Medical Press

Fertil Steril. 2002 Dec;78(6):1149-53. Related Articles, Links

Chang R, Chung PH, Rosenwaks Z. / The Institute of East-West Medicine, New York, New York 10021, USA / PMID: 12477502 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

• OBJECTIVE: To review existing scientific rationale and clinical data in the utilization of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility.
• DESIGN: A MEDLINE computer search was performed to identify relevant articles.
• RESULTS: Although the understanding of acupuncture is based on ancient medical theory, studies have suggested that certain effects of acupuncture are mediated through endogenous opioid peptides in the central nervous system, particularly beta-endorphin. Because these neuropeptides influence gonadotropin secretion through their action on GnRH, it is logical to hypothesize that acupuncture may impact on the menstrual cycle through these neuropeptides. Although studies of adequate design, sample size, and appropriate control on the use of acupuncture on ovulation induction are lacking, there is only one prospective randomized controlled study examining the efficacy of acupuncture in patients undergoing IVF. Besides its central effect, the sympathoinhibitory effects of acupuncture may impact on uterine blood flow.
• CONCLUSION: Although the definitive role of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility is yet to be established, its potential impact centrally on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and peripherally on the uterus needs to be systemically examined. Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in female fertility treatment.

Using gentle and defined organ massage, Chi Nei Tsang (CNT) is used to move blocks, tensions, toxins, stresses, and illnesses that manifest through these organs. CNT has beneficial effects on the body’s digestion, lymphatic, nervous, endocrine, urinary, reproductive, musculo-skeletal, and energy systems.

Chi Nei Tsang practitioners have a working knowledge of the internal organs and their functions: the lymphatic, circulatory, and nervous systems, the energy channels, the muscles and fasciae, and the interrelationships among all these facets in the body. Chi Nei Tsang complements conditions such as:

• Promotion of wellness: immune enhancement, mood balance, depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, anguish, neurosis, paranoia, schizophrenia
• Chronic symptoms: pain management, chronic fatigue
• Internal: abdominal pains, loss of appetite. Indigestion, diarrhea, constipation, diabetes, pulmonary conditions
• Genito-urinary and reproductive: impotence, dropped bladders, dysmennorhea, PMS, labor contraction inducing, pain management during delivery, PMD and pre/post-natal symptoms.

References:

1. Larth, Christopher. “Chi Nei Tsang; Internal: Organ Taoist Massage.” EbSCO AltHealthWatch Database: Positive Health. December 1998.
2. Mantak and Maneewan Chia. Chi Nei Tsang: Internal Organs Chi Massage. Healing New York: Tao Books, 1990.

Presenting Conditions [Effects]

·          Abscess, cyst, tumor (independent of medical diagnosis) [Total Relief: 60%, Partial Relief: 40%]

·          Emotional problems, stress (Partial Relief: 80%, No Change: 20%)

·          Chronic Headache [Total Relief: 100%]

·          Female Infertility [Total Relief: 66%; No Change: 34%]

·          Joint Pains [Total Relief: 55%; Partial Relief: 30%; No Change: 15%]

·          Menstrual/Menopausal problems [Total Relief: 66%; Partial Relief: 34%]

·          Stagnation [Total Relief: 75%; Partial Relief: 25%] 

Reference: Larth, Christopher. “Chi Nei Tsang; Internal: Organ Taoist Massage.” EbSCO AltHealthWatch Database: Positive Health. December 1998.