Fertility

Difficulty in falling pregnant is rapidly on the rise. This can be attributed to a lifestyle of excessive stressors, over-medicating, poor lifestyle and dietary choices, and untreated health concerns. Each individual’s response to such factors is different which may or may not affect fertility. However it can’t be ignored that those who are affected are often left without answers to why trying to conceive has become so difficult.

Chinese medicine has been addressing such concerns for 3000 years through applying herbal medicine and acupuncture usually to both partners in order to strengthen the constitution of both parties concerned.

Recent research has proven that Chinese medicine can significantly improve the chances of a couple successfully falling pregnant through the application of acupuncture both for couples undertaking IVF treatment and also those naturally trying to conceive.

Treatment for Natural Fertility consists of

1. Recording body temp to identify irregularities in hormonal secretion, menstrual cycle and ovulation, which are then addressed with herbs/acupuncture.
2. Addressing any health concerns affecting fertility such as, Endometriosis, Uterine Fibroids, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, thyroid imbalances, weight issues, etc.
3. In men, improving sperm count, motility, morphology and reducing the level of abnormal sperm.

Treatment for IVF focuses on:

1. Improving egg maturation.
2. Improving the thickness of the uterine lining.
3. Assist with embryo implantation and assist with sustaining the pregnancy to full term.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture works by regulating hormones, assisting in promoting the uterine lining to proliferate and eggs to mature. Furthermore, in males acupuncture assists in improving semen quality by increasing quantity and quality of sperm. In addition, acupuncture treatment aims to assist in the fertilization process between the sperm and egg and in the implantation process of the embryo.

The way it works is by inserting fine sterile needles in specific points on the body to promote the flow of ‘qi’ and blood throughout the body. The points chosen vary with each individual as their body’s constitution is unique to them. This process initiates the release of specific chemicals in the endocrine system which may effectively improve endocrine function therefore assisting in improving the chances of conception.  The treatment method is best undertaken by both parties to enhance the level of success.

Type of treatment chosen depends on the medical history of both the man and woman as well as previous treatments used which indicate current health status. Treatment protocol differs depending on whether its to promote natural fertility or to assist IVF.

 Pregnancy

Once pregnant the female body undergoes many changes. Some women may experience some unpleasant symptoms based on hormonal changes that vary within each trimester. Chinese medicine may assist in relieving the intensity of these symptoms and other circumstances that may eventuate that can cause the mother distress. The following are some examples of what can result and how either herbal medicine or/and acupuncture can assist.

Morning Sickness

Very gentle acupuncture is used with a few points chosen assisting in calming the stomach and relieve nausea.

Heartburn

The increased secretion of hormones causes a decrease in the tone of the muscles in the digestive tract, therefore the muscle that prevents reflux is weaker and so regurgitation is experience.

Acupuncture gently strengthens the digestive tract muscles to reduce and prevent the frequency of heartburn.

Acute/chronic back ache and sciatica

Changes in posture to compensate for the altered shape, tiredness, instability of joints due to the hormones relaxing the ligaments and the weight of a pregnant uterus all can cause pain and discomfort in the lower back.

Acupuncture aims to relieve pain through choosing tender points to promote circulation in the lower back.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Hormones released by the placenta may block the action of insulin, this creates insulin resistance. This in turn causes the baby to create more insulin and move more sugar in to the baby's cells - therefore cause weight gain and other harmful effects
Chinese medicine aims to regulate this imbalance with dietary advice, herbs and gentle acupuncture.

Bleeding during Pregnancy

Bleeding can be caused by varying factors depending on the whether it occurs early or late in the pregnancy.

Chinese medicine, aims to strengthen the mother's body so to stop the bleeding and a miscarriage can be prevented.

Abnormal Foetal Positions

Babies that are in breeched positions are common.

Moxibustion is used to try and gently turn the baby through heating the little toe, this signals the placenta to release hormones that cause the baby to turn.

Inducing Labour

Acupuncture works very well in preparing for labour.

Treatment can initiate contractions and hardening of the uterus thus assisting with inducing labour.