The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) lists an A-Z of evidence base conditions acupuncture can be beneficial for. Some of the common complaints that individuals typically seek help with are:
Fertility support
Many studies has shown how acupuncture can benefit fertility and assisted reproduction although results vary as treatments are individual specific and therefore are affected by factors such as age, cycles regularity, physical blockages in the reproductive organs and sperm count. We use an in-depth questionnaire into the client’s history and health prior to any treatments to address stress reduction which can greatly help improve your chances of becoming pregnant regardless of using unassisted methods or assisted via a fertility clinic. There are several ways one can improve fertility through the use of acupuncture.
We can use points near the ovaries, fallopian tubes and womb to directly relieve muscle tension in and around the pelvis and help to increase blood and fluid supply to the tissues and mucous membrane. We can also use points that relates to organs involved in reproduction as well as address individual factors that may be personal to the client such as stress affecting hormonal balances, irregular cycles, the immune system, PCOS, endometriosis, etc. After our initial meeting we will create a treatment plan most relevant to your needs and we will discuss how many treatments are needed.
Often assisted reproductive technology (ART) is used to treat infertility. It includes fertility treatments that handles both a woman's egg and a man's sperm. In the UK, the overall birth rate following assisted reproduction is only 21% to 22%. Acupuncture is now recognised to complement IVF treatments by improving the odds by as much as 65%. If you are considering western medical intervention for fertility, you may therefore want to consider Acupuncture.
We can support both you and your partner with your fertility. We are happy to work alongside your medical team both prior to and during and after your IVF treatments. We use a tried and tested protocol to support women through each stage of the process. Whether you are undergoing ICSI, IVF or a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), we can assist your body during this intervention.
We are happy to chat with you to find out if we can help you or simply send us a message.
Emotional health
These days western medicine have started to recognise that our emotional health have a direct effect on our physical body. We all experience stress and mental tension at certain times in our lives, but when stressful states are maintained for longer periods, addictive behaviour can become the go to. This can impact the food we reach for at such times and the amount. Our mood and mental state can become tainted and we can become more reactive. Some may procrastinate and disassociate as they recoil to avoid certain emotions.
We see in our clinic that more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of addressing these conditions early on (stress, anxiety, low mood and depression, etc.) and many acknowledge that acupuncture can effectively help them alleviate these.
Acupuncture can be used to help balance our autonomic nervous system by stimulating and instilling a calm relaxed state, for profound spiritual purposes; setting the person back on track of their unique life’s journey, calming the pain of disappointment and shifting feelings of disillusionment.
Note: At some of our clinics we offer a (seated) group session where microsystem acupuncture, such as ear points are used. This system of acupuncture is highly effective for a wide range of conditions such as; anxiety and stress management, for preventative reasons or for general health and wellbeing. These sessions are approx. 20-30 min.
Why not come in and give it a try! (please contact us to find out if your local clinic offers this or to discuss your personal circumstances)
Female health and gynocology
Gynaecological issues such as period pain, endometriosis, pre-menstrual tension (PMT) or irregular periods, etc. can be challenging to live with and many women resort to acupuncture for relief during this time. We can help with hormonal imbalances, peri-menopausal transition symptoms (which often starts several years before menopause) as well as night sweats, hot flashes, sleep problems and general dryness as the body produce less oestrogen.
We can support women with turning a breached baby or gently inducing labour in a natural non-invasive way, using acupuncture point stimulation.
Call us for a friendly chat to find out more or book an appointment.
Musculoskeletal discomfort and pain
You may have heard of “ Dry Needling” and “Cupping” but you may not know that these methods actually originates from the tradition of Chinese medicine. They have been used to treat acute and chronic pain in localised area of the body as they have shown to increase blood flow thus improving circulation whilst stimulating the body’s’ anti inflammatory response in alleviating pain and tension.
Both modalities have been adopted by physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors as they have seen the profound effect they can elicit in releasing and relieving pain and inflammation. We have the insight into what this treatment can offer as well as being properly trained in these modalities so your recovery is quickened.
Sometimes modalities such as “Tuina” , “Guasha” or “Moxibustion” may be added to your treatment although these modalities can be used as a stand-alone treatment.
Digestion, tiredness or fatigue
Our digestion is essential for the production of our life-force and energy. Tiredness and fatigue are often caused by having reduced digestive fire which often originates from stress.
If our digestion is out of balance, it can become sluggish or overactive and we may experience this as excessive belching, gas accompanied by bloating or perhaps we have pain or swelling of the abdomen. We may be affected to such an extend that it interferes with daily activities due to the discomfort and embarrassment.
Perhaps we are restricted in what we can eat or we may have told ourselves that diarrhoea or a strained bowel movement is something we just have to live with.
When our energy to embrace our daily tasks is reduced it may be worth while trying acupuncture to help support the digestive system and to address any underlying emotional stress. When our digestive system functions as nature intended, our bowel movement is regular and we can enjoy our food without worrying about implications.