Acupuncture + TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) for Women's Health

Infertility

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have been used for over 2000 years to help treat infertility. The cultural emphasis on maintaining family lineage in Traditional China greatly influenced and prioritized treating infertility with Chinese Medicine and thus it has grown to be a very effective field of the medicine.

Whether alone or used in conjunction with IVF or IUI treatments, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine have yielded amazing results at increasing conception rates and supporting the health of the embryo/fetus throughout the entire pregnancy. By regulating blood flow to the reproductive organs, balancing hormones and regulating the menstrual cycle in women and increasing the quality and quantity of sperm and eggs it can treat nearly any cause of infertility.

Treatments can also increase one’s chances of successful implantation of the embryo in the uterine lining during IVF therefore acupuncture treatments should be scheduled on the day of the embryo transfer if you are using it in conjunction with these reproductive therapies. 

To learn more about the research and reviews of Acupuncture and fertility, visit the Australian Author, Acupuncturist and Researcher Jane Lyttleton’s website where she presents all the most recent research confirming its effectiveness.

Miscarriage Prevention

A threatened miscarriage can be a very traumatic and scary experience. After seeing her midwife or medical doctor to order diagnostic tests, there often isn’t much a woman feels she can do except for wait, rest and try to cope the best she can with her fear.

However, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can make a transformational difference in such periods. Instead of waiting and feeling powerless, a woman can come for Acupuncture where her doctor can calm her spirits, raise and consolidate her vital energy, reduce stress, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and balance her endocrine system.  As you can see, Acupuncture can play a pivotal role in helping keep the baby healthy and to full-term in moments of threat. 

Pre-Birth

Balancing a woman’s health through Acupuncture one month leading up to birth is integral to a better birthing experience.  Weekly treatments after the 36-week mark enables the practitioner to "ripen the cervix", help position the baby in the best presentation for labour and boost the energy and stamina within the woman which is required of her during labour. These simple treatments can have profound results. Research shows PreBirth Acupuncture can reduce induction rates, epidural rates, caesarean rates and can even shorten the labour period by hours.

Debra Betts, Acupuncturist and Author, compiled data of 14 midwives on 169 women as part of their midwifery practice in Wellington, New Zealand. The data found that when comparing all caregivers (Midwives GP's and Specialists) to those women who had received prebirth acupuncture there was:

• An overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby this was a 43% reduction)
• A 31% reduction in the epidural rate.

When comparing midwifery only care to women receiving prebirth acupuncture there was a:

• 2% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery
• A 9 % increase in normal vaginal births.
• There was no difference in the onset of early labour in those women receiving prebirth acupuncture.

 For further information on research into prebirth acupuncture visit Debra Betts website and click here

Induction

This treatment is broadly sought after in our centre.  Whether a woman is feeling uncomfortable and is eager to help her body along as she reaches her due date, or she is already being scheduled for a medical induction, this treatment is very effective.

Acupuncturists and Traditional Chinese Medicine Doctors are also able to promote a natural labour by promoting proper energy flow within the woman. While it is only advised to have an induction if you are past your due date or have a specific condition requiring one, Acupuncture in such situations, is a safe, effective and natural method.

By inducing labour with acupuncture, the Mother can avoid the western medical induction, which usually involves a hospital stay and the administration of synthetic prostaglandins. Once in the hospital, women are more likely to have their membranes artificially ruptured or be prescribed syntocinon intravenously to induce contractions. While inducing labour is often necessary for post-term babies, when there is a premature rupture of membranes and for women with specific health conditions, hormonally-inducing the labour often leads to more painful contractions and a higher rate of epidural anesthesia which then increases the odds of further interventions such as the use of forceps or caesarean delivery.

Inducing the labour with Acupuncture not only is a more comfortable and holistic method but will also increase your chances of having a natural birth. 

Postpartum

Taking time to care for your health and well-being is crucial for the Mother’s recovery during the first four weeks following childbirth.  Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine plays an integral role in helping the Mom return back to her full strength and vitality, while simultaneously addressing any associated conditions that have arisen at that time. For example, acupuncture can resolve persistent uterine bleeding, after pains, postoperative healing, hemorrhoids, perineal discomfort, breast-feeding problems, exhaustion, night sweats, insomnia and postnatal depression.

Acupuncture treatments are recommended once a week commencing from 2 weeks postpartum for a total of 3 weeks (or until conditions have been resolved) in order to promote full vitality, strength and stamina in the new Mother.

Menopause

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine works wonderfully at easing the often-uncomfortable transition into menopause. Each treatment is tailored to the unique individual and can treat the numerous symptoms of menopause while promoting other health benefits. 

In addition to resolving hot flashes, night sweats, and emotional upsets, Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can increase energy, improve appetite, reduce insomnia, improve circulation and relieve depression and anxiety.

Since the dawn of time, women have been able to manage their menopausal symptoms without hormone replacements or prescription drugs, and you can too! With Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine you can reclaim your health and vitality and continue to pursue your life’s passions and professions symptom-free. For even more information, straight from Dr. Chriss Buller himself, please read Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture for Women.