Helps
from getting and staying pregnant, to any related hormonal imbalance
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Proven to help reduce stress and anxiety
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Improve blood flow to the ovaries and endometrium
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Encourage the ovaries to function
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Smooth out irregular ovulation
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Help to increase the lining thickness of the uterus
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Reduce uterine contractions after Embryo-Transfer
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Alleviate symptoms after egg retrieval including bloating and pain
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Improve sperm count, quality and motility
PREPARATION :
In preparation for an IVF cycle, acupuncture may assist in regulating hormones, improving the menstrual cycle and promoting ovulationwhilst relieving stress by working on the central nervous system. Ideally treatment should commence 3 months prior to IVF.
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BEFORE/ AFTER EMBRYO TRANSFER:
You will be suggested a short treatment prior to and immediately after an embryo transfer with a hope to increase the chances of implantation. This is because acupuncture may serve to relax the uterus at the time of transfer if undertaken at the correct time. Because IVF treatments can be a stressful and emotional time for women and couples, acupuncture may assist in alleviating stress and allow your body to function at its best possible health.
MALE FERTILITY :
Acupuncture may be a useful, non-traumatic treatment for males with very poor sperm density. The treatment of idiopathic male infertility could benefit from employing acupuncture. A general improvement of sperm quality, specifically in the ultrastructural integrity of spermatozoa, can be improved after acupuncture.
PREPARE FOR LABOUR AND BIRTH
With birth prep and induction, we generally recommend to start the treatment from 36 weeks. In case you are planning to induce at 38-39 weeks then we recommend starting acupuncture slightly earlier than 36 weeks to maximise the effectiveness of harnessing hormonal responses.
Treatments will vary according to your situation:
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In case baby hasn’t engaged yet - moxa and laser acupuncture with some exercises will be prescribed; or/and
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Electric acupuncture will be used for some acupoints to get stronger uterus contractions; or/and
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Acupuncture and gentle few acupoints massage will be presented for reducing pain and more space for baby by relaxing muscle including the around uterus.
Treatment plan will be ongoing from 36-38/39 weeks : one visit per week
On the week of the due date: 2 visits
Also you will be taught how to massage while you are at home with few acu points that would be beneficial for preparing labour.
Although Acupuncture is considered the primary intervention, on occasion you may be prescribed Herbal Medicine to assist with your health and preparation for labour.
Acupuncture can help with :
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Strengthening your body : so your body is more than capable of carrying out the birth with energy to spare.
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Relaxation – By relaxing tension in the body and allowing an easier birth not only is it less work but also less painful.
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Shortening labour and reducing complications
Here is a research regarding acupuncture and labour: