Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Acupuncture for FERTILITY

A recent study out of the University of Maryland investigated the effects of combining acupuncture with in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the treatment of infertility. Researchers found that women who received traditional acupuncture before and/or after IVF were 65% more likely to become pregnant than those who received random needling, or sham acupuncture. Additionally, the rate of live births was twice as high among women treated with traditional acupuncture than those who were treated with sham acupuncture.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats infertility by restoring balance, whether the underlying cause is due to organ deficiency, stagnant energy, or inadequate blood and qi. Acupuncturists place needles along specific meridians in order to promote the smooth flow of energy and treat imbalances within these meridians and organs. Treatment plans are individualized according to patient symptoms and pulse and tongue observation.

If you would like to schedule an acupuncture treatment or complimentary 15-minute consultation with our naturopathic acupuncturist, please call ALETRIS at 480-443-7168 or email info@aletriscenter.com.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.



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Friday, January 25, 2008

Metformin & B-12 Supplementation

Millions of people in America take Metformin for diabetes, insulin resistance, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and infertility. Metformin does not treat the underlying cause of any of these conditions. Its purpose is to prevent the liver from producing excess sugar, while inhibiting the intestines from absorbing glucose into the bloodstream. Metformin also acts to re-sensitize our cells to insulin, which lowers insulin resistance and results in a decrease in blood glucose.

Most people are not aware that Metformin also inhibits our ability to absorb vitamin B12. It is estimated that up to 30% of all people taking this medication have a B12 deficiency. Intrinsic factor, a protein made by stomach intestinal cells, is necessary for the absorption of this vital nutrient and Metformin interferes with the ability of this protein to do its job.

People taking Metformin should be supplementing with B12. Monthly B12 injections are a great way to absorb and maintain B12 levels in the blood. B12 is essential for the health of our red blood cells and is needed in every metabolic pathway that takes place in our bodies.

ALETRIS Center of Integrative Medicine is a Scottsdale, AZ wellness center serving Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Phoenix, Glendale, Arrowhead, Peoria, Sun City, Chandler, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Mesa, AZ with specialties in naturopathic medicine, natural hormone therapy, women's health, acupuncture, colon hydrotherapy, natural skincare and sugar hair removal.

The contents of this blog, including text, graphics, images and other material, are for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please seek the counsel of an ALETRIS physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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