Fertility and Pregnancy Support
Fertility Support with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine has traditionally been used to improve fertility in China and parts of East Asia for thousands of years. This method of fertility support is also increasingly popular in the West, in particular when used in conjunction with IVF or other assisted reproductive treatments. Whilst scientific studies on the effects of acupuncture and fertility are mixed, we can say that acupuncture helps to reduce stress and improve your overall sense of wellbeing, which may be beneficial to you as you try to conceive.
Preconception Care
Giving your baby the best start in life starts before you even conceive. Preconception care ideally should start at least three months before conception and involves both parents. Positive changes you can undertake at home include stopping the consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and recreational drugs, taking prenatal vitamins, eating a healthy and well balanced diet, exercise and maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep and avoiding exposure to toxic chemicals and environments.
Elemental Chinese Medicine offers preconception care using acupuncture, herbal medicine and lifestyle advice to help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy. Our preconception care program includes an initial detailed consultation, taking into account your menstrual and reproductive history, blood tests, ultrasounds and other test results, along with questions about you and your partner’s general health. A course of acupuncture treatments may include a series of either twice weekly, weekly or fortnightly sessions to address any underlying symptoms irregular periods, stress/sleep problems, digestion issues and fatigue. During your treatment, progress will be monitored by charting your menstrual cycle and other laboratory tests and indicators.
IVF Support
If you are undergoing IVF and feeling stressed about the process, having acupuncture to support your IVF treatment may promote relaxation, improve your sense of wellbeing and make the treatment process easier. Our IVF support program includes a course of acupuncture treatments given prior to embryo transfer to prepare your body for the procedure. We suggest commencing the preparation 1-3 months ahead of starting the IVF treatments. On the day of the transfer acupuncture may be used to relieve any feelings of stress if you choose, treatments after the transfer may help you relax as you wait for the pregnancy results.
Pregnancy Acupuncture
Pregnancy is an exciting period in your life but it also places a lot of demands on your body and mind. Acupuncture may be used to support the pregnant woman to alleviate some pregnancy symptoms like stress, aches and pains, nausea and support labour preparation.
Postnatal Support
In China and other parts of East Asia women enjoy one month of rest and care after giving birth. That is because the Chinese recognise that the post birth period is vital to ensure complete recovery from the birthing process and the future health of mother and baby. Chinese herbs are used in this period to replenish lost blood and energy, to promote healing and good milk supply. Acupuncture may also be used if required.
General Women’s Health
Menstrual irregularities, painful periods, PMT symptoms and menopausal symptoms may benefit from Acupuncture and/or Chinese Herbal Medicine. The menstrual cycle is a key part of female health and well being, and Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have traditionally been used to help regulate and balance the menstrual cycle. The acupuncture and herbal medicine will be customised to address each phase of your menstrual cycle and you’ll be guided on understanding what should happen in each phase and what signs to look for to determine if things are normal or not.