Register for the January 13th Fertility Seminar!
This will be the most informative hour and a half you can spend learning how acupuncture and herbal medicine can make the difference between success and failure for those faced with the difficult challenge of infertility.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac., FABORM has been successfully treating infertility cases for 13 years with acupuncture and herbs. He is one of the nations leading experts in this field.
Please come so we can help you turn your dream of family into a reality!
Love and blessings...
mike
Click here to find out more
Thursday, December 30
Wednesday, December 29
New Year's Resolution - again
2011 is the year that you are determined to get pregnant and to stay pregnant.
I have put together a list of items that may be appropriate for your New Years Resolution List.
1. I have had several failed IUI's and/or IVF's. I will try to include something different going forward as I know there must be something missing. Otherwise I'd be pregnant - acupuncture and herbs.
2. I have tried acupuncture and herbs but I'm still not pregnant. I will find an acupuncturist who is an expert in infertility to treat me rather than using the 'guy down the block' because he or she is conveniently located.
3. I have had 3 failed IUI's and 3 failed IVF's. My doctor says "no herbs". Ask yourself this: Has your doctor given you a baby? Start taking herbs. Theys have been effectively used 3000 years before your doctor was a twinkle in his momma's eye.
4. Want to know if acupuncture and herbs can help you conceive...well do your due diligence and start researching. Of course you'll find many studies that prove efficacy.
5. Ask, ask, ask your acupuncturist every question you can come up with. If they cannot answer your questions...move on until you find someone who can.
6. Find an acupuncturist who is willing to have a free mini-consultation with you so you and your partner can meet him/her, see their clinic, see if you connect and have your questions answered.
7. Find an acupuncturist who works 24/7 so that if your transfer occurs on a Sunday, your acupuncturist is available to perform pre and post embryo transfer acupuncture, a method proven by several studies to increase positive outcomes.
8. Find an acupuncturist who is a Board Certified Herbalist, not an acupuncturist who prescribes herbs but really is not qualified to do so.
9. Learn to exhale.
10. Remember to love those closest to you, express it, show it, live it.
11. Remember to love those that you don't know!
Happy New Year! And...God speed on your journey to family.
Love...
Mike Berkley
I have put together a list of items that may be appropriate for your New Years Resolution List.
1. I have had several failed IUI's and/or IVF's. I will try to include something different going forward as I know there must be something missing. Otherwise I'd be pregnant - acupuncture and herbs.
2. I have tried acupuncture and herbs but I'm still not pregnant. I will find an acupuncturist who is an expert in infertility to treat me rather than using the 'guy down the block' because he or she is conveniently located.
3. I have had 3 failed IUI's and 3 failed IVF's. My doctor says "no herbs". Ask yourself this: Has your doctor given you a baby? Start taking herbs. Theys have been effectively used 3000 years before your doctor was a twinkle in his momma's eye.
4. Want to know if acupuncture and herbs can help you conceive...well do your due diligence and start researching. Of course you'll find many studies that prove efficacy.
5. Ask, ask, ask your acupuncturist every question you can come up with. If they cannot answer your questions...move on until you find someone who can.
6. Find an acupuncturist who is willing to have a free mini-consultation with you so you and your partner can meet him/her, see their clinic, see if you connect and have your questions answered.
7. Find an acupuncturist who works 24/7 so that if your transfer occurs on a Sunday, your acupuncturist is available to perform pre and post embryo transfer acupuncture, a method proven by several studies to increase positive outcomes.
8. Find an acupuncturist who is a Board Certified Herbalist, not an acupuncturist who prescribes herbs but really is not qualified to do so.
9. Learn to exhale.
10. Remember to love those closest to you, express it, show it, live it.
11. Remember to love those that you don't know!
Happy New Year! And...God speed on your journey to family.
Love...
Mike Berkley
Tuesday, December 14
A great embryo - or is it?
There is no way a doctor can determine that an embryo is of good quality with today's diagnostic capabilities. This is why when a doctor says "you have a beautiful embryo and a beautiful lining" these are merely words of encouragement with no substantive clinical value.
The reasoning behind my statement is based on my experience. Thousands of patients have perfect blastocysts transferred and get pregnant and miscarry or don't get pregnant.
Thousands of patients have 5 cell embryos with some percentage of fragmentation manifest and conceive and deilver a healthy child.
Why is this? Probably becuase there are many processes and hormones, chemicals and other biochemical components that need to be in perfect balance before conception will occur.
Most doctors don't want to do embryo transfers on women whose linings are less than 9 mm but there are many documented pregnancies which occur with 5mm linings.
The role of acupuncture and herbal medicine is, essentially, one of balancing, or harmonizing - facilitating a state as close to homeostasis as possible. This is why when patients include acupuncture and herbal medicine into their IVF embryo transfer protocols success is often found where previous failures were ongoing.
I had a patient today who has had 4 failed IVF cycles. She has been getting acupuncture and I suggested that she take herbs. She informed me that her doctor didn't want her to take herbs; I asked her what her doctor has done for her so far. She then decided to take herbs.
If IVF were the answer, the success rates would be higher than 25-35%. If acupuncture and herbal medicine were the answer, there would be no need for IVF. But, when these two modalities are used together, the results are frequently better than that achieved when using one of them alone.
Many doctors don't want their patients to take herbs becasue there hasn't been enough scientific research done on herbal medicine and they don't have proof of it's efficacy. Do you have proof that God exists? Yet you have faith that he(or she) does. And, interestingly, many doctors and scientists believe in God though there is absolutely no evidence to prove the existance of God. I would say this may represent a double standard in these individuals.
Am I asking too much of my patients to have faith in herbs? After all, there is greater evidence of their efficacy than there is of the existance of God. Herbs have been ingested and have helped heal millions of people for thousands of years. You can see, touch, taste, feel and smell herbs. And you can see their immediate effect. Can you state the same about God?
I think the proof is in the pudding. IVF is only as good as it's positive outcomes and that doesn't mean pregnancies it means take home babies. Until IVF can provide a 100% success rate, patients and doctors alike are foolish to shun herbs.
Want more proof? Just ask any of my success patients about how acupuncture and herbs changed their lives by helping to facilitate an ongoing pregnancy.
I believe in integrative medicine, not egocentric, segrated, fear-based medicine. Isn't interesting how the practice of Western medicine is a microcosm of the world in which we live. Full of in-fighting, and egos, and ignorance?
Chinese medicine is far more inclusive. For example, in China today, most hospitals use both Western and Chinese medicine to treat in-patient and out-patient cases.
In Germany, homeopathy is wide-spread and is used in conjunction with Western traditional medicine. In France, acupuncture has been used for 400 years.
What is wrong with the mind, heart and soul of the American medical instituion?
Did you know that a 10mm lining provides absolutely no assurance of its health nor its ability to recieve and nurture an implanted embryo? Some 10mm linings are pathologic and some 5mm linings are perfectly physiologic. Did you know that by doing a transvaginal ultra-sound with a color doppler a doctor can determine if there is adequate blood flow to the lining? Did you know that if there is inadequate blood flow to the lining a pregnancy will not occur? Did you know that acupuncture and herbal medicine can greatly increase blood flow to the lining?
I'll leave you with these thoughts for now. Think carefully about what I have written.
The reasoning behind my statement is based on my experience. Thousands of patients have perfect blastocysts transferred and get pregnant and miscarry or don't get pregnant.
Thousands of patients have 5 cell embryos with some percentage of fragmentation manifest and conceive and deilver a healthy child.
Why is this? Probably becuase there are many processes and hormones, chemicals and other biochemical components that need to be in perfect balance before conception will occur.
Most doctors don't want to do embryo transfers on women whose linings are less than 9 mm but there are many documented pregnancies which occur with 5mm linings.
The role of acupuncture and herbal medicine is, essentially, one of balancing, or harmonizing - facilitating a state as close to homeostasis as possible. This is why when patients include acupuncture and herbal medicine into their IVF embryo transfer protocols success is often found where previous failures were ongoing.
I had a patient today who has had 4 failed IVF cycles. She has been getting acupuncture and I suggested that she take herbs. She informed me that her doctor didn't want her to take herbs; I asked her what her doctor has done for her so far. She then decided to take herbs.
If IVF were the answer, the success rates would be higher than 25-35%. If acupuncture and herbal medicine were the answer, there would be no need for IVF. But, when these two modalities are used together, the results are frequently better than that achieved when using one of them alone.
Many doctors don't want their patients to take herbs becasue there hasn't been enough scientific research done on herbal medicine and they don't have proof of it's efficacy. Do you have proof that God exists? Yet you have faith that he(or she) does. And, interestingly, many doctors and scientists believe in God though there is absolutely no evidence to prove the existance of God. I would say this may represent a double standard in these individuals.
Am I asking too much of my patients to have faith in herbs? After all, there is greater evidence of their efficacy than there is of the existance of God. Herbs have been ingested and have helped heal millions of people for thousands of years. You can see, touch, taste, feel and smell herbs. And you can see their immediate effect. Can you state the same about God?
I think the proof is in the pudding. IVF is only as good as it's positive outcomes and that doesn't mean pregnancies it means take home babies. Until IVF can provide a 100% success rate, patients and doctors alike are foolish to shun herbs.
Want more proof? Just ask any of my success patients about how acupuncture and herbs changed their lives by helping to facilitate an ongoing pregnancy.
I believe in integrative medicine, not egocentric, segrated, fear-based medicine. Isn't interesting how the practice of Western medicine is a microcosm of the world in which we live. Full of in-fighting, and egos, and ignorance?
Chinese medicine is far more inclusive. For example, in China today, most hospitals use both Western and Chinese medicine to treat in-patient and out-patient cases.
In Germany, homeopathy is wide-spread and is used in conjunction with Western traditional medicine. In France, acupuncture has been used for 400 years.
What is wrong with the mind, heart and soul of the American medical instituion?
Did you know that a 10mm lining provides absolutely no assurance of its health nor its ability to recieve and nurture an implanted embryo? Some 10mm linings are pathologic and some 5mm linings are perfectly physiologic. Did you know that by doing a transvaginal ultra-sound with a color doppler a doctor can determine if there is adequate blood flow to the lining? Did you know that if there is inadequate blood flow to the lining a pregnancy will not occur? Did you know that acupuncture and herbal medicine can greatly increase blood flow to the lining?
I'll leave you with these thoughts for now. Think carefully about what I have written.
Wednesday, December 1
Conception is a natural process – Or…don’t microwave your dinner!
Process
Conception, pregnancy and parturition are a process. One definition of process is “a series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result”. Any natural process is better in every way than an artificial one. A good example is cooking. There is the process of cooking which is a slow, mindful act and there is microwave cooking which is basically a non-participatory act without natural process. There is no relationship between the chef and the outcome of the meal. Which meal tastes better? And, which is healthier to eat?
The process of conception is quite complicated and requires the perfect balance and function of many components all working in a coordinated and harmonious fashion. Sperm must be attracted to egg, it must find the egg, and it must penetrate the egg. The egg has be high quality and so too must be the sperm. The lining must have qualitative integrity. The embryo must find the lining and must be able to penetrate it. The placenta must develop and nourish the developing fetus and rid the fetus of waste matter. The placenta must protect the fetus from immunological attack. The cytokines, proteins, immune function, blood flow, gycoproteins, hormones must all be in balance and not under or over functioning. There must be absence of pathological mitigators which can contribute to infertility or promote miscarriage. Each and every player in the orchestra of conception must be in tune. One sour note and pregnancy will not occur or miscarriage will ensue.
Chinese medicine which consists mainly of acupuncture and herbal medicine does not work by adding to that which is deficient or reducing that which is in excess; Western medicine is good at that. For example, a common practice in treating a deficiency syndrome, i.e., hypothyroidism is to ADD synthroid. Or a common method at reducing excess insulin is by prescribing Metformin. These medicines which add or suppress or reduce have changed the face of civilization. Without the intervention of Western medicine and surgery our life-span would probably not exceed 40 years of age and three million babies would not have been born as a result of IVF. How many couples however, have remained childless even though they have undergone multiple IVFs? I am guessing more than three million.
Here is why: Just as a microwave oven can cook a meal, IVF can create a baby. But, as the microwave does not supplant the relationship between the chef and the food and the process of creating a meal, IVF cannot, in all its glory, in all cases, replace the natural process which is necessary to occur for conception and a take-home-baby to ensue.
The alternative
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are essentially used to create a state as close to homeostasis as possible. Homeostasis is when everything in the body and mind work perfectly. Obviously, this is not attainable. But, acupuncture and herbs attempt this and by attempting it a greater state of systemic and psycho-emotional health is frequently achieved. This is why, in many cases, acupuncture and herbs work to help one achieve pregnancy when IVF fails.
Because the greater one’s physical and psycho-emotional health is, the more likely they will be to conceive and deliver.
Based upon fourteen years of clinical experience in the field of infertility it is my professional opinion that the best case scenario for the infertile patient is to utilize Western medicine in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine. The reason for this is quite simple. When the reproductive endocrinologist retrieves eggs and fertilizes them with sperm the resulting embryo is as good as its constituent components, egg and sperm. Most IVFs that fail do so because of poor egg quality and/or poor sperm quality. The reproductive endocrinologist cannot improve egg or sperm quality; acupuncture and herbs frequently can.
Blood
I saw a thirty four year old patient today. She has conceived three times with intercourse only to miscarry each time. She did get pregnant and delivered a baby as a result of insemination. She had one subsequent failed IVF. Now her doctor recommends donor egg with IVF. The patient has cold hands and feet, a pale complexion, low energy and gets dizzy. Obviously she has poor hemodynamics.
Blood is what carries FSH and LH from the brain to the ovaries; blood nourishes the endometrial lining; blood carries oxygen, electrolytes and nutrition to the entire reproductive system and removes waste matter from the reproductive environment. When cells die which they constantly do, they are ‘eaten’ up by macrophages. If the immune function is not functioning normally and debris is not removed, the outer layer of the dead cells breach and the internal toxic substance circulates within the ovarian milieu causing degradation in ovarian/egg quality. Acupuncture and herbal medicine increase blood flow; as a result this- can in many instances improve the health and function of the target tissue: ovaries and endometrial lining.
Why are you not using acupuncture and herbs?
It is difficult for me to understand why all infertile patients don’t include acupuncture and herbal medicine in their protocols. Why would they not? There has been so much research elucidating the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility that acupuncture is no longer referred to as ‘alternative’ medicine but rather ‘complementary’ medicine. Herbs have a three-thousand year history of positive clinical outcomes.
Herb safety
Regarding the safety profile of herbs I have this to say: there are at least one million hospitalizations per year in America alone which occur as a result of adverse reactions to Western medicine. Many of these hospitalizations result in death. This does not happen with herbal medicine.
It is ironic therefore, that many (but no longer all!) doctors don’t want their patients on herbs because “they don’t know what’s in them”. Do you know what’s in Lupron? Or Gonal F? Did you know that ovarian hyper stimulation even from clomid can be fatal?
Don’t misunderstand, I am 100% pro IUI, IVF and donor egg-IVF protocols. But to not partake of a modality with proven results which may change the course from a negative outcome to a positive one especially in the patient who has had multiple IUI/IVF failures is a clinical error.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac., FABORM
Founder and Director, The Berkley Center for Reproductive Medicine
Conception, pregnancy and parturition are a process. One definition of process is “a series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result”. Any natural process is better in every way than an artificial one. A good example is cooking. There is the process of cooking which is a slow, mindful act and there is microwave cooking which is basically a non-participatory act without natural process. There is no relationship between the chef and the outcome of the meal. Which meal tastes better? And, which is healthier to eat?
The process of conception is quite complicated and requires the perfect balance and function of many components all working in a coordinated and harmonious fashion. Sperm must be attracted to egg, it must find the egg, and it must penetrate the egg. The egg has be high quality and so too must be the sperm. The lining must have qualitative integrity. The embryo must find the lining and must be able to penetrate it. The placenta must develop and nourish the developing fetus and rid the fetus of waste matter. The placenta must protect the fetus from immunological attack. The cytokines, proteins, immune function, blood flow, gycoproteins, hormones must all be in balance and not under or over functioning. There must be absence of pathological mitigators which can contribute to infertility or promote miscarriage. Each and every player in the orchestra of conception must be in tune. One sour note and pregnancy will not occur or miscarriage will ensue.
Chinese medicine which consists mainly of acupuncture and herbal medicine does not work by adding to that which is deficient or reducing that which is in excess; Western medicine is good at that. For example, a common practice in treating a deficiency syndrome, i.e., hypothyroidism is to ADD synthroid. Or a common method at reducing excess insulin is by prescribing Metformin. These medicines which add or suppress or reduce have changed the face of civilization. Without the intervention of Western medicine and surgery our life-span would probably not exceed 40 years of age and three million babies would not have been born as a result of IVF. How many couples however, have remained childless even though they have undergone multiple IVFs? I am guessing more than three million.
Here is why: Just as a microwave oven can cook a meal, IVF can create a baby. But, as the microwave does not supplant the relationship between the chef and the food and the process of creating a meal, IVF cannot, in all its glory, in all cases, replace the natural process which is necessary to occur for conception and a take-home-baby to ensue.
The alternative
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are essentially used to create a state as close to homeostasis as possible. Homeostasis is when everything in the body and mind work perfectly. Obviously, this is not attainable. But, acupuncture and herbs attempt this and by attempting it a greater state of systemic and psycho-emotional health is frequently achieved. This is why, in many cases, acupuncture and herbs work to help one achieve pregnancy when IVF fails.
Because the greater one’s physical and psycho-emotional health is, the more likely they will be to conceive and deliver.
Based upon fourteen years of clinical experience in the field of infertility it is my professional opinion that the best case scenario for the infertile patient is to utilize Western medicine in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine. The reason for this is quite simple. When the reproductive endocrinologist retrieves eggs and fertilizes them with sperm the resulting embryo is as good as its constituent components, egg and sperm. Most IVFs that fail do so because of poor egg quality and/or poor sperm quality. The reproductive endocrinologist cannot improve egg or sperm quality; acupuncture and herbs frequently can.
Blood
I saw a thirty four year old patient today. She has conceived three times with intercourse only to miscarry each time. She did get pregnant and delivered a baby as a result of insemination. She had one subsequent failed IVF. Now her doctor recommends donor egg with IVF. The patient has cold hands and feet, a pale complexion, low energy and gets dizzy. Obviously she has poor hemodynamics.
Blood is what carries FSH and LH from the brain to the ovaries; blood nourishes the endometrial lining; blood carries oxygen, electrolytes and nutrition to the entire reproductive system and removes waste matter from the reproductive environment. When cells die which they constantly do, they are ‘eaten’ up by macrophages. If the immune function is not functioning normally and debris is not removed, the outer layer of the dead cells breach and the internal toxic substance circulates within the ovarian milieu causing degradation in ovarian/egg quality. Acupuncture and herbal medicine increase blood flow; as a result this- can in many instances improve the health and function of the target tissue: ovaries and endometrial lining.
Why are you not using acupuncture and herbs?
It is difficult for me to understand why all infertile patients don’t include acupuncture and herbal medicine in their protocols. Why would they not? There has been so much research elucidating the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility that acupuncture is no longer referred to as ‘alternative’ medicine but rather ‘complementary’ medicine. Herbs have a three-thousand year history of positive clinical outcomes.
Herb safety
Regarding the safety profile of herbs I have this to say: there are at least one million hospitalizations per year in America alone which occur as a result of adverse reactions to Western medicine. Many of these hospitalizations result in death. This does not happen with herbal medicine.
It is ironic therefore, that many (but no longer all!) doctors don’t want their patients on herbs because “they don’t know what’s in them”. Do you know what’s in Lupron? Or Gonal F? Did you know that ovarian hyper stimulation even from clomid can be fatal?
Don’t misunderstand, I am 100% pro IUI, IVF and donor egg-IVF protocols. But to not partake of a modality with proven results which may change the course from a negative outcome to a positive one especially in the patient who has had multiple IUI/IVF failures is a clinical error.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac., FABORM
Founder and Director, The Berkley Center for Reproductive Medicine
Monday, November 22
happy thanksgiving
eyes to see blue skies
nose to smell the rose
mouth to taste the sweet
hands to hold and squeeze
legs to carry me
heart to be gracious
soul to be bodacious
courage to move forward
love to give
open to receive
i give thanks
peace
nose to smell the rose
mouth to taste the sweet
hands to hold and squeeze
legs to carry me
heart to be gracious
soul to be bodacious
courage to move forward
love to give
open to receive
i give thanks
peace
Thursday, November 18
You Can Have a Baby! LECTURE in LONG ISLAND!!!
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 will be one of the most important nights of your life. If you have plans, cancel them. Attend this mind-blowing, information-packed, life-changing seminar!
Do you want a baby? Or perhaps another one? Have you had multiple failed cycles of IUI, IVF, or even donor-egg transfers?
Are you ready to open your heart and mind to learn about something that was successfully used to help couples get pregnant long before your great-great-great grandparents were even a twinkle in their parent’s eye? Way before the time of IUI or IVF or donor-egg transfer?
Mike Berkley, licensed acupuncturist and board certified herbalist has been treating infertility for thirteen years. He has lectured nationally to gynecologists, reproductive endocrinologists, acupuncturists and patients alike on the subject of complementary medicine and infertility.
Mike has created new acupuncture and herbal medicine protocols that are showing promising results. He has helped hundreds of ‘failed’ cases have babies!
In fact, Mike was the very first acupuncturist in the United States to devote a complementary medicine wellness center to the treatment and care of those trying to start or grow their families.
You are invited to attend this lecture and learn about ALL of your option. You are invited to learn how your odds of having a baby can sky-rocket with the right help!
Please be sure to bring your partner and a friend who may benefit from this ground-breaking knowledge.
Where: The Berkley Center at East Coast Fertility
1074 Old Country Road, Plainview, New York
When: Thursday, December 2nd, 2010 – 7:00pm to 8:30pm
The ball is in your court. Are you going to play to win or just sit in the stands and watch others score?
I have devoted my life to helping couples become pregnant; will you grant me the privilege to help you?
Register
Tuesday, November 16
Free Lecture: How Acupuncture will Help You to Conceive!
Free Lecture: Learn how Acupuncture Significantly Increases Pregnancy Rate
Monday, November 8
FERTILITY DISCUSSION SERIES
Come talk with fertility experts the first Wednesday evening of every month, 6-7:15 pm. Everyone is welcome and you do not have to be a patient at Batzofin Fertility Services to attend. There is no charge. Light refreshments will be served.
Contact Carolyn Berger, LCSW, at 914-834-6396 or cnberger@optonline.net for more information and to RSVP.
January 5th: “How Healthy Eating and Losing Weight Can Help You Get Pregnant: With Weight Loss Expert Kavita Jhaveri-Patel.
February 2nd : “Options in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): It Takes a Team” With Joel Batzofin, MD, Kristina Salvati-Block, PA-C, and Colleen Ryan, BS; Batzofin Fertility Services.
March 2nd: “Embryology: Choosing the Best Embryos to Transfer, Intricacies of ICSI and Much More” With Mary Schalkoff, PhD, Embryologist, Batzofin Fertility Services.
April 6th: “Can Acupuncture Help Me Get (and Stay) Pregnant?” With Mike Berkley, L.Ac., The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, NYC.
May 4th: “Love and Infertility: Keeping Your Relationship Alive While Trying to Get Pregnant” With Carolyn Berger, LCSW, Fertility Counselor at BFS and in Westchester.
June 1st: “Yoga for Fertility” with Beth Gibney-Boulden, Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified in Fertility Yoga, Full Circle Family Care, White Plains, NY.
July 6th: “Building Your Family in the LGBT Community” With Terry Boggis, Family Policy Advocate, The Gay Center, NYC.
All talks will be moderated by Carolyn Berger, LCSW, Fertility/Adoption Counselor and Founding Board Chair of The American Fertility Association. Carolyn counsels patients at Batzofin Fertility Services.
Contact Carolyn Berger, LCSW, at 914-834-6396 or cnberger@optonline.net for more information and to RSVP.
January 5th: “How Healthy Eating and Losing Weight Can Help You Get Pregnant: With Weight Loss Expert Kavita Jhaveri-Patel.
February 2nd : “Options in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART): It Takes a Team” With Joel Batzofin, MD, Kristina Salvati-Block, PA-C, and Colleen Ryan, BS; Batzofin Fertility Services.
March 2nd: “Embryology: Choosing the Best Embryos to Transfer, Intricacies of ICSI and Much More” With Mary Schalkoff, PhD, Embryologist, Batzofin Fertility Services.
April 6th: “Can Acupuncture Help Me Get (and Stay) Pregnant?” With Mike Berkley, L.Ac., The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, NYC.
May 4th: “Love and Infertility: Keeping Your Relationship Alive While Trying to Get Pregnant” With Carolyn Berger, LCSW, Fertility Counselor at BFS and in Westchester.
June 1st: “Yoga for Fertility” with Beth Gibney-Boulden, Registered Yoga Teacher, Certified in Fertility Yoga, Full Circle Family Care, White Plains, NY.
July 6th: “Building Your Family in the LGBT Community” With Terry Boggis, Family Policy Advocate, The Gay Center, NYC.
All talks will be moderated by Carolyn Berger, LCSW, Fertility/Adoption Counselor and Founding Board Chair of The American Fertility Association. Carolyn counsels patients at Batzofin Fertility Services.
Wednesday, November 3
A Day of Peer Groups and Professionally Led Support, Education and Roundtable Discussions for the Third Party Reproduction and Parenting Community
The NYC Gathering November 14, 2010
Upper West Side, 12:30-5:30pm
~Considering and Creating Strong Families~
A Day of Peer Groups and Professionally Led Support, Education and Roundtable Discussions for the Third Party Reproduction and Parenting Community
Topics Include:
Disclosure for Ages and Stages of Development ~ Family Communications
Known and Unknown Donation ~ Acupuncture for Fertility ~
Traveling for Donor IVF~ART Patient as ART Legal Client
Children’s Book Review ~ Creating Your Own Photo-Story book
Choice Parenting and Donor Selection ~ Nature and Nurture
Attachment and Identity Formation in Family Building
~Disclosure for Blended Families~
Participation by Clinicians, RN’s, Doctors, Agencies, Attorneys, Parents Engaging Discussion Groups
Families Sharing Support, Education, and Resources
Registration ~12:15-12:30
Lunch & Introduction ~12:30-1:00
Q&A ~1:00-2:00
Roundtable I~2:00-3:00
Roundtable II~3:15-4:15
Q&A and Closing~4:15-5:15
Workshop $75 pp includes lunch, 2nd or more adults $50, Creative Sitters Childcare $45 for the day in the Discovery Gym (adjacent to workshop).
Contact Saxel95@aol.com for registration
~Considering and Creating Strong Families~
Roundtable Leaders and Topics:
Nancy Kaufman, LCSW-Introduction to Professsionally Led Support Group: The Third Party Parenting Network. Nancy is a Clinician in Private Practice in NYC with an expertise in Infertility, Family-building and Disclosure.
Patricia Mendell, LCSW and Co-Chair of The AFA-Disclosure and Professionally Led Support Group. Patricia is a Clinician in Private Practice and group practice with a focus on Disclosure as the founder of The Family Building Network.
Nancy Freeman-Carroll, PsyD-Childrens Book Review & Nature vs Nurture Nancy is a Clinician in NYC with Group and Private practice in Parenting and Infertility with a focus on Womens Health, Parenting After ART and Family Counseling. She has presented at ASRM and The NYC Gathering and is a DE Mom.
Mary Fusillo, RN, De Mom, The Donor Solution Agency Owner and Healthcare Professional Former Clinic Donor Program Coordinator, and Mom to 12 yo daughter who is also attending. Mary is a volunteer through Donormoms of Houston and has presented at ASRM and The NYC Gathering.
Dr Susan Treiser, MD,PHd (attending with Nursing Staff) Co-founder and Co-director of IVF NJ to introduce clinic and lead discussion on Donor Egg and Third Party Reproduction at IVFNJ, PVED.ORG Executive Board Member and Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Resolve Award Winner.
Rosalind Hoffman, MD- DE/DS/SMC-Decision-making and donor selection for Choice Moms and general SMC Support. Long Island Resolve Peer Group Member.
Amy Demma, JD. When an ART Patients is also an ART Law Client: a practical discussion about navigating collaborative reproduction from the “parentage” perspective. Amy is a New York State licensed attorney working in assisted family building, primarily third-party and donor collaboration. Amy is a Vice President on the Executive Committee of RESOLVE of New England and serves on the ARTs Law Committee of the American Bar Association.
Rev. Susy Nason-Child Development and Family Communication Expert to introduce and discuss the How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, and Listen So Kids Will Talk method.
Lisa Schuman, LCSW-General Support Group Lisa is on staff at RMA NY and in Private Practice in the field of Infertility,Third-party Reproduction and Parenting. She is an Adoption Consultant specializing in Disclosure, Decision-making, and Child Development and has presented at ASRM.
Mike Berkley-Acupuncture for Fertility- Mike Berkley is the Director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, the first center of complimentary medicine to specialize in the treatment of infertility. He has been in practice for 13 years as a fertility practice.
Ingrid Maurer-Traveling for Donor IVF - Ingrid is a member of our community that has participated in numerous capacities in peer-support, as a guest speaker for Resolve, as a member of PVED.Org andTPPN and of course, The NYC Gathering.
Lori Goldkind-General Peer Support-Lori is a member of our on-going Womens DInner in Midtown and is a new mom via egg donation. Lori has been involved in The NYC Gathering and is a member of PVED.Org. Lori will be available to share her insights, support and experience with others who are considering or parenting via de.
Joann Paley Galst,Ph.D-Attachment, Identity Formation and Family Building: How and Why It Is Safe To Disclose. Joann is a clinician in private practice in NYC. Please see the June 2009 recap here on DONORGROUPSNYC about wonderful The AFA Teleconference that Joann led with Patricia Mendell.
Carolyn N. Berger, LCSW-Disclosure in Blended Families:When Children Come into the Family through Adoption And/Or Third Party And/Or Are Genetically Related. Carolyn is a clinician in NYC and Westchester with a practice devoted to Fertility, All Forms of Family Building and Adoption.
Judy Kottick-LCSW-Known vs Unknown Donors & Disclosure Judy is a Clinician in Private Practice facilitating Donor Parenting groups, is on staff at IVF NJ facilitating Donor and Recipient Screenings, has presented at ASRM and The NYC Gathering.
Long Island Parents via DS-will show us their photo story books, discuss their experience meeting donor sibling family, and share their journey with us.
REGISTER NOW. Contact saxel95@aol.com
Upper West Side, 12:30-5:30pm
~Considering and Creating Strong Families~
A Day of Peer Groups and Professionally Led Support, Education and Roundtable Discussions for the Third Party Reproduction and Parenting Community
Topics Include:
Disclosure for Ages and Stages of Development ~ Family Communications
Known and Unknown Donation ~ Acupuncture for Fertility ~
Traveling for Donor IVF~ART Patient as ART Legal Client
Children’s Book Review ~ Creating Your Own Photo-Story book
Choice Parenting and Donor Selection ~ Nature and Nurture
Attachment and Identity Formation in Family Building
~Disclosure for Blended Families~
Participation by Clinicians, RN’s, Doctors, Agencies, Attorneys, Parents Engaging Discussion Groups
Families Sharing Support, Education, and Resources
Registration ~12:15-12:30
Lunch & Introduction ~12:30-1:00
Q&A ~1:00-2:00
Roundtable I~2:00-3:00
Roundtable II~3:15-4:15
Q&A and Closing~4:15-5:15
Workshop $75 pp includes lunch, 2nd or more adults $50, Creative Sitters Childcare $45 for the day in the Discovery Gym (adjacent to workshop).
Contact Saxel95@aol.com for registration
~Considering and Creating Strong Families~
Roundtable Leaders and Topics:
Nancy Kaufman, LCSW-Introduction to Professsionally Led Support Group: The Third Party Parenting Network. Nancy is a Clinician in Private Practice in NYC with an expertise in Infertility, Family-building and Disclosure.
Patricia Mendell, LCSW and Co-Chair of The AFA-Disclosure and Professionally Led Support Group. Patricia is a Clinician in Private Practice and group practice with a focus on Disclosure as the founder of The Family Building Network.
Nancy Freeman-Carroll, PsyD-Childrens Book Review & Nature vs Nurture Nancy is a Clinician in NYC with Group and Private practice in Parenting and Infertility with a focus on Womens Health, Parenting After ART and Family Counseling. She has presented at ASRM and The NYC Gathering and is a DE Mom.
Mary Fusillo, RN, De Mom, The Donor Solution Agency Owner and Healthcare Professional Former Clinic Donor Program Coordinator, and Mom to 12 yo daughter who is also attending. Mary is a volunteer through Donormoms of Houston and has presented at ASRM and The NYC Gathering.
Dr Susan Treiser, MD,PHd (attending with Nursing Staff) Co-founder and Co-director of IVF NJ to introduce clinic and lead discussion on Donor Egg and Third Party Reproduction at IVFNJ, PVED.ORG Executive Board Member and Board Certified Reproductive Endocrinologist. Resolve Award Winner.
Rosalind Hoffman, MD- DE/DS/SMC-Decision-making and donor selection for Choice Moms and general SMC Support. Long Island Resolve Peer Group Member.
Amy Demma, JD. When an ART Patients is also an ART Law Client: a practical discussion about navigating collaborative reproduction from the “parentage” perspective. Amy is a New York State licensed attorney working in assisted family building, primarily third-party and donor collaboration. Amy is a Vice President on the Executive Committee of RESOLVE of New England and serves on the ARTs Law Committee of the American Bar Association.
Rev. Susy Nason-Child Development and Family Communication Expert to introduce and discuss the How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, and Listen So Kids Will Talk method.
Lisa Schuman, LCSW-General Support Group Lisa is on staff at RMA NY and in Private Practice in the field of Infertility,Third-party Reproduction and Parenting. She is an Adoption Consultant specializing in Disclosure, Decision-making, and Child Development and has presented at ASRM.
Mike Berkley-Acupuncture for Fertility- Mike Berkley is the Director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, the first center of complimentary medicine to specialize in the treatment of infertility. He has been in practice for 13 years as a fertility practice.
Ingrid Maurer-Traveling for Donor IVF - Ingrid is a member of our community that has participated in numerous capacities in peer-support, as a guest speaker for Resolve, as a member of PVED.Org andTPPN and of course, The NYC Gathering.
Lori Goldkind-General Peer Support-Lori is a member of our on-going Womens DInner in Midtown and is a new mom via egg donation. Lori has been involved in The NYC Gathering and is a member of PVED.Org. Lori will be available to share her insights, support and experience with others who are considering or parenting via de.
Joann Paley Galst,Ph.D-Attachment, Identity Formation and Family Building: How and Why It Is Safe To Disclose. Joann is a clinician in private practice in NYC. Please see the June 2009 recap here on DONORGROUPSNYC about wonderful The AFA Teleconference that Joann led with Patricia Mendell.
Carolyn N. Berger, LCSW-Disclosure in Blended Families:When Children Come into the Family through Adoption And/Or Third Party And/Or Are Genetically Related. Carolyn is a clinician in NYC and Westchester with a practice devoted to Fertility, All Forms of Family Building and Adoption.
Judy Kottick-LCSW-Known vs Unknown Donors & Disclosure Judy is a Clinician in Private Practice facilitating Donor Parenting groups, is on staff at IVF NJ facilitating Donor and Recipient Screenings, has presented at ASRM and The NYC Gathering.
Long Island Parents via DS-will show us their photo story books, discuss their experience meeting donor sibling family, and share their journey with us.
REGISTER NOW. Contact saxel95@aol.com
Corroboration of my previous post on male contribution to viable embryo
We evaluated cytogenetic results occurring with first trimester pregnancy loss, and assessed the type and frequency of chromosomal abnormalities after assisted reproductive treatment (ART) and compared them with a control group. We also compared the rate of chromosomal abnormalities according to infertility causes in ICSI group.
Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was made of all patients who were referred to the Genetics Laboratory of Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center from 2005 to 2009 because of clinical abortion with a subsequent dilation and evacuation (D&E) performed, and patients were grouped by type of conception as follows: conventional IVF (in vitro fertilization) (n=114), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) (n=140), and control (natural conception or intrauterine insemination [IUI]) (n=128).
Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: A total 406 specimens were referred to laboratory, ten abortuses were excluded, and in 14 cases, we did not get any spontaneous metaphase, chromosomal constitutions of 382 specimens were successfully obtained with conventional cytogenetic methods. Overall, 52.62% of the miscarriages were found to be cytogenetically abnormal among all patients, the frequency was 48.4% in the control group, 54.3% of miscarriages after ICSI and 55.3% after conventional IVF (p=0.503).
The most prevalent abnormalities were autosomal trisomy, however, nine (11.69%) sex chromosome aneuploidy were noted in the ICSI group vs. four (6.45%) and two (3.23%) cases in the conventional IVF group and control group.
We compared chromosomal abnormalities of miscarriages after ICSI according to infertility factor. 55.71% underwent ICSI due to male factors, 44.29% due to non-male factors.
ICSI group having male factors showed significantly higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities than ICSI group having non-male factors (65.8% vs. 34.2%, p=0.009, odds ratio=1.529, 95% CI=1.092-2.141).
Conclusions: No increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities due to ART was found with the exception of a greater number of sex chromosomal abnormalities in the ICSI group with male factor infertility.
Therefore, these alterations could be correlated with the underlying parental risk of abnormalities and not with the ICSI procedure itself.
Author: Ji won KimWoo Sik LeeTae Ki YoonHyun Ha SeokJung Hyun ChoYou Shin KimSang Woo LyuSung Han Shim
Credits/Source: BMC Medical Genetics 2010, 11:153
Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was made of all patients who were referred to the Genetics Laboratory of Fertility Center of CHA Gangnam Medical Center from 2005 to 2009 because of clinical abortion with a subsequent dilation and evacuation (D&E) performed, and patients were grouped by type of conception as follows: conventional IVF (in vitro fertilization) (n=114), ICSI (intracytoplasmic sperm injection) (n=140), and control (natural conception or intrauterine insemination [IUI]) (n=128).
Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.
Results: A total 406 specimens were referred to laboratory, ten abortuses were excluded, and in 14 cases, we did not get any spontaneous metaphase, chromosomal constitutions of 382 specimens were successfully obtained with conventional cytogenetic methods. Overall, 52.62% of the miscarriages were found to be cytogenetically abnormal among all patients, the frequency was 48.4% in the control group, 54.3% of miscarriages after ICSI and 55.3% after conventional IVF (p=0.503).
The most prevalent abnormalities were autosomal trisomy, however, nine (11.69%) sex chromosome aneuploidy were noted in the ICSI group vs. four (6.45%) and two (3.23%) cases in the conventional IVF group and control group.
We compared chromosomal abnormalities of miscarriages after ICSI according to infertility factor. 55.71% underwent ICSI due to male factors, 44.29% due to non-male factors.
ICSI group having male factors showed significantly higher risk of chromosomal abnormalities than ICSI group having non-male factors (65.8% vs. 34.2%, p=0.009, odds ratio=1.529, 95% CI=1.092-2.141).
Conclusions: No increased risk of chromosomal abnormalities due to ART was found with the exception of a greater number of sex chromosomal abnormalities in the ICSI group with male factor infertility.
Therefore, these alterations could be correlated with the underlying parental risk of abnormalities and not with the ICSI procedure itself.
Author: Ji won KimWoo Sik LeeTae Ki YoonHyun Ha SeokJung Hyun ChoYou Shin KimSang Woo LyuSung Han Shim
Credits/Source: BMC Medical Genetics 2010, 11:153
Tuesday, November 2
Male Contribution to Viable Embryo
Centriole definition: a structure found in the cell cytoplasm (cytoplasm: all of the contents outside of the nucleus and enclosed within the cell membrane of a cell) that plays a role in embryo development.
Sperm centrioles were traced from fertilization to the hatching blastocyst stage. The sperm centriole is introduced into the egg at fertilization. As the male and female aspects of the developing embryo (called pro nuclei) fuse (called syngamy) to become a shared environment of both male and female DNA, centrioles play a pivotal role in cell division (cleavage) of the embryo.
This division, when the embryo goes from a single cell organism to a two cell organism to a four cell organism to an eight cell organism to a sixteen cell organism is called mitosis or cleavage. Sperm centrioles were detected at all stages of embryonic cleavage from the 1-cell through 8-cell stages, right up to the hatching blastocyst stage.
It is evident that the sperm centrosome ( formed from centrioles and having to do with cell division) is the functional active centrosome in humans, while the female is inactive.
Did you know? Embryos having 7-9 cells on day 3 have an increased chance of developing to the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst is a 5 day embryo and is considered to be of significant quality. Embryos with <7 cells or >9 cells are less likely to make it to the blastocyst stage.
My question is this: if a woman consistently produces 4 or 6 cell embryos during a stimulated IVF cycle is it not possible that the male partner’s sperm has some ultra structural defect whereupon centriole quality is subfunctional?
Since we know that the male contribution of healthy centrioles is necessary to facilitate cleavage of embryos to the blastocyst stage, it is my ardent recommendation that male partners of all women who are trying to conceive should also be treated with acupuncture and herbs. Even when the male partner presents within the normal range for volume, count, morphology and motility, centriole health cannot be easily determined.
Case: A female patient has 15 eggs retrieved during an IVF cycle; 10 fertilize, and 7 survive. She has 7, day 3 embryos ranging in size from 6 to 10 cells with zero fragmentation and a healthy10mm endometrial lining. The reproductive endocrinologist transfers three of these beautiful embryos and the cycle fails. Why? We do not know for sure: it could be that the embryos were chromosomally abnormal. This can be due to chromosomally abnormal eggs or sperm. It can also be due to the fact that the male centriole health and function were not optimal. This may be considered a ‘hidden’ cause of infertility.
The use of acupuncture and certain herbal medicines can vigorously stimulate blood flow to the testicles carrying oxygen and nutrients, as well as hormones from the brain, as well as electrolytes, while simultaneously carrying debris or dead cells away from the testicles. This increased delivery of the ‘good’ and increased excretion of the ‘bad’ may improve ultra structural properties of the sperm including centriole quality and function and thereby improve embryo quality and help facilitate cleavage to the blastocyst stage and thereby potentiate take home baby rates.
Summary: It is my opinion, based on clinical experience, that both partners should be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine when wishing to start or grow a family and is having difficulty doing so.
Sperm centrioles were traced from fertilization to the hatching blastocyst stage. The sperm centriole is introduced into the egg at fertilization. As the male and female aspects of the developing embryo (called pro nuclei) fuse (called syngamy) to become a shared environment of both male and female DNA, centrioles play a pivotal role in cell division (cleavage) of the embryo.
This division, when the embryo goes from a single cell organism to a two cell organism to a four cell organism to an eight cell organism to a sixteen cell organism is called mitosis or cleavage. Sperm centrioles were detected at all stages of embryonic cleavage from the 1-cell through 8-cell stages, right up to the hatching blastocyst stage.
It is evident that the sperm centrosome ( formed from centrioles and having to do with cell division) is the functional active centrosome in humans, while the female is inactive.
Did you know? Embryos having 7-9 cells on day 3 have an increased chance of developing to the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst is a 5 day embryo and is considered to be of significant quality. Embryos with <7 cells or >9 cells are less likely to make it to the blastocyst stage.
My question is this: if a woman consistently produces 4 or 6 cell embryos during a stimulated IVF cycle is it not possible that the male partner’s sperm has some ultra structural defect whereupon centriole quality is subfunctional?
Since we know that the male contribution of healthy centrioles is necessary to facilitate cleavage of embryos to the blastocyst stage, it is my ardent recommendation that male partners of all women who are trying to conceive should also be treated with acupuncture and herbs. Even when the male partner presents within the normal range for volume, count, morphology and motility, centriole health cannot be easily determined.
Case: A female patient has 15 eggs retrieved during an IVF cycle; 10 fertilize, and 7 survive. She has 7, day 3 embryos ranging in size from 6 to 10 cells with zero fragmentation and a healthy10mm endometrial lining. The reproductive endocrinologist transfers three of these beautiful embryos and the cycle fails. Why? We do not know for sure: it could be that the embryos were chromosomally abnormal. This can be due to chromosomally abnormal eggs or sperm. It can also be due to the fact that the male centriole health and function were not optimal. This may be considered a ‘hidden’ cause of infertility.
The use of acupuncture and certain herbal medicines can vigorously stimulate blood flow to the testicles carrying oxygen and nutrients, as well as hormones from the brain, as well as electrolytes, while simultaneously carrying debris or dead cells away from the testicles. This increased delivery of the ‘good’ and increased excretion of the ‘bad’ may improve ultra structural properties of the sperm including centriole quality and function and thereby improve embryo quality and help facilitate cleavage to the blastocyst stage and thereby potentiate take home baby rates.
Summary: It is my opinion, based on clinical experience, that both partners should be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine when wishing to start or grow a family and is having difficulty doing so.
[1] Alikani M, Caulderon G, Tomkin G, et al. Cleavage anomalies in early human embryos for transfer after in vitro fertilization. Human Reprod 1997; 12(7): 1545-1549
Sunday, October 31
A new perspective on infertility treatment
How many failed IUI's and IVF's have you had? Four? Five? Seven? Have you heard this "you are producing beautiful embryos, your lining looks great and your husbands sperm is off the charts"? How many failed donor egg cycles have you had?
You may be a victim of poor diagnosis. For example, how many of you have had a fluid ultra sound? If you have not, raise your hand. Did you know...one polyp residing in the uterine cavity can prevent implantation? Did you know that frequently a transvaginal ultra sound cannot detect a polyp but a fluid ultra sound always can?
Let's look at a common scenario together. You are thirty-nine years old and you have an fsh of 17 and you have endometriosis. Your doctor thinks that you are not getting pregnant because you have an inflammatory disorder (endometriosis), and that you have poor egg quality, and low ovarian reserve indicated by your age and fsh levels respectively. But, if you have a regular period, the odds are that you still have some good eggs and may have a chance to conceive, else why would your doctor be willing to proceed with an IVF embryo transfer.
The fact that you have been diagnosed with endometriosis indicates that you have had it surgically addressed and so now its clinical relevance is diminished. Now its down to egg quality and ovarian reserve. If you still menstruate regularly, you still have some good eggs even if your fsh is 17.
So why are you not conceiving? Perhaps because of a physical obstruction, i.e., a polyp or worse, multiple polyps. Polyps are easilly, painlessly and quickly removed via a hysteroscopy. So, instead of continuing to have ivf after ivf and failure after failure why not rule out possible hidden causes of your problem with simple procedures? I am not trying to insinuate that all infertility stems from improper diagnosis; sometimes woman can't conceive for reasons which are beyond the scope of current diagnostic tools. I am, however, suggesting that many cases of infertility can be successfully treated where heretofore, they have not.
Did you know that day 3 embryos with less than 6 cells and more than 10 cells are often indicative of poor sperm quality? Yes I know: your husband had a normal semen analysis. But, has he had a sperm dna fragmentation assay? This test can reveal a hidden sperm pathology that may be contributing to your inability to conceive?
If his sperm tests normal from the perspectives of volume, count, motility, and volume and you are producing day 3 embryos with less than 6 cells or more than 10 cells, he should have this test. Frequently this test is not performed because your doctor doesn't believe in this test and wouldn't know what to do with the results anyway. Doctors will tell you that the only challenge that sperm with fragmented dna poses is their inability to penetrate an egg, so the answer is simple: do icsi. ICSI is a process whereupon the sperm is injected into the egg enabling forced fertilization. So your egg is being fertilized with a sperm that couldn't, on it's own, have done this. Essentially, by default, you are ending up with a less than optimal embryo which may yeild a pregnancy which may either result in miscarriage or produce a male child with the same problem as his dad with his future familiy planning requiring IVF with ICSI.
So, are we not, through these 'band-aid' procedures facilitating a nation of weakened children and actually contributing to a generation of infertile couples?
You're wondering what the solution is. Well that begets a question. If you had type 2 diabetes and were very overweight and had insulin resistance you could do two things to get better: 1) take Metformin and possible other medications or you could change your diet, lose weight, exercise and cure your-self.
One approach is a 'band-aid' approach and one approach is to address the problem at its root. The solution lies ahead.
Back to sperm dna fragmentation. Before we can hope to address a 'root' treatment we first need to know what causes the problem. Reactive oxidative species or 'ROS' causes fragmentation of the dna in the sperm. ROS is caused by environmental assault such as exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, etc., which can come from smoking marijuana or cigarettes, testicular injury or testicluar surgery allowing antibodies to enter the testicular environment and cause damage.
The severity of DNA fragmentation is determinied by the amount of sperm that is affected. 0 to 15% is indicative of good outcomes in IVF procedures; 15% to 29% means that chances are fair to good; numbers above 29% usually do not result in live births.
In the idiopathic (no known cause) infertile couple, a full diagnosis has not been rendered without a sperm dna fragmentation test. What is the cure? The eradication of free radicals which manifest as a result of ROS.
How? acupuncture ( stimulates blood to the testis helping to send more oxygen and nutrients and dispel dead cells), herbs which have anti oxidant properties, vitamins C and E which have strong anti oxidant properties and daily intake of wheatgrass juice. There is no traditional Western medical approach to the successful treatment of sperm dna fragmentation.
Is medical ego perhaps a contributing factor to the paucity of testing done for this significant pathology? In other words: if the doctor doesn't 'believe' in the test then it won't be done. Can you see air? Can you see microorganisms? Can you see God? Can you see energy? No, no, no and no. Do you believe in their existance? Is your day to day behavior not based upon your belief in these entities even though you have never seen even one of them?
There are some people that do not believe in the existance of God or microorganisms. Does their lack of belief indicate the lack of existance of these things? It is the wise person who, though belief may not be held, understands that there is a possibility of existance nonetheless.
Did you know that endometriosis is an autoimmune disease than can cause infertility even in the absence of damaged fallopian tubes? Another interesting thing that you should be aware of is that when one has an automimmune disease such as endometriosis there are often other autoimmune factors which can contribute to infertility which have not been diagnosed; but they should have been. I always recommend a full autoimmune evaluation when one of my patients presents with a known automimune disease to rule out the posibility of other, asymptomatic autoimmune disorders which can cause infertility.
The reason for the paucity of testing for autoimmune disorders which are known to contribute to infertility is that many doctors don't believe that autoimmune disorders can contribute to infertility. The terms yin and yang according to traditional Chinese medicine, means, among other things balance. Balance, according to the traditions of Chinese medicine is required for health, and imbalance is what leads to sickness. Would you agree that an immune system which acts innapropriately against it's host represents an imbalance? And, does it make clinical sense to try to rebalance the behavior of organ/endocrine systems to re-institute health?
Let me tell you an interesting story: when the surgeon general first advised the nation that there was a direct link between lung cancer and other cancers with cigarette smoking, most doctors who smoked (many, many did) continued to do so becasue they didn't believe what the surgeon general said. Now, years later, most physicians don't smoke because they became convinced of the validity of the surgeon general's report. So, perhaps, years from now, many reproductive endocrinologists will finally understand the clinical significance of certain autoimmune disorders in so far as their role in infertility is concerned.
An example of an autoimmune disorder which can cause infertility is activated natural killer cells. These cells are meant to kill cancer in the uterus. They do so by spraying something called TNF-alpha or tumor necrosis factor on tumors, killing them, and in the best case scenario, saving the patient from endometrial cancer.
However, in one with an autoimmune mitigated hyperactivity of activated NK cells, these cells spray TNF-alpha on the embryos, instantly killing them causing infertility. This again is a hidden pathology as it presents with no signs or symptoms.
The appropriate treatment is intralipid therapy or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, both of which have been shown to positiviely effect pregnancy outcomes in patients presenting with highly activated NK cells.
Again, this is the band-aid approach and, in many cases a band-aid approach is not a bad thing; if it works, it works and at the end of the day that's all we want.
To include a modality of medicine which can regulate immune function so that the body can behave normally again also makes sense. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can frequently manifest in this regulation of the immune system. This is how acupuncture and herbal medicine helps patients who are HIV+ or in full blown AIDS to feel better and stronger - by immune function regulation to whatever extent possible.
Infertility treatment is still in its infancy stage. There have been more than three million babies born as a result of IVF. But this is similar to the concept that many people with cancer have been saved by medical intervention. Both are true, yet the fact remains many more people die from cancer than who are saved and many more IVF's have been done without the production of a baby.
As time goes on, more and more research will yield better treatment approaches and perhaps one day infertility will not exist. In the mean time however it is my contention that all testing, even testing that may present a greater insight into the cause of a couples infertility should be rendered and, the root cause of the problem should simultaneously be treated with natural medicine such as acupuncture and herbs.
Western medicine is superior to Chinese medicine in treating the manifestation of an underlying disregulation or lack of harmony in the functioning of the body but traditional Chinese medicine is, in my opinion (based on clinical experience and three thousand years of data) superior in treating the human body and spirit at the deepest levels. Therefore, the best approach to treatment of the infertile couple is to employ both modalitities of intervention. This is the solution!
You may be a victim of poor diagnosis. For example, how many of you have had a fluid ultra sound? If you have not, raise your hand. Did you know...one polyp residing in the uterine cavity can prevent implantation? Did you know that frequently a transvaginal ultra sound cannot detect a polyp but a fluid ultra sound always can?
Let's look at a common scenario together. You are thirty-nine years old and you have an fsh of 17 and you have endometriosis. Your doctor thinks that you are not getting pregnant because you have an inflammatory disorder (endometriosis), and that you have poor egg quality, and low ovarian reserve indicated by your age and fsh levels respectively. But, if you have a regular period, the odds are that you still have some good eggs and may have a chance to conceive, else why would your doctor be willing to proceed with an IVF embryo transfer.
The fact that you have been diagnosed with endometriosis indicates that you have had it surgically addressed and so now its clinical relevance is diminished. Now its down to egg quality and ovarian reserve. If you still menstruate regularly, you still have some good eggs even if your fsh is 17.
So why are you not conceiving? Perhaps because of a physical obstruction, i.e., a polyp or worse, multiple polyps. Polyps are easilly, painlessly and quickly removed via a hysteroscopy. So, instead of continuing to have ivf after ivf and failure after failure why not rule out possible hidden causes of your problem with simple procedures? I am not trying to insinuate that all infertility stems from improper diagnosis; sometimes woman can't conceive for reasons which are beyond the scope of current diagnostic tools. I am, however, suggesting that many cases of infertility can be successfully treated where heretofore, they have not.
Did you know that day 3 embryos with less than 6 cells and more than 10 cells are often indicative of poor sperm quality? Yes I know: your husband had a normal semen analysis. But, has he had a sperm dna fragmentation assay? This test can reveal a hidden sperm pathology that may be contributing to your inability to conceive?
If his sperm tests normal from the perspectives of volume, count, motility, and volume and you are producing day 3 embryos with less than 6 cells or more than 10 cells, he should have this test. Frequently this test is not performed because your doctor doesn't believe in this test and wouldn't know what to do with the results anyway. Doctors will tell you that the only challenge that sperm with fragmented dna poses is their inability to penetrate an egg, so the answer is simple: do icsi. ICSI is a process whereupon the sperm is injected into the egg enabling forced fertilization. So your egg is being fertilized with a sperm that couldn't, on it's own, have done this. Essentially, by default, you are ending up with a less than optimal embryo which may yeild a pregnancy which may either result in miscarriage or produce a male child with the same problem as his dad with his future familiy planning requiring IVF with ICSI.
So, are we not, through these 'band-aid' procedures facilitating a nation of weakened children and actually contributing to a generation of infertile couples?
You're wondering what the solution is. Well that begets a question. If you had type 2 diabetes and were very overweight and had insulin resistance you could do two things to get better: 1) take Metformin and possible other medications or you could change your diet, lose weight, exercise and cure your-self.
One approach is a 'band-aid' approach and one approach is to address the problem at its root. The solution lies ahead.
Back to sperm dna fragmentation. Before we can hope to address a 'root' treatment we first need to know what causes the problem. Reactive oxidative species or 'ROS' causes fragmentation of the dna in the sperm. ROS is caused by environmental assault such as exposure to certain chemicals, toxins, etc., which can come from smoking marijuana or cigarettes, testicular injury or testicluar surgery allowing antibodies to enter the testicular environment and cause damage.
The severity of DNA fragmentation is determinied by the amount of sperm that is affected. 0 to 15% is indicative of good outcomes in IVF procedures; 15% to 29% means that chances are fair to good; numbers above 29% usually do not result in live births.
In the idiopathic (no known cause) infertile couple, a full diagnosis has not been rendered without a sperm dna fragmentation test. What is the cure? The eradication of free radicals which manifest as a result of ROS.
How? acupuncture ( stimulates blood to the testis helping to send more oxygen and nutrients and dispel dead cells), herbs which have anti oxidant properties, vitamins C and E which have strong anti oxidant properties and daily intake of wheatgrass juice. There is no traditional Western medical approach to the successful treatment of sperm dna fragmentation.
Is medical ego perhaps a contributing factor to the paucity of testing done for this significant pathology? In other words: if the doctor doesn't 'believe' in the test then it won't be done. Can you see air? Can you see microorganisms? Can you see God? Can you see energy? No, no, no and no. Do you believe in their existance? Is your day to day behavior not based upon your belief in these entities even though you have never seen even one of them?
There are some people that do not believe in the existance of God or microorganisms. Does their lack of belief indicate the lack of existance of these things? It is the wise person who, though belief may not be held, understands that there is a possibility of existance nonetheless.
Did you know that endometriosis is an autoimmune disease than can cause infertility even in the absence of damaged fallopian tubes? Another interesting thing that you should be aware of is that when one has an automimmune disease such as endometriosis there are often other autoimmune factors which can contribute to infertility which have not been diagnosed; but they should have been. I always recommend a full autoimmune evaluation when one of my patients presents with a known automimune disease to rule out the posibility of other, asymptomatic autoimmune disorders which can cause infertility.
The reason for the paucity of testing for autoimmune disorders which are known to contribute to infertility is that many doctors don't believe that autoimmune disorders can contribute to infertility. The terms yin and yang according to traditional Chinese medicine, means, among other things balance. Balance, according to the traditions of Chinese medicine is required for health, and imbalance is what leads to sickness. Would you agree that an immune system which acts innapropriately against it's host represents an imbalance? And, does it make clinical sense to try to rebalance the behavior of organ/endocrine systems to re-institute health?
Let me tell you an interesting story: when the surgeon general first advised the nation that there was a direct link between lung cancer and other cancers with cigarette smoking, most doctors who smoked (many, many did) continued to do so becasue they didn't believe what the surgeon general said. Now, years later, most physicians don't smoke because they became convinced of the validity of the surgeon general's report. So, perhaps, years from now, many reproductive endocrinologists will finally understand the clinical significance of certain autoimmune disorders in so far as their role in infertility is concerned.
An example of an autoimmune disorder which can cause infertility is activated natural killer cells. These cells are meant to kill cancer in the uterus. They do so by spraying something called TNF-alpha or tumor necrosis factor on tumors, killing them, and in the best case scenario, saving the patient from endometrial cancer.
However, in one with an autoimmune mitigated hyperactivity of activated NK cells, these cells spray TNF-alpha on the embryos, instantly killing them causing infertility. This again is a hidden pathology as it presents with no signs or symptoms.
The appropriate treatment is intralipid therapy or intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, both of which have been shown to positiviely effect pregnancy outcomes in patients presenting with highly activated NK cells.
Again, this is the band-aid approach and, in many cases a band-aid approach is not a bad thing; if it works, it works and at the end of the day that's all we want.
To include a modality of medicine which can regulate immune function so that the body can behave normally again also makes sense. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can frequently manifest in this regulation of the immune system. This is how acupuncture and herbal medicine helps patients who are HIV+ or in full blown AIDS to feel better and stronger - by immune function regulation to whatever extent possible.
Infertility treatment is still in its infancy stage. There have been more than three million babies born as a result of IVF. But this is similar to the concept that many people with cancer have been saved by medical intervention. Both are true, yet the fact remains many more people die from cancer than who are saved and many more IVF's have been done without the production of a baby.
As time goes on, more and more research will yield better treatment approaches and perhaps one day infertility will not exist. In the mean time however it is my contention that all testing, even testing that may present a greater insight into the cause of a couples infertility should be rendered and, the root cause of the problem should simultaneously be treated with natural medicine such as acupuncture and herbs.
Western medicine is superior to Chinese medicine in treating the manifestation of an underlying disregulation or lack of harmony in the functioning of the body but traditional Chinese medicine is, in my opinion (based on clinical experience and three thousand years of data) superior in treating the human body and spirit at the deepest levels. Therefore, the best approach to treatment of the infertile couple is to employ both modalitities of intervention. This is the solution!
Tuesday, October 19
My Belly Will Rise
Another disappointment another failed cycle
Another thousand tears, my heart an icicle
A sled ride rapidly down the slope
To the land of depression and dashed hope
I sit at my window and watch the last days of winter, the sun burns the frost, the birds begin to sing, leaves turn green; flowers kiss each other and elope; yin transforms into yang
I am but a microcosm of the world I know-my heart must be tame – for soon I’ll be reading the ‘Book of Baby Names’
Remember this: It is only when the night is darkest that the sun will start to rise…
as will my belly.
mike berkley
Another thousand tears, my heart an icicle
A sled ride rapidly down the slope
To the land of depression and dashed hope
I sit at my window and watch the last days of winter, the sun burns the frost, the birds begin to sing, leaves turn green; flowers kiss each other and elope; yin transforms into yang
I am but a microcosm of the world I know-my heart must be tame – for soon I’ll be reading the ‘Book of Baby Names’
Remember this: It is only when the night is darkest that the sun will start to rise…
as will my belly.
mike berkley
Sunday, October 17
Poetry
I am inviting anyone who wants to submit their writings, musings, poetry about their journey to family to submit your creative output to me for posting on my website. Your identitiy will not be disclosed but your hope will be; your pain will be; your love, sorrow, disappointment and joy will be; your soul will be.
Please submit your writing to mikeberkley@berkleycenter.com for publication on my site - http://www.berkleycenter.com/.
Your identitiy will not be revealed.
Share of your self and give to others and reap from others the positive energy that you will derive from their writings.
Please help me to help you by facilitating the growth of this fertility creative project.
Thanks.
Love, peace and blessings...
mike
Please submit your writing to mikeberkley@berkleycenter.com for publication on my site - http://www.berkleycenter.com/.
Your identitiy will not be revealed.
Share of your self and give to others and reap from others the positive energy that you will derive from their writings.
Please help me to help you by facilitating the growth of this fertility creative project.
Thanks.
Love, peace and blessings...
mike
My son called me this morning...Sunday October 17th...
And asked me to join him to see Jackass 3 in 3-D. I couldn't have been more pleased. To have my son reach out to me and embrace me in his life (he is 15 years old) is the most complementary experience I can ever have. I can't express the joy that I derive when he invites me out with him..
After all, his life at this point is about 'hanging out' with his friends and don't forgot the raging hormones directed at anything in a dress. So when the call comes I am flattered and honored.
The greatest thing I every accomplished in my entire life was contributing to the birth of my son. I honor my relationship with him and love him intensely.
This, I suppose, the driving force behind my work in the field of infertility. If I can help another couple experience that which I do, I know that I am helping to bestow a great gift to a couple faced with the difficult challenge of infertility. My love, heart and soul and best wishes go out to all of you involved in the struggle. My mission is to help you become parents.
Thank you God, or the Dao or Nature for these two magnificant gifts; my son and my devotion to you.
I love you Noah.
After all, his life at this point is about 'hanging out' with his friends and don't forgot the raging hormones directed at anything in a dress. So when the call comes I am flattered and honored.
The greatest thing I every accomplished in my entire life was contributing to the birth of my son. I honor my relationship with him and love him intensely.
This, I suppose, the driving force behind my work in the field of infertility. If I can help another couple experience that which I do, I know that I am helping to bestow a great gift to a couple faced with the difficult challenge of infertility. My love, heart and soul and best wishes go out to all of you involved in the struggle. My mission is to help you become parents.
Thank you God, or the Dao or Nature for these two magnificant gifts; my son and my devotion to you.
I love you Noah.
Friday, October 8
Why I Hug My Patients
Over the many centuries of human existence, many social customs have emerged out of both necessity and leisure. The handshake is one custom that encompasses both of those origins. The handshake may appear little more than a formality to some, but to others it is a complete view into the personality of the person on the other end of the handshake. The handshake has also created nations and bought homesteads. However, in all cases it still requires two people to be executed correctly, thus causing an interaction to take place, which gives me the right, as a student of sociology, to investigate the handshake from a sociological perspective.
The Origin of the Handshake
The actual beginning of the handshake is as difficult to specifically determine as most events that happened before written history. However, there are many accounts that provide both comedy and insight. One origin offered by Herbert Spencer, in his book THE PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY, is that of two Arabs meting in a desert. They each reach for the others hand to kiss it in greeting. However, it is an insult to have your hand kissed by another individual, so both men try to withdraw from the lips of the other man. The end result of this meeting is the acceptance by both men that they wouldnt kiss the others hand, and thus they ended up only clasping the hand of the other, and the handshake was born. The mutual acceptance by the two men that the hands wouldnt be kissed shows the equality between the two individuals; however, that aspect will be discussed a little further down the page.
Perhaps a more practical origin of the handshake comes from medieval Europe, where kings and knights would extend their hands to each other, and [grasp the] others hand as a demonstration that each did not possess concealed weapons and intended no harm to the other (Hall). I say this is a more practical origin of the handshake, because it more closely resembles our current use of the handshake as a way to introduce ourselves to a person and open ourselves up to them for the purpose of interacting. Interestingly enough, the ancient Greeks used it similarly. It was a welcoming sign of friendliness, hospitality, and trust (Schriffin).
Still, despite the various possible and plausible origins that the handshake sprung from, the handshake has taken many diverse and, at times, conflicting meanings. The question as to the meaning of the handshake is what the next section of this page will address.
The Various Meanings of the Handshake
Why is the handshake so important in the business world? Why are most meetings between diplomats ended with a handshake? Why do secret orders, fraternities, and sororities include handshakes among their secret rituals? I believe Hall and Hall put it best when they wrote, The handshake represents an expression of equality.
Take, for example, the meeting of diplomats to discuss a peace initiative for two warring countries. With the handshake giving a sense of equality to the meeting, the playing field is leveled and the proceedings can occur, unhindered by feelings of inequality. Admittedly, most diplomatic meetings occur in times when one side has a dramatic diplomatic advantage over the other, however, the handshake can often serve to equalize the two diplomats with each other, rather than equalize the parties they are representing.
Another example of political use of the handshake to imply equality is in the Presidential debates, where the candidates face off in a discussion of current events and personal policy beliefs. At the beginning of the debates, the candidates shake hands, much like in boxing matches when opponents touch gloves before the first bell rings, and then again at the end, which Hall and Hall describe as a handshake of reconciliation, in which participants reestablish a sense of solidarity. However, in politics, the meaning of the handshake has been cheapened by politicians preying on peoples beliefs on the meanings of the handshake to help further their own political interests.
Politics isnt the only place in which the importance of the handshake has been made lesser in value. Over the course of the past two centuries of American existence, the importance of the handshake in the business world has declined from a once binding contract that pledged both your wealth and your honor, to little more than a business formality and tactical action. At one point in the banking industry, a person could lend and borrow money based on the palm-to-palm contact called a handshake.
Looking through the eyes of a symbolic interactionist, you could argue that the handshake is a binding agreement because it allows for the tangibility of feeling the other persons hand in yours and that contact and interaction is symbolic of the trust and reliance the two people are exchanging with each other. Because people develop a sense of personal space around them, physical contact between two people requires that this invisible barrier be suspended for the duration of the contact. Because the lowering of such a barrier requires trust in the person with which the interaction is taking place, the symbolic interactionist would say that the act of the handshake incorporates all those feelings into that one action.
A Goffmanesque Approach to the Handshake
Although in my research I never found an instance in which Goffman addresses the handshake directly, I did manage to gather some clues as to how he would probably view the interaction associated with the handshake. This section is dedicated to an analysis of the handshake from the most likely view Goffman would take. Note that these are not his direct applications of the various theoretical elements, but it is definitely a possible and accurate use of the theories. With that having been said, here is my analysis of the handshake through the eyes of Erving Goffmans various theories.
The act of shaking hands requires what Goffman calls focused interaction. This is where a person interacts with another person directly and pays attention to the responses and social cues given by that person. Instances of focused interaction are called encounters. As Goffman also states, encounters require openers, in order to show that both parties recognize the encounter that is now taking place, as well as closers, to signify the end of the encounter. The handshake serves both the purposes with little modification. Specifically in the business world, handshakes are often used at the beginning and end of business meeting, interviews, and whenever else people want to show that they have entered into the interaction (encounter) and are ready to listen and respond to what the other person has to say.
Another one of Erving Goffmans major theoretical concepts was that of the Dramaturgical Approach to interaction. Applying this theory to the act of the handshake can provide some interesting insights into the importance of the handshake in the modern business world. For instance, in an interview, there is a very set pattern of events that is to occur in order for the interaction to be perceived as normal. The interview begins and ends with a handshake, displaying the equality of the two people. This is a very important line in the script that guides this reaction. A weak handshake can often be seen as a departure from the script because it can signify inattentiveness, weakness, insecurity, or rudeness. After the interview has been concluded, the handshake is once again needed as if it were the finale of the play. This time the handshake is not that of introduction, but that of closure.
Conclusion
Another theory, although not one of Goffmans, that applies to the handshake and too business in general is that of the compulsion of proximity. This theory is credited to Deirde Boden and Harvey Molotch. The compulsion of proximity refers to humans need for face-to-face interaction. I discovered this theory while browsing through the textbook and thought that it had relevance to the handshake because despite the massive amounts of cheap long-distance communications technologies (i.e. fax, video-conferencing), there are still a lot of business travelers filling our airports day-to-day. I attribute this to the compulsion of proximity and to the importance of the handshake in the business world. Obviously there is still a high value placed on the value of the personal focused interaction and encounters that are enclosed by handshakes everyday. Many business coaches and personal behavioral books attribute to the handshake the role of encompassing your personality into a single action. This interaction cannot occur except in person. So, the price of this interaction is obviously worth the time and money it takes for these people to complete the interaction.
As you have read, the handshake is a very important part of the business world. A person would be foolish to overlook the importance of the handshake. So, to all those business students, professors, and anyone else interested in the importance of the handshake, remember that you are being judged on your handshake whether consciously or subconsciously, so make it count. Since starting my research, I have paid a lot of attention to how people shake hands and there is a lot to be learned through paying a little more attention every time you shake hands. So, remember this the next time you shake a hand and pay attention, it means more than you think.
The above was written by Keith Andrew and was found by doing a search on the web for the History of the Handshake.
Why I hug my patients
No where in the above article did I find the word 'intimacy'. Doctors typically shake hands with their patients; a decidedly unintimate gesture; more busines-like.
My patients are faced with the challenge of infertility. They are medicated, talked at, poked and prodded, blood drawn, speculums inserted, and frequently disappointed by failed IUI's, ivfs and donor egg transfers.
Is intimacy only supposed to take place between the patient and her or his partner? Why can't a doctor have an intimate relationship with his or her patient?
Some definitions of intimacy that I found on the web
familiarity: close or warm friendship
closeness: a feeling of being intimate and belonging together
intimate - marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity; "intimate friend"
intimate - familiar: having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship
There is no intimation of 'sexuality' here. Only a close bond. Shouldn't a patient and his or her doctor or health-care provider have a close bond? Is not having a close bond clinically important?
I believe in intimacy; warmth, compassion and love for my friends, family members and my patients: that is why i hug my patients; men and women: it is an intimate, connecting, comforting gesture.
Love and blessings and hugs!
mike berkley, L.Ac.
The Origin of the Handshake
The actual beginning of the handshake is as difficult to specifically determine as most events that happened before written history. However, there are many accounts that provide both comedy and insight. One origin offered by Herbert Spencer, in his book THE PRINCIPLES OF SOCIOLOGY, is that of two Arabs meting in a desert. They each reach for the others hand to kiss it in greeting. However, it is an insult to have your hand kissed by another individual, so both men try to withdraw from the lips of the other man. The end result of this meeting is the acceptance by both men that they wouldnt kiss the others hand, and thus they ended up only clasping the hand of the other, and the handshake was born. The mutual acceptance by the two men that the hands wouldnt be kissed shows the equality between the two individuals; however, that aspect will be discussed a little further down the page.
Perhaps a more practical origin of the handshake comes from medieval Europe, where kings and knights would extend their hands to each other, and [grasp the] others hand as a demonstration that each did not possess concealed weapons and intended no harm to the other (Hall). I say this is a more practical origin of the handshake, because it more closely resembles our current use of the handshake as a way to introduce ourselves to a person and open ourselves up to them for the purpose of interacting. Interestingly enough, the ancient Greeks used it similarly. It was a welcoming sign of friendliness, hospitality, and trust (Schriffin).
Still, despite the various possible and plausible origins that the handshake sprung from, the handshake has taken many diverse and, at times, conflicting meanings. The question as to the meaning of the handshake is what the next section of this page will address.
The Various Meanings of the Handshake
Why is the handshake so important in the business world? Why are most meetings between diplomats ended with a handshake? Why do secret orders, fraternities, and sororities include handshakes among their secret rituals? I believe Hall and Hall put it best when they wrote, The handshake represents an expression of equality.
Take, for example, the meeting of diplomats to discuss a peace initiative for two warring countries. With the handshake giving a sense of equality to the meeting, the playing field is leveled and the proceedings can occur, unhindered by feelings of inequality. Admittedly, most diplomatic meetings occur in times when one side has a dramatic diplomatic advantage over the other, however, the handshake can often serve to equalize the two diplomats with each other, rather than equalize the parties they are representing.
Another example of political use of the handshake to imply equality is in the Presidential debates, where the candidates face off in a discussion of current events and personal policy beliefs. At the beginning of the debates, the candidates shake hands, much like in boxing matches when opponents touch gloves before the first bell rings, and then again at the end, which Hall and Hall describe as a handshake of reconciliation, in which participants reestablish a sense of solidarity. However, in politics, the meaning of the handshake has been cheapened by politicians preying on peoples beliefs on the meanings of the handshake to help further their own political interests.
Politics isnt the only place in which the importance of the handshake has been made lesser in value. Over the course of the past two centuries of American existence, the importance of the handshake in the business world has declined from a once binding contract that pledged both your wealth and your honor, to little more than a business formality and tactical action. At one point in the banking industry, a person could lend and borrow money based on the palm-to-palm contact called a handshake.
Looking through the eyes of a symbolic interactionist, you could argue that the handshake is a binding agreement because it allows for the tangibility of feeling the other persons hand in yours and that contact and interaction is symbolic of the trust and reliance the two people are exchanging with each other. Because people develop a sense of personal space around them, physical contact between two people requires that this invisible barrier be suspended for the duration of the contact. Because the lowering of such a barrier requires trust in the person with which the interaction is taking place, the symbolic interactionist would say that the act of the handshake incorporates all those feelings into that one action.
A Goffmanesque Approach to the Handshake
Although in my research I never found an instance in which Goffman addresses the handshake directly, I did manage to gather some clues as to how he would probably view the interaction associated with the handshake. This section is dedicated to an analysis of the handshake from the most likely view Goffman would take. Note that these are not his direct applications of the various theoretical elements, but it is definitely a possible and accurate use of the theories. With that having been said, here is my analysis of the handshake through the eyes of Erving Goffmans various theories.
The act of shaking hands requires what Goffman calls focused interaction. This is where a person interacts with another person directly and pays attention to the responses and social cues given by that person. Instances of focused interaction are called encounters. As Goffman also states, encounters require openers, in order to show that both parties recognize the encounter that is now taking place, as well as closers, to signify the end of the encounter. The handshake serves both the purposes with little modification. Specifically in the business world, handshakes are often used at the beginning and end of business meeting, interviews, and whenever else people want to show that they have entered into the interaction (encounter) and are ready to listen and respond to what the other person has to say.
Another one of Erving Goffmans major theoretical concepts was that of the Dramaturgical Approach to interaction. Applying this theory to the act of the handshake can provide some interesting insights into the importance of the handshake in the modern business world. For instance, in an interview, there is a very set pattern of events that is to occur in order for the interaction to be perceived as normal. The interview begins and ends with a handshake, displaying the equality of the two people. This is a very important line in the script that guides this reaction. A weak handshake can often be seen as a departure from the script because it can signify inattentiveness, weakness, insecurity, or rudeness. After the interview has been concluded, the handshake is once again needed as if it were the finale of the play. This time the handshake is not that of introduction, but that of closure.
Conclusion
Another theory, although not one of Goffmans, that applies to the handshake and too business in general is that of the compulsion of proximity. This theory is credited to Deirde Boden and Harvey Molotch. The compulsion of proximity refers to humans need for face-to-face interaction. I discovered this theory while browsing through the textbook and thought that it had relevance to the handshake because despite the massive amounts of cheap long-distance communications technologies (i.e. fax, video-conferencing), there are still a lot of business travelers filling our airports day-to-day. I attribute this to the compulsion of proximity and to the importance of the handshake in the business world. Obviously there is still a high value placed on the value of the personal focused interaction and encounters that are enclosed by handshakes everyday. Many business coaches and personal behavioral books attribute to the handshake the role of encompassing your personality into a single action. This interaction cannot occur except in person. So, the price of this interaction is obviously worth the time and money it takes for these people to complete the interaction.
As you have read, the handshake is a very important part of the business world. A person would be foolish to overlook the importance of the handshake. So, to all those business students, professors, and anyone else interested in the importance of the handshake, remember that you are being judged on your handshake whether consciously or subconsciously, so make it count. Since starting my research, I have paid a lot of attention to how people shake hands and there is a lot to be learned through paying a little more attention every time you shake hands. So, remember this the next time you shake a hand and pay attention, it means more than you think.
The above was written by Keith Andrew and was found by doing a search on the web for the History of the Handshake.
Why I hug my patients
No where in the above article did I find the word 'intimacy'. Doctors typically shake hands with their patients; a decidedly unintimate gesture; more busines-like.
My patients are faced with the challenge of infertility. They are medicated, talked at, poked and prodded, blood drawn, speculums inserted, and frequently disappointed by failed IUI's, ivfs and donor egg transfers.
Is intimacy only supposed to take place between the patient and her or his partner? Why can't a doctor have an intimate relationship with his or her patient?
Some definitions of intimacy that I found on the web
familiarity: close or warm friendship
closeness: a feeling of being intimate and belonging together
intimate - marked by close acquaintance, association, or familiarity; "intimate friend"
intimate - familiar: having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship
There is no intimation of 'sexuality' here. Only a close bond. Shouldn't a patient and his or her doctor or health-care provider have a close bond? Is not having a close bond clinically important?
I believe in intimacy; warmth, compassion and love for my friends, family members and my patients: that is why i hug my patients; men and women: it is an intimate, connecting, comforting gesture.
Love and blessings and hugs!
mike berkley, L.Ac.
Friday, October 1
New Plainview, Long Island Holistic Fertility Center Update!
I will be seeing patients in the NEW Plainview, Long Island Holistic Fertility Center starting Friday, 10/15/09. Call 516- 204-7149 to schedule your appointment.
This is the FIRST comprehensive East meets West fertility Center in Long Island. I will be working closely with Dr. David Kreiner, the Founder and Director of East Coast Fertility to bring to best of complementary medicine and cutting-edge high tech techniques to help those challenged with infertility to start or grow their families.
Our mission is to provide nurturing, caring and state-of-the-art medicine in a warm, inviting environment, providing a safe-haven for those who want a comprehensive approach to their fertility needs.
It is our goal to transform patients into parents.
We would be honored to accompany you on your journey to family.
Love and blessings.
mike berkley, L.Ac.
Find out more
This is the FIRST comprehensive East meets West fertility Center in Long Island. I will be working closely with Dr. David Kreiner, the Founder and Director of East Coast Fertility to bring to best of complementary medicine and cutting-edge high tech techniques to help those challenged with infertility to start or grow their families.
Our mission is to provide nurturing, caring and state-of-the-art medicine in a warm, inviting environment, providing a safe-haven for those who want a comprehensive approach to their fertility needs.
It is our goal to transform patients into parents.
We would be honored to accompany you on your journey to family.
Love and blessings.
mike berkley, L.Ac.
Find out more
Thursday, September 30
Saturday, September 25
Stress + Infertility
One cause of elevated levels of catecholamines is stress. Why is it not standard operating procedure to measure levels of epinephrine and norepinepherine in patients undergoing IVF-ET. We now know through recent research that stress does indeed have a deleterious effect on pregnancy outcomes, the extent of which is yet to be determined.
If patients do have elevated catecholamines in the absence of pheochromocytoma, then why not recommend that ALL of these patients be treated with acupuncture and/or biofeedback to lower elevated levels which may help facilitate a + outcome?
As you all know, contributing to a successful outcome takes more than an embryo transfer and certainly more than a proper hormone status and normal s/a; it takes a conglomeration of positive circumstances such as proper intraendometrial perfusion, proper immune status and maternal tolerance, etc. Should we all be taking stress as a mitigator more seriously?
If patients do have elevated catecholamines in the absence of pheochromocytoma, then why not recommend that ALL of these patients be treated with acupuncture and/or biofeedback to lower elevated levels which may help facilitate a + outcome?
As you all know, contributing to a successful outcome takes more than an embryo transfer and certainly more than a proper hormone status and normal s/a; it takes a conglomeration of positive circumstances such as proper intraendometrial perfusion, proper immune status and maternal tolerance, etc. Should we all be taking stress as a mitigator more seriously?
Thursday, September 16
Conception is a process - Or...don't microwave your dinner
Process
Conception, pregnancy and parturition are a process. One definition of process is “a series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result”. Any natural process is better in every way than an artificial one. A good example is cooking. There is the process of cooking which is a slow, mindful act and there is microwave cooking which is basically a non-participatory act without natural process. There is no relationship between the chef and the outcome of the meal. Which meal tastes better? And, which is healthier to eat?
The process of conception is quite complicated and requires the perfect balance and function of many components all working in a coordinated and harmonious fashion. Sperm must be attracted to egg, it must find the egg, and it must penetrate the egg. The egg has be high quality and so too must be the sperm. The lining must have qualitative integrity. The embryo must find the lining and must be able to penetrate it. The placenta must develop and nourish the developing fetus and rid the fetus of waste matter. The placenta must protect the fetus from immunological attack. The cytokines, proteins, immune function, blood flow, gycoproteins, hormones must all be in balance and not under or over functioning. There must be absence of pathological mitigators which can contribute to infertility or promote miscarriage. Each and every player in the orchestra of conception must be in tune. One sour note and pregnancy will not occur or miscarriage will ensue.
Chinese medicine which consists mainly of acupuncture and herbal medicine does not work by adding to that which is deficient or reducing that which is in excess; Western medicine is good at that. For example, a common practice in treating a deficiency syndrome, i.e., hypothyroidism is to ADD synthroid. Or a common method at reducing excess insulin is by prescribing Metformin. These medicines which add or suppress or reduce have changed the face of civilization. Without the intervention of Western medicine and surgery our life-span would probably not exceed 40 years of age and three million babies would not have been born as a result of IVF. How many couples however, have remained childless even though they have undergone multiple IVFs? I am guessing more than three million.
Here is why: Just as a microwave oven can cook a meal, IVF can create a baby. But, as the microwave does not supplant the relationship between the chef and the food and the process of creating a meal, IVF cannot, in all its glory, in all cases, replace the natural process which is necessary to occur for conception and a take-home-baby to ensue.
The alternative
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are essentially used to create a state as close to homeostasis as possible. Homeostasis is when everything in the body and mind work perfectly. Obviously, this is impossible. But, acupuncture and herbs attempt this and by attempting it a greater state of systemic and psycho-emotional health is achieved. This is why, in many cases, acupuncture and herbs work to help one achieve pregnancy when IVF fails. Because the greater one’s physical and psycho-emotional health is, the more likely that they will be able to conceive.
Based upon fourteen years of clinical experience in the field of infertility it is my professional opinion that the best case scenario for the infertile patient is to utilize Western medicine in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine. The reason for this is quite simple. When the reproductive endocrinologist retrieves eggs and fertilizes them with sperm the resulting embryo is as good as its constituent components, egg and sperm. Most IVFs that fail do so because of poor egg quality and/or poor sperm quality. The reproductive endocrinologist cannot improve egg or sperm quality; acupuncture and herbs frequently can.
Blood
I saw a thirty four year old patient today. She has conceived three times with intercourse only to miscarry each time. She did get pregnant and delivered a baby as a result of insemination. She had one subsequent failed IVF. Now her doctor recommends donor egg with IVF. The patient has cold hands and feet, a pale complexion, low energy and gets dizzy. Obviously she has poor hemodynamics. Blood is what carries FSH and LH from the brain to the ovaries; blood nourishes the endometrial lining; blood carries oxygen, electrolytes and nutrition to the entire reproductive system and removes waste matter from the reproductive environment. When cells die which they constantly do, they are ‘eaten’ up by macrophages. If the immune function is not functioning normally and debris are not removed, the outer layer of the dead cells breach and the internal toxic substance circulates within the ovarian milieu causing degradation in ovarion/egg quality. Acupuncture and herbal medicine increase blood flow and as a result, can, in many instances, improve the target tissue, the ovaries and endometrial lining.
Why are you not using acupuncture and herbs?
It is difficult for me to understand why all infertile patients don’t include acupuncture and herbal medicine in their protocols. Why would they not? There has been so much research elucidating the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility that acupuncture is no longer referred to as ‘alternative’ medicine but rather ‘complementary’ medicine. Herbs have a three-thousand year history of positive clinical outcomes.
Herb safety
Regarding the safety profile of herbs I have this to say: there are at least one million hospitalizations per year in America alone which occur as a result of bad reaction to Western medicine. Many of these hospitalizations result in death. This does not happen with herbal medicine.
It is ironic therefore, that many (but no longer all!) doctors don’t want their patients on herbs because “they don’t know what’s in them”. Do you know what’s in Lupron? Or Gonal F? Did you know that ovarian hyper stimulation even from clomid can be fatal?
Don’t misunderstand, I am 100% pro IUI, IVF and donor egg-IVF protocols. But to not partake of a modality with proven results which may change the course from a negative outcome to a positive one especially in the patient who has had multiple IUI/IVF failures is a clinical error.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
Conception, pregnancy and parturition are a process. One definition of process is “a series of actions, changes, or functions bringing about a result”. Any natural process is better in every way than an artificial one. A good example is cooking. There is the process of cooking which is a slow, mindful act and there is microwave cooking which is basically a non-participatory act without natural process. There is no relationship between the chef and the outcome of the meal. Which meal tastes better? And, which is healthier to eat?
The process of conception is quite complicated and requires the perfect balance and function of many components all working in a coordinated and harmonious fashion. Sperm must be attracted to egg, it must find the egg, and it must penetrate the egg. The egg has be high quality and so too must be the sperm. The lining must have qualitative integrity. The embryo must find the lining and must be able to penetrate it. The placenta must develop and nourish the developing fetus and rid the fetus of waste matter. The placenta must protect the fetus from immunological attack. The cytokines, proteins, immune function, blood flow, gycoproteins, hormones must all be in balance and not under or over functioning. There must be absence of pathological mitigators which can contribute to infertility or promote miscarriage. Each and every player in the orchestra of conception must be in tune. One sour note and pregnancy will not occur or miscarriage will ensue.
Chinese medicine which consists mainly of acupuncture and herbal medicine does not work by adding to that which is deficient or reducing that which is in excess; Western medicine is good at that. For example, a common practice in treating a deficiency syndrome, i.e., hypothyroidism is to ADD synthroid. Or a common method at reducing excess insulin is by prescribing Metformin. These medicines which add or suppress or reduce have changed the face of civilization. Without the intervention of Western medicine and surgery our life-span would probably not exceed 40 years of age and three million babies would not have been born as a result of IVF. How many couples however, have remained childless even though they have undergone multiple IVFs? I am guessing more than three million.
Here is why: Just as a microwave oven can cook a meal, IVF can create a baby. But, as the microwave does not supplant the relationship between the chef and the food and the process of creating a meal, IVF cannot, in all its glory, in all cases, replace the natural process which is necessary to occur for conception and a take-home-baby to ensue.
The alternative
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are essentially used to create a state as close to homeostasis as possible. Homeostasis is when everything in the body and mind work perfectly. Obviously, this is impossible. But, acupuncture and herbs attempt this and by attempting it a greater state of systemic and psycho-emotional health is achieved. This is why, in many cases, acupuncture and herbs work to help one achieve pregnancy when IVF fails. Because the greater one’s physical and psycho-emotional health is, the more likely that they will be able to conceive.
Based upon fourteen years of clinical experience in the field of infertility it is my professional opinion that the best case scenario for the infertile patient is to utilize Western medicine in conjunction with acupuncture and herbal medicine. The reason for this is quite simple. When the reproductive endocrinologist retrieves eggs and fertilizes them with sperm the resulting embryo is as good as its constituent components, egg and sperm. Most IVFs that fail do so because of poor egg quality and/or poor sperm quality. The reproductive endocrinologist cannot improve egg or sperm quality; acupuncture and herbs frequently can.
Blood
I saw a thirty four year old patient today. She has conceived three times with intercourse only to miscarry each time. She did get pregnant and delivered a baby as a result of insemination. She had one subsequent failed IVF. Now her doctor recommends donor egg with IVF. The patient has cold hands and feet, a pale complexion, low energy and gets dizzy. Obviously she has poor hemodynamics. Blood is what carries FSH and LH from the brain to the ovaries; blood nourishes the endometrial lining; blood carries oxygen, electrolytes and nutrition to the entire reproductive system and removes waste matter from the reproductive environment. When cells die which they constantly do, they are ‘eaten’ up by macrophages. If the immune function is not functioning normally and debris are not removed, the outer layer of the dead cells breach and the internal toxic substance circulates within the ovarian milieu causing degradation in ovarion/egg quality. Acupuncture and herbal medicine increase blood flow and as a result, can, in many instances, improve the target tissue, the ovaries and endometrial lining.
Why are you not using acupuncture and herbs?
It is difficult for me to understand why all infertile patients don’t include acupuncture and herbal medicine in their protocols. Why would they not? There has been so much research elucidating the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of infertility that acupuncture is no longer referred to as ‘alternative’ medicine but rather ‘complementary’ medicine. Herbs have a three-thousand year history of positive clinical outcomes.
Herb safety
Regarding the safety profile of herbs I have this to say: there are at least one million hospitalizations per year in America alone which occur as a result of bad reaction to Western medicine. Many of these hospitalizations result in death. This does not happen with herbal medicine.
It is ironic therefore, that many (but no longer all!) doctors don’t want their patients on herbs because “they don’t know what’s in them”. Do you know what’s in Lupron? Or Gonal F? Did you know that ovarian hyper stimulation even from clomid can be fatal?
Don’t misunderstand, I am 100% pro IUI, IVF and donor egg-IVF protocols. But to not partake of a modality with proven results which may change the course from a negative outcome to a positive one especially in the patient who has had multiple IUI/IVF failures is a clinical error.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
Monday, August 30
My Florida Vacation
My good friend, the esteemed Dr. Stuart Zoll, one of the first acupuncturists to practive in the U.S., offered us the use of his home while we were there.
First of all, he doesn't have a home, he has a palace. The Zoll Retreat we called it.
Each and every morning upon awakening we found coffee on the pot, fruit in the bowl, juice in the pitcher and love in the air.
We were given a car for unlimited use and keys to the palace.
We had the most wonderful time in large part due to the incredible hospitality of our most giving and loving host, Dr. Stuart Zoll.
Your love and graciousness made our trip a noteworthy one.
Love and gratitude.
mike and noah
Thursday, August 26
The Ego of Reproductive Medicine
"Put 3 docs in a room and you'll get 4 opinions". Mine: "Put 3 RE's in a room and you'll get 200 opinions".
Some believe in immunological mitigators of infertility, some dont; some believe in miscarriage caused by thrombophilic disease, some don't. Some use Metformin to improve egg quality in the absence of PCOS or hyperinsulinemia or hyperandrogenism and no obesity. Some use prednisone instead of intralipid tx. Some use DHEA with every patient. Some believe that the sole cause of infertility is bacterial invation. Can't we share experiences and see HOW to effectively use treatments based on each others experiences? NO. WHY? EGO!
Some believe in immunological mitigators of infertility, some dont; some believe in miscarriage caused by thrombophilic disease, some don't. Some use Metformin to improve egg quality in the absence of PCOS or hyperinsulinemia or hyperandrogenism and no obesity. Some use prednisone instead of intralipid tx. Some use DHEA with every patient. Some believe that the sole cause of infertility is bacterial invation. Can't we share experiences and see HOW to effectively use treatments based on each others experiences? NO. WHY? EGO!
Visualization improves fertility!
Applying Visualization to Fertility
In 1971, Dr. O. Carl Simonton, a radiologist at the University of Texas met a 61-year old patient who had advanced throat cancer with a very poor prognosis. The patient was so weak that it seemed highly unlikely that he would respond well to radiation, the standard therapy for his condition.
In desperation, Dr. Simonton suggested the man try visualization as a means of enhancing his radiation therapy. While visualizing the cancer cells as vividly as possibly, he imagined his white blood cells successfully ridding the cancer. For him, he saw his cancer cells being swept clean from his system leaving only healthy cells behind. He went home with instructions to repeat this visualization throughout the day, every day.
In a few weeks, his tumor seemed to be shrinking and he was virtually free of side effects from his radiation therapy. After 2 months, his cancer was completely gone.
Naturally, Dr. Simonton was elated but baffled. How could a thought deal so effectively with a cancer cell? The patient went on to effectively deal with arthritis in his leg that kept him from going stream-fishing. Six years later, he was still cancer and arthritis free.
This is the power of the brain to heal.
This is the power of the brain and how we can use visualization to enact this self-healing power. According to Dr. Bernie Siegel, it doesn't matter if you direct it to heart-disease, cancer, arthritis, or infertility - it works on all aspects of our health.
This is the underpinning of our work and programming for Circle+Bloom. Applying this brain-visualization power to the reproductive system. This is why our programs follow the cycle as closely as possible. We move inward and visualize what is happening - or should be happening - on a daily basis.
After watching both my parents die of cancer at the hands of modern medicine, I find a bittersweet solace when I hear these types of stories. But at the same time it strengthens my resolve that we need to educate and teach everyone that this self-healing is a powerful tool we can all use no matter what stage of our life we are in.
I endorse this wonderful company! Mike Berkley, L.Ac., FABORM
In 1971, Dr. O. Carl Simonton, a radiologist at the University of Texas met a 61-year old patient who had advanced throat cancer with a very poor prognosis. The patient was so weak that it seemed highly unlikely that he would respond well to radiation, the standard therapy for his condition.
In desperation, Dr. Simonton suggested the man try visualization as a means of enhancing his radiation therapy. While visualizing the cancer cells as vividly as possibly, he imagined his white blood cells successfully ridding the cancer. For him, he saw his cancer cells being swept clean from his system leaving only healthy cells behind. He went home with instructions to repeat this visualization throughout the day, every day.
In a few weeks, his tumor seemed to be shrinking and he was virtually free of side effects from his radiation therapy. After 2 months, his cancer was completely gone.
Naturally, Dr. Simonton was elated but baffled. How could a thought deal so effectively with a cancer cell? The patient went on to effectively deal with arthritis in his leg that kept him from going stream-fishing. Six years later, he was still cancer and arthritis free.
This is the power of the brain to heal.
This is the power of the brain and how we can use visualization to enact this self-healing power. According to Dr. Bernie Siegel, it doesn't matter if you direct it to heart-disease, cancer, arthritis, or infertility - it works on all aspects of our health.
This is the underpinning of our work and programming for Circle+Bloom. Applying this brain-visualization power to the reproductive system. This is why our programs follow the cycle as closely as possible. We move inward and visualize what is happening - or should be happening - on a daily basis.
After watching both my parents die of cancer at the hands of modern medicine, I find a bittersweet solace when I hear these types of stories. But at the same time it strengthens my resolve that we need to educate and teach everyone that this self-healing is a powerful tool we can all use no matter what stage of our life we are in.
I endorse this wonderful company! Mike Berkley, L.Ac., FABORM
Thursday, August 19
Stress reduces fertility
Click on the title 'Stress reduces fertility' and watch!
Acupuncture reduces stress. Therefore acupuncture increases pregnancy outcomes. Simple enough!
Acupuncture reduces stress. Therefore acupuncture increases pregnancy outcomes. Simple enough!
Tuesday, August 17
The Berkley Center is Opening in Long Island!
First Holistic Fertility Center on Long Island
East Coast Fertility is pleased to announce starting October 4th, 2010, in association with The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, they will be the first Center on Long Island to offer an East meets West approach to fertile wellness.
While East Coast Fertility will continue to provide state-of-the-art high tech fertility care, The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness will be providing acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and clinical counseling to help enhance your experience.
Mike Berkley, the Director of Complementary Medicine Services, is the first acupuncturist in the U.S. to devote his practice solely to the care of those faced with fertility challenges. East Coast Fertility is pleased to welcome The Berkley Center to their home!
Please call 516-204-7149 to schedule your first appointment for complementary medicine services at East Coast Fertility.
East Coast Fertility is pleased to announce starting October 4th, 2010, in association with The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, they will be the first Center on Long Island to offer an East meets West approach to fertile wellness.
While East Coast Fertility will continue to provide state-of-the-art high tech fertility care, The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness will be providing acupuncture, herbal medicine, massage, and clinical counseling to help enhance your experience.
Mike Berkley, the Director of Complementary Medicine Services, is the first acupuncturist in the U.S. to devote his practice solely to the care of those faced with fertility challenges. East Coast Fertility is pleased to welcome The Berkley Center to their home!
Please call 516-204-7149 to schedule your first appointment for complementary medicine services at East Coast Fertility.
Tuesday, June 22
Rising infertility in men linked to pollution
Published in: Legalbrief Environmental
Date: Tue 22 June 2010
Category: General
Issue No: 0168
The Cape Argus notes that there is growing concern that environmental pollution may be behind increasing male infertility.
The Southern African Society for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy is compiling data from all the fertility clinics throughout the country. Dr Klaus Wiswedel, of the Cape Fertility Clinic, said they were seeing 1 200 to 1 500 male patients a year. A list of harmful pollutants that carried a risk for sperm production included an increase of lead and toxic fumes in the atmosphere, xeno-oestrogens (female hormones of plant origin) in factory-produced meats and chicken, plus an increase in the use of pesticides such as organophosphates (most of which are outlawed globally but still used here) and use of plastic wrappings. Puberty was another time when males were vulnerable to these environmental factors, the report quotes Wisdewel as saying.
Date: Tue 22 June 2010
Category: General
Issue No: 0168
The Cape Argus notes that there is growing concern that environmental pollution may be behind increasing male infertility.
The Southern African Society for Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopy is compiling data from all the fertility clinics throughout the country. Dr Klaus Wiswedel, of the Cape Fertility Clinic, said they were seeing 1 200 to 1 500 male patients a year. A list of harmful pollutants that carried a risk for sperm production included an increase of lead and toxic fumes in the atmosphere, xeno-oestrogens (female hormones of plant origin) in factory-produced meats and chicken, plus an increase in the use of pesticides such as organophosphates (most of which are outlawed globally but still used here) and use of plastic wrappings. Puberty was another time when males were vulnerable to these environmental factors, the report quotes Wisdewel as saying.
Daily sex helps to reduce sperm DNA damage and improve fertility
Published: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 - 08:38 in Health & Medicine
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Daily sex (or ejaculating daily) for seven days improves men's sperm quality by reducing the amount of DNA damage, according to an Australian study presented today (Tuesday) to the 25th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Amsterdam.
Until now there has been no evidence-based consensus amongst fertility specialists as to whether or not men should refrain from sex for a few days before attempting to conceive with their partner, either spontaneously or via assisted reproduction.
Dr David Greening, an obstetrician and gynaecologist with sub specialist training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Sydney IVF, Wollongong, Australia, said: "All that we knew was that intercourse on the day of ovulation offered the highest chance of pregnancy, but we did not know what was the best advice for the period leading up to ovulation or egg retrieval for IVF.
"I thought that frequent ejaculation might be a physiological mechanism to improve sperm DNA damage, while maintaining semen levels within the normal, fertile range."
To investigate this hypothesis, Dr Greening studied 118 men who had higher than normal sperm DNA damage as indicated by a DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI). Men who had a more than 15% of their sperm (DFI >15%) damaged were eligible for the trial. At Sydney IVF, sperm DNA damage is defined as less than 15% DFI for excellent quality sperm, 15-24% DFI for good, 25-29% DFI for fair and more than 29% DFI for poor quality; but other laboratories can have slightly different ranges.
The men were instructed to ejaculate daily for seven days, and no other treatment or lifestyle changes were suggested. Before they started, levels of DNA damage ranged between 15% and 98% DFI, with an average 34% DFI when measured after three days' abstinence. When the men's sperm was re-assessed on the seventh day, Dr Greening found that 96 men (81%) had an average 12% decrease in their sperm DNA damage, while 22 men (19%) and an average increase in damage of nearly 10%. The average for the whole group dropped to 26% DFI.
Dr Greening said: "Although the mean average was 26% which is in the 'fair' range for sperm quality, this included 18% of men whose sperm DNA damage increased as well as those whose DNA damage decreased. Amongst the men whose damage decreased, their average dropped by 12% to just under 23% DFI, which puts them in the 'good' range. Also, more men moved into the 'good' range and out of the 'poor' or 'fair' range. These changes were substantial and statistically highly significant.
"In addition, we found that although frequent ejaculation decreased semen volume and sperm concentrations, it did not compromise sperm motility and, in fact, this rose slightly but significantly.
"Further research is required to see whether the improvement in these men's sperm quality translates into better pregnancy rates, but other, previous studies have shown the relationship between sperm DNA damage and pregnancy rates.
"The optimal number of days of ejaculation might be more or less than seven days, but a week appears manageable and favourable. It seems safe to conclude that couples with relatively normal semen parameters should have sex daily for up to a week before the ovulation date. In the context of assisted reproduction, this simple treatment may assist in improving sperm quality and ultimately achieving a pregnancy. In addition, these results may mean that men play a greater role in infertility than previously suspected, and that ejaculatory frequency is important for improving sperm quality, especially as men age and during assisted reproduction cycles."
Dr Greening said he thought the reason why sperm quality improved with frequent ejaculation was because the sperm had a shorter exposure in the testicular ducts and epididymis to reactive oxygen species – very small molecules, high levels of which can damage cells. "The remainder of the men who had an increase in DFI might have a different explanation for their sperm DNA damage," he concluded.
Source: European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology
Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Daily sex (or ejaculating daily) for seven days improves men's sperm quality by reducing the amount of DNA damage, according to an Australian study presented today (Tuesday) to the 25th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Amsterdam.
Until now there has been no evidence-based consensus amongst fertility specialists as to whether or not men should refrain from sex for a few days before attempting to conceive with their partner, either spontaneously or via assisted reproduction.
Dr David Greening, an obstetrician and gynaecologist with sub specialist training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility at Sydney IVF, Wollongong, Australia, said: "All that we knew was that intercourse on the day of ovulation offered the highest chance of pregnancy, but we did not know what was the best advice for the period leading up to ovulation or egg retrieval for IVF.
"I thought that frequent ejaculation might be a physiological mechanism to improve sperm DNA damage, while maintaining semen levels within the normal, fertile range."
To investigate this hypothesis, Dr Greening studied 118 men who had higher than normal sperm DNA damage as indicated by a DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI). Men who had a more than 15% of their sperm (DFI >15%) damaged were eligible for the trial. At Sydney IVF, sperm DNA damage is defined as less than 15% DFI for excellent quality sperm, 15-24% DFI for good, 25-29% DFI for fair and more than 29% DFI for poor quality; but other laboratories can have slightly different ranges.
The men were instructed to ejaculate daily for seven days, and no other treatment or lifestyle changes were suggested. Before they started, levels of DNA damage ranged between 15% and 98% DFI, with an average 34% DFI when measured after three days' abstinence. When the men's sperm was re-assessed on the seventh day, Dr Greening found that 96 men (81%) had an average 12% decrease in their sperm DNA damage, while 22 men (19%) and an average increase in damage of nearly 10%. The average for the whole group dropped to 26% DFI.
Dr Greening said: "Although the mean average was 26% which is in the 'fair' range for sperm quality, this included 18% of men whose sperm DNA damage increased as well as those whose DNA damage decreased. Amongst the men whose damage decreased, their average dropped by 12% to just under 23% DFI, which puts them in the 'good' range. Also, more men moved into the 'good' range and out of the 'poor' or 'fair' range. These changes were substantial and statistically highly significant.
"In addition, we found that although frequent ejaculation decreased semen volume and sperm concentrations, it did not compromise sperm motility and, in fact, this rose slightly but significantly.
"Further research is required to see whether the improvement in these men's sperm quality translates into better pregnancy rates, but other, previous studies have shown the relationship between sperm DNA damage and pregnancy rates.
"The optimal number of days of ejaculation might be more or less than seven days, but a week appears manageable and favourable. It seems safe to conclude that couples with relatively normal semen parameters should have sex daily for up to a week before the ovulation date. In the context of assisted reproduction, this simple treatment may assist in improving sperm quality and ultimately achieving a pregnancy. In addition, these results may mean that men play a greater role in infertility than previously suspected, and that ejaculatory frequency is important for improving sperm quality, especially as men age and during assisted reproduction cycles."
Dr Greening said he thought the reason why sperm quality improved with frequent ejaculation was because the sperm had a shorter exposure in the testicular ducts and epididymis to reactive oxygen species – very small molecules, high levels of which can damage cells. "The remainder of the men who had an increase in DFI might have a different explanation for their sperm DNA damage," he concluded.
Source: European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology
Monday, June 21
Male Infertility
The integrity of sperm DNA is essential for the transmission of the father’s gene contribution.
Tests which show an increased fraction of sperm DNA fragmentation often correlates to other sperm pathologies such as poor motility, count and morphology. Most reproductive endocrinology clinics do not test for sperm DNA fragmentation even when the patient presents with poor sperm parameters.
As in all areas of medicine, there is internecine battling going on between physicians as to the meaning and the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on male fertility.
Some doctors completely disagree with its relevancy as a contributor to male infertility; some physicians accept its contribution but don’t know what to do with the findings; others think that the only real detriment to the quality of sperm rendered by DNA fragmentation is the sperms inability to penetrate the egg and they think that injecting the sperm into the egg (ICSI) effectively deals with the problem. It does not.
Sperm DNA fragmentation has a far reaching effect on fertility and surpasses the mere diminished ability of sperm to penetrate egg.
Some studies show that with higher percentages of sperm DNA fragmentation, there are increased correlations in spontaneous abortions. The proportion of patients with abnormal sperm DNA integrity is higher in couples with spontaneous miscarriage. This is not surprising as a good embryo is nothing other than the combination of a good egg with a good sperm and sperm with DNA fragmentation is not good sperm.
In sperm without DNA fragmentation the DNA is protected from damage while being transported through both the male and female reproductive tracts; if there is damage to the DNA then impaired fertility is an obvious consequence.
Causes of DNA fragmentation are many and varied ranging from genetic anomalies to reactive oxygen species due to white blood cell (leukocyte) infiltration), as well as vericoceles.
As DNA repair systems are less active in the later stages of sperm production, sperm with fragmented DNA can readily reach the ejaculate.
Men that have sperm DNA fragmentation greater than 30% are typically infertile.
Treatment options
Antioxidant therapy
Antioxidants ‘scavenge’ reactive oxygen species and can, in some instances, reduce sperm DNA fragmentation percentages. A n anti oxidant compound which has been shown to be effective in some instances is composed of lycopene 6mg, vitamin E 400IU, vitamin C 100mg, zinc 25mg, selenium 26 mg, folate .5 mg and garlic (available in pill form)1000 mg. This should be taken once daily.
Acupuncture and Herbs
Acupuncture with its ability to stimulate blood which transports oxygen and nutrients to the testes, while carrying debris away from the testes may also be an effective treatment.
Many herbal medicines also have high antioxidant properties and should be included in the treatment regimen.
Combining antioxidant therapy as described above with acupuncture and herbal medicine can potentially reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and increase fertility outcomes in men with high percentages of DNA fragmentation.
Smoking cigarettes and marijuana have been shown to contribute to sperm DNA fragmentation. Elimination of these mitigators may also reduce sperm DNA fragmentation percentages.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
Tests which show an increased fraction of sperm DNA fragmentation often correlates to other sperm pathologies such as poor motility, count and morphology. Most reproductive endocrinology clinics do not test for sperm DNA fragmentation even when the patient presents with poor sperm parameters.
As in all areas of medicine, there is internecine battling going on between physicians as to the meaning and the effect of sperm DNA fragmentation on male fertility.
Some doctors completely disagree with its relevancy as a contributor to male infertility; some physicians accept its contribution but don’t know what to do with the findings; others think that the only real detriment to the quality of sperm rendered by DNA fragmentation is the sperms inability to penetrate the egg and they think that injecting the sperm into the egg (ICSI) effectively deals with the problem. It does not.
Sperm DNA fragmentation has a far reaching effect on fertility and surpasses the mere diminished ability of sperm to penetrate egg.
Some studies show that with higher percentages of sperm DNA fragmentation, there are increased correlations in spontaneous abortions. The proportion of patients with abnormal sperm DNA integrity is higher in couples with spontaneous miscarriage. This is not surprising as a good embryo is nothing other than the combination of a good egg with a good sperm and sperm with DNA fragmentation is not good sperm.
In sperm without DNA fragmentation the DNA is protected from damage while being transported through both the male and female reproductive tracts; if there is damage to the DNA then impaired fertility is an obvious consequence.
Causes of DNA fragmentation are many and varied ranging from genetic anomalies to reactive oxygen species due to white blood cell (leukocyte) infiltration), as well as vericoceles.
As DNA repair systems are less active in the later stages of sperm production, sperm with fragmented DNA can readily reach the ejaculate.
Men that have sperm DNA fragmentation greater than 30% are typically infertile.
Treatment options
Antioxidant therapy
Antioxidants ‘scavenge’ reactive oxygen species and can, in some instances, reduce sperm DNA fragmentation percentages. A n anti oxidant compound which has been shown to be effective in some instances is composed of lycopene 6mg, vitamin E 400IU, vitamin C 100mg, zinc 25mg, selenium 26 mg, folate .5 mg and garlic (available in pill form)1000 mg. This should be taken once daily.
Acupuncture and Herbs
Acupuncture with its ability to stimulate blood which transports oxygen and nutrients to the testes, while carrying debris away from the testes may also be an effective treatment.
Many herbal medicines also have high antioxidant properties and should be included in the treatment regimen.
Combining antioxidant therapy as described above with acupuncture and herbal medicine can potentially reduce sperm DNA fragmentation and increase fertility outcomes in men with high percentages of DNA fragmentation.
Smoking cigarettes and marijuana have been shown to contribute to sperm DNA fragmentation. Elimination of these mitigators may also reduce sperm DNA fragmentation percentages.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
Tuesday, June 8
Acupuncture improves fertility outcomes
Check out my new video on what acupuncture can treat from the perspective of reproductive pathology.
Click on the title 'Acupuncture improves fertility outcomes'
Click on the title 'Acupuncture improves fertility outcomes'
Sunday, May 23
The Male Contribution to Viable Embryos
Centriole definition: a structure found in the cell cytoplasm (cytoplasm: all of the contents outside of the nucleus and enclosed within the cell membrane of a cell) that plays a role in embryo development.
Sperm centrioles were traced from fertilization to the hatching blastocyst stage. The sperm centriole is introduced into the egg at fertilization.
As the male and female aspects of the developing embryo (called pro nuclei) fuse (called syngamy) to become a shared environment of both male and female DNA, centrioles play a pivotal role in cell division (cleavage) of the embryo.
This division, when the embryo goes from a single cell organism to a two cell organism to a four cell organism to an eight cell organism to a sixteen cell organism is called mitosis or cleavage.
Sperm centrioles were detected at all stages of embryonic cleavage from the 1-cell through 8-cell stages, right up to the hatching blastocyst stage.
It is evident that the sperm centrosome ( formed from centrioles and having to do with cell division) is the functional active centrosome in humans, while the female is inactive.
Did you know? Embryos having 7-9 cells on day 3 have an increased chance of developing to the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst is a 5 day embryo and is considered to be of significant quality.
Embryos with <7 cells or >9 cells are less likely to make it to the blastocyst stage.1
My question is this: if a woman consistently produces 4 or 6 cell embryos during a stimulated IVF cycle is it not possible that the male partner’s sperm has some ultra structural defect whereupon centriole quality is subfunctional?
Since we know that the male contribution of healthy centrioles is necessary to facilitate cleavage of embryos to the blastocyst stage, it is my ardent recommendation that male partners of all women who are trying to conceive should also be treated with acupuncture and herbs.
Even when the male partner presents within the normal range for volume, count, morphology and motility, centriole health cannot be easily determined.
Case: A female patient has 15 eggs retrieved during an IVF cycle; 10 fertilize, and 7 survive. She has 7, day 3 embryos ranging in size from 6 to 10 cells with zero fragmentation and a healthy10mm endometrial lining. The reproductive endocrinologist transfers three of these beautiful embryos and the cycle fails.
Why? We do not know for sure: it could be that the embryos were chromosomally abnormal. This can be due to chromosomally abnormal eggs or sperm. It can also be due to the fact that the male centriole health and function were not optimal. This may be considered a ‘hidden’ cause of infertility.
The use of acupuncture and certain herbal medicines can vigorously stimulate blood flow to the testicles carrying oxygen and nutrients, as well as hormones from the brain, as well as electrolytes, while simultaneously carrying debris or dead cells away from the testicles.
This increased delivery of the ‘good’ and increased excretion of the ‘bad’ may improve ultra structural properties of the sperm including centriole quality and function and thereby improve embryo quality and help facilitate cleavage to the blastocyst stage and thereby potentiate take home baby rates.
Summary: It is my opinion, based on clinical experience, that both partners should be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine when wishing to start or grow a family and is having difficulty doing so.
1. Alikani M, Caulderon G, Tomkin G, et al. Cleavage anomalies in early human embryos for transfer after in vitro fertilization. Human Reprod 1997; 12(7): 1545-1549
Sperm centrioles were traced from fertilization to the hatching blastocyst stage. The sperm centriole is introduced into the egg at fertilization.
As the male and female aspects of the developing embryo (called pro nuclei) fuse (called syngamy) to become a shared environment of both male and female DNA, centrioles play a pivotal role in cell division (cleavage) of the embryo.
This division, when the embryo goes from a single cell organism to a two cell organism to a four cell organism to an eight cell organism to a sixteen cell organism is called mitosis or cleavage.
Sperm centrioles were detected at all stages of embryonic cleavage from the 1-cell through 8-cell stages, right up to the hatching blastocyst stage.
It is evident that the sperm centrosome ( formed from centrioles and having to do with cell division) is the functional active centrosome in humans, while the female is inactive.
Did you know? Embryos having 7-9 cells on day 3 have an increased chance of developing to the blastocyst stage. A blastocyst is a 5 day embryo and is considered to be of significant quality.
Embryos with <7 cells or >9 cells are less likely to make it to the blastocyst stage.1
My question is this: if a woman consistently produces 4 or 6 cell embryos during a stimulated IVF cycle is it not possible that the male partner’s sperm has some ultra structural defect whereupon centriole quality is subfunctional?
Since we know that the male contribution of healthy centrioles is necessary to facilitate cleavage of embryos to the blastocyst stage, it is my ardent recommendation that male partners of all women who are trying to conceive should also be treated with acupuncture and herbs.
Even when the male partner presents within the normal range for volume, count, morphology and motility, centriole health cannot be easily determined.
Case: A female patient has 15 eggs retrieved during an IVF cycle; 10 fertilize, and 7 survive. She has 7, day 3 embryos ranging in size from 6 to 10 cells with zero fragmentation and a healthy10mm endometrial lining. The reproductive endocrinologist transfers three of these beautiful embryos and the cycle fails.
Why? We do not know for sure: it could be that the embryos were chromosomally abnormal. This can be due to chromosomally abnormal eggs or sperm. It can also be due to the fact that the male centriole health and function were not optimal. This may be considered a ‘hidden’ cause of infertility.
The use of acupuncture and certain herbal medicines can vigorously stimulate blood flow to the testicles carrying oxygen and nutrients, as well as hormones from the brain, as well as electrolytes, while simultaneously carrying debris or dead cells away from the testicles.
This increased delivery of the ‘good’ and increased excretion of the ‘bad’ may improve ultra structural properties of the sperm including centriole quality and function and thereby improve embryo quality and help facilitate cleavage to the blastocyst stage and thereby potentiate take home baby rates.
Summary: It is my opinion, based on clinical experience, that both partners should be treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine when wishing to start or grow a family and is having difficulty doing so.
1. Alikani M, Caulderon G, Tomkin G, et al. Cleavage anomalies in early human embryos for transfer after in vitro fertilization. Human Reprod 1997; 12(7): 1545-1549
Tuesday, May 18
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine and How it Helps in the Treatment of Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a very painful condition that affects women; the condition can lead to multiple health related issues. Instead of using traditional forms of medicine some women prefer treating the condition with acupuncture and herbal medicine. The treatments offered vary upon the level of severity as well as a woman’s future plans to have children.
Typically women between the ages of 25 to 35 are diagnosed with endometriosis, but it can occur at different stages of a women’s life. Once a month the ovaries produce hormones that cause the cells of the uterine lining to increase in number and plan for a fertilized egg. The specific cells that cause this are called endometrial cells. They should only grow inside the uterus, when they begin to grow outside of the uterus the condition is referred to as endometriosis.
This condition causes a woman a great deal of pain and can also produce scars on the ovaries, tubes, and area surrounding the pelvis. It can also lead to chronic pelvic pain, development of large cysts in the pelvis, and infertility. A doctor may provide many options for treatment such as: surgery, hysterectomy, and medication. Not all women wish to take drugs or have an invasive operation such as a surgical procedure. For women that wish to have children at some point a hysterectomy is not an option, so they search for possible alternatives such as herbal medicine and acupuncture.
Herbal medicines and acupuncture are often used collectively to not only treat the physical conditions but the mental, emotional, and spiritual conditions as well. Acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years, its use in America started around the 1970s. One of the most common uses for acupuncture in America is for pain treatment.
An acupuncturist inserts small sterile needles into specific points of the body based on the purpose for the treatment. Common locations where the needles are inserted for the treatment of endometriosis are the back, legs, feet, ears, wrists, and abdomen. The amount of time that the needles will be inserted vary on the severity of the condition, typically they remain in place for 20 to 40 minutes. It is believed that acupuncture treats endometriosis by balancing hormone levels, increasing circulation, and reducing pain by boosting the amount of endorphins produced by the body.
Herbal medicine is one of the premier forms of medicine. Typically medicinal plants are used internally and externally to treat a patient and restore their health. Herbalists base their methods on the traditional use of a specific plant as well breakthroughs in modern science. There are many different plants that may be used for the treatment of endometriosis such as: horsetail, cramp bark, burdock, wild yam, motherwort, and dandelion. These plants as well as others are used to help rebalance hormones and increase the strength of the immune system so the body can naturally fight endometriosis.
Like most medicines and treatments the use of acupuncture and herbs may take some time to produce results. When a woman chooses acupuncture or herbal medicine they should only be performed under the careful watch of an acupuncturist or herbalist. For women that suffer from endometriosis, acupuncture and herbal medicine offer an alternative to surgical procedures and drugs produced in a lab.
Typically women between the ages of 25 to 35 are diagnosed with endometriosis, but it can occur at different stages of a women’s life. Once a month the ovaries produce hormones that cause the cells of the uterine lining to increase in number and plan for a fertilized egg. The specific cells that cause this are called endometrial cells. They should only grow inside the uterus, when they begin to grow outside of the uterus the condition is referred to as endometriosis.
This condition causes a woman a great deal of pain and can also produce scars on the ovaries, tubes, and area surrounding the pelvis. It can also lead to chronic pelvic pain, development of large cysts in the pelvis, and infertility. A doctor may provide many options for treatment such as: surgery, hysterectomy, and medication. Not all women wish to take drugs or have an invasive operation such as a surgical procedure. For women that wish to have children at some point a hysterectomy is not an option, so they search for possible alternatives such as herbal medicine and acupuncture.
Herbal medicines and acupuncture are often used collectively to not only treat the physical conditions but the mental, emotional, and spiritual conditions as well. Acupuncture has been practiced in China for thousands of years, its use in America started around the 1970s. One of the most common uses for acupuncture in America is for pain treatment.
An acupuncturist inserts small sterile needles into specific points of the body based on the purpose for the treatment. Common locations where the needles are inserted for the treatment of endometriosis are the back, legs, feet, ears, wrists, and abdomen. The amount of time that the needles will be inserted vary on the severity of the condition, typically they remain in place for 20 to 40 minutes. It is believed that acupuncture treats endometriosis by balancing hormone levels, increasing circulation, and reducing pain by boosting the amount of endorphins produced by the body.
Herbal medicine is one of the premier forms of medicine. Typically medicinal plants are used internally and externally to treat a patient and restore their health. Herbalists base their methods on the traditional use of a specific plant as well breakthroughs in modern science. There are many different plants that may be used for the treatment of endometriosis such as: horsetail, cramp bark, burdock, wild yam, motherwort, and dandelion. These plants as well as others are used to help rebalance hormones and increase the strength of the immune system so the body can naturally fight endometriosis.
Like most medicines and treatments the use of acupuncture and herbs may take some time to produce results. When a woman chooses acupuncture or herbal medicine they should only be performed under the careful watch of an acupuncturist or herbalist. For women that suffer from endometriosis, acupuncture and herbal medicine offer an alternative to surgical procedures and drugs produced in a lab.
Thursday, May 13
New Mind Body Approach at The Berkley Center
The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness Announces a Complete Mind Body approach to Fertile Wellness
Extend the benefits of acupuncture using advanced mind-body visualizations.
Only 15 Minutes a Day to Improved Fertility, Health and a Relaxed Pregnancy.
For all stages of trying-to-conceive as well as conception, Circle + Bloom has created an enjoyable and simple-to-use relaxation and mind-body program that gives back your control over your fertility, health and pregnancy.
We have decided to integrate the Circle + Bloom Meditations as part of your acupuncture experience.
Like a hand in a glove....acupuncture and mind-body guided visualizations go together so perfectly well!
Circle+Bloom have created an exciting product line that leverages your innate powers of self-healing using visualizations in a method that is both enjoyable and easy to use.
So the next time you come in for a visit, you will be handed an Apple iPod pre-filled with all of Circle + Bloom's programming, including their newly released IVF / IUI Mind-Body Program.
You select which session to listen to according to where you are in your cycle and while you are being treated, go on a wonderful enjoyable journey inside your mind and body to be further grounded, more relaxed and improve your probability for success.
Another innovative experience brought to you by
The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness.
Extend the benefits of acupuncture using advanced mind-body visualizations.
Only 15 Minutes a Day to Improved Fertility, Health and a Relaxed Pregnancy.
For all stages of trying-to-conceive as well as conception, Circle + Bloom has created an enjoyable and simple-to-use relaxation and mind-body program that gives back your control over your fertility, health and pregnancy.
We have decided to integrate the Circle + Bloom Meditations as part of your acupuncture experience.
Like a hand in a glove....acupuncture and mind-body guided visualizations go together so perfectly well!
Circle+Bloom have created an exciting product line that leverages your innate powers of self-healing using visualizations in a method that is both enjoyable and easy to use.
So the next time you come in for a visit, you will be handed an Apple iPod pre-filled with all of Circle + Bloom's programming, including their newly released IVF / IUI Mind-Body Program.
You select which session to listen to according to where you are in your cycle and while you are being treated, go on a wonderful enjoyable journey inside your mind and body to be further grounded, more relaxed and improve your probability for success.
Another innovative experience brought to you by
The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness.
Saturday, May 1
The Berkley Method
At The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness all patients are treated twice weekly with acupuncture until pregnancy is achieved. Once pregnancy is confirmed we treat with acupuncture twice weekly for thirteen weeks as 90% of miscarriages occur within the first twelve weeks. Acupuncture can help to reduce the occurrence of miscarriage.
It is best to have ongoing treatment with acupuncture and herbs for a period of three to four months before your IVF-embryo transfer, or IUI, but we see patients at various times in their IVF cycle.
Of course we also treat patients who seek support on their journey to family with an all natural approach.
We do recommend taking our proprietary herbal formulas even when you are taking reproductive medicine. We have seen good outcomes by combining both types of medicine without any deleterious effect.
The purpose of gonadotropins and other medications used during an IVF cycle are to stimulate the development of multiple follicles. The success or failure of your IVF cycle depends in great measure on the quality of sperm, egg and lining. It is the purpose of acupuncture and herbal medicine, when treating the patient who is trying to conceive, to improve egg, sperm and lining quality when necessary. Therefore, one can see that acupuncture and herbal medicine fill a significant gap which, to date, has not been addressed by Western reproductive medicine.
If you have a history of second or third trimester miscarriage we will continue to treat you throughout your entire pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage. The treatment will consist of a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
We recommend that all of our patients take DHEA 75mg/day for three months prior to IVF as pregnancy rates seem to be higher in patients who follow this protocol.
We do not give pregnant patients herbal medicine unless they have a history of miscarriage. If they do, we recommend herbal medicine as herbs can sometimes be effective in preventing miscarriages. There have been no studies to date which show any harmful side-effects from herbs to either the mother or the baby.
We also recommend massage at the frequency of one session per week. Massage helps to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic environment and significantly reduces stress. All of our licensed massage therapists are fully trained in pre and post natal massage.
The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness does an excellent job in seamlessly coordinating your care with acupuncture, herbs, massage and the protocol of treating with acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer. We are open seven days per week to accommodate those patients seeking acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer.
Receiving acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer, according to several studies, increases pregnancy rates.
Mike Berkley, Licensed Acupuncturist and Board Certified Herbalist is the Founder and Director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, established in 1997. Mike is the first practitioner in the United States to devote a complementary medicine practice to the care and treatment of those faced with the difficult challenge of infertility.
Continuity of practice, continued study and thirteen years of clinical experience: strictly in the field of reproductive medicine, is the foundation for the successes that many of Mike’s patients frequently experience.
Mike spends some of his time lecturing to other acupuncturists throughout the nation on how to best utilize acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat those faced with fertility challenges.
Mike works with patients of any age and with any FSH level. He believes that every woman deserves a chance.
It is best to have ongoing treatment with acupuncture and herbs for a period of three to four months before your IVF-embryo transfer, or IUI, but we see patients at various times in their IVF cycle.
Of course we also treat patients who seek support on their journey to family with an all natural approach.
We do recommend taking our proprietary herbal formulas even when you are taking reproductive medicine. We have seen good outcomes by combining both types of medicine without any deleterious effect.
The purpose of gonadotropins and other medications used during an IVF cycle are to stimulate the development of multiple follicles. The success or failure of your IVF cycle depends in great measure on the quality of sperm, egg and lining. It is the purpose of acupuncture and herbal medicine, when treating the patient who is trying to conceive, to improve egg, sperm and lining quality when necessary. Therefore, one can see that acupuncture and herbal medicine fill a significant gap which, to date, has not been addressed by Western reproductive medicine.
If you have a history of second or third trimester miscarriage we will continue to treat you throughout your entire pregnancy to help prevent miscarriage. The treatment will consist of a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine.
We recommend that all of our patients take DHEA 75mg/day for three months prior to IVF as pregnancy rates seem to be higher in patients who follow this protocol.
We do not give pregnant patients herbal medicine unless they have a history of miscarriage. If they do, we recommend herbal medicine as herbs can sometimes be effective in preventing miscarriages. There have been no studies to date which show any harmful side-effects from herbs to either the mother or the baby.
We also recommend massage at the frequency of one session per week. Massage helps to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic environment and significantly reduces stress. All of our licensed massage therapists are fully trained in pre and post natal massage.
The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness does an excellent job in seamlessly coordinating your care with acupuncture, herbs, massage and the protocol of treating with acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer. We are open seven days per week to accommodate those patients seeking acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer.
Receiving acupuncture pre and post embryo transfer, according to several studies, increases pregnancy rates.
Mike Berkley, Licensed Acupuncturist and Board Certified Herbalist is the Founder and Director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, established in 1997. Mike is the first practitioner in the United States to devote a complementary medicine practice to the care and treatment of those faced with the difficult challenge of infertility.
Continuity of practice, continued study and thirteen years of clinical experience: strictly in the field of reproductive medicine, is the foundation for the successes that many of Mike’s patients frequently experience.
Mike spends some of his time lecturing to other acupuncturists throughout the nation on how to best utilize acupuncture and herbal medicine to treat those faced with fertility challenges.
Mike works with patients of any age and with any FSH level. He believes that every woman deserves a chance.
Wednesday, April 28
Got Questions? Get Answers. Get a ‘Third Opinion’ - FREE
A patient that I frequently encounter is a frustrated patient.
Patients are frustrated because they don’t understand what their doctors have told them and often can’t get a clear answer because their doctors just don’t have time to provide explanations.
Patients are frustrated because they don’t know which IVF clinic is right for them.
They are frustrated because they are not sure how to find an acupuncturist/herbalist who is an expert in the field of reproductive medicine.
They are frustrated because there is no one to talk to, or to bounce ideas off of about their situation, no ‘third opinion if you will.
They are frustrated because they feel alone in the vast world of reproductive medicine.
I want to give something back to the community of couples who are having difficulty conceiving and who are essentially alone and without proper information. I want to empower through knowledge.
I provide a ‘third opinion.’
The purpose of the ‘third opinion’ is to provide you and your partner with clarity about what it is that you are going through, and to help you become aware of your options; to give you both the opportunity to ask questions and to get clear and concise answers.
If you are confused and overwhelmed when you arrive, you will leave with clarity. Then you will be in the unique position of being able to make informed decisions about how to best proceed.
This is a free service. It is my gift to you. My payment is derived by the gratification that I experience by being of service to you and your partner.
I am uniquely qualified to offer this service as I have been treating infertility for 13 years and have acquired a vast amount of knowledge in Western reproductive medicine and I am a leading expert in the field of complementary reproductive medicine. I am one of the few acupuncturists in the United States who studies both Chinese and Western reproductive medicine extensively.
The ‘third opinion’ service is free. I offer it because I want to help.
‘Third Opinion’ sessions must be scheduled as they are by appointment only. The length of the sessions can be up to an hour long.
‘Third Opinion’ sessions are available on Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00AM until 12:00pm. They are free.
Schedule your ‘Third Opinion’ session by calling 212-685-0985.
My Mission is to help couples create families or grow their families with the least amount of stress by providing state-of-the-art information to inform and empower, and to provide natural medical solutions to complement high tech approaches.
I also provide an opportunity for you and your partner to travel the journey to family via a completely natural, safe and drug free approach utilizing proven methods of acupuncture and herbal medicine protocols.
I have been studying, teaching and practicing complementary reproductive medicine for 13 years. I am the first in the United States to do so. You are in good hands with me.
I look forward to being of service to you and your partner and to helping to make your transformation from patient to parent a little easier, a little less stressful and a lot more supported.
In service and in gratitude…
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
212-685-0985
Patients are frustrated because they don’t understand what their doctors have told them and often can’t get a clear answer because their doctors just don’t have time to provide explanations.
Patients are frustrated because they don’t know which IVF clinic is right for them.
They are frustrated because they are not sure how to find an acupuncturist/herbalist who is an expert in the field of reproductive medicine.
They are frustrated because there is no one to talk to, or to bounce ideas off of about their situation, no ‘third opinion if you will.
They are frustrated because they feel alone in the vast world of reproductive medicine.
I want to give something back to the community of couples who are having difficulty conceiving and who are essentially alone and without proper information. I want to empower through knowledge.
I provide a ‘third opinion.’
The purpose of the ‘third opinion’ is to provide you and your partner with clarity about what it is that you are going through, and to help you become aware of your options; to give you both the opportunity to ask questions and to get clear and concise answers.
If you are confused and overwhelmed when you arrive, you will leave with clarity. Then you will be in the unique position of being able to make informed decisions about how to best proceed.
This is a free service. It is my gift to you. My payment is derived by the gratification that I experience by being of service to you and your partner.
I am uniquely qualified to offer this service as I have been treating infertility for 13 years and have acquired a vast amount of knowledge in Western reproductive medicine and I am a leading expert in the field of complementary reproductive medicine. I am one of the few acupuncturists in the United States who studies both Chinese and Western reproductive medicine extensively.
The ‘third opinion’ service is free. I offer it because I want to help.
‘Third Opinion’ sessions must be scheduled as they are by appointment only. The length of the sessions can be up to an hour long.
‘Third Opinion’ sessions are available on Saturdays or Sundays from 9:00AM until 12:00pm. They are free.
Schedule your ‘Third Opinion’ session by calling 212-685-0985.
My Mission is to help couples create families or grow their families with the least amount of stress by providing state-of-the-art information to inform and empower, and to provide natural medical solutions to complement high tech approaches.
I also provide an opportunity for you and your partner to travel the journey to family via a completely natural, safe and drug free approach utilizing proven methods of acupuncture and herbal medicine protocols.
I have been studying, teaching and practicing complementary reproductive medicine for 13 years. I am the first in the United States to do so. You are in good hands with me.
I look forward to being of service to you and your partner and to helping to make your transformation from patient to parent a little easier, a little less stressful and a lot more supported.
In service and in gratitude…
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
212-685-0985
Thursday, April 15
The best of the best in complementary reproductive medicine
I was invited to speak on the Chinese medcial approach to the treatment of endometriosis in New Mexico by the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
I had an opportunity to mingle with the best-of-the-best in modern day practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine experts-in-reproductive disorders.
These elite group included: Ray Rubio, Stuart Zoll, Sadhna Singh, Dagmar Ehling, Diane Cridenda, Gerald Williams, Kirstin Karchmer and Caylie See. Paul Magarelli, M.D., Reproductive Endocrinologist was also very much there and participating in educating, supporting and facilitating. I also met Sabine Wilms, scholar and translator of Classical Chinese medicine works. Her most recent contribution is a translation of 3 volumes of gynecological writings the famous doctor by Sun Si Miao. I have already purchased this tome. It is available from CM-DB.Com.
Being with this group of wonderful 'Fellows' is always inspiring; this is the crem-de-la-crem of TCM reproductive medicine practitioners currently practicing in the U.S.
It was an honor for me to be counted among them.
If you want more information on any of these brilliant practitioners, please visit www.aborm.org
Warmest wishes and love to all my ABORM colleagues and thank you all for your amazing and never-ending contribution to this field.
PS: If I left out any names above, please forgive me; you know how I drink!
Love and best wishes.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
Founder and Director, The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness
212-685-0985
berkleycenter.com
I had an opportunity to mingle with the best-of-the-best in modern day practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine experts-in-reproductive disorders.
These elite group included: Ray Rubio, Stuart Zoll, Sadhna Singh, Dagmar Ehling, Diane Cridenda, Gerald Williams, Kirstin Karchmer and Caylie See. Paul Magarelli, M.D., Reproductive Endocrinologist was also very much there and participating in educating, supporting and facilitating. I also met Sabine Wilms, scholar and translator of Classical Chinese medicine works. Her most recent contribution is a translation of 3 volumes of gynecological writings the famous doctor by Sun Si Miao. I have already purchased this tome. It is available from CM-DB.Com.
Being with this group of wonderful 'Fellows' is always inspiring; this is the crem-de-la-crem of TCM reproductive medicine practitioners currently practicing in the U.S.
It was an honor for me to be counted among them.
If you want more information on any of these brilliant practitioners, please visit www.aborm.org
Warmest wishes and love to all my ABORM colleagues and thank you all for your amazing and never-ending contribution to this field.
PS: If I left out any names above, please forgive me; you know how I drink!
Love and best wishes.
Mike Berkley, L.Ac.
Founder and Director, The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness
212-685-0985
berkleycenter.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)