Tuesday, April 22, 2008
My first PCOS appt.
I went to the UVA today for the baseline blood draws and blood glucose tests. I left home around 10am, Tom had the kids all day. I went to my sister Amanda's to help her out for a couple hours with new baby Oliver and her 2 older kids. When I went to leave, I discovered I had left my lights on and had to ask Noah to jump my battery. :( So, I was about 15 minutes late for my appt. I got there and did a weigh-in (lost 3.5lbs since last time!) and blood pressure reading (130/85 - yikes!). Then I gave a urine sample and was shown to a room and bed to get comfy in. They hooked up a hep lock (to avoid a new needle for each draw - there were 4 of them) and got the initial blood and then gave me a bag of jelly beans to eat within 10 minutes. I thought - no problem, I haven't eaten for 17 hours and have had no sugar in 4 months - ha! It was a lot harder than I thought, but still better than the nasty syrupy drink! After that I had some questionnares to fill out and then was left to just relax, read, watch TV etc... they did 3 more blood draws every half hour. Then they brought me my $50 check and a dinner of grilled chicken, salad, an apple and bottle of water (per my request) and I was out of there. Oh, they took my blood pressure again before I left and it was 83/65 - a little low actually. All in all, it went well. Next week I start the treatments for a total of 8 weeks and then I return to the hospital for these same blood draws/tests again followed by 5 weeks of urine samples and then a third 2-hour blood draw/tests to end the study.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
PCOS Herbal Recommendations
From an article "Phytotherapy for polycystic ovarian syndrome" by Angela Hywood.
Link Here
The first step in restoring ovarian function and a normal menstrual cycle in a PCOS patient is to break the pattern of hyperinsulinemia with a combination of diet and lifestyle strategies. Implementing a low refined carbohydrate diet and exercise is essential for a truly successful protocol.
Primary Herbs
Paeonia lactiflora (White peony)
Paeonia lactiflora has been used for gynecological conditions by both Chinese and Western herbalists, and is used by Western herbalists for PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, endometriosis, ovarian failure and androgen excess. Paeonia has been shown to positively influence low progesterone, reduce elevated androgens (testosterone) and acts to modulate estrogen and prolactin. (7) In vitro, the active constituent paeoniflorin has been shown to affect the ovarian follicle by its action on the aromatase enzyme. (8) Aromatase is important for follicle maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum function, steroid hormone synthesis and the regulation of the conversion of androgens to estrogens. The biofeedback in the pituitary and hypothalamus rely on aromatase to regulate prolactin and GnRH. The daily dose for Paeonia is 4.5 to 9 mL of a 1:2 dried plant extract. (9)The traditional Chinese/Kanpo formula known as Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To or TJ-68, which is a decoction of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Paeonia lactiflora, has been the subject of a number of clinical trials, all of which demonstrate activity in the hormonal regulation of androgens. In one trial involving eight women with hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea, the formula was given for 2 to 8 weeks. This combination regulated the LH to FSH ratio. Over this period of time, serum testosterone levels decreased to less than 50 ng/dL and this resulted in seven of the eight women ovulating regularly. (10)Another trial involved 20 women diagnosed with PCOS. The formula was successful in lowering testosterone in 90% of the women, of which 25% went on to conceive. (11) It is suggested that it acts directly on the ovary, increasing the activity of aromatase, which promotes the synthesis of estradiol from testosterone, thus lowering serum testosterone levels. It also seems to regulate the LH to FSH ratio. (12)
Gymnema sylvestre (Gymnema)
Gymnema is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used as an antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, lipid lowering agent and to support weight reduction. Gymnema possibly has a trophorestorative action of the beta cells of the pancreas. (13) The plant part used as medicine is the leaf. Gymnema is well indicated for PCOS, due to its insulin modulating activity and the added benefits of reducing the elevated triglycerides associated with PCOS. Key constituents of Gymnema include saponins, especially the gymnemic acids. Gymnemic acid suppresses the sweet taste on the taste buds, so if taken before food masks the sweet sensation. Gymnema has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in experimental models of diabetes and regulated blood sugar in hyperglycemia. The mechanism of action also includes the inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestine. The daily dose of Gymnema is 3.5 to 11 mL of 1:1 liquid extract. (9,14) Since conventional medical models are focussing on pharmaceutical agents such as metformin to control PCOS, Gymnema may prove to be one of the most significant herbs in the treatment of the underlying factor of insulin resistance.
Tribulus terrestris (Tribulus)
Tribulus is an endemic weed to many regions of the world, such as the Mediterranean, India, China, South Africa and Australia and is commonly known as puncture vine. The aerial parts, particularly the leaf, are used for medicinal purposes in the Western tradition. As a result of Bulgarian research, Tribulus has become a popular herb for the treatment of female and male endocrine disorders. (15) It acts as a general tonic, aphrodisiac, estrogen modulator and androgen modulator and is used to restore vitality, libido and reduce the physiological effects of stress. (9,11) The Bulgarian research has identified a unique steroidal saponin class known as furostanol saponins, and extracts are standardized to contain at least 45% of these saponins, calculated as protodioscin. The leaf is noted to be higher in these unique saponins rather than the fruit or root. Other active constituents include phytosterols and spirostanol glycosides. The tonic activities of Tribulus have been shown to act by intensifying protein synthesis and enhancing the activity of enzymes associated with energy metabolism. It increased iron absorption from the small intestines and inhibited lipid peroxidation during stress. This leads to more muscle strength and improved endurance and stamina. (9)To ensure the desired clinical results, it is recommended to use only the Bulgarian grown Tribulus standardized to 40% furostanol saponins. It is not interchangeable with the Chinese or Indian Tribulus. The daily dose of Tribulus corresponds to extracts containing furostanol saponins as protodioscin at 300 mg to 400 mg per day. In PCOS it is best used on days 5 to 14 of the menstrual cycle to restore menstrual regularity. For more information on Tribulus, see the forthcoming review which will be published in next months Townsend Letter.
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)
Vitex beneficial for ovulatory factors associated with PCOS, in particular it has been shown to downregulate the production of excess prolactin, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia. (16) Vitex is also postulated as having antiandrogenic properties. (16) Hyperprolactinemia is related to adrenal stress and hyperinsulinemia in PCOS. It is well documented that the active constituents in Vitex demonstrate a dopaminergic activity and dopamine inhibits the production of prolactin. The dopaminergic compounds in Vitex have been identified as the diterpene, including rotundifuran and 6[beta], 7[beta]-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8, 14-diene. However, recent research is pointing to other phytochemicals which may have this activity. (17) Other constituents of Vitex include essential oils, flavonoids (such as casticin) and iridoid glycosides (including aucubin and agnuside). (9,14)Hyperprolactinemia, or the more subtle condition of latent hyperprolactinemia, are amongst the most frequent causes for cyclical disorders, including corpus luteal insufficiency. This can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and progesterone deficiency, secondary amenorrhea and premenstrual mastalgia. (18) In an uncontrolled study, Vitex reduced elevated prolactin levels in 80% of 34 women with hyperprolactinemia at a dosage of 30 to 40 mg per day for 1 month and improved symptoms of a variety of menstrual disorders, including secondary amenorrhoea, cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium, deficient corpus luteum function, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. (9)Vitex reduced the thyroxin releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin release (essentially a pituitary-thyroid axis problem), normalized shortened luteal phases, corrected luteal phase progesterone deficiencies and reduced PMS symptoms in women with luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. (9)Vitex should be considered first line botanical therapy for hyperprolactinemia and given for the duration of at least 3 to 6 months. In herbal writings Vitex is often attributed to increasing LH, which is not desirable in PCOS. However, clinical experience has shown that it is valuable in PCOS, especially when combined with other herbs, probably because of its action in reducing prolactin. The daily dose of Vitex to is 1 to 4 mL of a 1:2 dried plant tincture or 500 to 1000 mg of dried berries daily. (9) It is best taken as a single dose in the morning. (9) In PCOS it is best combined with Tribulus and Paeonia.
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Caulophyllum thalictroides is known by the common name of blue cohosh and is native to North America. Within traditional use among the Native North Americans it was used by women as a remedy for amenorrhea and profuse menstruation, both of which are common features of PCOS. It is particularly useful to being on the menses in PCOS. It has action as a uterine and ovarian tonic and pelvic anti-inflammatory. The known constituents of Caulophyllum root include glycosides, caulosaponin and caulophyllosaponin, which are known to stimulate the uterus. Other identified constituents include N-methylcystine, taspine and thalictroidine. (9) The daily dose is 1.5 to 3 mL of 1:2 dried plant extract. (9)
Sample PCOS Formula
Vitex agnus-castus 1:2 12.5 mL
Glycyrrhiza glabra 1:1 12.5 mL
Paeonia lactiflora 1:2 25 mL
Gymnema sylvestre 1:1 25 mL
Schisandra chinensis 1:2 25 mL Dose: 15 mL per day or 5 mL three times daily 100 mL
In a case of a PCOS patient with amenorrhea, include Caulophyllum thalictroides at a dose of 2 mL per day to help induce the menses. When a cycle has been initiated, change to Tribulus concentrated extract, equivalent to furostanol saponins (as protodioscin) 300 to 400 mg per day on days 5 to 14 of the cycle to ensure cyclic regularity.
Link Here
The first step in restoring ovarian function and a normal menstrual cycle in a PCOS patient is to break the pattern of hyperinsulinemia with a combination of diet and lifestyle strategies. Implementing a low refined carbohydrate diet and exercise is essential for a truly successful protocol.
Primary Herbs
Paeonia lactiflora (White peony)
Paeonia lactiflora has been used for gynecological conditions by both Chinese and Western herbalists, and is used by Western herbalists for PCOS, hyperprolactinemia, endometriosis, ovarian failure and androgen excess. Paeonia has been shown to positively influence low progesterone, reduce elevated androgens (testosterone) and acts to modulate estrogen and prolactin. (7) In vitro, the active constituent paeoniflorin has been shown to affect the ovarian follicle by its action on the aromatase enzyme. (8) Aromatase is important for follicle maturation, ovulation and corpus luteum function, steroid hormone synthesis and the regulation of the conversion of androgens to estrogens. The biofeedback in the pituitary and hypothalamus rely on aromatase to regulate prolactin and GnRH. The daily dose for Paeonia is 4.5 to 9 mL of a 1:2 dried plant extract. (9)The traditional Chinese/Kanpo formula known as Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To or TJ-68, which is a decoction of Glycyrrhiza glabra and Paeonia lactiflora, has been the subject of a number of clinical trials, all of which demonstrate activity in the hormonal regulation of androgens. In one trial involving eight women with hyperandrogenism and oligomenorrhea, the formula was given for 2 to 8 weeks. This combination regulated the LH to FSH ratio. Over this period of time, serum testosterone levels decreased to less than 50 ng/dL and this resulted in seven of the eight women ovulating regularly. (10)Another trial involved 20 women diagnosed with PCOS. The formula was successful in lowering testosterone in 90% of the women, of which 25% went on to conceive. (11) It is suggested that it acts directly on the ovary, increasing the activity of aromatase, which promotes the synthesis of estradiol from testosterone, thus lowering serum testosterone levels. It also seems to regulate the LH to FSH ratio. (12)
Gymnema sylvestre (Gymnema)
Gymnema is a traditional Ayurvedic herb used as an antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, lipid lowering agent and to support weight reduction. Gymnema possibly has a trophorestorative action of the beta cells of the pancreas. (13) The plant part used as medicine is the leaf. Gymnema is well indicated for PCOS, due to its insulin modulating activity and the added benefits of reducing the elevated triglycerides associated with PCOS. Key constituents of Gymnema include saponins, especially the gymnemic acids. Gymnemic acid suppresses the sweet taste on the taste buds, so if taken before food masks the sweet sensation. Gymnema has demonstrated hypoglycemic activity in experimental models of diabetes and regulated blood sugar in hyperglycemia. The mechanism of action also includes the inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestine. The daily dose of Gymnema is 3.5 to 11 mL of 1:1 liquid extract. (9,14) Since conventional medical models are focussing on pharmaceutical agents such as metformin to control PCOS, Gymnema may prove to be one of the most significant herbs in the treatment of the underlying factor of insulin resistance.
Tribulus terrestris (Tribulus)
Tribulus is an endemic weed to many regions of the world, such as the Mediterranean, India, China, South Africa and Australia and is commonly known as puncture vine. The aerial parts, particularly the leaf, are used for medicinal purposes in the Western tradition. As a result of Bulgarian research, Tribulus has become a popular herb for the treatment of female and male endocrine disorders. (15) It acts as a general tonic, aphrodisiac, estrogen modulator and androgen modulator and is used to restore vitality, libido and reduce the physiological effects of stress. (9,11) The Bulgarian research has identified a unique steroidal saponin class known as furostanol saponins, and extracts are standardized to contain at least 45% of these saponins, calculated as protodioscin. The leaf is noted to be higher in these unique saponins rather than the fruit or root. Other active constituents include phytosterols and spirostanol glycosides. The tonic activities of Tribulus have been shown to act by intensifying protein synthesis and enhancing the activity of enzymes associated with energy metabolism. It increased iron absorption from the small intestines and inhibited lipid peroxidation during stress. This leads to more muscle strength and improved endurance and stamina. (9)To ensure the desired clinical results, it is recommended to use only the Bulgarian grown Tribulus standardized to 40% furostanol saponins. It is not interchangeable with the Chinese or Indian Tribulus. The daily dose of Tribulus corresponds to extracts containing furostanol saponins as protodioscin at 300 mg to 400 mg per day. In PCOS it is best used on days 5 to 14 of the menstrual cycle to restore menstrual regularity. For more information on Tribulus, see the forthcoming review which will be published in next months Townsend Letter.
Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree)
Vitex beneficial for ovulatory factors associated with PCOS, in particular it has been shown to downregulate the production of excess prolactin, a condition known as hyperprolactinemia. (16) Vitex is also postulated as having antiandrogenic properties. (16) Hyperprolactinemia is related to adrenal stress and hyperinsulinemia in PCOS. It is well documented that the active constituents in Vitex demonstrate a dopaminergic activity and dopamine inhibits the production of prolactin. The dopaminergic compounds in Vitex have been identified as the diterpene, including rotundifuran and 6[beta], 7[beta]-diacetoxy-13-hydroxy-labda-8, 14-diene. However, recent research is pointing to other phytochemicals which may have this activity. (17) Other constituents of Vitex include essential oils, flavonoids (such as casticin) and iridoid glycosides (including aucubin and agnuside). (9,14)Hyperprolactinemia, or the more subtle condition of latent hyperprolactinemia, are amongst the most frequent causes for cyclical disorders, including corpus luteal insufficiency. This can lead to premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and progesterone deficiency, secondary amenorrhea and premenstrual mastalgia. (18) In an uncontrolled study, Vitex reduced elevated prolactin levels in 80% of 34 women with hyperprolactinemia at a dosage of 30 to 40 mg per day for 1 month and improved symptoms of a variety of menstrual disorders, including secondary amenorrhoea, cystic hyperplasia of the endometrium, deficient corpus luteum function, metrorrhagia, polymenorrhea and oligomenorrhea. (9)Vitex reduced the thyroxin releasing hormone (TRH)-induced prolactin release (essentially a pituitary-thyroid axis problem), normalized shortened luteal phases, corrected luteal phase progesterone deficiencies and reduced PMS symptoms in women with luteal phase defects due to latent hyperprolactinemia. (9)Vitex should be considered first line botanical therapy for hyperprolactinemia and given for the duration of at least 3 to 6 months. In herbal writings Vitex is often attributed to increasing LH, which is not desirable in PCOS. However, clinical experience has shown that it is valuable in PCOS, especially when combined with other herbs, probably because of its action in reducing prolactin. The daily dose of Vitex to is 1 to 4 mL of a 1:2 dried plant tincture or 500 to 1000 mg of dried berries daily. (9) It is best taken as a single dose in the morning. (9) In PCOS it is best combined with Tribulus and Paeonia.
Caulophyllum thalictroides (Blue cohosh)
Caulophyllum thalictroides is known by the common name of blue cohosh and is native to North America. Within traditional use among the Native North Americans it was used by women as a remedy for amenorrhea and profuse menstruation, both of which are common features of PCOS. It is particularly useful to being on the menses in PCOS. It has action as a uterine and ovarian tonic and pelvic anti-inflammatory. The known constituents of Caulophyllum root include glycosides, caulosaponin and caulophyllosaponin, which are known to stimulate the uterus. Other identified constituents include N-methylcystine, taspine and thalictroidine. (9) The daily dose is 1.5 to 3 mL of 1:2 dried plant extract. (9)
Sample PCOS Formula
Vitex agnus-castus 1:2 12.5 mL
Glycyrrhiza glabra 1:1 12.5 mL
Paeonia lactiflora 1:2 25 mL
Gymnema sylvestre 1:1 25 mL
Schisandra chinensis 1:2 25 mL Dose: 15 mL per day or 5 mL three times daily 100 mL
In a case of a PCOS patient with amenorrhea, include Caulophyllum thalictroides at a dose of 2 mL per day to help induce the menses. When a cycle has been initiated, change to Tribulus concentrated extract, equivalent to furostanol saponins (as protodioscin) 300 to 400 mg per day on days 5 to 14 of the cycle to ensure cyclic regularity.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The Study begins!
I was accepted into the UVA study. This means that my self-diagnosis of PCOS was indeed accurate and that no other major health issues showed up (diabetes or kidney failure for example). This is all encouraging to me! I am excited about it, and so is Tom. I go on Tuesday for the 2.5 hour blood draw / baseline readings. They will do the glucose tolerance test, hormone readings and cholesterol reading. This will give a starting point as a reference for how I respond to treatments. The following week I start the 2x weekly accupuncture treatments. I will go on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for 4 weeks and then on Tuesday afternoons for the next 4 weeks.
Reasons I don't have dairy right now
I wanted to clarify the reasons for not having cheese, butter, etc... I am doing the yeast detox diet right now and in order to cleanse yeast I am avoiding those things for a total of 4 months. I don't have a good source for raw milk cheese, butter, sour cream, etc... and don't have the time to make them right now. I believe that dairy is a good thing when eaten in it's whole state as unaltered as possible! :-) Check out Weston A. Price for more information on why!
As I move off the yeast detox, and into the more permanent low-carb phase I will add those things back in but use Amish butter, Farmer's Cheese, and healthy yogurts, etc... At that point I will also cut back on the rice and potatoes.
As I move off the yeast detox, and into the more permanent low-carb phase I will add those things back in but use Amish butter, Farmer's Cheese, and healthy yogurts, etc... At that point I will also cut back on the rice and potatoes.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
A sample of meals...
A friend asked what the typical meals looked like for me, so here is a sampling...
Breakfast
Eggs - scrambled, boiled, fried, omelets, etc...
Occasionally beef bacon (don't eat pork, don't like turkey)
I like to wilt spinach and fry an egg on top of it, adding tomatoes, avocado, onion, etc...
Occasionally will have a bowl of rice with cinnamon or fruit on top
Fruit is a great breakfast on-the-go!
Lunch
Very often a salad with lots of veggies in it - I like to add boiled egg, tomato, onion, black and green olives, chick peas, avocado, carrot, etc... with all the goodies, you don't miss the dressing!
Dinner
Chicken or Beef with veggies and rice or potato.
Favorites are: Taco salad, beef stir-fry, roast, grilled steak, burgers or chicken.
A big part of this is the lack of ALL SUGAR and dairy, cheese, butter, etc... and limiting the amount of the carby foods - the only ones are the rice or potatoes and I don't eat too much of those. I have been allowing a couple ounces of raw milk in my coffee daily. A guideline is too eat only God-made foods! Nothing pre-packaged, watch the preservatives and dyes! For seasonings I use Redmond's real salt, fresh ground white pepper, Bragg's Amino Acids, dried herbs (but watch for additives if store-bought). I also only use coconut oil - yummy in place of butter on potatoes, rice, etc.
That's it!
Breakfast
Eggs - scrambled, boiled, fried, omelets, etc...
Occasionally beef bacon (don't eat pork, don't like turkey)
I like to wilt spinach and fry an egg on top of it, adding tomatoes, avocado, onion, etc...
Occasionally will have a bowl of rice with cinnamon or fruit on top
Fruit is a great breakfast on-the-go!
Lunch
Very often a salad with lots of veggies in it - I like to add boiled egg, tomato, onion, black and green olives, chick peas, avocado, carrot, etc... with all the goodies, you don't miss the dressing!
Dinner
Chicken or Beef with veggies and rice or potato.
Favorites are: Taco salad, beef stir-fry, roast, grilled steak, burgers or chicken.
A big part of this is the lack of ALL SUGAR and dairy, cheese, butter, etc... and limiting the amount of the carby foods - the only ones are the rice or potatoes and I don't eat too much of those. I have been allowing a couple ounces of raw milk in my coffee daily. A guideline is too eat only God-made foods! Nothing pre-packaged, watch the preservatives and dyes! For seasonings I use Redmond's real salt, fresh ground white pepper, Bragg's Amino Acids, dried herbs (but watch for additives if store-bought). I also only use coconut oil - yummy in place of butter on potatoes, rice, etc.
That's it!
A yummy guilt-free recipe for chocolate cravings!
I made this a couple days ago. It was pretty good - the kids didn't like it, but they haven't been without sugar for almost 4 months! :-)
Take a can of coconut milk (not lite!) and put it in a mixing bowl, being sure to scrape the sides and get all the liquid and cream. Add to that 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder (I have organic with no additives), and 15-20 drops of liquid stevia (I used vanilla creme flavor). Mix well until thickens a bit. Put in a bowl in the fridge for 20 minutes or until well chilled. It tastes better cold!
Kind of like a chocolate mousse! Yummy!!!
Take a can of coconut milk (not lite!) and put it in a mixing bowl, being sure to scrape the sides and get all the liquid and cream. Add to that 2 Tbsp of cocoa powder (I have organic with no additives), and 15-20 drops of liquid stevia (I used vanilla creme flavor). Mix well until thickens a bit. Put in a bowl in the fridge for 20 minutes or until well chilled. It tastes better cold!
Kind of like a chocolate mousse! Yummy!!!
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Christianity and Acupuncture
Explains my thoughts well...
Click Here
"If a Christian knows that the acupuncture points and meridians are actually low resistance electrical pathways and that the use of acupuncture corrects abnormal flow of electrons in the body and causes the release of endorphins are they violating their conscience and imperiling their eternal destiny if they see a practitioner who believes in the Taoist explanation of acupuncture? If their own conscience and eternal destiny are not in danger are they imperiling the practitioner by reinforcing his or her beliefs? What about the Christian who has no understanding of the physiologic basis for acupuncture? Can they go to a Taoist acupuncturist, get relief, and not embrace Taoist philosophy? I think Paul would say that if using acupuncture would violate a weak Christian's conscience or if a strong Christian's use of acupuncture would violate the conscience of either a weak Christian or of a non-Christian then it would in fact be better to suffer than to find temporal relief and potentially sacrifice eternity (for self or someone else). Similarly it would be better to not eat meat offered to idols if it would somehow violate the conscience of the person eating the meat, the conscience of others seated at the table or the conscience of the person providing the meat. However, if acupuncture is understood by both the patient and the practitioner to simply be an effective therapeutic tool whose physiologic actions are devoid of any metaphysical interpretations then I think Paul would embrace it as one of many tools God has provided for the relief of suffering."
The study at the UVA is being done by MDs ("not quacks" in the words of the study organizer)... I will be carefully watching the acupuncturists, but as far as I can tell, they are researching the science end of it - which I think is valid despite who "invented it/used it first". Tom and I are still prayerfully and thoughtfully comfortable with me participating in this study if the Lord allows. I will get my results back no later than Wed this week to see if I qualify. I am leaving it in His hands.
Click Here
"If a Christian knows that the acupuncture points and meridians are actually low resistance electrical pathways and that the use of acupuncture corrects abnormal flow of electrons in the body and causes the release of endorphins are they violating their conscience and imperiling their eternal destiny if they see a practitioner who believes in the Taoist explanation of acupuncture? If their own conscience and eternal destiny are not in danger are they imperiling the practitioner by reinforcing his or her beliefs? What about the Christian who has no understanding of the physiologic basis for acupuncture? Can they go to a Taoist acupuncturist, get relief, and not embrace Taoist philosophy? I think Paul would say that if using acupuncture would violate a weak Christian's conscience or if a strong Christian's use of acupuncture would violate the conscience of either a weak Christian or of a non-Christian then it would in fact be better to suffer than to find temporal relief and potentially sacrifice eternity (for self or someone else). Similarly it would be better to not eat meat offered to idols if it would somehow violate the conscience of the person eating the meat, the conscience of others seated at the table or the conscience of the person providing the meat. However, if acupuncture is understood by both the patient and the practitioner to simply be an effective therapeutic tool whose physiologic actions are devoid of any metaphysical interpretations then I think Paul would embrace it as one of many tools God has provided for the relief of suffering."
The study at the UVA is being done by MDs ("not quacks" in the words of the study organizer)... I will be carefully watching the acupuncturists, but as far as I can tell, they are researching the science end of it - which I think is valid despite who "invented it/used it first". Tom and I are still prayerfully and thoughtfully comfortable with me participating in this study if the Lord allows. I will get my results back no later than Wed this week to see if I qualify. I am leaving it in His hands.
An Article from UVA
This article talks about the study that I am hoping to participate in. I went Tuesday and had the diagnostic blood draw. I should hear next week if I can proceed with it. I am excited!
Click Here for Article
Click Here for Article
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Now gone - 35lbs! :D
Hooray for me - I've now lost 35 pounds! I am feeling pretty good about everything and am very excited to start the 60 day T-Tapp challenge next week. I know that will kick the weight loss up a bit, and more importantly inches lost and toning. :-)
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