Acupuncture
 

Acupuncture is very relaxing and involves inserting fine, hair thin needles at various points around the body to restore balance in the flow of Qi.  It has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of systems including the respiratory, immune, digestive, endocrine, nervous, circulatory and gynaecological systems.  It has been used to treat a wide range of women's health problems including menstrual disorders, infertility  and common complaints of pregnancy and the post-partum period.




 

Women's Health
 

Acupuncture has a long history of providing effective treatment for a range of women's health complaints.  Due to our modern lifestyles, most women no longer experience what it is like to have a regular, symptom-free menstrual cycle and many are plagued by vague symptoms that can be treated with acupuncture including:

- fatigue
- irritability
- foggy thinging/forgetfulness
- depression
- skin problems
- digestive complaints
- insomnia
- anxiety
- weight gain
- low libido

Women's Fertility

Very few women are actually infertile, in most cases our modern lifestyles have left us out of sync, disrupting the sensitive balance of hormones that keeps our reproductive system functioning effectively.

Comprehensive care that involves not only acupuncture (preferably for both partners) but also Chinese herbal medicine and diet and lifestyle advice can restore the balance, boost reproductive function and help you conceive and carry a healthy baby to term.  This comprehensive care is individually tailored to you and your partner, and can assist in most conditions affecting fertility.

Men's Fertility

The male partner is responsible for half of the genetic makeup of a baby and in the 4 months that it takes for sperm to develop, they can easily be affected by diet and lifestyle factors.  Acupuncture can assist with low sperm count, poor morphology and poor motility.

Preconception Care

Thinking about having a baby?
Preconception care for both mum and dad four months prior to conception leads to a smoother pregnancy, better birth and healthier babies.

IVF Support

Acupuncture treatment in conjunction with IVF has been shown to increase the success rates by as much as 60%.  It reduces stress and increases blood flow to the endometrium, creating optimal conditions for successful implantation.
 

Preparation for Labour

Labour and birth involves a complex symphony of hormonal, chemical and physical changes (not to mention any emotional and spiritual factors!).  Acupuncture can help to keep you balanced during this special time and help to ensure that these processes are allowed to unfold naturally and unhindered. 

Weekly acupuncture treatment from week 36 has been shown to result in a significant reduction in the length of labour and also of inductions, epidural use and emergency c-sections.  Acupuncture can be used for:

- cervical ripening from 36 weeks
- breech or posterior position
- labour induction (for medical reasons or where you are wishing to avoid a chemical induction).
 

Pregnancy Support

Acupuncture is a nourishing and natural treatment that balances body, mind and spirit through pregnancy and prepares your body for birth.  It has been used in pregnancy for thousands of years and can treat most of the common complaints of pregnancy.

Postnatal Care

Gentle treatment, massage and Chinese herbs can help to treat any imbalances that might be affecting your enjoyment of this magical time.

What to expect from a treatment

Chinese medicine is holistic, so at your initial consultation we will go through a thorough health history, including diagnostic observation of your tongue and pulse to determine treatment.  Based on your individual pattern of health, treatment may involve one or more of acupuncture, massage and Chinese herbs. 

Diet and lifestyle are an essential part of your reproductive health and advice will be given based on your individual pattern of health. 

Problems with fertility or the menstrual cycle usually require treatment for 3 to 6 months on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis depending on the individual.