FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The Chinese believe the body has the ability to heal its self. Acupuncture evokes this self-healing by the stimulation of specific areas on the body, called acupuncture points. This stimulation is achieved by the shallow insertion and manipulation of extremely fine sterile needles into the skin at these sites.
Chinese medical theory describes how the body is kept in balance by the free flow of the energy called Qi. The energy (QI) flows through channels called meridians. If this flow becomes blocked, an imbalance occurs and this can give rise to disease, loss of function and pain.
In the last few years Western scientists have discovered myofascial pathways that appear to follow the meridians described by the ancient acupuncturists, and the concept of QI itself could well overlap with their growing knowledge of how the cells of the body communicate.
Acupuncture aims to maintain the energy flow and resolve any blockages to restore the natural balance. This stimulates the body’s own natural healing and defence processes, promoting physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.
For Fertility acupuncture
As a general guide, we recommend weekly sessions for a minimum of 8-12 weeks, although some conditions may require longer treatment periods ie: up to six months and some less frequent. You will still benefit from fortnightly acupuncture however the overall treatment time may take a little longer be longer. You can have acupuncture at any point in your cycle as we will adapt the treatment to your cycle stage.
If you are wanting to start acupuncture straight away, to run alongside your IVF or ART cycle, then Then approx 5 – 6 sessions are planned to work with your treatment cycle.
For General acupuncture
This depends on the individual patients needs and the nature of their problems. It is usual to have weekly or fortnightly treatments initially. These then space out once the patient’s condition has improved, to monthly or more. Some people use acupuncture as a preventative measure and often come once a month or at the change of the seasons to support and maintain their bodies balance.
For Fertility acupuncture
Your initial consultation is up to 120 min ( 2hrs) appointment. This includes around 45 – 50 minutes of consultation time, for us to discuss your issue and your medical history in-depth, followed by the treatment. Follow up consultations are 60 minutes including treatment.
For General Acupuncture
Your initial consultation is a 90 minute appointment. This includes around 30-45 minutes of consultation time, for us to discuss your issue and your medical history, followed by the treatment. Follow up consultations are 60 minutes.
All follow upas are 60 Min
If looking after your health as if it is an investment, then looking after your health and fertility is a gold standard investment. Acupuncture has helped many women avoid the need for fertility treatment at all saving them potentially thousands of pounds. If You are having to pay yourself privately, a 12-week course of acupuncture is far less costly than around of fertility treatment with a clinic. If you are already undergoing to fertility treatment or have had previous failed cycles. By using acupuncture to maximise your chances of this round working, it may mean you save money in the long run and more importantly a lot of further heartache. Surely that has to be worth the investment.
We wish we could guarantee a pregnancy for all of our patients but sometimes there is more to be done we may recommend other treatments for you that includes functional medicine testing, further medical testing or investigations, nutrition and lifestyle guidance, supplements advice so we can delve a bit deeper. This is part of our fully integrated approach.
We can advise you on what needs to be checked, where to go and how to go about it. So you get access to the best care no matter what area you need help with.
If we are already been working together then it maybe that we extend the timeframe, based on your diagnosis and prognosis or refer you for further diagnostic testing.
Whatever happens, we will make sure that everything possible is done when it comes to helping you work out why you are not getting pregnant. Together we will get there!
If you are coming for treatment to just support a round of IVF, then as a guide we recommend having acupuncture around the following times in your protocol. However, it’s worth noting that we may make changes to this treatment plan, if we feel you would get benefit more. it’s all about optimising your chances.
1. Down Regulation (if you are having a long protocol) – One or two treatments, depending on your side effects from medication.
2. Ovarian Stimulation – One or two treatments depending on how your follicles are progressing.
3. Egg Collection – One treatment in the 24 hours after your procedure.
4. Embryo Transfer – One treatment ,as soon as possible within the 24 hours after your transfer.
5. Two week wait – One or two treatments, depending on how you are feeling.
Acupuncture is usually painless and patients won’t feel any sensation at all. Occasionally you may experience a slight sensation, like a small scratch as the needle goes in. Sometimes a person may feel a sensation like a small electrical shock a tingle or a dull ache. These only usually last for a very brief period.
It is advised that Patients wear loose fitting clothing, to make it easy for the practitioner to access the acupuncture points. It is also advised that patients avoid a heavy meal and tea, coffee or alcohol for at least 1 hour before treatment, as this can affect the pulses and diagnosis techniques.
If a patient is receiving any treatment from a doctor or healthcare professional it would be a good idea to just inform them that they are going to receive acupuncture. Similarly, if the patient is on any medication, it is advisable, they tell the practitioner at the time, as these may affect the bodies energy and pulses. They can then take this into account when devising a treatment
You should not stop taking any prescribed medication without the consulting your GP or consultant first.
There is a chance that it could help reduce the need for medication or other treatment or even lead to them not being required at all. However, you should discuss this with your consultant or GP first if you feel you may want or are able to do this.
Initially we will carry out a consultation to enable us to understand a patient’s present condition and any presenting complains. You will be asked questions about your past medical history, general health, lifestyle and working environment etc. We then take the patients pulses and carry out various other diagnostic procedures to enable us to work out the best treatment strategy.
The treatment may just consist of acupuncture alone, or another supporting treatment, such as Reiki or cupping or moxibustion could be used as well
Cupping is an ancient form of alternative therapy. The practitioner places special cups made of glass or plastic on your skin for a few minutes. These are held on by a vacuum, so creating suction. This suction improves the flow of QI and eases congestion. It can be used for many purposes, including to help with reducing pain and inflammation, improving blood flow. It also helps with relaxation and over all well-being. It can also be used as a type of deep-tissue massage.
