Evidence based acupuncture to support menstrual issues, fertility and IVF outcomes….

Where is your path taking you?

 
 

Fertility

Regulating and strengthening the ‘qi’ to ensure a smooth flow of energy to the reproductive organs is key. Regular treatment is important to ensure optimal results.

Acupuncturists recommend undergoing a weekly treatment of acupuncture for 12 weeks. 

If you are a woman trying to conceive, the best times to have an acupuncture treatment include:

  • The follicular phase - day 5, 6, 7 or 8 of your menstrual cycle, with day 1 being the first day of a heavy period

  • The day of, before or after ovulation (as indicated by the acute rise of Luteinizing Hormone in your system)

  • During implantation time - 6 to 10 days after ovulation

IVF Support

Recent research has shown improved outcomes for women receiving acupuncture treatment during IVF. Based on a recent meta analysis acupuncture has been shown to significantly improve both the Clinical Pregnancy Rate (CPR) and Live Birth Rate (LBR) among women undergoing IVF.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27995371/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19465459/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37436463/

Pregnancy

Pregnant? Dealing with morning sickness, swelling of hands and feet, heartburn, anxiety, fatigue? These are just some of the problems that can be alleviated through pregnancy acupuncture.

The secret to a calm, contented baby has been specific points at certain times of the pregnancy. These point selections used for thousands of years have been proven empirically to yield positive results for both mother and baby.

 

Hormones…..

Your Cycle

Acupuncture can regulate the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls the production and release of hormones in women. Additionally, acupuncture can improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, which can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and promote ovulation.

Menstrual Pain

Painful periods? Acupuncture is a proven remedy for lower back pain, pelvic pain and other cramps associated with your menstrual cycle. A recent study conducted in Australia and New Zealand showed acupuncture to be successful in reducing period pain with benefits still showing a year after treatment.

https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0180177 The role of treatment timing and mode of stimulation in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with acupuncture: An exploratory randomised controlled trial

Irregular Cycles

Short cycles, long cycles or missing cycles? Acupuncture can help regulate your cycle.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3966340/ Chen, Y., Fang, Y. et al. (2014). Effect of Acupuncture on Premature Ovarian Failure: A Pilot Study; Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Menopausal Hot Flushes?

Hot flushes or flashes can be debilitating. Acupuncture can reduce or even eliminate your sweats and flushing and minimise the hormonal swings associated with menopause and perimenopause.

Recent studies? A 2014 meta analysis concluded t that acupuncture improves hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life in women experiencing natural menopause.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK248589/ Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women on natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials