ABOUT CHINESE MEDICINE
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine are a complete system of Medicine that can improve most conditions.This ancient medical system approaches the individual and not the disease. It is tailored for each person taking into consideration their detailed history, place of birth and how the condition they have been diagnosed with is manifesting in them.
Uses the pulse and the tongue as methods of diagnosis and treats by inserting fine needles in specific points in the body that access energetic meridians that have an action on the organs of the body.
Acupuncture enhaces the healing powers of the body.
Herbal medicine uses medicinal substances from China that are concentrated and powdered and a prescription is made using several herbs that compliment each other and treat specific conditions.
Chinese Medicine treats the individual in a holistic way, integrating the body, mind and spirit in its approach. For more information go to the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Being an integral system of medicine it can improve most conditions, by enhancing the natural healing ability of the body. It can also be of help in conjunction with Western Medicine during Chemotherapy or IVF treatments.
CHINESE MEDICINE AND INFERTILITY
In a recent study Chinese Medicine has been shown to result in a high success rate of pregnancy in infertile couples (Journal of Chinese Medicine 2006). It has shown improvements in the size and number of eggs and in the thickness of the uterine wall, all of which could help to explain its success.
Chinese Medicine can be used on its own or in combination with IVF or other forms of assisted reproduction.
Chinese Medicine treatment is tailored to you as an individual. I will take note of your medical history, the characteristics of your menstrual cycle and your general health.
The aim of the treatment will be, where appropriate, to regulate the cycle and support ovulation or implantation. A minimum of three months' treatment can be expected in the case of unexplained infertility. Although with underlying problems such as endometriosis or Polycystic Ovaries, the treatment tends to be longer, improvement will be experienced in the length and quantity of flow and reduction or disappearance of pain.
IVF
More and more, acupuncture is being used in to enhance IVF treatment. Ideally, preparation for IVF should be started 3 months before implantationin order to increase thickness and nourishment to the lining of the womb. Treatments just a couple of weeks in advance will also help.
Treatment is then given weekly, before, to maximise follicle growth, endometrial thickness and egg quality and after egg collection to minimise trauma and promote healing. Then before and after egg transfer, to prevent rejection by smoothing the flow of Qi in the area.
If pregnancy is successful, then treatment weekly until the 12th week can be very helpful. After the 12th week, monthly treatment until the last 4 weeks before due date when weekly treatments are resumed to promote a smooth and efficient labour and delivery.
If there is nausea and sickness, acupuncture is excellent a relieving these symptoms.
If the IVF cycle is not successful, acupuncture can help prepare for the next cycle or restore the body to its normal function if no further treatment is followed.
For further information about assisted reproduction go to Human Fertility & Embryology Association HFEA
According to a German study done in 2002 the success rate of 42.5% was registered in women having acupuncture at the same time as IVF.
A recent article in the British Medical Journal concluded that the figures were closer to 65% success rate. To read this article click British Medical Journal
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN IT IMPROVE ?
It can treat many conditions from headaches to infertility, frozen shoulder, endometriosis, menopause,
tennis elbow, stress, insomnia, depression, painful periods, eczema, facial paralysis, recurrent miscarriage, the side effects of chemotherapy, grief, frequent colds, sciatica, lower back ache and many more.
It is a very old system of medicine that treats the individual and the patterns that present to that particular person.
It has a long history of successful treatment of skin disease from urticaria to psoriasis. The treatment of skin disease normally requires the use of herbal medicine.
It has been scientifically tested for the treatment of arthritis and migraines with very positive results.
Depression, insomnia and anxiety is another area where acupuncture is very beneficial as patients are able to experience great relaxation during treatment.
For more information visit the British Acupuncture Council or the TCM Advisory.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN BE EXPECTED ?
Depending on the condition the effects can be more or less immediate.
An acute problem, like a cold or a neck sprain can be treated in one session, if the treatment is given as soon as the problem is detected.
Musculo skeletal conditions if treated near the onset can respond very quickly in 3 to 5 sessions.
A long standing condition will take a minimum of ten sessions.
The most immediate benefits are enhanced immunity, deep relaxation and a feeling of general well-being.
These results will will intially last for a few days, after repeated treatments, they will become permanent and health will be restored.
