Supporting You Through Every Stage of Your Journey
Women’s health is one of the most common areas that we treat in the clinic. This includes everything from:
Menstrual Complaints
Gynaecological Conditions
Fertility Support
Assisted Reproduction Therapies and IVF
Obstetrics (Supporting Throughout Pregnancies)
Postpartum
(Peri)Menopause
We are committed to helping and guiding you as you progress through these periods to ensure your health and wellness is maintained throughout.
Centre Stage of Life’s Cycles
In the first chapter of our classical textbooks, the ancient Chinese doctors discussed the development cycle of both men and women. Men went through a series of 8 year cycles and women went through 7 (explains why we often say that women mature more quickly then men do). There are various stages of these described cycle which are important including the timespan where periods come, where women have greater fertility chances and then also when modern-day menopause is more likely to start.
Acupuncture is well placed to support people at each stage of their development cycle based on helping the body when it needs it the most. Women's health and fertility is one of the most common things that we tend to treat in clinic based on the amazing results we often get.
Painful Periods: Bidding Farewell to Menstrual Misery
The period, or lack thereof, is not the be all and end all of a treatment. At your first acupuncture section, I will take a detailed case history to understand how your health is both physically and mentally. With periods, and any other hormonal variations, other things can occur such as:
Bloating and digestive irregularities
Fluctuating mood swings
Headaches and migraines
Particular food cravings (often very intensely focused on craving sugar)
As holistic practitioners, our focus is on understanding your overall wellbeing and tailoring our treatments based on your unique requirements. That's why it is better to have a number of sessions as it takes time to build rapport, understand how your body responds to acupuncture, and to give the modality the best chance of success (this is particularly useful when the condition has been going on for a long time).
A period shouldn't be something that becomes dreaded. There is some really good evidence to show how acupuncture can be incredibly effective for reducing the intensity of period pains and also in reducing the amount of time the pain is experienced for. It has an amazing ability to reduce the effect of period pain, and for future cycles, unlike painkillers which just mask the pain.
There are so many complaints relating to the period and actually we can tell a lot from a Chinese Medicine sense from these. One of my beliefs is that no period should ever be painful!
There are multiple complaints that ladies have come to the clinic with relating to the menstrual cycle:
Painful periods, otherwise known as dysmenorrhea, which is experienced by millions of women worldwide. The pain can range from a mild discomfort to a lot more of a severe/debilitating pain.
An absence of periods, Amenorrhoea, which can be particularly hard to cope with.
Other period-specific complaints such as heavy bleeding, upsetting clotting, irregular periods, the colour of blood being particularly dark, and more.
GYNAECOLOGY: NURTURING FEMALE WELLNESS
Firstly a fun fact; gynaecology stems from a Latin word meaning the "science of women". I love this!
The two main conditions (but not the exhaustive list) that we seem to treat in gynae are:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Endometriosis
This is not an exhaustive list though as we treat everything from fibroids, cysts all over the body (e.g. in the fallopian tubes), pelvic pain, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, and more.
Let's explore the two main complaints in more detail.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a common condition, affecting nearly 1 in 10 women in the UK, which is nearly the same amount as diabetes. Despite this, it's often diagnosed after many years (the average wait time is 7 and a half years) of suffering and costs the UK economy £8.2B a year. Yes that is B for billion!
It can show up in different ways which includes:
Pain in the lower abs or back which can be a lot worse during your cycle
Intense period pain that doesn't allow you to do many 'normal' activities
75% of women with endometriosis complain of pain during or after sexual intercourse
Feeling pain when going to the loo during your period (number ones, sometimes with blood in your pee too, and number twos)
Feeling sick and either (or sometimes alternating) constipation or diarrhoea when you have a period
Very heavy periods with flooding
Other symptoms include fatigue, depression and difficulty getting pregnant.
Acupuncture has been proven to be a useful option to try as opposed to the conventional methods. The conventional methods include things like surgery but it is not a cure as it can still return in the future (and eventually you might be suggested a hysterectomy). Some studies have shown that acupuncture may help reduce the pain of endometriosis but also in reducing the recurrence rate which shows how acupuncture works at treating the root cause of the pain.
PCO(S)
One of the most common hormonal conditions in the UK is PCOS with an estimated 1 in 3 women suffering from it. It is characterised by irregular menstrual cycles, often showing when women come off the contraceptive pill after many years, and is diagnosed when there are 20 or more follicles seen on an ovarian scan. This causes the menstrual cycle to become long, typically but it can make it shorter, and it has a dramatic effect on disrupting fertility.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is normally connected to an excess of androgens (male hormones) in the blood stream. Any issues with an insulin balance are often common and these can lead to a range of symptoms including skin conditions (like acne), excess hair and unexplained weight gain.
Everyone might experience PCOS slightly different. That's where the initial interview becomes so important as it helps us to understand how the conditions manifests for you as an individual. In a Western sense, the condition is focused on the ovaries but actually the mechanisms of PCOS are quite complex and much more systemic. It manifests from a disruption between the brain, in particular between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, and the ovaries. It really is dependent on the person as sometimes the thyroid glad to be affected and for people to suffer from blood sugar changes. That's why we try to understand the system as a whole, as no single part of the body can be understood unless the whole is considered, to ensure that we treat both the root and the symptoms.
Acupuncture can be a very safe treatment for PCOS. Simply put; acupuncture can have an impact on your general wellbeing, reduce any symptoms, and improve pregnancy rates. Some studies have gone deeper to show how acupuncture can help increase the blood flow to ovaries, reduce the number of ovarian cysts, improve the metabolic function of patients with obesity-type PCOS, and more.
FERTILITY: EMPOWERING THE JOURNEY TO MOTHERHOOD
Around 17% of couples encounter difficulties with conception, and acupuncture is frequently chosen to aid either naturally or as a complement to IVF or other Assisted Reproduction Therapies (ART).
Acupuncture offers a range of benefits, including regulating menstrual cycles, enhancing blood flow to reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and addressing conditions like PCOS. Even in its simplest form, acupuncture can promote relaxation of both body and mind.
Various trials have demonstrated the potential of acupuncture to support IVF procedures and increase pregnancy rates. Here's why:
1. Regulation of Female Reproductive Hormones
Maintaining a delicate balance of female reproductive hormones is crucial for optimal fertility. For instance, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) plays a vital role in the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
Elevated FSH levels can strain the brain's efforts to support follicle growth, potentially impacting ovarian response to stimulation medications. Research indicates that acupuncture positively influences the secretion of reproductive hormones, enhancing responsiveness to ovarian stimulation medication or natural stimulation.
2. Improvement of Blood Flow and Egg Quality
Effective growth of ovarian follicles and eggs relies on adequate delivery of hormones and nutrients through the ovarian blood supply. Optimal blood flow is associated with higher egg quality.
Acupuncture has been shown to enhance blood flow to the uterus and ovaries by relaxing blood vessel walls, ensuring better nutrient and oxygen supply to developing follicles and eggs.
3. Enhancement of Implantation Rates
Acupuncture may boost implantation rates through various mechanisms, including the regulation of stress hormones affecting implantation, modulation of hormone levels, increased blood flow to the uterine lining, and modulation of immune response. (Source: Anderson BJ, Haimovici F, Ginsburg ES, Schust DJ, Wayne PM, In vitro fertilization and acupuncture: clinical efficacy and mechanistic basis. Altern Ther Health Med. 2007 May-Jun;13(3):38-48)
acupuncture for IVF Stages
Stage 1 – Preparing for IVF
Many individuals opt for acupuncture in the months leading up to an IVF cycle. This preparatory phase focuses on regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting efficient ovulation, and optimizing hormone levels to enhance the chances of success.
Stage 2 – Down-Regulation or Pre-Period
During down-regulation, acupuncture helps ensure efficient elimination of the uterine lining, preparing for the development of a fresh, healthy lining conducive to implantation. It may also alleviate side effects of down-regulation medications.
Stage 3 – Stimulation Phase
Acupuncture during this phase concentrates on optimizing the quality and function of the womb lining, ensuring adequate thickness and blood supply for successful embryo implantation.
Stage 4 – Embryo Transfer
Acupuncture before and after embryo transfer aims to increase blood flow to the womb lining, enhance receptivity, and reduce uterine contractions or spasms. These treatments are time-sensitive and should ideally be performed immediately before and after the transfer.
Stage 5 – Two-Week Wait and Beyond
While evidence supporting acupuncture during the two-week wait is limited, it can help alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Continued treatment post-IVF success until week 12 of pregnancy is recommended for maintaining balance and supporting a smooth pregnancy.
Does acupuncture increase your chances of IVF success?
While numerous studies suggest acupuncture's potential in improving fertility and pregnancy outcomes, conclusive evidence is lacking. A 2019 meta-analysis highlighted acupuncture's positive influence but emphasized the need for larger-scale studies with more robust methodologies to confirm these findings.
(Source: The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC (nih.gov))
Obstetrics
Beyond addressing specific symptoms and discomforts, acupuncture can contribute to overall pregnancy health and wellness. By stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms, acupuncture can help strengthen the immune system, improve circulation, and promote optimal functioning of the organs. This holistic approach to health can benefit both the mother and the developing baby throughout the pregnancy journey. Here are some of the ways that we can support pregnant women:
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Morning sickness, characterised by nausea and vomiting, is a common early pregnancy symptom. Acupuncture can help alleviate these symptoms by targeting specific pressure points known to reduce nausea and improve digestion. By regulating the digestive system and balancing hormonal levels, acupuncture can provide relief from morning sickness without the need for medications that may pose risks during pregnancy.
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As the pregnancy progresses, the added weight and changes in posture can lead to back pain and sciatica in many women. Acupuncture offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to managing these discomforts. By targeting specific acupuncture points along the spine and lower back, it can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation of the muscles, providing much-needed relief for expecting mothers.
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Sleep disturbances are common during pregnancy, often due to hormonal changes, discomfort, and anxiety about the upcoming birth. Acupuncture can help regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle by promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels. By targeting specific acupoints associated with sleep regulation, acupuncture can improve sleep quality and duration, allowing pregnant women to get the rest they need for a healthy pregnancy.
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Acupuncture is increasingly recognized for its potential to facilitate labor and delivery. Regular acupuncture sessions during the later stages of pregnancy can help prepare the body for childbirth by promoting uterine contractions, ripening the cervix, and encouraging optimal fetal positioning. Additionally, acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness, which can be beneficial during labor.
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Pregnancy can bring about a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and mood swings. Acupuncture can help support emotional well-being by regulating the body's stress response and promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones. By addressing imbalances in the body's energy flow, acupuncture can help pregnant women achieve a greater sense of calmness and emotional stability.
Acupuncture is safe for pregnant women if you receive it from a trained practitioner. There are certain points that we won’t be able to use at certain points, depending on where we are in the process but with over 365+ points to choose from we are never limited in what we can do.
Menopause: Embracing Change with Grace
Menopause. A time of profound change and transformation. A celebration of a life lived. While it may mark the end of one chapter in our lives, it also opens the door to a new, but vibrant phase of life. Acupuncture can help to lend a helping hand in allowing you to navigate this transition with grace and ease.
Understanding Menopause:
Menopause is a natural biological process which signifies the end of menstruation. It can come with a range of symptoms, including things like hot flashes, varying mood swings, sleep disturbances, changes in libido, and much more.
Here’s what acupuncture could help with:
Hot Flash Relief: Acupuncture can reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes, especially when they are more severe, which helps to makes you feel more comfortable.
Mood Support: Acupuncture aids in balancing hormones and our bodies own internal functioning. This helps in uplifting mood, easing anxiety and irritability.
Sleep Improvement: By calming the mind, balancing our systems and reducing stress, acupuncture helps to promote better sleep quality. It’s often a by-product of how we treat, improved sleep, but it’s effects are wide ranging.
Bone Health: Acupuncture may help support bone density. By supporting the body to heal and look after itself we are often able to slow down natural progressions. This is essential during the post-menopausal phase.
Empowerment and Wellness
Embrace the incredible power of acupuncture for women's health. Take charge of your body’s health, embrace the changes of life, and let acupuncture help to guide you to a place of balance and vitality. Together, we can embark on a journey of healing!