Bisphenol A (BPA) is a prevalent industrial chemical utilized primarily in the manufacturing of specific plastics and epoxy resins. BPA disrupts normal hormone signaling and reproductive function in both males and females, resulting in impaired fertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental effects on offspring. Minimizing BPA exposure, particularly during critical developmental periods like preconception, pregnancy, and childhood, is crucial for safeguarding reproductive health. This involves avoiding BPA-containing products such as certain plastics and canned foods, and opting for safer alternatives whenever feasible.
One of my favorite types of treatments we do as an acupuncturist is to prepare a pregnant woman for labor. It is such a powerful time in a woman’s life, standing on the precipice of motherhood, preparing to embark on a very new, very personal journey. Something special can occur during those labor preparation treatments that allows a woman to center and ground herself, while encouraging the the necessary hormonal cascade to fall into place, allowing labor to begin. Labor preparation isn’t only about supporting the onset of labor, it’s about supporting the mother-to-be physically, emotionally, and spiritually as she makes her transition into motherhood.
The acupuncture point UB 67 on the Urinary Bladder channel is the primary point used because it is the most dynamic point to activate the uterus. The primary function of acupoint UB 67 is to turn malpositioned babies. The point is located on the tip of the pinky toe, near the lower outside corner of the toenail.
According to TCM theory, moxa has a tonifying and warming effect which promotes movement and activity. The nature of heat is also rising. This warming and raising effect is utilised to encourage the baby to become more active and lift its bottom up in order to gain adequate momentum to summersault into the head down position.
What should be emphasized, however, is that quantity of eggs does not automatically translate to quality of eggs. There can be a high ovarian reserve with poor egg quality. Conversely, a young woman may have a low ovarian supply due to genetic factors, but she may still have good quality eggs. Usually a woman’s age is combined with her estimated ovarian reserve to predict the quality of her eggs. Because there is not a medical test to determine egg quality, the only real test of egg quality is a live birth.
Women with adequate vitamin D levels, defined as above 20ng/ml, undergoing IVF were TWICEas likely to conceive as women with low vitamin D levels, defined as below 20ng/ml.
