Helen Barrett Lic. Ac. MBAcC Consultant Acupuncturist Call 07713 100 062 PRE-CONCEPTUAL AND IVF SUPPORT PROGRAMMES The IVF process is a challenging one, both physiologically and emotionally and acupuncture support at this time greatly increases the chances of a successful outcome as well as prepare you mentally and emotionally for the process. The power of acupuncture is in its ability to enhance and rejuvenate the Qi (life force energy) already present in our bodies. Helen offers two programmes to help couples conceive. 1. PRE-CONCEPTUAL PROGRAMME This programme is specifically for couples wishing to conceive naturally before thinking about starting an IVF programme. The aim of this course of treatment is to find the core reason for infertility based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). By taking a comprehensive medical history, we can ascertain where the problem arises and where the necessary changes in lifestyle are needed and treat accordingly. Helen will examine the patient’s tongue and pulse and using a Chinese medical diagnosis evaluate how the patient needs to be treated. Four weekly treatments are recommended to treat each stage of the monthly cycle, followed by bi-weekly treatments for another two months, but this is only a guide line. Each patient is treated according to their own specific symptoms. This programme greatly increases the success of an IVF cycle as it prepares the mind and body for the procedure, and indeed many women can become pregnant after the three month programme without going through the IVF process. 2. IVF PROGRAMME This is a course of four treatments using acupuncture to support the patient physically and emotionally during the IVF process. a. First treatment This treatment is done after the monitoring scan which can occur between days 8 and 10. This scan assesses follicle growth and endometrial thickness, and the acupuncture treatment is specifically designed depending on the results of the scan. A treatment at this stage encourages the body to optimize the Qi in order to help follicle growth and/or endometrial thickness. The patient will also benefit from feeling more relaxed. b. Post egg collection This treatment should ideally take place just after egg collection. At this stage the body is preparing to repair itself, and acupuncture at this time aids the healing process by energizing the Qi to support the implantation of the embryo when the time comes. c. Post embryo transfer This treatment occurs after transfer of the embryo back into the uterus. It is important at this time that there is an upward flow of energy to hold the embryo in place and encourage the embryo to secure itself inside the body. Acupuncture aids this process and also helps relax the patient and lift her spirits. d. Implantation treatment This stage comes five days after the transfer, which is the time that an embryo would naturally implant into the uterus. We work with the body’s natural cycle of conception, and at this time it is important to encourage the blood in the uterus to be as thick as possible to support implantation and bring about a positive result. Acupuncture as this stage is invaluable as it will aid in relaxation and help calm the nervous excitement experienced at this stage. There have been many trials to support the efficacy of acupuncture treatment to aid conception, especially during an IVF cycle, and there is enough evidence based proof to show that acupuncture significantly brings about higher rates of pregnancy. If you are interested in these programmes, Helen is always available to discuss your needs and you can contact her by email at Helen.dao@virgin.net or phone on 07713-100062.
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