acupuncture and conception  
acupuncture and IVF
acupuncture and male sub-fertility
acupuncture in pregnancy 
moxibustion in breech babies

Acupuncture and Conception

Falling pregnant is unfortunately often not as easy as we would like. Many factors may contribute to this, including functional infertility due to conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis, as well as unexplained male and female infertility. Also some couples are waiting later to conceive, which also further reduces the chances to conceive.

Acupuncture may play an important role for both partners. Acupuncture works by balancing the hormonal cycle, relieving stress and providing optimum health for both partners.

Using acupuncture to improve the menstrual cycle, or improve sperm count can improve the chances of conception. In turn, the aim is to provide optimal health for both partners to give your baby the best possible start in life.

Acupuncture and Male sub-fertility

Male infertility is a growing concern.

Normal sperm count and mobility.

Acupuncture may help to increase sperm count. Treatment is required 1 month as this is the time is takes to make new sperm.

Sex every other day as this can also affect the quality of the sperm.

Studies have shown that diet can directly impact on the quality of sperm.

Acupuncture and IVF

IVF is a choice for many hoping to have children as this is possibly their only chance to concieve. Studies have found that acupuncture pre and post embro transfer may increase its success rate. The focus of treatment is on making the mother relaxed and promoting blood and qi to the uterus.

It may not be possible to have acupuncture pre and post transfer due to time and cost, but this does not mean .... It is important to be relaxed and not to travel extensively. Choose a acupuncture clinic near your hospital.

Acupuncture in Pregnancy

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment throughout pregnancy.

In the early part of the pregnancy you may experience morning sickness. This usually passes by the second trimester, however, while it lasts it can be very debilitating. Acupuncture is perhaps the most well known for the treatment of morning sickness and is very effective. Dietary advice, if appropriate concerning what and when to eat also plays an important role in treatment.

Later on in the pregnancy you may experience heartburn and indigestion, pelvic pain or symphysis pubis dysfunction(SPD), carpal tunnel syndrome, cramps, headaches, lethargy, fatigue, oedema and high / low blood pressure.

All of which can be effectively and safely treated with acupuncture.

Please remember just because these are common symptoms and part of being pregnant it does not mean there is nothing that can be done and you have to suffer.

Case Study

Michelle was advised to try acupuncture by her GP after being told she had SPD. She was in week 20 of her pregnancy when she came to me. The SPD was debilitating, so much so that in the mornings she found it very difficult to get out of bed, she was in extreme pain and found it impossible to walk, although this improved as the day went on. This was her second pregnancy and although she suffered from SPD in her first pregnancy, she was surprise to be suffering earlier on in this pregnancy. After one treatment her pain drastically reduced, she was able to get out the bed in the mornings and she was no longer debilitated by the pain.

Moxibustion in Breech Presentation

Within Chinese Medicine a herb called moxibustion is used very effectively (studies show upto 80%) to turn breech babies. Moxibustion is a fragrant herb which is lit and then held over an acupuncture point. This in turn relaxes the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn. The best results are often gained before week 36/37 as there is still room for the baby to move inside the womb.

Usually only one treatment is required, in which the acupuncturist will teach you how to use the moxibustion. You will then be given a moxa stick to take home to continue the process at home.

Moxibustion is a completely safe and very gentle way of attempting to turn babies.

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