D-Ribose and ATP's Influence in Reproduction and Energy Production in General

We know that second to the heart, the Reproductive system has the next greatest need for vascular supply. The reproductive system runs on a separate, secondary vascular system, meaning the vital organs are the first to recieve the blood supply needed to keep them functioning and it has its own vasuclar system. If those are running up to par with good blood supply for energy production within the cells of those organs, then the secondary vascular system can get the blood supply it needs, which has been shown to be second only to the heart. This is why couples who come to me who are stressed, overworked, and not sleeping or eating well and trying to fit in a social life, partaking in alcholic drinks and perhaps sugar based indulgeneces, then getting up at 6 AM or earlier to workout, 5 days a week, often cannot conceive or their reproductive systems are off balance or diseased. ATP production is the energy within the mitochondria of the cells which is considered the powerhouse within the cell. ATP production is paramount to the cellular division of a fertilized embryo from the moment it fertilizes to a 2, 4, 6 and finally an 8 cell which for those of you undergoing or who have undergone IVF, is the ultimate "Marula Stage" of the embryo or "day 5 embryo". If it makes it to this stage and the quality is good, there is a pretty good chance it will survive transfer into the uterus for implantation and make it to a blastocyst stage, which is a 64 cell division. By good quality, I mean, no fragmentation or crumbling looking cookies, nice even circular cell division. All of this is the job of the chemical ATP, which is crucial in so many cellular and muscular systems of the body as the article conveys. In my opinion, after reading about D-Ribose for a patient, I recently treated with acupuncture who had a moderate stroke, it could also be very beneficial for my patients with Infertility and the cellular division of a fertilized egg, perhaps even before that in the production of healthy follicles and sperm for both quality and quanity. Though I have not researched this, it is my knowledge on ATP and its importance in reproduction and normal cell division within the body that occured to me it could be very beneficial. I, myself took some chewables today and found my energy much improved and with cool weather like this it was nice to be outside. On my next post, I will share with you some pictures of embryos before 3 months of acupuncture and herbs and after and the quality difference. It is quite remarkable! As certain herbs, particularly Kidney Yang tonics have been shown to improve ATP production, however, it is the Kidney Yin herbs that nourish and restore as ATP production in itself gives off Free-Radicals, and it is the Yin herbs that offset that, in part I think that is the role of D-Ribose as it seems to restore the energy more than actually produce it.


The Life Changing Power of D-RIBOSE - Total Health Magazine

The Life Changing Power of D-RIBOSE

TOTALHEALTHMAGAZINE.COM|BY WARD BOND, PHD

Dana's Fertility Story

Dana, Baby Hudson & Harper

 My husband and I began trying for a baby in 2009, the year we got married.  I was turning 30 and we felt it was time to start our family.  But, it just wasn't happening naturally.  During this time, I also began suffering terribly painful menstrual cramps.  After six months of failed pregnancy attempts and increasingly excruciating cycles, I decided to see a fertility specialist.  The tests returned normal resulting in unexplained infertility.  We tried Clomid-based IUI's…six times, still no luck. The doctor suggested I have laparoscopic surgery where we learned I had stage II endometriosis.  In 2010 we decided to move on to IVF.  The high cost of an IVF cycle led us to decide on the split donor program where we would donate half of my eggs to another infertile couple who, in return, pay half of the expense.  I was preparing mentally, taking my medications, thinking about the journey ahead.  I was excited.  That excitement quickly deflated when the doctor noticed a large cyst on my ovaries during a routine sonogram.  I was told to quit all medications and that the cycle would be postponed to the next month once the cyst had ceased.

      I was devastated.  I felt we were going to lose the opportunity to participate in the donor program because of this.  The following month, the cyst was still there…another delay.  After having an AMH test, we discovered that my ovarian reserve was very low and that donating half my eggs would not be a good idea.  I became angry and confused. Why wasn’t this considered and tested two years ago?

    As my determination grew, I became more proactive in the process. I did a lot of reading and research, started taking various supplements and began receiving acupuncture.  On the second fresh IVF cycle, I got pregnant with my daughter.  The news brought a combination of unsurpassed joy, relief and a bit of shock since all previous outcomes were not positive.  Once the reality settled in, I was overcome with happiness.  It was the best day of my life.  

    The pregnancy was great.  I only felt sick for a couple of weeks, after which I was able to truly enjoy the experience.  Our daughter was the best thing that had ever happened to me. I couldn't wait to try again and give her a sibling. 

    I figured that maybe because I got pregnant before that number two would be easier.  WRONG!  After another failed IUI attempt, we decided to move onto IVF.  This is when I started going to Carolyn Huffman for acupuncture - January 2014.

    I mentally and physically prepared myself for this next IVF cycle by completely changing my diet, giving up coffee and other things that could negatively affect my body.  I felt prepared and positive.  But unfortunately, it was a disappointing cycle.  With only 2 embryos, the nurse tried talking me into converting to an IUI, but I didn't listen.  I wanted to give it a shot and see what happened. The quality of the two looked pretty good and I thought for sure that this was going to work.  But it was negative and I had to go through all of this again.

    The third IVF cycle was a total bust.  Four eggs were retrieved and three of them fertilized abnormally.  Once again, I was disappointed and depressed.  I began to consider using donor eggs if all else failed.  I was determined to have another baby.  I decided to give it one more shot using my eggs and move on if it didn't work. 

    I gave myself three months to prepare my body for this final cycle. During my research, I discovered that the use of Human Growth Hormone with IVF improved egg quality.  I also read that an Endometrial Scratch test could help with implantation.  So I made an appointment with my doctor for a consultation and I had a list of things that I wanted to try with this cycle.  I told him this was my last try using my eggs and I planned to do whatever it costs/takes to make this work.  We decided on a new protocol that I hadn't tried before and added Human Growth Hormone.  We also included ICSI and an Endometrial Scratch. He suggested that we grow the embryos to day five instead of doing a day three transfer.  If they were still slow-growing by day five, he wanted to freeze them and do a fresh embryo transfer two months later.  Studies conclude that success rates are higher with frozen cycles than fresh because the drugs are absent from the body and the ovaries are not stimulated.  I was really nervous about this approach, but decided to trust him and the science. 

    The cycle was going great and I had a really good feeling.  Five eggs were retrieved and four fertilized.  On day three, the nurse called and said that one had stopped growing but the other three were doing great – two of the eggs were 8-cell AA! I have never had an 8-cell embryo, I was so happy to hear this.

    I was still scheduled for the transfer just in case.  I went in for acupuncture at 5:30 a.m. the nurse was going to call me at 6 a.m. to tell me if there was going to be a transfer. The nurse informed me that they were both growing a bit slow and that the doctor wants to continue to day six and freeze. Once again, I was deflated and wished that they had just done the transfer anyway. Now I would have to wait two more months, mentally and physically preparing myself all over again. It was an exhausting process and I was ready for it to be over.  I thought that a frozen cycle would be a piece of cake, but it wasn’t.  Additionally, I had to worry about my two embryos surviving the thaw. This was the most stressful cycle I'd ever done.  I was so frustrated with my doctor for making me go through this, but I had to trust his approach.  

    I’m glad I did.  I got pregnant with twins on this cycle and was completely shocked.  All my hard work had paid off and I could finally end this exhausting infertility journey forever.  At nine weeks, we learned that one of them didn’t make it and that I would be carrying a singleton to term.  On November 23, 2015 we welcomed a healthy baby boy to the world.  We were elated, it was a tough journey, but well worth it.

    My advice to anyone that is going through this is to do your own research so you can understand the whole process before hand. I feel like the first year of multiple IUI's was a waste of time.  I wish I had moved to IVF sooner.  I learned so much in the last six years. I didn't realize how stressful this could be.  Infertility was the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with.  Not only does it take a toll on the mind, but the body as well.  I truly feel like Carloyn’s treatments and care were a great help in alleviating these constant struggles in both mind and body.

    The last six years have been a whirlwind to say the least.  But, with the help and support of my husband, family and friends, and the determination I found within myself, we are now complete.  I am overwhelmed with joy every time I look at our two lovely children.  The path may have been rocky, but the view ahead is absolutely beautiful.

HAPPY CONCEIVING….

When woman I work with, really take the time to consistently eat well and cut out the refined sugars, alcohol, coffee, glutens, eat more hormone free, grass fed protein, organic greens and healthy carbs like root vegies and some fruit, get some exercise in, good sleep and decreased stress, I believe they double their chances of conceiving along with the acupuncture and herbs twice a week for at least 3 months. If you are doing the above only here and there, the success is not as quick if at all. Plus you will feel the difference in how you feel! A little discpline goes a long ways. Might be tough at first but the results are pretty rewarding in more ways than one!

HAPPY CONCEIVING….

Epigenetics Role in Gene Expression and It's Importance in Health and Fertility

The importance of nurturing ourselves….to support the expression of how certain genes are turned on or off. Epigenetics is the aspect that allows the outler layers of the gene to be influenced. Acupuncture, nutrition, Chinese Herbs, have been shown to have an epigenetic influence. This is of particular importance to the ovaries and sperm and their role in fertility.


You have heard me speak of this subject time and again because I think it is a hot topic that will be getting more and more hype as we realize we have more influence then we thought on our capacity to influence our cellular structure chromosonally and how this can be passed down to our children.

The Case for Inheritance of Epigenetic Changes in Chromosomes

www.scientificamerican.com

Harmful chemicals, stress and other influences can permanently alter which genes are turned on without changing any of the genes' code. Now, it appears, some of these “epigenetic” changes are passed down to—and may cause disease in— future generations

Root Of Etiological Factors In Spirit

Even though we have etiological factors that create disease, even those factors do not create disease if someone is balanced in spirit.   So as acupuncturists and doctors of Chinese Medicine we always look to spirit first.
How is Qi or energy related to Emotions?
Fear causes Qi to descend often resulting in excessive urination, affecting the kidneys.  Anger causes Qi to rise affecting the head and liver. Worry causes Qi to not move and get stuck or blocked, affecting the spleen.
"Yin and Yang are the dao of the heavens and earth, the grid and net of the ten thousand things, the mother and father of change and transformation, the root and origin of birth and death, the palace hosting the clarity of the shen.  To treat the illness one must search for its root.  And its root is always in spirit."   Su Wen Chapter 5

Chapter 8 of the Ling Shu Says:  "According to the principle of acupuncture, one must examine the patient first and then treat according to the conditions of his spiritual activities."  Chinese Classics say that the superior doctor treats spirit first.

New Updates

It has been such a long time since I shared any new info but it is way overdo and now that I have someone back to help me post these, hopefully you will see more recent news within my website itself of what has been happening at Huffman Wellness.
We have had numerous IVF and IUI/acupuncture/herb success stories to share. Several around Thanksgiving time and then again early in the year and we hope to post those to my website soon. Also earlier this spring, several of my women conceived with the help of acupuncture and herbs and a few with IVF and acupuncture. For some conception occurs all too quick, while for others it is a long awaited process but worth the wait.
It is such a delight when my patients tell me they want to continue receiving acupuncture, even after the 12 weeks and they give birth because it makes them feel so much better. Some do conceive in as little as 1 to 2 months and some it can take up to a year. The couples who take longer can rest assured knowing they have given their own bodies a real boost in their health. I look forward to meeting these babies and posting their pics and their parent's stories.

Gonal F Meds @ a Reduced Rate

One of my dear patients asked me the following; so any of you looking for gonal F meds, at a reduced rate, let me know or Janice. Thanks, below is her e-mail to me. Good Luck and I hope someone out there on the web will benefit from her meds at such a reduced rate!!!
Hi Carolyn,
How are you? We are doing well. I am about 22 weeks now and progressing along fine, definitely getting bigger and I am feeling the baby moving on a daily basis now which is makes it all a little more real. I am usually exhausted at night and my feet are beginning to get a bit sore, and the nausea seems to be less now, although I am still taking the Zofran as needed but trying to get through the day without it.
I have a question for you. I have 25 syringes of Gonal-F Rff 75 iu left over from our IUI treatments. The expiration date on them is Apr 2010, so I won't be able to use them in time, but I was wondering if you know of anyone else who might be able to? I know I could donate them to my Dr's office to give to patients, but I would like to try to sell them to someone to see if we can get our money back. The cost of the medication without insurance was $2748.50 ($109.94/syringe), but luckily, our insurance had only a 30% co-pay, so we ended up paying approximately $824.55. I am trying to find someone who doesn't have RX coverage for these kinds of meds to sell them to since it would be a great savings to them and we could get our money back from what we paid (I don't want to make anything, just cover what we paid) and then I will put that money towards this baby's cord blood banking. I thought I would contact you to see if you might know of anyone or if there was anyone you might be treating who could benefit from this...I don't know anyone else who is going through fertility treatment at the moment.
Anyways, if you can think of anyone, let me know.
I hope all is well with you and you are enjoying your summer. I will keep you posted on any baby updates. My next appointment is Fri the 31st....just a general check up, no ultrasound.
Hugs,
Janice & Kaitlyn too :o)
By the way, the website and blog look great. It has been a while since I was on it and you have done a lot of changes. I was especially touched to see a bit of our story posted and in reading your little note you posted way back in February. That was the first I had seen of it and was very touched by your thoughtfulness....it brought tears to my eyes! You are such a wonderful and caring person Carolyn and you just put so much of your self into all of us you treat and get to know so personally. You truly are one of a kind!
xo,
Janice

May he give you the desires of your heart...

Picture I took in Vancouver, BC; May '07
while at Fertility Seminar

I pray for all my couples going thru this journey. I pray your hearts stay open to conceiving.

In some way we all are giving birth to an idea, a creative endeavor, a child, a career...fulfilling our dreams and desires. In this way we give life to the world at large. The new moon is a wonderful time to launch new beginnings. Next month I will be hosting my first healing circle at Huffman Wellness here. You all are invited, we will share our stories in a candle lit circle, meditate, and bring our hopes and dreams alive. I will share insight on how stress can actually be beneficial to the body...hard to believe right? I will share the studies that talk about this.

A special Prayer tonight to my dear client Janice....we are praying life is blooming within her. I send her love and the magical wonder of division into one tiny blooming embryo development.

Here is to Janice and Jeff and Katlyn. Love Carolyn

Welcome To My New Blog

Here is a picture of 4 of the 7 women who shared their stories this past November at our 2nd annual Fertility Forum. It was so kind of them to come and do this. Val, I am sorry I was not able to attend your shower today, but I hope you will enjoy the gift cert for a photo session with Carmen. I know you will love her work. She was a doll in helping me get started with this baby.

I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge and all the fun stuff I want to share with my clients and those viewing my site. Carmen Wilson, the wonderful photographer who took the photo's on my home page is with me and helping me the lost rookie with this. xo to her!!!