Acupuncture, potential aid to fertility
ACUPUNCTURE has been recognized as a fertility enhancing approach through its restoration of balance to the body and the internal systems responsible for regulating hormones.
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine involving inserting thin needles into the body and it's based on the theory that energy, flows through and around your body along pathways called meridians.
Nordica Fertility Centre's Infertility Counselor/Acupuncturist, Dr. Esther Odiete, at the Physicians Roundtable at in Lagos, recently with theme: 'Transforming Infertility Treatment- In line with global advancements' affirmed that acupuncture could benefit IVF patients beyond potentially improving rates of IVF pregnancy success.
Odiete said by giving a patient acupuncture before IVF is done has resulted into positive results from practical experience and several studies globally.
She affirmed that acupuncture stimulates the neurotransmitters that trigger the production of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, which controls the menstrual cycle and a woman's ovulation.
It is also believed to stimulate blood flow to the uterus and boost the production of endogenous opioids, inducing the body to relax.
Odiete said acupuncture is best before embarking on IVF, during stimulation, before and after embryo transfer. She said countless benefits of acupuncture include reduction of anxiety, stress, and hormones secreted during stressful situations which significantly decrease fertility.
It also increases blood flow to the uterus, thus thickening the uterine lining, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall and normalises the systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, PCOS.
“Acupuncture could benefit IVF patients beyond potentially improving rates of IVF pregnancy success, noting that it is relatively safe and inexpensive and may aid patients in coping with the emotional and psychological challenges related to IVF and infertility, she said
“It regulates the menstruation and improve ovulation. Improves egg quality by nourishing the follicles with adequate blood supply. It terms of physiological effects, it increases circulation , decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms, increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.
Dr. Abayomi Ajayi on his part said: “The physicians roundtable is to bring doctors together to share knowledge and ideas on the latest happenings in the world of IVF. It is supposed to be a quarterly programme and we will make more regular. People are more aware of infertility in Nigeria and are coming out for treatment.
“You know there is a difference between awareness and knowledge. Although the knowledge is still very superficial and that is why we really want to address. To make everybody to understand IVF, know what to expect from it and nobody can take you for a ride in the name of IVF.
He added: “The idea of this project was five years ago, I was in the USA and made some inquiries and I observed that acupuncture was beneficial and came with the question what can I do? So we had to send someone to China. But my surprise is the way people took it. They can see the benefits.”
Nordica, Lagos registered about 600 new patients every year with over 500 treatments in 2014.
Blatter deserves Nobel Prize – Putin
Moscow – Russian President Vladimir Putin, has said that FIFA President Sepp Blatter should be considered for a Nobel Prize for bringing countries together with international football.
Eulogies as Chinyere Asika is buried
The burial of the former first lady of the defunct East Central State, Mrs. Chinyere Asika in the ancient city of Onitsha on July 24, 2015, lived up to its bidding as it attracted very important personalities from across the country. Former military head of State, General Yakubu Gowon and former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma, who were prominent members of the burial committee of the former first lady, virtually relocated to Anambra State to ensure the success of the event.
Customs seals warehouses of rice importers over N23.6b excess levy
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), on Tuesday, sealed warehouses of defaulting rice importers over non-payment of N23.6 billion excess importation levy.
Breaking news: Pump price hike: DSS takes over monitoring of fuel distribution
The Department of State Services, DSS, may have taken over the job of monitoring downstream petroleum distribution and marketing, as part of the President Muhamadu Buhari’s measures to stem the high level of corruption in subsidy claims.
Femi Branch, Lilian Bach, Shan George storm Calabar
Charismatic Nollywood actor Femi Branch is currently on location in Calabar shooting a movie titled One Good Man. The movie is produced by Shan George and she also stars in it alongside Lilian Bach, Vivian Metchie among others.
We weren’t given mandate to scramble for leadership positions-Saraki
The Senate President, Sen. Bukola Saraki on Tuesday, said that Nigerians did not give members of the National Assembly (NASS) mandates to scramble over leadership positions.
Soldiers ambush Boko Haram, kill 11
Three militia fighters and 11 Boko Haram militants have been killed in a clash in a village in northeastern Nigeria, a local resident and a member of the militia fighting alongside the army said Tuesday.
S.Africa’s Desmond Tutu readmitted to hospital
South African Archbishop emeritus Desmond Tutu was hospitalised Tuesday with a persistent infection just a week after being discharged following treatment for the same ailment, his foundation said.
FG spends 2.41b dollars on rice importation since 2012 – Emefiele
The Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele on Tuesday said the Federal Government spent 2.41 billion dollars on rice importation between January 2012 and May 2015.
EFCC interrogates Saraki’s wife over alleged corruption
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday interrogated Mrs Toyin Saraki, wife of the Senate President for about six hours over alleged corruption.
Buhari appoints Boroh as new Coordinator Amnesty Programme
President Muhammadu Buhari has on Tuesday, approved the appointment of Brigadier-General P.T. Boroh (rtd.) as the Coordinator of the Amnesty Programme for former Niger Delta militants.
Combating the scourge of kidnapping
By Chioma Gabriel Kidnapping used to be a highly lucrative business in the South Eastern part of Nigeria. About three years ago, the trend was so high that many wealthy South Easterners hardly travelled home and whenever they did, they tended to keep very low profile. Kidnappers made as much as N750 million a year […]
How to revive your partner’s libido
If your love-life is flagging, you’re always advised to change your partner! A bit drastic, but it could be extremely inconvenient socially but there is one thing you definitely ought to try first in reviving your libido, is changing the background.
Army rescue 30 people from terrorists in Dikwa
The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that it had rescued 30 persons forcefully abducted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists as a follow up to its operations in Dikwa, headquarters of Dikwa local government area, Borno.
New regional force to fight Boko Haram ‘any time now’ – Nigerian army
A new regional force tasked with fighting Boko Haram jihadists should go into action very soon, Nigeria’s military spokesman told AFP on Tuesday, though he did not specify when for tactical reasons.
