Positive Chinese Medicine Inc.

Chinese herbal medicine is based on the concepts of Yin and Yang. It aims to understand and treat the many ways in which the fundamental balance and harmony between the two may be undermined and the ways in which a person’s “Qi” or vitality may be depleted or blocked. Clinical strategies are based upon diagnosis of patterns of signs and symptoms that reflect an imbalance.

Chinese medicine is a very personalized system which is designed individually for each patient. For example, when we recommend herbs, each person may and usually will receive a special combination of up to 20 different herbs for his or her particular symptoms, even when basic diagnosis is the same. The formula is usually different depending on each person’s body constitution, stress level and life style, also the formula can be altered as treatment progresses.

Your first visit will consist of extensive pulse taking which shows the conditions of your body’s internal organs, examinations of your tongue to check its muscular form, colour, texture and coating. Detailed medical history, and lifestyle, including nutritional habits and other environmental factors will be taken. Practitioner will recommend the most appropriate treatment for you.

Since the treatment goal is to restore and balance “Qi”,some patients may experience a burst of energy while others may feel relaxed or even tired. Many people experience a sense of calm and well being. Rarely, patients may temporarily feel euphoric or lightheaded at their first treatment.

Most people are surprised to learn that acupuncture needles are very thin. The actual insertion of the hair-thin, disposable fine needles has been described as feeling a mosquito bite.

The needles may be stimulated by twirling them or connecting them to a mild electrical current (there is no risk of electrical shock). This stimulation may cause a mild tingling or aching, numbness, distending, warmth and pressure referred to as “de Qi”, but the sensation differs from pain. This is necessary and shows the acupoint is being properly stimulated. Surprisingly, most of the people describe the feeling as unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.

We find that many patients fall asleep during their treatment because they are so relaxed.

Yes. Acupuncture and herbs can be used alone, or with IVF or IUI together. If time permits, ideally a head start of 2-3 months before IVF or IUI procedure would be optimum. However any treatments before the procedure are beneficial. Many studies have shown that the use of acupuncture and herbs to IVF can greatly increase the efficiency of IVF.

Yes. A 2005 study published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility showed significant increases in the number and motility of sperm in men who had acupuncture treatments.