Using Traditional Chinese medicine & Acupuncture to help with IVF, Fertility & general productive health
Infertility and difficulty in being able to conceive has become a big health concern in recent years.
My aim, is offer guidance and treatment using Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to individuals or couples who would like to increase their chances for a natural conception and pregnancy or to offer supportive treatment for couples undergoing assisted reproduction.
I often work with couples using assisted conception techniques such as IVF, as well as couples in their late 30’s and 40’s, providing support and information with the goal of improving their general health.
Chinese medicine has a history of thousands of years in dealing with many fertility related issues. Research has shown that acupuncture, combined with Traditional Chinese medicine and lifestyle changes, can greatly increase fertility, whether through natural conception or assisted reproduction. It’s important to know that this treatment if not magic, so it requires your commitment to treatment and to making the necessary lifestyle changes.
A carefully structured programme of treatment optimises your chance of success. Patients are encouraged to prepare well for a possible pregnancy. Ideally preparation should begin 3 months before conception, whether normal or through reproductive techniques( IVF). Weekly or every second week acupuncture sessions, along with Chinese herbal medicine can bring the body into an optimal condition for pregnancy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and IVF
Treatment is aimed at adjusting the menstrual cycle to improve regularity, stimulating ovulation, boosting circulation , increasing energy levels and adjusting the hormonal levels to put the body into a more balanced state. Another important aspect of treatment is to reduce stress, often important element within difficulties conceiving.
Once you start taking the IVF drugs, prescribed by your Fertility specialist, acupuncture continued on a weekly basis will optimise the conditions of the womb in preparation for hosting the embryo and to minimise the side effects of the IVF drugs. Acupuncture is also performed before and after actual implantation. Once pregnancy has been confirmed, treatment will continue to help you maintain the desired hormonal balance as well as relieving the symptoms of pregnancy such as morning sickness and fatigue. Throughout out treatment I will always offer advice on your lifestyle and nutrition.
Traditional Chinese medicine and Natural Conception
TCM is also very effective in increasing the rates of natural conception for those couples that are not undergoing IVF. Diagnosis plays a very important role here, as it’s important to establish, wherever possible, the cause of infertility. Often the effect of the treatment in important areas such as stress reduction or improved hormonal balance can result in a successful pregnancy. There may also be underlying medical conditions, which will respond well to acupuncture, thus increasing the chances of conception.
Ways that Acupuncture helps:
Acupuncture is a POSITIVE treatment it stimulates the body to achieve it’s own balance and healing.
1. Better quality eggs produced by improving the function of the ovaries.
2. Hormones are regulated and balanced so that larger number of follicles are produced.
3. Increasing blood flow to the uterus and the thickness of the uterine lining.
4. Reduce stress and increases relaxation
5. Helps prevent Uterine contraction
6. Reduces toxic side effects of the drugs used during IVF
7. Boosts your immune system
8. Semen quality, quantity and mobility is improved, thus improving the quality of the embryos.
9. Reduces the chances of miscarriage.
Lifestyle adjustments that will greatly help this journey and improve the effectiveness of treatment for both partners:
1. Cut down significantly on all fizzy drinks and sugar loaded beverages( ie juices). This includes artificial sweeteners of any kind. Sugar is a big killer of sperm but also a cause for blocked tubes.
2. Ladies need to dress warmly, avoid all cold drinks and food. No cold or room temperature water, rather have
herbal tea, rooibos or warm water with lemon. Cold water and drinks need to be a thing of the past. Cold foods,
like ice-cream is also a Big no no. Your Uterus needs a warm environment to function well and be fertile. One of
the biggest causes of endometriosis is the choices we make in our daily lifestyles. So KEEP WARM Please.
3. Take time everyday to spend on improving the health of your relationships. You’re going through a stressful time,
so take time away from all devices to reconnect. It sound simple but being connected with your partner plays a
huge role in your ability to conceive.
4. Make a concerted effort daily to reduce the time you spend on your computer and phone. There is an
acupuncture point in your shoulders that directly connects with your ovaries, so stiffness in this area effects the
energy flow to the ovaries. Spend time stretching, exercising and in the sun will help keep you loose.
5. Focus on breathing, a few minutes every day makes a huge difference. I am happy to show you some breathing
techniques that can help calm and centre you.
6. Something that sounds easy but isn’t always easy to maintain, is to stay POSITIVE. Positive thinking and
attitude attracts positive energy.
7. The quicker you start treatment the bigger our chance for success. If you have poor circulation, cold hands and
feet, endometriosis, short, painful or irregular periods are all good reasons to start treatment quickly
This is a journey that I am excited to be included in and will do my best tohelp you become parents.
My Best wishes to all of you who desire to welcome your babies into this world.
