupuncture Clinic 1 June 2003 The future of natural medicine is looking very bright. I have just returned from the Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Symposium in Sydney, where researchers, clinicians and university academics presented on developments in the field. Of particular interest was the panel of practitioners reporting on the use of Chinese herbal medicine & acupuncture in three Australian hospitals. The first studies at the new Chinese medicine unit at Liverpool hospital are focussing on dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), endometriosis and menopause. Another Sydney obstetrics hospital has established an acupuncture service where complaints during pregnancy such as sciatica, back pain, carpal tunnel, insomnia, haemorrhoids, restless legs and headaches are effectively helped with acupuncture. This service is noteworthy because these conditions are difficult to treat with the conventional medical approach in pregnancy. The role of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in fertility was also expanded on, emphasising the important role that acupuncture and CHM has in producing better quality ovum, and better quality and quantity of sperm. A German study was reported on showing a 50% increase in success rates for IVF where acupuncture was used prior to implantation. The University of Adelaide, which last year demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture for morning sickness, is now researching the common practice of inducing labour with acupuncture instead of drugs. The local community is fortunate to have been able to access these same services at the clinic for the last 2 years, through Jenny Byrne, who specializes in treating women's health using Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. On Our People:Trading corporate life for the health life.It's always fascinating how one small event can change the entire course of somebody's life. This is just the case for local therapist Ian Murray. Ian was suffering a sporting injury that eventually led him from a managerial position of 13 years with a large retail firm to seeking better health for himself and inspiring him to a new career. It began when Ian, unable to get help for the chronic discomfort he was suffering, was led to consult a massage therapist. "It was amazing that massage fixed in a matter of weeks a problem that had been unsuccessfully treated for years," Ian said. "I always had an interest in sports and health and I new then that this was the direction my life should be going in". Ian completed Remedial Massage Studies and worked on his own for a time before starting with the Kenmore Acupuncture Clinic. Ian said "It's great working with a group of professionals from different health modalities. It's an environment with a wealth of resources, especially as I am continuing further studies in acupuncture." Ian advocates a 'hands on' approach to treating injuries where you gain a dynamic understanding of a patients' problem. "Clients often report greater satisfaction with this approach than with electro-mechanical therapy." Chriopractor and Craniosacral therapist joins Acupuncture Clinic. Kenmore Acupuncture Clinic welcomes Lara Binks Chiropractor and CranioSacral Therapist to their team of therapists. Clinic Director Stephen Janz is thrilled to have Lara come on board to work alongside the existing Acupuncturists and Massage Therapists at the clinic. "CranioSacral Therapy gives the community another powerful option in their health care and sits nicely alongside our existing therapies" Stephen says. Lara has over seven years of experience as a Chiropractor in clinics in Australia and the UK, and has come to realise that our bodies were designed to heal themselves, and that it doesn't require huge forces to initiate major changes. Chiropractic began for Lara using spinal / peripheral manipulation and massage, and has progressed to include a wide range of gentle techniques, such as SOT (Sacro?Occipital Technique), Applied Kinesiology, Visceral (organ) Adjusting, and CranioSacral Therapy. Lara is particularly excited by CranioSacral Therapy, which was developed by Osteopath, John Upledger. It is a powerful complement to Chiropractic due to its roles in: enhancing the function of the nervous system; releasing long?term restrictions; and improving the circulation of blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and lymph. It thus acts to eliminate the negative effects of stress (physical, chemical and emotional), increase resistance to disease, and to boost overall health. Many people have heard that CranioSacral Therapy is effective for helping with pregnancy, and with babies suffering from birth trauma and other problems (such as colic, ear infections and difficulty sleeping), however it has been used successfully in many other conditions. These include: Neck, shoulder and back pain / stiffness headaches and jaw problems, chronic illness such as chronic fatigue, pre and post?surgery, digestive problems, hormonal problems, depression, learning difficulties (e.g. Dyslexia), Hyperactivity and eye problems. It is, therefore, not just for those with problems, but also for anyone who desires to feel well and to realise their optimum potential for health. A healthy and flexible nervous system enables our bodies to cope better with any traumas or stress, whether they are physical or emotional. Lara has recently returned from the UK with her husband, to live close to family in Kenmore. "I am really looking forward to starting work at the Kenmore Acupuncture Clinic" Lara said. "They are an incredibly caring team and have a true heart for helping people." New Therapist Targets Women's Health With Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Jenny Byrne who has extensive experience in treating women's health has commenced practice at Kenmore Acupuncture Clinic. Jenny joins Stephen Janz who has been practising Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Natural therapies in the Kenmore area for 14 years, as well as Uli Graf and Mark Markanovic who offer Bowen therapy and a variety of therapeutic massage techniques. Jenny has 15 years experience in Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. After completing studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Sydney in 1987, Jenny did her 3-month internship in The Red Cross Hospital, Hangzhou, China and set up clinics on the NSW Central Coast and Sydney as well as lecturing for 5 years at the Sydney College of TCM. Jenny currently lectures at the Australian College of Natural Medicine in Brisbane and is a supervisor at the student clinic. Jenny is also a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Assoc (AACMA). Jenny has extensive clinical experience in infertility, menstrual disorder, PMS, endometriosis, cervical dysplasia, fibroids, menopausal syndrome, habitual miscarriage, morning sickness and post partum care. She also treats other disorders including musculoskeletal, digestive, neurological, ear, eye, nose and throat and nervous conditions. With the Traditional Chinese medicine approach a change in symptoms is usually an indication that the underlying imbalance is being addressed and the bodies function returning to normal rather than just covering up the problem. For this reason people often experience an over-all sense of well being in addition to having the specific complaint managed. Jenny said, "The main thrust of my practice is combining acupuncture with Chinese herbs." Herbs are used as pills, powders or in their raw from depending on the clients needs. Jenny is available Tuesday afternoons until late, Thursday mornings and alternate Saturdays. The clinic operates 6 days a week. Phone 3878 4477.
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