Qi-Gong

I am really enjoying my new Qi Gong practice. I signed up for an online module. Slightly cynical and immediately irritated by the hard sell for other courses that followed. But it has done exactly what I wanted, which is to put me back in touch with Qi Gong on a regular basis. Every day I am doing something and also thinking about how the Qi in my own body is circulating and how my own health may be being affected by blockages or stagnant Qi. I can honestly say that after a week I am already feeling better.  My energy feels cleaner both mentally and physically. My thoughts feel lighter and I feel less stuck and more as if I have perspective on things that have been worrying me. I am more physically aware. I feel stronger and more upright but also as if I have potential physically I can feel shifts in any tensions I have and more balance.  I think that part of my work as an acupuncturist is about embracing the ideas of Chinese Medicine such as Qi Gong. It helps my work too.

Some lovely feedback from a client.

I came to Francesca for infertility acupuncture over 2 years ago.  I wanted to try a few IVF rounds with my own eggs before moving on to egg donor.   Francesca offered me, not only her calming influence, but her expertise and a listening ear through what can be an emotional and physical roller coaster.  I found the acupuncture gave me back a sense of control that is lost when nature fails you.  Francesca's knowledge of the IVF and fertility world is excellent - keeping up with all the latest drugs, treatments and websites - and it was a relief to speak with someone who instantly understood all the terminology.  She not only supported me with acupuncture prior to treatments but on two occasions, pre and post transfer at the clinic.  My last attempt was a positive and I believe Francesca's input was a key part of that success.  I fully intend to see her prior to the birth for some additional support.   To anyone starting on this journey, I would definitely recommend that Francesca is in your corner from the start!  
Karen - Glasgow

Acupuncture in Conjunction with IVF

An excellent video from the YinOva Centre in New York about why Acupuncture works so will in conjunction with IVF

http://yinovacenter.com/blog/archives/videos/acupuncture-iv/

IVF & Acupuncture

This is an excellent video from the British Acupuncture Council with someone describing their experience of Acupuncture during IVF.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZ_Dlte4kt0

Some information about Acupuncture and Assisted Conception

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture

Natural Health For Fertility

Acupuncture Support During IVF/ICSI/IUI

Acupuncture may help:

Improve ovarian function

Regulate hormones

Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase thickness of the uterine lining

Relax and decrease stress

Lessen the side effects of drugs used

Strengthen the immune system

Improve semen quality

Help support pregnancy

Acupuncture is available with Francesca Howell who is a qualified, experienced acupuncturist and full member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Prices:

First visit £45 (up to 90 mins) Return visit £40 ( up to 60 mins)

Treatment Packages & Special Offers:

Booking in advance: £105 (3 sessions)

Initial Treatment

This is a preparation period and can start up to 3 months before treatment. We will discuss lifestyle, nutrition, and your wellbeing as well as focusing on any specific issues such as high FSH levels, low AMH, painful or irregular periods. Acupuncture can be helpful for both men and women. This period can really help prepare for and support the body during any fertility treatment

During IVF/ICSI/IUI

During the periods of ‘down regulating’ and ‘Stimulation’ Acupuncture can help with any effects of the drugs used. We aim treatment at supporting the body, regulating hormones, decreasing stress and increasing blood flow. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advocates using acupuncture at this point in the IVF treatment to support the 'Qi' (energy) of the body in order to optimize the follicle growth and/or endometrial thickness as well as relax the patient so that the egg collection is as easy as possible.

Acupuncture can be helpful at different stages of treatment some examples of which are below, you can choose which might be of benefit to you.

Post Egg Collection

This treatment will take place just after egg collection. This treatment aims to aid post-operative recuperation and reduce internal swelling and abdominal bloating. TCM theory states that at this point the Qi of the body is devoted to repairing itself. We aim to aid this healing process in order that there is more Qi available to implant the embryo when the time comes.

Pre Embryo Transfer

This treatment is aimed at helping to dilate the cervical opening in order to more easily transfer the embryo into the uterus, It is also calming and relaxing preparation ahead of the procedure.

Post Embryo Transfer

This treatment occurs after transfer of the embryo back into the uterus. This session is designed primarily to relax the patient and from a TCM point of view, encourage the embryo to secure itself inside the body by using acupuncture points which ensure that the Qi of the body flows in an upward direction.

Implantation Treatment

This treatment is done 4 - 7 days after transfer, around the time that an embryo would naturally implant in the uterus. Our treatment encourages blood flow in uterus to be as thick as possible, and enhances the energy of the body which, when strong, supports implantation and subsequent pregnancy. It is also used to relax and support the patient emotionally.

Pregnancy

Additional acupuncture treatments to support pregnancy and tackle symptoms such as morning sickness, fatigue or anxiety are also available