Welcome to the March edition of our newsletter
The start of 2009 began in Nanjing China. I had planned the trip so I could study under the tutelage of Dr Xia who is 80 years of age. He has been specializing in fertility treatments using Chinese herbal medicine for over 50 years. I had chosen Jiangsu Provincial hospital because I had spent 3 months in 2004 completing my internship there. I was very surprised to see a transformed hospital. In 2004 it was under renovation and very dusty and dirty.
With the assistance of a translator I was able to observe and translate over 200 cases of fertility issues, and observed the gamut of fertility problems. Chinese herbal medicine was treatment protocol for PCOS, endometriosis, blocked tubes, unknown infertility by regulating the cycle, improving the quality and thickness of the endometrium. Herbs can provide supporting treatment in between IVF sessions especially if there has been several failed cycles. Herbs were also used to support pregnancy in a history of miscarriage as well as morning sickness.
As you can see in the photo yourself, Dr Xia looks great for an 80 year old. He works every morning from 8am to 12 pm and sees 35-40 patients. All up I saw over 200 patients in a one week period. Fertility it seems is not a problem only confined to the west. IVF treatments in China is not as popular as it is here in Australia, however it will only be a matter of time I feel.
I am always most impressed with the speed at which you can get your blood test results in a Chinese hospital. The doctor sends the patient away for a blood test or x-ray and 15 mins late they come back with the results! Doctors are trained in both Eastern and Western medicine and many prescribe the two medicines together. Houng Lau
Herb of the month:
Gou qi berries (goji)
Readily available from Coles . Due to a lot of marketing, goji berries one of 300 Chinese herbs is now very well known.
It is fantastic for improving eyesight and benefits the liver and kidneys. Very useful for menopausal symptoms as well. It protects the immune system and its best taken throughout winter to protect against colds and flu.
Please don’t take it before bed. One patient ate a bowl full at night and had so much energy they couldn’t sleep
How do I take it.
Take 10 grams per day. Mix it in your cereal or you may put a handful in chicken soup or vegetable soup. Or steep in hot water to drink as a herbal tea. For sore red eyes take with 5 chrysanthemum flowers available at your Chinese grocery shop
Success Story:
Male Patient sees Houng with 8/10 pain in lower back running down the legs from a bulging disc. 2 months of osteopathic treatments made no changes to his condition. After 11 acupuncture treatments, and consultations with the physio for the correction of posture he now leads a pain-free life.