My TCM Practice

Acupuncture can assist with regulating the menstrual cycle in many ways. It can regulate the feedback loop between the brain and the ovaries which helps to balance hormones. This in turn benefits the menstrual cycle, promotes ovulation and menses can become more regular or return. ​ If you are experiencing heavy, missed or irregular periods, ovulation may be affected. Many factors can have an impact: genetic or systemic conditions, thyroid or adrenal gland issues, eating disorders, lifestyle, depression, stress and anxiety to name a few. Acupuncture may improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. Ageing (declining ovarian reserve), and stress can decrease the flow of blood to the reproductive organs. It can calm the nervous system and dilate the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to the ovaries and the endometrium (lining of the uterus). ​ Blood nourished ovaries function more efficiently and good blood flow to the uterus ensures the uterine lining is able to grow to a thickness that allows for menses or implantation of an embryo to occur. It can also support the maturation of healthy eggs. ​ Acupuncture may assist with the Luteinising Hormone surge which triggers the egg to be released.

Acupuncture can be successful in treating fertility issues because it encourages healthy, efficient bodily functions. Acupuncture helps to balance the endocrine system and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, nourishing follicles and creating a healthy endometrium. Healthy blood flow is essential for reproductive function, and stress can interfere with sperm production in men, as well as menstrual cycles in women. Acupuncture can also assist in resuming ovulation which can be inhibited after spending several years on chemical birth control or from other health conditions or illnesses. If you have a regular cycle, conception is more likely to occur. Acupuncture assists with natural conception by supporting a regular cycle as well as managing factors that can impact conception. For example, acupuncture can assist conception by Reducing stress Increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs Balancing the endocrine system Regulation the menstrual cycle Promoting ovulation Relieving stress by causing your brain to release neuropeptides Improving sperm production and motility

Acupuncture can help regulate conditions associated with PCOS and endometriosis. It does this by reducing inflammation and stagnation, and increasing blood flow to the affected areas. This is especially effective when treatment is commenced in the early stages and is combined with dietary and lifestyle advice, however, it can help reduce symptoms at all stages of the conditions.

Pregnancy is a joyful journey, but for some women it can be a time of physical and emotional changes that can become debilitating. Acupuncture can help treat the uncomfortable symptoms of pregnancy and it can also maintain the flow of blood and energy (Qi) around the body to keep the body in a balanced state for optimum health throughout pregnancy. It helps in particular with hormone regulation and balance to help with emotional regulation, anxiety, and the other sometimes wild effects of pregnancy hormones. There is so much more involved than acupuncture to treat symptoms. It's about having a chat, allowing an emotional release in a supported and caring environment. It's about honouring yourself and the goddess that you are. It's about realising the miracle of growing your baby. aving someone to check in with and help you track how you're managing so you're not doing the journey on your own.

Acupuncture can enhance the possibility of IVF success by: Improving diminished ovarian reserve markers Normalising menstrual cycle and hormone levels Supporting your body's overall health during pregnancy, increasing likelihood of successful birthing Improves pregnancy outcomes if you have experienced recurrent pregnancy loss Increases blood flow to the uterus and varies, which can improve the quality of eggs and heighten chances of successful implantation. Returns ovulation if you have stopped ovulating due to Polycyctic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) For women undertaking IVF and are having an embryo transfer, acupuncture can be used as a pre-and post transfer treatment . The pre-transfer treatment uses points that assist in dilating the cervix, making the insertion of the embryo easier. It also calms your nervous system which helps relax the uterus which helps optimise uterine receptivity. Acupuncture can improve blood circulation to the uterus to create a thicker lining. Post transfer acupuncture focuses on relaxing the nervous system and circulating additional blood to the uterus. This helps prevent contractions and nourishes the embryo. I use acupuncture for same-sex couples or single women to support them through the path to parenthood. That path can include at home or clinic inseminations, In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with donor sperm or eggs, adoption, surrogacy and fostering.

During the first trimester, there are a range of symptoms that a woman can experience. For some the symptoms will be mild and not impact on their lives, for others the symptoms can be debilitating. Acupuncture treatments in the first 12 weeks of your pregnancy will focus on treating your symptoms, calming anxiety and allowing your body to work optimally. It will also include dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes. If a woman experiences ongoing symptoms, it can take its toll on both the mind and the body. Acupuncture can assist by gently calming the mind whilst still supporting the body and the pregnancy. You can't remove morning sickness altogether, what you can do is settle it to a manageable level by giving you greater control of your sympathetic nervous system. Acupuncture calms the sympathetic nervous system which allows you to inhabit your parasympathetic nervous system. In other words, it helps you move from a flight/fight response to a more controlled calm response. The nervous system is responsible for managing your stress response. If you've had a history of pregnancy loss, or if you are generally a more anxious person, you are more likely to have a sympathetic nervous system response that increases cortisol levels and adrenalin. Calming this response allows a more balanced reaction and enables you to deal with the impact of the symptoms without the impact of the stress. There are all kinds of methods for managing these symptoms, one is a tailored acupuncture plan, but we also work to develop a plan for food intake, and lifestyle changes that will significantly impact your pregnancy experience.

Acupuncture can assist in balancing your hormones and treating some of the pregnancy-related health complaints that you may be experiencing during the second trimester. Symptoms that may be experienced during this trimester include anxiety, insomnia, heartburn/reflux, constipation, haemorrhoids, back ache/sciatica and pubis symphysis pain. Acupuncture can provide a supportive and calming effect which can soothe a busy mind and calm an ever-changing body. During the second trimester of pregnancy, some women can start to feel better. Energy levels and appetite improve, nausea and vomiting may have ceased or reduced in frequency, and they generally feel more balanced and less hormonal. I recommend continuing with acupuncture treatments as they will provide an opportunity for your mind to be calmed, while still nurturing your body.

Acupuncture can continue into the third trimester and I commence Pre-birth acupuncture treatments from 36 weeks. This is the time that your body prepares for labour and delivery. Acupuncture treatments at this time are supporting your body in preparation for the birthing journey. It can help your body release oxytocin, soften and ripen the cervix and increase the frequency and intensity of contractions. It is during this trimester that some women start to feel larger, heavier and uncomfortable. Emotions can be affected by the increase in hormones in the body and anxiety around labour and birthing, which is completely natural, may be present. Some women may experience breathlessness, insomnia, constipation, heartburn/reflux, swelling, haemorrhoids, back ache all of which can be treated with acupuncture. Some of these symptoms may be a result of blood deficiencies and you may benefit from dietary supplements, while other symptoms have specific points on the body that treat each individual problem. There are also a range of issues that can create or exaggerate symptoms, these things are often revealed through my consultation process and a holistic plan is created that will help with your day to day life. My sessions aren't just acupuncture sessions, they combine coaching, life and dietary advice, provide a comforting ear to listen during one of the hardest and most emotional times of a woman's life and treat the physical symptoms as far as possible in a safe and managed environment.

There are three possible breech positions: Full, Footling or Frank. Acupuncture and Moxibustion may encourage optimal foetal positioning. Moxa can stimulate heat receptors on the skin of the toe. The heat encourages the release of two pregnancy hormones: Placental oestrogen and Prostaglandins. This leads to safe uterine contractions which can stimulate the baby to move into an optimal position.

Acupuncture is a non-invasive way to support your body while it's preparing for labour. Your body is undergoing many changes and hormonal levels are high. I commence weekly pre-birth acupuncture from week 36 until you birth. Treatments focus on assisting your cervix to ripen (soften), encouraging the optimal positioning of baby, reducing anxiety around birthing and helping prepare your body for labour and delivery. From 40 weeks I commence Birth Activation Acupuncture. Acupuncture treatments gently encourage the movement of baby into an optimal birthing position and helps the cervix to soften. It also provides a calming effect which then allows for your body to that most women thoroughly enjoy. Acupuncture works with your body. It is important to understand that acupuncture will enhance what your body is doing naturally. It helps prepare your body and mind for the incredible birthing journey.

The fourth trimester refers to the first 12 weeks after a baby is born, and it’s sometimes called the postpartum period. It’s a time of significant adjustment and transition for both parents and baby. Acupuncture can provide postpartum support for your physical and emotional needs. Treatments generally start after several weeks (if you've birthed vaginally) or a little later for caesarean. In many traditional cultures, there is a period of 40 days, (often referred to as the Golden Month) after birthing that is considered sacred: Motherhood is to be honoured. The mother should rest for 40 days after birth, should listen to her own physical and emotional needs and be nurtured and supported by family, friends and community. Essential elements for healthy postpartum recovery include rest, massage, mother-warming treatments, nourishing food for new mothers, dietary tonics, supplements and adequate fluid intake. Whilst this is primarily an ancient tradition which is still practiced in some cultures, the Western world can be different and can leave mothers feeling unsupported or even isolated. For those women I encourage them to seek support and when necessary, treatment to aid them in their recovery and in dealing with this most wonderful period of adjustment to their new child. Acupuncture can assist with optimising your milk supply, improving your sleep and energy levels, and helping your body return to a balanced state. My clinic provides a safe and supportive environment at all stages of pregnancy and postpartum with acupuncture treatments providing deep relaxation which assists in healing.