Fertility and IVF support

The pathway to conceiving and giving birth to your own little baby can be a long and fraught one. Chinese Medicine can bring emotional and physical balance which is the foundation to a successful outcome.

As we are all different, each patient is given a personalised and tailored treatment approach to their fertility. In the initial consultation we discuss together any exploratory tests undertaken, menstrual and gynaecological history, as well as any issues that may arise around lifestyle, diet, relationships, work-life balances, and any emotions that may be affecting you.

All information shared is taken in to consideration when creating a plan of treatment to support and encourage fertility. Weekly treatments are often required with additional specialised treatments to support follicle development, egg collection and pre and post transfer.

The key aims are -

• to improve and regulate the menstrual cycle,

• encourage a good blood circulation to your lower abdomen including ovaries and endometrium,

• improve sperm health and

• to give support through the fertility journey.

Pregnancy, Miscarriage, induction and post-birth recovery

Pregnancy is a special time, and it is important to keep the baby and mother in good health. Gentle and safe treatments are given to ease morning sickness, tiredness, bloating, poor sleep and many other symptoms that can occur in pregnancy.

Miscarriage: despite being a relatively common event, it does not alter the fact that with it comes emotional and physical pain. In Chinese medicine the underpinning imbalances for infertility and miscarriage are similar, and are approached in a similar mode of treatment. It is important to encourage a regular healthy menstrual cycle as well as dealing with the emotions of loss, grief and distress.

Preparing in late pregnancy for the arrival of your little baby is also a very important step in the journey to becoming a mother. Particularly if you are a first time mother, or had an unpleasant experience with a previous birth; anxiety and nervousness might be the dominant emotions being felt, rather than excitement and joy as the time draws closer to finally meeting your little baby. A safe and effective series of weekly treatments from 37 weeks are recommended to treat some of the normal minor discomforts of pregnancy like heartburn, backache, tiredness, insomnia as well as relieving any stresses and anxieties. Through these weekly treatments the body is prepared for childbirth; enabling a smooth transition through the stages of natural labour and birth.

Often babies don’t want to put in an appearance when western medicine expects them to, and with the threat of an induction, this can often cause unnecessary anxiety for a soon to be mother. With gentle and calming acupuncture protocols the smooth flow of qi can be established to encouraged an uninterrupted and happy birth experience.

Once a baby is born post-birth recovery is often ignored in our modern world, but in Chinese medicine it is considered normal in the first months for the family to care for the mother and take over her responsibilities or cooking and cleaning whilst she cares for her new born baby. These early days post-birth are so important; by rebuilding a mother’s energy with gentle, nourishing and strengthening acupuncture treatments it will encourage a good and steady recovery, keep away the baby-blues and therefore contribute to strong mother and baby bonding.

PCOS and endometriosis

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis and adenomyosis are common and painful gynaecological conditions that are estimated to effect one in ten women, and can often be misdiagnosed. Through regular treatments to manage pain and regulate menstrual cycles, relief can be found for these often debilitating and life-limiting conditions, and improve the chances of conception and slow the recurrence of the disease.

Menopause

With the approach of the menopause, it is often accompanied by unpleasant and occasionally disabling symptoms of foggy thinking, hot flushes, weight gain, and irritability, to mention but a few. These symptoms can be debilitating on a daily basis or a mild irritant as well as an unwelcomed sign of transitioning from fertility into infertility and perceived old age.

With acupuncture support both the physical and emotional symptoms can be addressed and eased, giving women confidence and a new found energy to embrace their next chapter of life.