33 year old female patient desiring to become pregnant. She went off birth control pill 7 years ago and has been very actively trying to become pregnant for 2.5 years. Menarche was at 13 yrs and was put on hormonal birth control for flooding and trickling at age 15/16. Cycle is reported as regular and without problems now. She has some digestive symptoms with history of antacid use, cramps after eating and watery diarrhea. She reports stress as high. Sleep is poor and requires medication.The patient appears nourished and generally healthy. She has dark skin discoloration on forehead (indicative of estrogen dominance). Her tongue had a red tip and dusky sides. Zinc Tally + (sign of zinc and mineral deficiencies). Ragland’s Test + (indicative of adrenal issues). And, there was pain with abdominal palpation over the epigastrium and left lower quadrant.
I made lifestyle and herb/ nutrition recommendations based on the preconception program.
Tung’s Acupuncture:
1) I instructed the patient on how to needle huan chao and fu ke on her own at home. They can be used every day with points selected on alternating sides.
2) Acupuncture in the office was focused on digestion first. 77.17, 18, Pc 6 were used to improve acid reflux. This is usually related to low stomach acid and can affect important nutrient and mineral absorption. I also used Men Jin with 33.12 for the diarrhea.
3) I used da bai (22.04) with Huo Ying (66.03) and Zheng Jing (1010.08) for the stress and insomnia. Huo Ying also has a function on the uterus.
4) Once her overall health was improved, we used huan chao, fu ke and shen guan in the office with occasional treatments focused on stress.
The patient reported a positive pregnancy test on 8/26 and delivered a healthy baby.
The overall health of the parents is important for fertility. The health of the mother during pregnancy has an effect on epigenetics and the health of the child through its entire life.
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