IVF Support
Acupuncture is now well researched as a complementary therapy that can be a really positive adjunct to supporting the IVF process. Acupuncture is a very benign, minimally invasive technique that has virtually no side effects, except quite often an overwhelming sense of well being and relaxation afterwards.
As trying to conceive can become a very stressful process, it is helpful to have a neutral space to discuss the physical and emotional implications of the procedure. To this end, it is quite common to see both parties in the Clinic for separate appointments to work alongside Western medical intervention.
The most profound and beneficial effect of treatment is that it promotes a sense of relaxation and relieves stress and this is beneficial when going through IVF. Acupuncture has a balancing effect on the body in many ways and the reason that it promotes relaxation is that it has an effect on bringing the body out of the adrenalised state of 'fight or flight' to the calmer 'rest and digest' parasympathetic state where the body flows well. Often without knowing it we are locked in this state of chronic stress and this treatment helps ease us back into our calmer space.
New research shows that it can be optimal to have 9 sessions of acupuncture before the embryo transfer stage and some Clinics are adopting this protocol. In terms of timings, it is helpful to have treatment once a week in the down regulation stage, twice weekly in the ovarian stimulation stage and one treatment on the embryo transfer day, if it is feasible logistically. 1 or 2 sessions in the '2 week waiting period' can be enormously helpful to support anxiety and balance the body.
For women the main benefits of acupuncture are:
Normalisation of hormone levels
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Increase of blood flow to the uterus
Reduced risk of miscarriage
Support with the side effects of the drugs
Support with sleep and digestive issues
For men the main benefits are:
Promotion of relaxation and reduction of stress
Enhancement of the quality and viability of the sperm
Support with sleep and digestive issues
It has to be noted that it is beneficial to come along for as few as 1-3 sessions even if the full amount of sessions are not achievable as any reduction in the stress levels in the body has a positive impact on the physical and emotional landscape ahead of the procedure.
Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries about specific cases or would like to talk through your requirements.