Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Acupuncture can significantly help fertility by restoring energy flow in the body and increasing circulation. Fine, pain-free sterilised needles are placed at specific points on the body increasing blood flow to the uterus as well as relaxing the nervous system. Also, many women choose Acupuncture treatment when a functional problem is the cause of infertility, specifically when endometriosis, ovulation problems, hormonal imbalances or irregular periods are the reason for not conceiving.
Men can also use Acupuncture or Chinese herbs to help improve low sperm count or poor motility and morphology percentages as well as bringing the body into balance, increasing energy levels or helping overcome addictions such as smoking.
Acupuncture can also be helpful for problems during early pregnancy and for breech presentation or natural induction of labour.
Acupuncture for Natural Conception
Our highly trained and specialist Acupuncture practitioner tailors treatments for women to each stage of their menstrual cycle by weekly treatments. Women are advised to start treatment at least three months before they plan to start conceiving as it takes at least three months for immature eggs to mature enough to be released during ovulation.
Acupuncture treatment may also be beneficial in promoting follicle production and improving uterine lining thickness and quality. Acupuncture also focuses on optimising a patient's entire organic system and is intended to improve overall health. As a result, fertility may be greatly enhanced. Acupuncture can also help women who have suffered with recurrent miscarriages and can help to promote a healthy pregnancy.
Compared to many of the fertility drugs which provide a powerful effect for a very short time, the immediate effect of acupuncture treatment is, in general, very subtle and accumulative. However, regular treatment can produce significant long lasting benefits without the potential unpleasant side effects.
Couples are also advised on specific relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, yoga/ pilates and visualisation techniques that help to relax body and mind.
Acupuncture for IVF
A review of 7 research studies has shown that acupuncture may help increase the effectiveness of IVF treatment by up to 65%. Read the full story here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/feb/08/health.healthandwellbeing
Acupuncture has been proven to be highly effective when used in conjunction with ART procedures such as IVF, IUI and ICSI and can significantly increase the chances of success. Embarking on IVF can be very demanding and stressful and acupuncture treatment can help keep you calm at every stage of the treatment.
Research now shows that women having acupuncture treatment pre embryo transfer have a substantially higher chance of conceiving than those who did not have acupuncture (Manheimer E). Acupuncture essentially increases the odds of success by increasing the quality and number of eggs produced as well as increasing the thickness of the lining of the uterus and making it more receptive to receiving an embryo.
Acupuncture treatment for IVF is highly complex and is based on initially bringing the patient into the best possible state of health by treating according to individual TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) diagnosis, increasing blood flow to the uterus, improving the uterine lining as well as relaxing the nervous system and balancing hormones. Once the patient is ready for IVF, Acupuncture treatment is designed to help with the side effects of stimulation drugs and most importantly, supporting each stage of the IVF procedure. In addition, patients are encouraged to learn specific relaxation techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, and visualisation techniques that have been designed specifically for IVF and help to relax body and mind during and after embryo transfer.
For women undergoing IVF, a highly specialised and comprehensive Acupuncture package has been developed for all stages and types of ART (IVF, IUI, ICSI) providing pre-IVF preparation treatment, regular treatment throughout crucial IVF stages and pre-embryo transfer as well as essential information and support throughout and after transfer to help support a healthy implantation.
Acupuncture During and After Pregnancy
Acupuncture has been proven to be very effective for nausea (morning sickness) during pregnancy and can often be relieved in a few treatments. Treatment can also be effective for helping prevent threatened miscarriage and to help induce labour naturally as well as 'turning' breech presentation.
Acupuncture can also help women rebalance their hormones, energy levels and help with post-natal depression or illness after childbirth.