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Fertility Acupuncture
Acupuncture has a long and successful history in reproductive medicine. It can be used to help boost fertility, to help improve the chances of IVF success, and to prepare the body for conception and pregnancy generally.
Underlying conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis and irregular cycles can also be treated with Acupuncture. It's also good for relieving stress (which isn't good for fertility) as boosting the flow of energy to the reproductive organs. It can address male fertility issues also.
All the Clinic's acupuncture protocols incorporate a five element approach (which can help on an emotional level), integrated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). We are officially associated with the Zita West Clinic in London, and based on her early experiences as the pioneer of acupuncture in the NHS, Zita is widely regarded as a world-leading authority on all aspects of its use for promoting fertility and pregnancy and all Associate practitioners are trained in her techniques.
Though there is a growing body of scientific research into its uses, there is, however, little data that conforms to the usual Western medical standards of large scale, double-blind, randomised controlled trials on the human population and, as a result, its efficacy must still be considered to be largely unproven. All of the references made within this website to research into acupuncture need, therefore, to be seen in that context.
Despite this, I remain a strong advocates of its use as part of a co-ordinated approach to supporting the best possible levels of reproductive health.
How to Book An Individual Consultation
If you'd like to book a session of acupuncture for any stage of the reproductive cycle, or would like further information, please select the clinic most convenient to you and make an appointment directly. You may also contact me to discuss your requirements before making an appointment.
The cost of a session can be found by clicking on "Clinics ~ charges" from the menu bar on the left hand side of this page.
Recent research shows pregnancy rates double with Chinese medicine
Women receiving Chinese herbal medicine are twice as likely to get pregnant than those receiving Western medical fertility treatment, according to new research.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide reviewed a range of studies which in total had involved 1,851 women aged from 18 to 45 years who had received treatment for infertility. They found Chinese herbal medicine achieved on average a 60% fertility rate, compared with 30% for standard Western medical drug treatment or IVF. The reasons for infertility in the women included endometriosis, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), amenorrhea and advanced maternal age. The results are published in the December issue of the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
The researchers reviewed seven RCTs, one non-randomised controlled trial, 13 cohort studies, three case series and six case studies. In these studies, women received either Chinese herbal medicine alone, Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, or Chinese herbal medicine in conjunction with Western drugs or surgery.
In the cases of Chinese herbal medicine being used alone the researchers concluded that pregnancy rates were significantly higher than with the sole use of Western medical fertility treatment. The same improvement in pregnancy rates was true when Chinese herbal medicine was used in conjunction with Western drugs or surgery. It was also noted in some trials that Chinese herbal medicine had fewer side effects than Western medical treatments.
Emma Farrant, chief executive officer of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine says, “Clinical experience has shown that Chinese medicine is very effective at treating infertility in women.”
Members of the public who are interested in Chinese medicine fertility treatment are urged to only seek treatment from a practitioner who is a member of a reputable professional body. The RCHM was set up in 1987 to self-regulate the practice of Chinese herbal medicine amongst its members. For information about the RCHM, please visit www.rchm.co.uk or call 01603 623994.
Source:
Ried K, Stuart K. Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility: A systematic review. Complement Ther Med (2011) Dec;19(6):319-31
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22036524?dopt=Abstract
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