A breech baby and post-term labor are two emergency situations in childbirth. Acupuncture therapy can help address these conditions and may reduce the need for drugs or C-sections.
What We Offer
Acupuncture Treatment Specialties
Founded in 2000 with the goal of bringing Eastern medicine to the U.S., Jade Clinic of Fertility Acupuncture, PLLC incorporates a scientific understanding of Western gynecological medicine. Specializing in the general and reproductive health needs of women, the services we provide cater to a woman’s entire body, mind, and energy, as healing treatments alleviate the effects of illness, prevent disease, and help encourage healthy menstruation, ovulation, conception, pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. From pre-conception to toddlerhood, your baby will rely on you to provide them with a strong, healthy body and positive energy. You may not even realize that acupuncture can aid in healing your specific ailment.
Browse our full range of treatments, or feel free to call (214) 893-4321 or email jadeclinicdallas@gmail.com with any comments, questions, or feedback.
Specific Female Reproductive Issues
Fertility Issues
Reproduction Endocrinology Dysfunction
Maternity Support
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Alternatives
Sleeplessness
Hot Flashes and Night Sweating
Mood Swings
Chronic Fatigue
Weight Gain
Urinary Tract Disorders
Gastrointestinal Disorders
General Health Issues
Treating Fertility and Infertility with Acupuncture
Jade Clinic of Fertility Acupuncture, PLLC specializes in women’s physical, mental, and reproductive health through the therapeutic use of acupuncture and herbal medicine. Dr. Jane Liu, a trained gynecologist from China, provides fertility acupuncture treatment tailored to each woman’s needs, so you can receive the treatment that you need to conceive.
IVF (in vitro fertilization), acupuncture, and other infertility treatments can help increase the chances of conception and improve the success of fertility treatments. If you are struggling with conception or have experienced miscarriage, and IVF or other fertility treatments have not worked for you, acupuncture may be the solution you are looking for.
Jade Clinic of Fertility Acupuncture, PLLC has helped hundreds of women successfully conceive and give birth, even after other treatments have failed. Acupuncture treatments are tailored to address the specific challenges each woman faces, including low ovarian reserve, recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, fallopian tube obstructions, and other fertility issues. Your fertility acupuncturist will review your lifestyle, health goals, medical history, and reproductive history to design a therapeutic approach that best suits you. The areas of the body where acupuncture is applied, along with any accompanying herbal remedies, determine which systems are affected and which conditions may be improved. By promoting healthy circulation, creating hormonal balance, and reducing stress, acupuncture and herbal treatments provide a powerful approach to supporting healthy and successful conception.
Make an appointment today with Jade Clinic of Fertility Acupuncture, PLLC, to increase your chances of successful conception. To learn more about IVF acupuncture and fertility acupuncture treatments, call Jade Clinic of Fertility Acupuncture, PLLC at (214) 893-4321.
Specific Female Reproductive Issues
Fertility Issues
Infertility and Miscarriage:
The uterus is the home of an embryo, and its environment determines the fetus’s health and development. The lining of the uterus, known as the endometrium, is shed every month. Uterine dysfunction or structural abnormalities can cause various reproductive problems. For example, a lining that is too thin or lacking receptors may create a poor environment, affecting embryo implantation and potentially leading to miscarriage or excessive bleeding.
According to Chinese medicine, these symptoms may indicate blood and qi stagnation, phlegm and blood accumulation, qi and blood deficiency, kidney deficiency, or other imbalances. Depending on the symptoms and the individual patient, our treatments may include acupuncture, herbal therapy, or a combination of both to restore balance to the body.
Acupuncture not only increases blood circulation but also helps reduce stress and anxiety—sometimes even panic attacks—which balances the nervous-endocrine system. This, in turn, supports a healthier uterus. Chinese herbal medicine may help rebuild damaged estrogen and progesterone receptors in the uterine lining to thicken it. Herbs can also improve the uterine environment, helping prevent fibroid growth and supporting overall uterine health.
We have successfully treated many patients with multiple or large fibroids who eventually became pregnant naturally. We have also helped patients with very thin linings (4–5 mm) who were unable to conceive with Western medicine, but who achieved pregnancy—either naturally or via IUI or IVF—after improving uterine lining quality with Chinese medicine. I firmly believe that Chinese medicine offers unique ways to understand the nuances of the human body that modern science does not fully explore. These alternative methods often benefit patients who have not been helped by conventional medicine.
Aging Eggs:
Eggs begin developing in a woman’s ovaries even while she is in her mother’s womb. As women age, eggs become less healthy and of lower quality, which diminishes their ability to conceive over time. For example, a 37-year-old woman may have eggs that age quickly—either developing slowly or carrying abnormal genes—making conception more difficult.
From my experience, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can improve the quality of aging eggs by optimizing the environment of the pelvis and the rest of the body. We have treated over 50 patients diagnosed with aging eggs during an IVF cycle. After three to eight months of treatment, many of these patients produced high-quality embryos, and some became pregnant. Some were even able to preserve their eggs for freezing. Additionally, hundreds of patients with aging eggs have eventually conceived naturally or through IUI. I will share some of their stories in my blog later.
Low Ovarian Reserve:
Low ovarian reserve can occur in women of any age, whether in their twenties or forties. Prenatal nutrition and the environment of the womb can significantly affect the quality and quantity of eggs. For example, drinking alcohol and smoking are both harmful habits during pregnancy. Postnatal lifestyle choices also influence the rate of egg apoptosis. Malnutrition, substance abuse, and other unhealthy habits can accelerate egg aging, leading to a faster decline in ovarian reserve. We have seen numerous patients with low ovarian reserve, most of whom had experienced high stress levels, unhealthy lifestyles, or some form of autoimmune disorder.
In some cases, low ovarian reserve can be improved with Chinese medicine, particularly in women under 35. Many of these women exhibit “yin deficiency” with heat or phlegm—a pattern that affects the entire body, not just the reproductive organs. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine may target the ovaries, the pelvis, or the body as a whole to slow egg apoptosis or balance the immune system, promoting healthier ovaries. This can help increase the number of antral follicles.
One of the most challenging cases in our clinic involved a 42-year-old patient with an FSH level over 80 UI/L who had not menstruated for more than six months. Remarkably, she became pregnant naturally after acupuncture and herbal treatment.
Recurrent Pregnancy Loss:
Researchers have found that acupuncture can increase blood flow to women’s reproductive organs, providing them with better nourishment.
Acupuncture also appears to improve the quality of the uterine lining—the site where the embryo implants after conception—suggesting that it may enhance implantation and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Reproductive endocrinologists recognize that immunologic factors play a key role in recurrent miscarriages. One study has shown that conception and pregnancy involve suppression of the T-helper immune response, allowing a woman to carry the fetus to term. A 2001 study at Fudan University in Shanghai found that herbal medicine could inhibit specific immune responses, reprogram the immune system to avoid overreacting, and support the normal immune suppression needed for implantation, thereby protecting women during pregnancy. At our clinic, many women with recurrent miscarriages have conceived naturally and carried healthy babies to full term after three to six months of treatment.
Endometriosis:
In this condition, endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus migrate to locations where they are not normally found—outside the uterus, such as on the ovaries, bladder, and gastrointestinal tract. It is estimated that 10 to 20 percent of women in the United States have endometriosis. The likelihood of developing the condition increases until around age 44 and then declines.
Studies of the immune systems of women with symptomatic endometriosis show that they often produce antibodies against their own tissue, called autoantibodies. This suggests that, at some level, the body is rejecting parts of itself. “Endometriosis has been clearly associated with decreased egg fertilization and lower success rates for in vitro fertilization (IVF),” says Jane Liu.
Acupuncture for women treats endometriosis in combination with herbal therapy. Dr. Liu explains, “Our goal is to increase circulation in the pelvic area and regulate the immune system, promoting drainage, discouraging adhesions, and facilitating the removal of inflammatory substances. In addition, hormonal balance is reestablished.” The herbs used are selected to balance the immune system and hormones, control lesions, and aid in their absorption.
“For prevention, I recommend that women reduce physical activity as much as possible during the full days of their period each month, though this may be an unpopular suggestion for busy women today,” explains Dr. Liu. “But it is worth doing.”
IVF/IUI Support and Miscarriage Prevention:
In a study of 160 women undergoing IVF, researchers at the Christian Lauritzen Institute in Germany used acupuncture before and after embryo transfer in half of the participants and found that it increased the number of successful implantations. In the IVF-only group, 21 of 80 patients (26.3 percent) became pregnant, while in the IVF-plus-acupuncture group, 34 of 80 (42.5 percent) became pregnant. The researchers suggested that acupuncture might reduce uterine contractions that typically occur during embryo transfer and may support implantation.
At our clinic, we have helped hundreds of patients conceive with the support of acupuncture. One notable case involved a 42-year-old woman who had failed two IVF cycles, received acupuncture during her third cycle, and successfully conceived twins.
Fallopian Tubes Obstruction:
Fallopian tube obstruction can result from various conditions, including prior pelvic infections (such as chlamydia or gonorrhea), pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), pelvic adhesions (scar tissue), previous pelvic surgery, endometriosis, or any type of abdominal or pelvic surgery. Blockages can occur in several locations; often, the ends of the tubes are obstructed while the openings into the uterus remain open. For these patients, IVF is usually the best option.
In many cases, fallopian tube obstruction results in the tube being filled with fluid, a condition known as hydrosalpinx. The fluid, containing dead cells and toxic products, can flow back into the uterine cavity, potentially harming the embryo and reducing the chances of successful implantation, which lowers IVF success rates. Because of this, women diagnosed with hydrosalpinx are often advised to have the affected tubes removed, as studies show that removal significantly improves IVF pregnancy rates. However, this approach may be difficult for some patients to accept. Additionally, it may not be suitable for women who cannot undergo hormone treatments, such as cancer patients, or for those who, for religious, health, or personal reasons, cannot have reproductive organs removed.
For these patients, three to six months of treatment with acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help absorb the fluid in the tubes, improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Male Factor Infertility:
Men experience infertility just as frequently as women. According to the National Infertility Association, 35 to 40 percent of infertility cases among couples are caused by male factors. Numerous studies on male infertility suggest that acupuncture can improve sperm production and quality without affecting behavior or sexual desire. A recent trial, published in Fertility and Sterility, involved 28 men diagnosed with idiopathic infertility who received acupuncture twice a week for five weeks. The study demonstrated that acupuncture can significantly increase the number of normal sperm and reduce structural defects.
Stress and Infertility:
Stress and the brain play an important role in fertility. High stress can prevent a woman from ovulating and impair sperm production in men, while a low-stress state often promotes fertility. This helps explain why women under extreme stress may stop menstruating, why men under stress may produce abnormal sperm, and why couples often conceive while on a relaxing vacation, such as a cruise.
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and relax the body. Several studies suggest that acupuncture can be as effective in relieving symptoms of depression as psychotherapy or conventional drug therapies. This may be one reason why acupuncture helps patients undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) navigate their treatments more smoothly.
Reproduction Endocrinology Dysfunction
Abnormal male and female hormone levels affect up to 90 percent of women with irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Clinical observations in Shanghai, China, of patients whose ovaries were not producing eggs showed that, at a highly effective rate, their ovaries began producing eggs after receiving a series of acupuncture treatments. These results suggest that acupuncture may help regulate hormonal system functions, potentially influencing gene expression in the brain and normalizing the secretion of hormones such as GnRH, LH, and E2.
Many Chinese herbal formulas target different parts of the reproductive cycle by stimulating the body’s natural processes. For example, they can activate the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, and ovaries to release hormones that promote the timely production of FSH and LH, both essential for preparing for ovulation.
Experience has shown that when the hormonal system is functioning optimally and a woman has regular menstrual cycles, a healthy egg can be released on schedule. This increases the likelihood of fertilization, successful implantation, and proper embryologic development, ultimately supporting the chance of a healthy pregnancy and child.
PCOS:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and amenorrhea are among the many causes of hormone disorders, and they remain challenging to treat even in Western medicine. Because Chinese medicine addresses multiple parts of the body, including the ovaries, it can be an effective approach.
After nearly 30 years of practice, I have successfully treated numerous patients with PCOS and have identified certain patterns within this disorder. Specific symptoms can guide us in prescribing the most appropriate treatment. Based on these patterns, we use Chinese medicine and acupuncture to achieve results that often exceed expectations.
We have also observed that younger patients respond more easily to treatment and that diet plays a critical role in managing these conditions. We strongly recommend that patients seek help early and maintain a healthy diet every day.
Menstrual Cramps:
As many as 30 to 50 percent of women experience pain during their menstrual period. Primary dysmenorrhea, or menstrual pain, is caused by constriction and tightening of the uterine muscles. This reduces blood flow and oxygenation, leading to a buildup of metabolic waste products such as carbon dioxide and lactic acid, which causes discomfort. According to Chinese medicine, menstrual cramps are usually due to qi stagnation in the lower abdomen, blood stasis, or a combination of both. Treatment may involve the use of acupuncture, herbal therapy, or both, tailored to the individual patient’s needs.
Uterine Fibroids:
A fibroid is a noncancerous tumor that arises from the uterine muscle and connective tissue. Almost all cases are benign. Because fibroids develop after the onset of menstruation, enlarge during pregnancy, and shrink after menopause, they are thought to be estrogen-dependent. According to a National Institutes of Health report, one in five women in the United States shows at least some evidence of fibroids.
Fibroids are usually firm, spherical lumps of varying sizes and often occur in groups. They can grow near the outer surface of the uterus, where they can be detected during a pelvic examination, or near the inner lining of the uterus, where they may only be detected by ultrasound. Birth control pills containing high levels of estrogen and estrogen-replacement therapy for menopause symptoms can also accelerate fibroid growth. Typically, fibroids shrink after menopause.
From a “whole-body” perspective, fibroids indicate areas of stagnation or disrupted flow. They may also involve elements of dampness and phlegm, according to Chinese medicine.
Adenomyoma:
Adenomyoma is similar to endometriosis. In this condition, however, endometrial cells from the lining of the uterus migrate into the uterine myometrium. An enlarged uterus, painful menstruation, and long-term excessive bleeding are common characteristics and symptoms of adenomyoma. According to Chinese medicine, its mechanisms and treatments are similar to those for fibroids and endometriosis.
Maternity Support
Minimize Morning Sickness:
During the first three months of pregnancy, most women experience nausea, possible vomiting, and a bloated feeling in the pelvic area and breasts. These are normal effects.
“It doesn’t have to be that way,” says Jane Liu. “In addition to avoiding extremely salty foods, getting plenty of rest, and eating small meals several times a day instead of three large meals, expecting mothers should try acupuncture to help alleviate symptoms—especially if they cannot eat a normal meal without feeling nauseous.”
To support her recommendation, Dr. Liu highlights the Nei guan point, also known as PC-6, located about three fingers’ width above the crease on the inside of the wrist, between two tendons. For reasons not fully understood by science, firm stimulation of this point appears to calm the stomach.
Several studies over the past ten years have shown that pregnant women who receive needle stimulation of the Nei guan point are far less likely than untreated women to experience nausea or vomiting during the first trimester. Similar results have been observed in cancer patients receiving the chemotherapy drug cisplatin, which is often highly nauseating. In at least two studies of more than 100 patients each, over 90 percent experienced significantly less nausea when treated with acupuncture just before receiving the drug.
Post-Labor Recuperation:
Too often, when we think of labor support, we focus on C-sections, epidurals, and sepsis in newborns. In China, however, mothers place greater emphasis on recuperation after delivery. Post-labor nourishment has a centuries-old tradition in Asia, and it is clear that women who feel most supported during labor tend to have the best outcomes.
The technical aspects of various delivery procedures are usually straightforward and do not typically cause lasting physical problems. “But we notice that some labor-related issues arise due to hormonal and physiological imbalances,” says Jane Liu. “Helping mothers recover after delivery can make a significant difference in the years that follow. Mothers who receive post-labor care often experience less depression, arthritis, irregular periods, heavy flows, and lower back pain. It is the optimal time to nourish the mother.”
How can a mother care for herself after giving birth? “Mothers need to make informed choices about diet, exercise, and stress management while caring for their babies,” says Dr. Liu. “This adjustment alone can produce remarkable results. In my practice, I have been consistently impressed by how much women can improve their health simply by modifying their lifestyle.”
Correcting Breech and Inducing Labor:
Natural Treatment for Menopause
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Alternatives
Sandy is a 48-year-old woman who had enjoyed a healthy sexual relationship with her husband. However, since her total hysterectomy five years ago, she has noticed a sharp decline in her sex drive. Sexual activity has become uncomfortable, causing strain in her marriage. Her husband is loving and understanding, but she worries he may lose patience with her. She wonders if she is simply too old to enjoy sex as she once did.
In addition to low libido and discomfort during sex, Sandy experiences insomnia, depression, fatigue, and irritability. Since her hysterectomy, she has gained 30 pounds and struggles with memory and concentration, often feeling as if she is in a fog. She worries about the possibility of premature Alzheimer’s disease.
This is a typical case of a woman in her 40s with deficient hormone levels. Sexual function results from complex interactions among endocrine, metabolic, psychological, and nutritional factors. It is important to recognize that symptoms of sexual dysfunction in women may indicate an underlying medical problem. Chronic low levels of sex hormones are often associated with long-term complications, including osteoporosis, premature heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. With proper diagnosis and treatment, it is possible to slow the aging process and restore hormonal balance.
A graceful symmetry between the opposing forces of yin and yang forms the foundation of many medical treatments developed in China. Maintaining this symmetry—balance—is key to health. “There must be a balance between the mind and body,” explains Jane Liu. “The body follows the orders of the mind. We ask our body to do hundreds of things at once, and the body tries. But if the body is overwhelmed, it can’t comply; that’s when problems arise: hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, disturbed sleep, weight gain, dysmenorrhea, infertility, endometriosis, depression, stress, and hypertension. We live in a high-stress society and need to know our limitations.”
Medical practitioners in China have been refining techniques to achieve balance by harnessing and manipulating internal and external energy forces for centuries. Acupuncture, Dr. Liu’s specialty, is one such technique. The premise is that imbalances in energy flow cause disease, and acupuncture helps restore proper symmetry.
When you seek acupuncture and oriental herbal treatment for hormonal imbalance, you may receive one of several diagnoses, including deficient qi (energy), deficient blood of the heart, spleen, or liver, or stagnant qi. Based on your history, symptoms, and physical examination, specific acupuncture points and herbs are selected to suit your condition.
During treatment, needles are inserted along the body’s energy pathways and manipulated, usually by twirling or gentle pumping. Stimulation at specific points affects particular organs and functions, including the hormonal system, helping to increase, decrease, or redirect energy flow as needed.
Chinese herbs are used to regulate the female endocrine system. Dr. Liu treats PMS with a range of herbs. She explains, “Balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone helps reestablish hormonal harmony, reducing premenstrual syndrome.” The herbs are chosen to act as hormonal precursors and balancers and to improve liver function and digestion, all key components of the condition. Dr. Liu states, “The result is usually symptom relief by addressing the underlying cause. Patients consistently report a marked decrease in hot flashes, pain with intercourse, and digestive issues, along with improvements in mental outlook and a reduction in fatigue.”
Other Acupuncture Treatments
Urinary Tract Disorders
Interstitial Cystitis:
Interstitial cystitis is another disorder most commonly found in women. It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bladder wall. Unlike typical cystitis, interstitial cystitis is not believed to be caused by bacteria and does not respond to conventional antibiotic therapy. It is important to note that interstitial cystitis is not a psychosomatic disorder.
Patients may experience some or all of the following symptoms: frequent urination during the day or night, a sudden urge to urinate, and pain in the lower abdomen, urethra, or vaginal area. Pain is also often associated with sexual intercourse. Jane Liu says, “Some patients also report muscle and joint pain, migraines, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal problems. Interstitial cystitis appears to have an unexplained association with certain other chronic conditions, such as vulvodynia, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.”
“Though the cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown, I believe it is, in part, an autoimmune disorder,” Dr. Liu says. The production of antibodies against the body’s own tissues is a hallmark of autoimmune diseases—conditions that often confound conventional medicine and cannot be “cured” in the traditional sense. The immune system is highly sensitive, and our survival depends on its ability to distinguish self from non-self. But what happens when the immune system issues self-destruct orders?
“To help the body heal, we can use the fact that the immune system responds to messages from our neuro-endocrine-immune network. Acupuncture and oriental herbal medicine may treat interstitial cystitis by regulating this self-adjusting network,” Dr. Liu explains. “That is why acupuncture and herbal medicine can be effective.”
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
Most of us experience a few urinary tract infections (UTIs) over our lifetime. “Honeymoon cystitis” is a common cause of UTI, occurring when bacteria from the vaginal area enter the bladder under certain conditions. Symptoms include burning during urination, blood in the urine, and fever.
Married women, however, may experience recurrent bladder infections that require repeated courses of antibiotics. This is a different situation and requires a different approach. Chronic use of antibiotics for recurrent UTIs does not address the underlying imbalance in the body that leads to infections. Antibiotics can also disrupt beneficial vaginal flora, resulting in yeast infections, diarrhea, and, unfortunately, more recurrent UTIs.
“Chinese medicine treats recurrent urinary tract infections in a different way,” says Jane Liu. “Acupuncturists focus on the body’s overall healing system, not just the site of infection.” The immune system is the body’s natural defense against viruses, bacteria, and yeast. Over time, however, it can weaken. For decades, conventional medicine has maintained that this decline is inevitable. New research suggests there may be ways to support the immune system and keep it functioning optimally. Chinese medicine is one such approach and appears to have immune-boosting effects.
Urinary Incontinence:
Urinary incontinence is one of the most common problems among women with a history of natural childbirth. It can also occur in women who have experienced trauma from an accident or surgery. In most cases, incontinence can be managed with strong pelvic floor exercises, but some cases require additional support.
If nerves have been damaged, recovery may take a long time. Patients may also experience anxiety, depression, or other psychological effects as a result of incontinence. Acupuncture and herbal therapy can help stabilize and nourish the nervous system, strengthening the feedback between the bladder and the brain—where nerves release signals and chemicals to stimulate proper function. Acupuncture also reduces anxiety and depression, helping patients better manage their bodies and overall well-being.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Recurrent Stomachaches:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that occurs more frequently in women than in men. It is influenced by stress, eating habits, lifestyle, medical history, and an individual’s constitution. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been shown to effectively relieve its symptoms.
General Women’s Health Issues
Stress and Pain Management Without Drugs:
Current estimates show that 70 to 80 percent of all physician visits are for stress-related disorders.
Chronic stress directly affects the immune system and, if not managed effectively, can seriously compromise health. According to Chinese medicine, stress may contribute to the development of many diseases. Treatments for stress often include acupuncture and herbal therapy to help balance the body’s energies and relieve tension that restricts the function of specific parts of the body.
Studies suggest that acupuncture is effective for a wide range of painful conditions, including menstrual cramps, headaches, migraines, endometriosis, tennis elbow, and muscle strain. In a small pilot study at the University of Maryland, adults with osteoarthritis of the knee—a painful degeneration of the joint lining—received acupuncture twice weekly for two months. Eight of the twelve patients experienced reduced pain and improved mobility.
Acupuncture for women has been used to treat menstrual cramps, headaches, migraines, endometriosis, degenerative arthritis, neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia, sciatica, sports injuries such as tennis elbow, muscle spasms and strains, hypertension, and stroke. One of Jane Liu’s patients, a 55-year-old store owner working 80 hours a week, sought treatment for headaches, neck and low back pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, and a six-month loss of interest in sex. After weekly acupuncture and herbal treatments for six weeks, her pain was minimal, her blood pressure returned to normal, her sexual desire improved, and she only occasionally experienced insomnia. For individuals maintaining a high-stress lifestyle, monthly “maintenance” treatments are recommended to sustain the benefits.
Allergy Elimination:
From the perspective of Chinese medicine, allergic reactions are not only related to antigen-antibody interactions but are also influenced by body constitution and lifestyle. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help strengthen the body’s immune system and reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms.
Smoking Cessation:
Breaking Addictions to Cigarettes or Other Drugs
The habit-breaking benefits of acupuncture have been well documented in people addicted to heroin and crack cocaine through programs like Drug Court, in which felony drug offenders are given the opportunity to enter an intensive program of counseling combined with daily acupuncture treatments as an alternative to prison. Acupuncture stimulation on the ears and wrists has a powerful calming effect, according to counselors and participants. It not only reduces cravings—possibly by triggering the brain’s own endorphins—but also helps addicts relax enough to think clearly about their situation and commit to changing their lives.
Acupuncture has also shown success with other addictions. In a two-month study, more than half of the alcoholics who received acupuncture remained sober, compared to just 3 percent of those who received “sham” acupuncture, in which needles were inserted at non-acupuncture points.
For a testimonial regarding acupuncture as a smoking cessation aid, consider the judge who administers the Drug Court program in Miami-Dade County. He smoked several packs of cigarettes a day for 35 years until ten years ago, when he imposed the same intensive program on himself that he had required for convicted felons. After two weeks, he quit for good.
Dr. Liu recommends a simple acupuncture protocol: a few needles in the ears and wrists once a week for 30 minutes.