I like research because it starts with a question, because it requires we look at the lens through which we see the world. There are as many ways of looking, asking, seeing and reflecting as there are ways of being human. Research delves into these questions and explores how we know what we know.
PubMed, the US National Library of Medicine, has 24,000+ studies about acupuncture, 36,000+ on Chinese herbal medicine, and 39,000+ on Traditional Chinese medicine.
Here are a few of interest.
Summary of Acupuncture Studies related to Reproductive Medicine
A Comprehensive Review of Studies Related to Chinese Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Conjunction with Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), IVF, and IUI for Male and Female Infertility
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Cross-Over Study Evaluating Acupuncture as an Adjunct to In-Vitro Fertilization: Quintero, et.al. Yu W., Horn B, Fertility and Sterility, Vol: 81, Supplement 3, April, 2004
Relationship Between Perceived Stress, Acupuncture and Pregnancy Rates Among In-Vitro Fertilization Patients: A Pilot Study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. December 2009. Balk J, Catov J, Horn B., Gecsi K, Wakim A.
Placebo studies and ritual theory: a comparative analysis of Navajo, acupuncture and biomedical healing. Kaptchuk TJ. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2011 Jun 27;366(1572):1849-58.
After I was diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, I was able to ignore it for a decade or so before I reached a crisis point when I was finally forced to address the symptoms. I began seeing an urologist/surgeon trained in all of the standard treatments of Western medicine and started a pharmacological regimen, which left me feeling ill and sexually impotent. When I told the doctor I could not continue with the drugs, he told me that my only remaining option was surgical, which would of course have its own risks and unintended consequences, not to mention be quite expensive.
I needed to find something else, so I asked Dr. Gregg-Flax if she could help. I will stop well short of calling it miraculous. It has taken some months, but a program of acupuncture, herbal therapy, careful dietary choices and a healthy lifestyle has reduced my symptoms greatly. I am now confidently looking forward to being completely healed and well.
