We all have problems with our health from time to time, but when we're trying to conceive it can be extremely beneficial or even crucial to gain extra support to establish optimum physical and emotional wellbeing and create ideal conditions for a healthy pregnancy.

As well as a large number of scientific studies confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture as an aid to fertility, it has received a lot of positive press in recent years, quoting celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Mariah Carey and Davina McCall as looking to acupuncture for help with conceiving and throughout pregnancy.

Here's a handy overview of how it can help both men and women in terms of making babies.

Common reasons for seeking fertility support with acupuncture

Menstrual and gynaecological difficulties including:

endometriosis
PCO (polycystic ovaries) or PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
irregular periods
absence of menses and/or ovulation
low libido
recurrent miscarriage

Men's health issues such as:

low sperm count
poor sperm mobility
erectile dysfunction
libido problems

Assistance with IVF treatment:

regulation of ovulation and menstrual cycle
support on either side of embryo transfer
creation of optimum conditions for successful embryo implantation
management of side effects from hormone therapy and medication
alleviation of anxiety and/or stress

How and why acupuncture can help

Chinese Medicine looks at all aspects of health and wellbeing as well as the main condition compelling someone to come for treatment; this means that all environmental, physiological and psychological factors influencing reproductive health will be addressed and treated alongside targeting any other specific issues.

There are many aspects of our physiology that contribute to the ability to conceive and promote healthy pregnancy. In Chinese Medical (CM) theory, the Kidneys play a major role in conception, pregnancy and foetal development; they are the foundation of our physical constitution and also have a huge bearing on the health of our sexual and reproductive organs. Additionally, in CM theory, they are significantly depleted by stress*. Therefore, supporting the Kidneys, alongside any other relevant systems and conditions, is incredibly useful when addressing fertility issues.

As well as individually tailored treatment programmes for specific health needs, diet and lifestyle advice may be given to support the process. Treatment will normally aim to:

improve the health of the lower abdomen including sexual and reproductive organs
balance hormones and support the endocrine system**
regulate the menstrual cycle
calm the mind and ease stress and anxiety
strengthen the Kidneys
act as a support to any medical treatment including IVF
establish optimum conditions for embryo implantation and pregnancy
address any issues with sperm count and mobility

* also, in modern medicine we know that the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, are responsible for the production of adrenalin and corticosteroids (the hormones produced during stressful periods), these adversely affect the balance of other hormones including those responsible for ovulation, menstruation and sperm production

** the collection of glands that secrete hormones - including the ovaries and testes

A few practical things that can improve fertility

get a good night's sleep - studies have found that sleep 'debt' can adversely affect our endocrine system which in turn has a knock-on effect on our ability to conceive - aiming for 7-8 hours a night is best (for more information on studies conducted see these articles in the Lancet and the Huffington Post)
practice meditation or mindfulness - this can be hugely beneficial for reducing stress and improving sleep - both key in regulating hormones - to download my free relaxing meditation see the sign-up box on my homepage
eat your greens - eating plenty of vegetables, especially dark green veg (these are high in iron and folic acid) and dark purple berries (these are high in antioxidants) along with protein (preferably organic meat, fish and pulses / legumes) are very useful for supporting the optimal conditions for conception and pregnancy
eliminate or significantly reduce toxins - alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar and nicotine can have a detrimental impact on your hormonal balance
incorporate exercise into your life - get moving as often as you can throughout your week doing activities such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, dancing, walking and swimming - this can help to reduce stress, improve your overall health, build up your energy reserves and help you get a good night's sleep

Get in touch to book an appointment or ask any questions - 07790 328861 or emily@acuspace.co.uk - and subscribe to my Facebook page or Twitter feed to keep up to date with useful health tips and news