IVF and fertility
Miscarriage support
Pregnancy support
Acupuncture may be beneficial for fertility and pregnancy support in several ways:
1. Hormonal balance: Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels, which is crucial for reproductive health. It can help to stimulate the release of certain hormones that can promote ovulation and improve the overall function of the reproductive system.
2. Increased blood flow: Acupuncture can improve blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries. This can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to these organs, creating a more favourable environment for conception.
3. Reduced stress: Trying to conceive can often be stressful and can negatively impact reproductive health. Acupuncture has been shown to activate the relaxation response, reducing stress levels and promoting emotional well-being.
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ACUPUNCTURE FOR ASSISTED FERTILITY (e.g IVF)
Acupuncture can support patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF. ​It can help to relieve side effects of fertility drugs, such as bloating and nausea.
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​​​ACUPUNCTURE FOR OTHER FERTILITY ISSUES
Acupuncture may help with conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), fibroids, and endometriosis.
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ACUPUNCTURE FOR EMBRYO TRANSFER
Acupuncture before the day of an embryo transfer can help to enhance blood flow to the uterus, remove any areas that have blockages and relax the whole system.
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WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO START ACUPUNCTURE FOR FERTILITY?
Ideally treatment should start 3-4 months prior for either assisted or natural fertility to allow the body to be at its full potential for conception. We know that the maturation cycle of an egg from an immature oocyte to an egg that is ready for ovulation is around 3 months or 90 days. Therefore three months prior to conception is the ideal timeframe in which to make positive egg quality promoting changes to your diet and lifestyle.
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ACUPUNCTURE FOR MALE FERTILITY
When it comes to fertility, it goes without saying that women are not the only ones who are responsible for a successful conception that will lead to a healthy birth. Some issues affecting male fertility include a low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or low sperm motility. Men who could be struggling with a low sperm count may be able to improve sperm quality by undergoing acupuncture treatment. Since sperm can take up to 3 months to fully develop, men should consider beginning their treatments for at least 3 months.​
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PREGANANCY SUPPORT
Acupuncture is a safe, natural treatment that can be used any time in pregnancy. Carrying a baby can place many physical and emotional demands on the body. Women seek acupuncture for a whole range of problems including nausea, back pain, headaches and migraines, insomnia, constipation, anxiety, depression and a general feeling of exhaustion.
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BREECH BABIES
Moxibustion can be used for turning breech babies. The optimum time to do this is at 34 weeks gestation. Babies can still turn right up until the end of pregnancy although the likelihood becomes less with each passing day. The woman, and preferably her birth partner, need to attend for one appointment. During this appointment they are shown how to use the moxibustion to encourage the baby to turn. They then go home and carry on this technique for the next 7-10 days.
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CERVICAL RIPENING
Acupuncture can help to soften the cervix, helping to ease pain and shorten delivery time. Acupuncture for cervical ripening can start from Week 36 onwards with weekly acupuncture to help soften and ready the cervix for delivery.
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LABOUR INDUCTION
Acupuncture can be used to used to stimulate uterine contractions during pregnancy, before labour begins, usually in overdue cases. These contractions start slowly and gently increase, allowing your body to produce natural endorphins to manage any discomfort. Induction treatments are performed at 40+ weeks or 3 days prior to a medical induction.
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POST PARTUM CARE AND RECOVERY
Acupuncture can help with the postpartum symptoms such as insufficient lactation, mastitis, urinary incontinence after vaginal tearing, post part depression.
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