Chinese Medicine and Women's Health"The birth was exactly what Mike and I had visualised and hoped for; and the calm birthing and acupressure points really helped get us there. I am also certain that the acupuncture leading up to the birth helped prepare my body. Thanks so much for the sessions leading up to the birth and for the advice on the acupressure points - they were all I needed to cope with the discomfort. " -- N. Berry
Chinese medicine provides a safe, natural and effective alternative to treating a wide range of disorders that many women suffer from. Both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can maximise your health and wellbeing by balancing hormones and regulating your menstrual cycle and ovulation. My passion and dedication to provide wholistic care to women has led me to further my experience and I am currently studying to become a Doula.
Reproductive Health Problems
- Irregular or Absent Menstruation
- Spotting
- Period Pain
- Pre-Menstrual Syndrome
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Endometriosis
- Fibroids
- Urinary tract infections
- Candida
- Menopause Symptoms (e.g. hot flushes, emotional changes)
Pre-Conception Care
Pre-conception care involves the combination of Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs as well as Dietary and Lifestyle adjustments to assist in preparing both the mind and body for having a child. If you’re thinking about having a baby or are trying to conceive, pre-conception care for both the mother and father is recommended at least four months prior to conception as this is the amount of time it takes for the egg and sperm to mature. Taking care of your health before conception not only improves the overall health of both the mother and father, it also regulates the menstrual cycle, balances the mind and maximises the quality of the sperm and egg, ensuring a healthy environment for the baby to grow in, a smooth pregnancy and birth and therefore a healthier baby.
Fertility for Men & Women
The desire to have children and the inability to conceive can be frustrating, overwhelming and can have a negative impact our health and our relationships. In many cases an unhealthy, imbalanced and stressful lifestyle may be to blame. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine focuses on balancing the body emotionally and physically. This improves the blood flow to the reproductive organs ensuring proper nourishment and stabilizes hormone levels. It assists to regulate ovulation in women and sperm production in men. Whether you have been trying to conceive for a long time or are already undergoing IVF Chinese Medicine is natural and a great place to start to support you through this difficult time.
ICIS & IVF Preparation & Support
Women
Undergoing IVF can be emotionally and physically stressful for couples. Having Acupuncture leading up to an IVF transplant helps to prepare the body by nourishing the reproductive organs, balancing the body’s energy and relaxing the mind. Clinical trials have shown that having acupuncture both before and after a transplant can help to secure the embryo, maximising your chance of a successful pregnancy.
Men
Up to 40% of fertility problems can be due to male factors so fertility preparation is necessary for both the mother and father. Chinese medicine helps to improve the quality and quantity of sperm increase the chances of a successful transplant. Sperm maturation takes about 70 to 90 days, therefore, it is recommended for the man to receive Chinese Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture at least four months before leading up to the IVF procedure.
Pregnancy and Chinese Medicine
A healthy pregnancy is the result of a healthy and balanced lifestyle including physical and emotional wellbeing, a balanced diet and importantly adequate rest. Acupuncture focuses on balancing the body’s Yin and Yang, Qi, and emotions.
Chinese Medicine can be extremely effective in benefiting your health and well being during pregnancy. Most importantly Acupuncture is natural & drug-free providing a safe alternative to help you with a wide range of problems you might be experiencing throughout pregnancy. Research has shown that having acupuncture during pregnancy can reduce labour time, increase the probability of having a natural birth by reducing the need for induction and medical intervention. Examples of some of the conditions that can be effectively treated with Chinese Medicine are;
- Morning sickness
- Heartburn
- Stress, Anxiety & depression
- Fatigue & Exhaustion
- Anaemia
- Insomnia
- Urinary tract infections
- Thrush & itching
- Varicose veins
- Leg Cramping
- Haemorrhoids
- Constipation
- Musculoskeletal pain e.g. Lower back or neck pain
- Carpal Tunnel
- Pregnancy induced hypertension
- Oedema (swelling)
- Itching during pregnancy
- Breech & posterior positioned babies
- Prebirth treatments in preparation for childbirth
- Induction treatments
- Acupressure for pain relief during birth
- Post-partum recovery
Prebirth Acupuncture
Prebirth acupuncture helps to prepare the woman physically and mentally for childbirth promoting an efficient natural birth. Recent clinical trials have shown that having acupuncture in the final stage of pregnancy can reduce labour time as well as the rate of medical intervention.
Prebirth acupuncture involves the use of a standard set of acupuncture points that are chosen to ripen the cervix, soften and relax the ligaments prior to labour and to encourage the baby into the optimal position for birth. Additional points may also be added to create an individualised treatment plan for other problems that may be present whether they be physical or emotional. Some examples include; sleeping problems, backache, anxiety, fear or posterior positioned babies,
Prebirth acupuncture treatments are recommended once a week from 37 weeks up until childbirth. It doesn’t matter whether you are a first time mum, have had children before, have experienced problems in previous births or are simply planning for an efficient natural labour, prebirth acupuncture is a great way to assist in the preparation of your body and mind for the birth of your baby.
Acupressure Workshops
I can teach you and your partner effective acupressure techniques to help you through labour. Acupressure for labour involves the application of pressure, usually with the fingers, to particular points on the body. Acupressure is a drug-free alternative to help to reduce labour pain and can also assist with any feelings of fear and anxiety that might develop during labour. These techniques are great ways your support people can be more proactively and positively involved in the birthing process, assisting you according to your needs as you progress through labour.
