TVSF - The Very Special Forum!

Birth rates are below replacement levels in Japan and in most Western European countries. This could create problems for social security programs, unless immigration policies are liberalized. But immigration is already contributing to a "clash of civilizations'.

Medical research aimed at treating infertile couples could eventually have a small impact on birth rates, but with less of the obvious political fallout.

Would you believe artificial sperm?

Wow, far out!

Acupuncture is best known for managing chronic pain. But it's more than that.

My brother, an acupuncturist, tells me that in many cases, traditional Chinese medicine helps childless couples conceive, after high-tech, high-cost Western medicine has failed. However I don't think that he would take on a case where there was an obvious physical problem that made pregnancy impossible. I did meet one of his patients and her baby several years ago.

Larry wrote:Acupuncture is best known for managing chronic pain. But it's more than that. ....

Well, all I can say is that I saw a document on China some time ago. Hospitals with western medical treatments had too much patients and hospitals for traditional Chinese methods were half empty. My conclusion was if they don't even trust it - why should us?

Western people have this tendency to mystify and adore things they find exotic and special. Maybe all people, what do I know.

Here's my opinion. For some health problems, Western medicine is more effective the Chinese medicine (CM). For other health problems, CM is more effective.

For a third category of health problems, both approaches are more effective than either separately. Example: Acupuncture can reduce the nausea and other side-effects associated with some cancer chemotherapies, so that the patient is less likely to discontinue treatment prematurely.

My experience. In the short term, acupuncture can dramatically reduce hay fever (pollen allergy) symptoms, but it is completely ineffective for my neurological problem.