Acupuncture for Childbirth and Labor by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

Q - I have heard that Acupuncture can be used to induce labor and to reduce the pain of labor, but I’m so afraid of needles, I’m not sure I can handle even more pain from the acupuncture needles — should I try it?

A - To be quite honest, needles give me the creeps too!  I don’t like them either, and I hate blood tests.  But the needles used for acupuncture are so tiny that you can even put one in the hole of a regular needle used for injections or blood tests.  They are about the size of a strand of hair actually.  And you hardly even feel them.

Q - What is your experience in the use of acupuncture during labor?

A - In my experience, it is not uncommon for the entire labor to be extremely quick and easy when acupuncture is used.

Q - How could you ever possibly convince me that I would want to let someone poke LOTS of needles into me?

A - I know that acupuncture seems odd to our Westernized mind, but there is actually a lot of scientific research that supports its use during labor.  Many studies show that those little needles increase endorphins, and it’s your endorphins that actually help you to relax.  So if you want to calm down and feel a bit more relaxed and less stressed during the whole birthing process, acupuncture is actually the best and safest way to go.

Q  - Are there any studies that acupuncture works to help birthing?

A - Yes.  There are many such studies.  Your labor can be significantly shortened if you use acupuncture while giving birth.  One such research study published in “Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation” and reported in Natural Health Magazine stated that out of 120 women, those who received acupuncture treatment during the first stage of labor reduced their labor time from an average of 321 minutes, down to 96 minutes.  In other words, the women in this study who received acupuncture reduced their labor by more than one-third!

Q – In your experience, does acupuncture shorten the time for the labor?

A – Yes, definitely.  The women who I’ve needled during their labor had their babies very quickly.  Everyone was very happy and the doctors were really surprised!

Here is one personal experience:  My office got a call from a very pregnant woman who was referred to us by her obstetrician.  “Anna” was one week overdue and her doctor was going to induce labor if contractions didn’t start within 10 days.  This was Anna’s third pregnancy and the other two had been late as well.

Her doctor had heard of my practice, and me and since another of our mutual patients had experienced great success with acupuncture during her pregnancy and birthing process.  So he told Anna to give me a call and try some acupuncture to induce the labor, before resorting to traditional Western methods.  He figured that she had nothing to lose by trying.

He was right!!!  She came to my office and was very uncomfortable in her body.  It was hard for us to find a comfortable position for her acupuncture treatment.  We settled for having her sit up on the massage table, propped up by pillows.  This worked for her, and also gave me access to all the points on her body that I needed.

We treated Anna three times.  Her fourth appointment was scheduled for the day before her doctor was going to induce the labor and delivery, but she didn’t show up.  My secretary jokingly said, “Well, she probably went into labor after the last acupuncture treatment and is back at home already with the baby!”

And my secretary was right.  When Anna called us a few days latter, she said that contractions began immediately upon leaving the office and continued to get stronger and stronger as the hours went by.  A day later she was in the hospital, and the delivery of her baby began shortly thereafter.  All was a grand success!

Q – Does Acupuncture Help with Deliver of Breech Babies?

Yes it does.  In one study published in Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy (Nov-Dec 2003; 18(6):418-21, doctors demonstrated that of the 67 pregnant women studied who had babies in the fetal breech position, those who received acupuncture were far more likely to have the baby move to the proper delivery position.  This study showed a difference of 31% in the group that got acupuncture.   I have personally had excellent successes with my acupuncture fertility treatment and with turning the baby in the last few weeks and hours before delivery.

Q – Can Acupuncture also help emotionally if I feel depressed and am full of fear?

Yes – Acupuncture is very successful at increasing endorphins, or the body’s own, naturally occurring stress-relievers.  Because acupuncture works on the energy of the mom and baby, it not only affects the mom physically, but can also relax her and reduce her stress levels.

It’s really important to keep your body/mind/and spirit balanced during the time of birth, and acupuncture can be your friend and ally during this time.

Dr Randy Martin, OMD, LAc, PhD, QME, MUP, CCH

Doctor of Chinese Medicine

Certified Classical Homeopath

Chinese Herbs for Immunity by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

There are many different Chinese herbs that are useful for treatment of various immune problems. The Doctor of Chinese Medicine generally will not, in fact, use single herbs for treatment of immune problems. This is because of the synergistic effects of using formulas. The herbs tend to complement each other and when used in a formula, they tend to be much more effective than when using the single herbs.

So that you can more effectively choose which formulas and herbs you might wish to take for immune problems, I’m offering this brief run-down on some of the more commonly used. I’d like to acknowledge Andrw Gaeddert for an article he wrote which was my inspiration to write this short summary. If you want to do your own research, just do an internet search. There is plenty of information on the net on these herbs.

Isatis - This plant is one of the more commonly used herbs for boosting the immune system. It is contained in many Chinese herbal formulas. It can be used for bacterial infections, for the flu, hepatitiis, mononucleosis and chronic fatigue syndrome. There are many studies on this herb.

Licorice - Many of us know this as a candy, or a tea, but it also is used to build immunity. It can fight cysts and other tumors and also helps to detoxify the liver. Because it is sweet, it supports the spleen. And in Chinese medicine, the Spleen is the organ in charge of immunity. Licorice can also be used to raise blood pressure and to support the adrenal glands. So if you have headaches or high blood pressure, this herb may make them worse. On the other hand, if your headaches are due to low blood sugar, then licorice may cure the problem.

Ligustrum - This herb tonifies the Yin in your body, so it will increase the production of white blood cells and can be used to treat leukopenia. It can be used with people who are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation

Schizandra - This versatile herb is often seen in Chinese formulas for insomnia and anxiety, but it’s also good for the immune system. By helping to deal with stress and fatigue, it will have an indirect effect on the immune system. This is because if you are not sleeping well or you are stressed out, your system is ripe to get sick.

Astragalus - This herb is great for strengthening the lungs and the body’s defenses. It can fight fatigue and improve or tonify your body to help prevent illness.

Cordyceps - This is one of the many mushrooms that you can use for immunity. There are actually many mushrooms, or fungus’ for the immune system. This one is great to help relax you, to strengthen the nervous system and to help the cardiovascular system. It’s used commonly in Chinese hospitals for wheezing, asthma and to prevent colds.

Andrographis - This herb is used to treat infections, such as herpes, sore throat, pneumonia, and the common cold. It is used in many herbal formulas for colds and the flu, bronchitis and even strep.

There are so many herbs that can be used for the immune system. I always tell my patients that the best thing to do is to experiment to see which work best on them. After you have figured this out, then you will always know which one to use to prevent a cold, or to treat a bad flu.

Also be certain to take the appropriate vitamins and to eat a diet which will facilitate a healthy immune system.

Acupuncture for Stroke — an Important Link for those confronted with post - stroke paralysis and problems.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/oct/04/yehey/opinion/20061004opi6.html

The following options are discussed to help you decide if any holistic methods might be right for you, either to treat a problem you are having, or just to help you acheive the emotional and physical health goals you are currently working on.

De-fin-i-tions
(to be definite; to know; understanding)

1. Classical Homeopathy - the most effective, deepest acting treatment; uses minuscule amounts of plant, animal or mineral substances to stimulate the body to heal itself; the prescription is based on a complete evaluation of all physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual patterns in an individual. In Classical Homeopathy, we use the emotional symptoms to point us in the direction of where to treat the imbalance in the body. Symptoms become metaphors, or symbols, for where imbalances are, either emotionally or spiritually. For example, asthma might be used as an indication of some long-standing unresolved grief or loss; urinary tract infections, a symbol of suppressed anger or resentment; low back pain could be a sign of fear or feelings of being overwhelmed, etc.

Your physical symptoms will all eventually be cured using Classical Homeopathy, but as a part of the process, you will also feel much better and happier emotionally. This type of treatment will take from six months to two or more years. Training to become a Classical Homeopath takes many years of study and is highly specialized. Most good Classical Homeopaths study for at least five years before getting good results. Few homeopaths have the patience to dedicate their lives to this type of intensive in-depth study and discipline.

2. Constitutional Homeopathy - similar to Classical Homeopathy, but in some homeopathic circles, this term is used to describe a method where only one, single remedy is used throughout one’s lifetime. In reality, each person has many constitutional layers and requires many remedies in their life. Constitutional Homeopaths use only one dose of one remedy. In reality, as we evolve, we often need to move from one remedy to the next, (even though in some cases, we may need to stay on only one remedy for a number of years,) and may need to take the remedy daily.

3. Acute Homeopathy - in acute homeopathic prescribing, we don’t place an emphasis on the emotional factors involved in disease; rather, we directly treat, and place our emphasis on removing the physical symptoms as quickly as possible. We do, however, look at the causal factor, which in many cases does include an emotional component. For instance, did the cold or flu begin from the emotional stress of a broken relationship, when out in a cold rain or wind or was the cause from lack of sleep and reduced resistance to infection? Is the constipation caused from a difficulty in letting go, a craving for meat or from not drinking enough water. Acute homeopathy will treat every physical symptom known to man, and treat it quite effectively, and in most cases very quickly. But it won’t be a long-term cure as in Classical Homeopathy.
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4. Oriental Medicine - This encompasses many disciplines and treatment types, including acupressure massage, acupuncture, Chinese nutritional medicine, Chinese manipulation (similar to chiropractic) and Chinese herbal medicine. There are many different ways to practice Oriental Medicine, including Five Element Theory, Yin/Yang Theory, Acute prescribing and Korean constitutional prescribing. I use TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine most, and place an emphasis on the pulse and tongue diagnostic methods. I do not believe in the use of highly technical computer analysis, but use the more traditional techniques of facial observation and Five Element analysis which have been effectively used for thousands of years to diagnose and treat illness.

5. Chinese Herbal Medicine - This method of herbal medicine is based on the diagnostic methods described in the paragraph above on Oriental Medicine. In this case, however, we use herbs, in addition to or instead of acupuncture, to create the most dramatic and quick curative action that is possible. Chinese herbology usually utilizes formulas containing many different herbs rather than just the individual herbs used in the Western approach. This method is very effective in treating chronic illness and preventing future illness from occurring. There are wonderful Chinese herbal formulas for almost every type of illness, ranging from high blood pressure, menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol, migraine headaches, PMS, ADD, insomnia, colitis, allergies and many other illnesses that plague modern society and which have no know cure in Western medicine.

6. Western Herbal Medicine - This approach to herbal medicine uses herbs primarily found on the North American and European continents. This method generally uses single herbs in order to achieve very specific results. There are wonderful single herbs such as Vitex, Dong Quai, Echinacea, Astragalus, Goldenseal, White Willow Bark, Milk Thistle and others, which can be used to build immunity, balance hormones and eliminate many types of pain.

7. Five Element Acupuncture - This method of diagnosis and treatment utilizes the Five Elements of Earth, Fire, Water, Metal and Wood. The Five Elements are a metaphor for the five primary organ functions in the body: spleen/stomach, heart/small intestines, kidney/bladder, lung/large intestines, and gall bladder/liver. Each organ and grouping of organs has an emotional component as well. Utilizing this type of understanding, we can treat constitutionally as well as symptomatically.

8. Acute Acupuncture - This method utilize specific acupuncture formulas which are designed to treat the acute problems you want to treat. This is the type of acupuncture that most medical doctors study, since it only requires a few weekends of study. It requires many years of concentrated study to practice the deeper-acting Five Element and Constitutional acupuncture.

9. Constitutional Acupuncture - This method utilizes the tongue and pulse diagnosis to assess and then design a treatment plan to treat from a deeper, more holistic framework than the Acute Acupuncture approach. Many very serious and even life-threatening health problems can be totally cured using this method.

10. Bio-chemical Nutritional Analysis - This method of analysis utilizes the Health Equations Program to assess the functional status of your electrolytes and minerals. We start from a Chem Panel and CBC and then do a comprehensive analysis utilizing the basic data from your blood tests.

11. Body-Type Nutritional Analysis - There are many types of Body-Type Analysis. Just a few of the possibilities are Yin/Yang and Five Element Analysis, Endocrine Organ Analysis and Metabolic Typing, among others.

12. Five Element Nutritional Analysis - This is based on the Five Element Analysis discussed above.

13. Yin/Yang Nutritional Analysis - This is based on assessing your balance of Yin and Yang and working with the diet to change the imbalance in Yin and Yang. If your Yin and Yang is in proper balance, it’s very hard for you to become ill. Balanced Yin and Yang is the foundation and cornerstone of balance and Optimal Health.

14. Vitamin/Mineral Supplementation - In our culture, most people need vitamin and mineral Supplementation because very few of us eat properly. In addition, most of us operate on such a high level of stress that we need more of certain vitamins and minerals than in times past. The soil our food is grown on is also almost totally depleted of organic minerals and because of this we need to supplement our diets. Even most organic food is not as complete as in times past.

15. Neurotransmitter Testing & You take a test kit home and obtain samples of your urine and saliva. These samples will tell the lab which of your neurotransmitters are either high or low. The types of problems that will respond very well to this type of testing include anxiety, insomnia, ADD, ADHD, depression, fear, worry, nervous disorders, headaches, chronic pain, PMS, Irritable Bowel, Panic Attacks, Bulimia, OCD, and substance abuse. The test results will be returned to you with a very specific list of which amino acid supplements to take to increase the neurotransmitters you are low in and to decrease the ones you are too high in.

16. Stool Tests and other Saliva Testing for Hormones & There are an assortment of other tests, which include stool, hair testing, blood testing, and others. These may also be useful in helping to determine where you are out of balance and which treatments will work best to put you into balance.

You Decide:

Educating yourself, knowing which modalities (types of treatments) you want and are most interested in, defining your treatment goals, and knowing what you are willing to do to get there, is all an invaluable portion of becoming healthier and overcoming the obstacles to loosing weight, exercising, eating right and joining in partnership with your health care team. You decide which treatment options are right for you after a discussion with Dr. Martin.

Liver Detox and Cleansing by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD

 

Over the years I’ve written a lot about the Liver and Liver detoxification.  Listening to a well-known “Radio Doctor” today, he was trying to debunk the “myth” of liver detox, stating that it didn’t really do anything and that there is nothing to detox.

 

But for anyone who has ever done a Liver Detox, I”m sure you’d agree with how much better you felt afterwards.  Also, you could check blood readings, and I”m certain you would see a difference in the Liver panel scores.   

 

During my recent week-long spiritual/emotional release work retreat in the Arizona desert with Brugh Joy (Brughjoy.com,) one of the participants asked me for advice on how to do a Liver Cleanse and Detox.  So I thought I would distill down a few invaluable hints for those of you who are also interested in this subject.

 

First of all, it’s generally and traditionally thought that the best times to do a Liver Cleanse or Detox are in the Fall and Spring.  The Winter months are thought to be a time to build the system up and provide the necessary Fire for the colder season.  But because most of us live in Southern California, where the weather is moderate all year round, it won’t hurt for you to do a rather mild Liver Cleanse.  Use your intuition, but don’e go overboard.  It’s all a matter of degree.  (If you live in the colder climates, please be careful in any detoxification, because the body needs “fuel” during the colder months, in order to function well.”)

 

The best way to detox the liver is through diet.  Avoid the following foods:

 

~greasy, fatty or deep-fried foods 

~diary products made from cow’s milk

~sugar and sweatened foods

~refined carbohydrates such as white flour products

~sweets of any type

~the less gluten the better

~eliminate or restrict cold or frozen foods

 

Emphasize the following foods:

 

~yellow, orange and green colored vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables (all cooked)

~lean meats, any fish, (but no shell-fish), or chicken and turkey

~legumes (lentils, and any beans)

~whole grains (brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, oats)

~whole grain barley is a wonderful grain, especially job’s tears barely, for those of you for whom gluten does not cause mucus and congetsion

 

Some basic eating principles for Liver Detox:

 

~start the day, end the day and during the meal, drink a cup of hot water with lemon or lime juice

~eat only when hungry

~leave the table hungry

~never over eat

~don’t fast, as it will lead to the inevitable binging, unless you know how to do a fast and how to break a fast, and you are not working or under stress at the time

~supplement throughout the day with vegetable juices and your vitamins

~limit your fruit intake to 2 pieces of fruit per day and eat it separtately

~drink plenty of water or hot tea all day long

 

Some supplements to consider:

 

~Colonic Cleanse (from Vitality Products)

~Chinese detox herbs such as Free and Easy Wanderer or Minor Bupluerum Formula

~Detoxification 2 phase (from my office)

~Digestive Enzymes

~Probiotics

~Homeopathic Nux vomica 12 C - but only if you are not on a constitutional homeopathic (and remember to follow all your homeopathic rules)

 

If you begin to feel faint or have any other symptoms, stop your detox and consult a health practitioner.  Do not undertake a detox or cleansing on your own if your system is not doing well to begin with, or you have any serious blood-sugar problems, or you tend to have anxiety or depression, unless under the supervision of a health practitioner.  Do not stop taking any of your Western pharmaceutical prescribed medications without the supervision and full knowledge of your doctor.

 

If you are able to do some deep emotional release work at the same time as you are doing your Liver Cleansing, the process will be twice as valuable.  This is because the Liver is in charge of anger, resentment and the free flow of energy.  Your digestion and immunity should improve more quickly if you also do the emotional release work, and any headaches you have should also stop.  Allergies should also be expected to improve and any PMS symptoms should lesson.

 

(Note:  all products discussed in this article are available from my office.)

 

Best of luck should you decide to try the Liver Cleanse.

The following three articles I have written for women and the men in their lives.   These three articles address three different issues:  Pregnancy and Childbirth, PMS, and Menopause.  I hope that you find them helpful.  …….Dr. Randy Martin

Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Chinese have a saying that when a baby is born, it is already nine months old.  Actually, the baby is a lot older than this because it has already inherited the genes and constitutional predisposition from both parents, grandparents, etc.  The best thing a prospective mother and father can do for their child is to start homeopathic and acupuncture treatment for a year or so before they conceive their baby.  If both parents are in balance, the baby will be much more likely to be healthy.

The second important factor is the women’s nutritional status and emotional health, both before and during the pregnancy.  It is very important for the woman to take the appropriate supplements during the pregnancy and while nursing. 

It’s also important for the woman to maintain her energy during pregnancy and nursing.  Chinese herbal formulas can increase chi (energy) at the various stages of pregnancy, nursing and for the first few years after birth.

Towards the end of pregnancy, there some specific homeopathic remedies that can be given to make the birthing experience go more smoothly. 

Recent research has shown that women receiving homeopathic remedies before labor and/or during the birth have less complications, shorter labor, less pain, and quicker recuperation time.  Acupuncture is also very effective for relaxation, pain relief, or to hasten a difficult labor. 

Homeopathy for infant and toddlers is invaluable for such problems as ear infections, colic, constipation, diarrhea, skin problems, eye infection, fever, croup, colds, poor sleeping habits, allergy, teething, diaper rash or emotional upset.

PMS

What Is Premenstrual Syndrome?

Premenstrual syndrome is one of the most common health problems facing women.  About one third of the female population experience some sort of PMS.   This translates into a lot of missed days at school and work, severe stress on relationships, as well as a lot of needless suffering.

The symptoms of PMS begin ten to fourteen days prior to the start of menstruation and end in the first few days after the onset.  There are more than 150 symptoms that have been associated with PMS.  Listed below are some of the most typical:

         irritability                  anxiety                  moodiness

         anger                           headaches                  skin problems        

         vertigo                  weight gain                  bloating                 

         joint pain                  back pain                  cramps        

         constipation                  diarrhea                  sugar craving        

         sore throat                  vision problems         chocolate craving

What Is The Cause of PMS?

PMS is caused by both psychological and physiological imbalances. Physiologically, the primary cause is an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone.  Other secondary causes include poor diet, heredity, and lack of exercise.

From the point of view of Oriental medicine, the primary meridian systems involved in most women with PMS are the Liver, Spleen and Kidneys. 

What Are Some General Treatments for PMS?

Diet is the first and foremost factor that is within your control.    Foods known to increase symptoms of PMS include the following:  caffeine, milk, hard cheese, salt, chocolate, sugar, alcohol, beef, pork, lamb, and pickled foods.

Foods helpful in reducing the symptoms of PMS are the following:  whole grains, brown rice, oatmeal, millet, all vegetables, but especially beets, carrots, collard greens, mustard greens, and beet tops;  fish, and all kinds of beans are your best sources of protein.

Certain vitamin supplements are also helpful depending on your particular needs.  The two most important are vitamin B6 for bloating, water retention and magnesium for cramps and uterine pain.  Vitamin C is important to combat stress as are all the B vitamins.  A good, well-rounded multiple vitamin which is high in vitamin B is also a good preventative.

If you suffer from cramps be sure to take twice as much magnesium as you do calcium.  Also take evening primrose oil or black current seed oil.

How Can Homeopathy Help With PMS?

For menstrual cramps there are a number of different remedies.  Colocynth type of cramps are relieved by doubling up, bending forward, applying pressure or warmth, as are Magnesium phosphoricum cramps.

Always stop taking your homeopathic remedy if you feel worse or if the symptoms stop.  When the symptoms decrease, also stop taking the remedy.  If you keep taking the homeopathic remedy after the symptoms stop, you will cause them to come back again.  Note that often only one dose of the correct remedy in the correct potency is all you need.  Remember that homeopathic remedies are not like vitamins or herbs, and you don’t just keep taking them as you would an herb or homeopathic.

For symptoms of fatigue or weakness, try Calcium carbonate.  This remedy will be particulary helpful if you also have headaches, cold hands and feet, sweating and are cold in general.  Also for fatigue is Sepia.  For Sepia to be indicated usually you will also have low back pains, cramping in the lower abdomen, loss of interest in sex and an increase in anger and intolerance for others.  Depression and moodiness are also common, and a desire to be left alone.

For excessive weeping, sadness, or over sensitiveness, a primary remedy is Pulsatilla.  Other indications for Pulsatilla are a desire for company, a desire to be outside or to have windows open, nausea, giddiness, fainting, and unpredictable or changeable moods.

Chamomile is another remedy for excessive moodiness, with fault-finding and snapping over little things.  It will also show symptoms of cramps that feel like labor pains.

The Lachesis personality may be angry and moody with ovarian pains that are worse on the left side.  Dizziness and diarrhea, a dislike for tight clothing or anything tight around the neck are also characteristic of Lachesis.

Psychological Considerations

During the time before a women’s period, many women will feel very sensitive, angry, sad, depressed, or any number of other intense feelings.  In addition, many women may find this time to be filled with increased self awareness and feelings of creativity.  Your inner creative aspect may be ignored much of the time,  due to our culture which places more emphasis on productivity than on creativity and self-expression.  By ignoring this need for self-expression of something deeper, something larger and more all-encompassing than ones small, ego self, a woman may fall victim to even more feelings of sorrow, grief, depression and moodiness.

Psychologist Carl Jung described this dark, repressed, “cut off” or blocked part of a person as their “shadow self”.  And in women, this may be a reflection, more specifically, of their hidden Animus.   According to Jung, the “shadow” is that part of the person which has been repressed, or in someway not fully acknowledged.  And Animus is the yang, or male part of a woman.  To the extent that the shadow part or parts remain unconscious and unexpressed, a woman will be what Jung terms, in an “animus possessed state of judgement and emotionality.”

The animus can be very difficult to contact because of its unconscious nature.  It may only arise during periods of emotional turmoil such as occurs just before the menstrual period begins.  The animus may appear in disguise, often as a sweet, although unreal and superficial cover for moodiness, or as a very moody or angry person afraid to get in touch with their true self.

In terms of Oriental medicine, I have found that the angry animus, cloaked within the shadow, resides in what the Chinese call the wood element.  The other, “sweet” animus, resides most often in the fire element.

The time before menses provides an opportunity for women to turn inward and examine issues in their lives and portions of their psyches that may otherwise not be available for such critical examination or transformational exploration. 

In fact, in the native American culture, this same biologic phenomenon was viewed as a source of self-growth, creativity and empowerment for women and for the community as a whole.  In contrast, in our own culture, PMS is viewed as a negative syndrome; women are “on the rag” and “not to be taken too seriously”.

In his book The Psychobiology of Mind-Body Healing,  Dr. E.L. Rossi discusses the implications of the hormonal shift which takes place during this biological transformation and its potential to change the personality of the woman.  He states that when these changes go unsupported and misunderstood, they can lead to social and personal maladaption, depression and illness.  But when the changes are welcomed as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation, a new state of consciousness, awareness and development can take place.

PMS As An Opportunity for Growth

Oriental medicine has the capability to catalyze and encourage women with PMS to begin to view it not so much as a problem, but as an opportunity to learn more about an aspect of their femininity, and of their personality.  The process of becoming conscious of the animus and shadow portions of the unconscious can be arduous and yet immensely worthwhile.  Such changes can be very profound.

Happy Women:  Success Stories

“I have never liked needles.  In fact, I was always so afraid of needles I considered myself a needle-phobic.  But after my first acupuncture treatment I realized it was just a breeze.  It was just the thought of needles that bothered me, but they were so small, I never felt anything!”

                                                      –D.R., Financial Analyst

“Having suffered from severe PMS for many years, I doubted that I would ever find relief.  After several months of acupuncture treatments my menstrual cycles are practically symptom free and I am beginning to enjoy my life again”

                                                      –D.B., Accounting Manager

“Thank you for the support….I can barely remember how things were before we met and I started treatment…….Good sign——WOW, what a change!”

                                                      –C.D., Teacher, Homemaker

Menopause Treated Naturally

What Is Menopause?

The word menopause refers to the end of all menstrual bleeding.  It commonly occurs around the age of fifty, but may start as early as age thirty nine.  Other women continue to menstruate and remain fertile into their mid-fifties.

Natural Treatment Approaches

The natural treatment approach to menopause includes working with diet, exercise and managing your stress.  Additional methods of treatment are nutritional supplements, acupuncture, herbs and homeopathic medicine.

The diet for preventing symptoms in menopause varies for each woman, but the basic guidelines are a low fat diet, plenty of whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits.  Sugar and white flour products will cause toxicity in the liver meridian which is bad for menopausal women.  Other foods to avoid are salt, caffeine, alcohol and dairy products.

Common herbs include dong quai, black cohosh, blue cohosh, red clover, wild yam root and sarsaparilla.  Herbs for emotional issues include oat straw, dandelion, Siberian ginseng, valerian root, passionflower, catnip, red raspberry and chamomile.

Some of the vitamin supplements that are useful in menopause include beta carotene, vitamin B complex, buffered vitamin C, bioflavonoids, vitamin D, dry vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and iodine. 

Some of the most common homeopathic remedies for menopause include Lachesis, Natrum mur, Sepia, Belladonna, Pulsatilla, and Sulphur.  But the homeopathic remedy must be based on very complete information on the women, including a complete history and her emotional makeup.

Acupuncture is also very effective and there are specific points for each symptom.  Women who I have been treating over a period of several months using acupuncture, homeopathy and herbs will testify to doing quite well, with minimal or no symptoms at all in most cases.

Homeopathy Cures Severe Infection

 

People with severe infections for which there is no known medical treatment often die, despite surgery, and antibiotics.  A double-blind study was conducted to determine whether homeopathy might favorably influence the long-term outcome in critically ill patients suffering from severe infections.

 

Seventy people with severe infections participated in this study.  35 received homeopathic treatment and the other 35 people received a placebo.  5 pills of a 200C homeopathy remedy were given at 12-hour intervals during their stay in the intensive care unit of a hospital.

 

Survival after 30 and 180 days was recorded.  On day 180, survival was significantly higher in the homeopathy group.  (75.8% in the homeopathy group vs. 50% in the placebo group.)  There were no side effects nor adverse reactions observed.

 

This was reported in the magazine Homeopathy, 2005 (94(2):75-80.

 

I have had limited experience with severe infection, but I’ve had a lot of experience with less serious infections, including Bladder Infections (UTI’s), and Strep Throat.  My experience with these two types of infections is that homeopathy works tremendously well, and very quickly to battle the infection.

 

The other good thing about homeopathy is that people who have cured at least one infection with homeopathy tend to be able to fight future infections on their own, and don’t need to use antibiotics.   After one “trains” the body to develop it’s own antibodies, with the use of homeopathy, that “training” pays off, and the immune system wins the future fight.

Acupuncture for Hot Flashes by Dr. Martin

 

We think of acupuncture for fertility, headaches, back pain and high blood pressure, but how many of us realize it’s also effective in reducing hot flashes and regulating hormones?

 

In a 2004 Swedish study, reported in the March 2007 issue of Prevention magazine, hot flashes during menopause were less intense and less frequent in women receiving acupuncture.  There was actually a 54% reduction in the number of episodes of hot flashes, and other symptoms of menopause were also improved.  The conclusion of this study was that the women subjectively reported a 91% reduction in menopause-related symptoms.

 

Now, a new study, performed by doctors at Stanford and Harvard universities and the New England School of Acupuncture, gave 29 menopausal women either authentic or fake acupuncture.  After 7 weeks of acupuncture, hot sweats were 28% less severe in those who got the real acupuncture and only 6% better in those who got the fake acupuncture.

 

These studies confirm what I have experienced over my 23 years of clinical practice.  Women who are receiving acupuncture for hormone related problems definitely see improvements.  Actually, women who receive acupuncture, herbs and homeopathy get even better results.  

 

On another note, we have just added a new feature to my website.  “Ask the Doctor” allows your to ask any questions you might have, and I”ll answer them on the website.  Here is the direct web page:  

 

http://www.drrandymartin.com/askthedoctor.html

 

Also, remember that we are currently experiencing a period where the planet Mercury is in Retrograde.  It’s a time when the nervous system might have problems.  Kind of like the mis-firing in a car.  If you are feeling stress, try and take more time out to relax, sleep, and take it easy.

Homeopathy:  It’s Hidden and Unspoken Power

by Dr. Randy Martin, OMD, Lac

 

Question:  How Does Homeopathy Differ from Herbs?

 

Answer:  We often use the term homeopathy to refer to anything natural.  But homeopathy is a very specific form of healing which refers to the use of homeopathic remedies which are made in a very scientific and precise way.

 

Question:  When Was Homeopathy Discovered?

 

Answer:  It was discovered by a German medical doctor about 200 years ago.  In fact, all of homeopathy is governed by the United States Pharmacopoeia, which is the internationally recognized “bible” on homeopathic manufacturing techniques. 

 

Question:  What Are Homeopathic Remedies Made From?

 

Answer:  Although it is natural, homeopathy is not herbal medicine per se, and doesn’t refer to, nor imply any other forms of medicine, other then the use of these very specific types of homoepathic medications outlined in the United States Pharmacopoeia.  Homeopathic remedies are made from either plant, animal or mineral substances, and there are literally thousands of homeopathic remedies.  Almost all natural substances in the universe can potentially be made homeopathically, if they aren’t already!

 

Question:  Where Can I Buy Homeopathic Remedies?

 

Answers:  There are about ten homeopathic pharmacies in the greater Los Angeles area.  The remedies are also now sold at many health food stores and are available for purchase through mail order directly from the homeopathic pharmaceutical manufacturers.  You do not need a prescription to purchase most homeopathic remedies.   There are many homeopathic websites also, where you can glean loads of information for free.

 

Question: Why Would I Want to Take a Homeopathic Remedy

 

Answer:  The main difference is that homeopathy helps to bring about harmony to the human body/mind/spirit by intervening in the energetic process of the individual.  If you have a physical pain, a homeopathic remedy is often the fastest way to heal the pain. 

 

Question:  What Can Homeopathy Really Cure?

 

Answer:  Virtually anything:  sciatica, migraines, sinus trouble, hot flashes, anxiety, worry, insomnia, fear, depression, bad breath, toe fungus, IBS, constipation, acid reflux, PMS, eating disorders, addictions, stress disorders, and just about anything else. 

 

Question:  How Does Homeopathy Cure so Many Different Problems?

 

Answer:  Homeopathy works by treating the PERSON, and not the DISEASE.  By treating the person, your unique problems will also be cured.

 

Question:  What Does a Homeopathic Remedy Really Do?

 

Answer:  The correct homeopathic remedy will help to unblock the energetic “kinks” in a person which are keeping them from progressing on their emotional and spiritual path.   Herbs and vitamins won’t do that, because they only work on the physical and chemical level and not on the energetic level.

 

Question:  Who Is Dr. Randy Martin

 

Answer:  A media personality and an author,  Dr. Randy W. Martin, OMD, PhD, CCH, QME, Lac, has been in private practice in Encino and West Los Angeles since 1983.  His book “Optimal Health”  discusses how to heal yourself using herbs, homeopathy, acupressure and nutrition.  He specializes in treating women and children, men and pain control.  His emphasis is on headaches, PMS, menopause, ADD, ADHD, fertility, childbirth, cysts, fibroids and endometriosis.  He can be contacted through his website at: www.drrandymartin.com 

Why Homeopathy Does NOT Work —  by Dr. Randy Martin

Off Topic:

If you are stressed, or feeling sick, or in pain right now, remember that we are in the middle of a very powerful full moon cycle and moon wobble.   Many people are experiencing all kinds of physical ailments and emotional stress.  You are not alone!

On Topic:

HERE ARE THE TOP 10 REASONS HOMEOPATHY DOES NOT WORK!!!

1.  You were given the wrong homeopathy remedy - Many “homeopaths” have only taken a few weekend courses, and don’t really know how to select the right remedy.

2.  You were given the right remedy in the wrong potency - There are many strengths, or potencies, of homeopathic remedies.  They range from 3C, 6C, 12C, and 30C on up to 200C, 1M, 10M, and 50M and beyond.  You may have taken a remedy that was right for you, but the potency was wrong.  In this case it wouldn’t work.

3.  You stopped taking the remedy too soon - Just like in a chess game; you must have the patience to complete the game.  Many people stop the remedy too soon when they don’t see improvement.

4.  You didn’t communicate to your homeopath the changes that occurred when you took your remedy - Unlike Western doctors, most of the information a homeopath uses to prescribe your remedy, actually comes from you.   If you don’t communicate accurately all the little nuances of changes that are occurring while you take your remedy, the homeopath won’t have the data he needs to prescribe accurately.

5.  You swallowed your remedy - Remember that for a homeopathic remedy to work, you must place it under your tongue and suck on it.  If you touch the pills or swallow them, they won’t work.

6.  You didn’t wait 20 minutes before and after your took the homeopathic remedy, without putting anything else in your mouth - Remember, that you must have nothing in your mouth for at least 20 minutes, for your remedy to work effectively.

7.  You were given a “combination” homeopathic remedy - some “homeopaths” use combination remedies with 3, 6, 8 or more homeopathic remedies in one pill.  This isn’t really homeopathy, and more often than not, won’t work.  If the homeopath is not trained in homeopathy, he or she might use combination remedies out of convenience.  But don’t judge its effectiveness based on a combination remedy.  Although it might bring some relief, it might not.

8.  You drink a lot of coffee, ate a lot of mints, or got dental work - Anything that affects your nervous system may lesson the effects of your homeopathic remedy.   Be sure to tell your homeopath so he can assess what is going on.

9.  You keep your homeopathic remedies next to your TV set, or near some other strong electric device or electro-magnetic field - Remember that homeopathic remedies are made from very small amounts or either plant, animal or mineral substances, and can easily be ruined if subjected to long-standing energy fields.

10.  You didn’t tell your homeopath everything going on with you - Remember that without all the information, a homeopath cannot be expected to select the right remedy.   This includes ALL your physical ailments, even if you only want one of them to be cured.   And also tell him about your emotions and psychological stresses.  Remember, everything is interconnected in homeopathy.

So, you might say, why would anyone ever want to try homeopathy in the first place, given the fact that it doesn’t work so much of the time?  Or, you might ask, why are you expecting me to believe in ghosts, or in magic?  Why would I want to trust my well being to homeopathy, when it isn’t accepted by the mainstream in this country? 

These are good questions.  I would direct you to the testimonial page of my website.  Many people have spoken their truth about homeopathy and it’s effectiveness in their life:   http://drrandymartin.com/testimonials.html

Or do a google search for homeopathy and scientific studies.  In one search I just did, I saw many good books and studies, which showed how and why homeopathy works.   But beware of the quack busters, who really know nothing about homeopathy.

Best of luck in your quest for optimal health!!!!