IVF Support
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is often used in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies such as ovulation induction (OI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is used to support a woman's overall health and well-being before, during and after IVF to optimise reproductive health, address hormonal imbalances, reduce stress and to promote relaxation.
Acupuncture is the most commonly used Chinese medicine technique in IVF support. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote balance. Acupuncture may be performed before during and after IVF cycles to potentially enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormones, reduce stress, and improve the chances of successful implantation.
Herbal medicine is prescribed to support fertility and address specific concerns including improving egg quality, regulating the menstrual cycle, balancing hormones and supporting overall reproductive health.
Chinese medicine emphasises the importance of reducing stress and creating a harmonious environment for fertility. Stress reduction techniques may be incorporated into the treatment plan to help women navigate the emotional and physical challenges associated with IVF.
Olivia is a skilled acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Herbal Medicine and brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to her practice having experienced the challenges associated with many IVF cycles. She is able to provide genuine understanding and support to her clients.
Her approach combines acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations to address the complexities of fertility.
The recommended pre-conception treatment typically spans 8-12 weeks and aims to regulate the menstrual cycle, balance hormone levels, and target the root causes of infertility.
Olivia's expertise extends beyond preconception care. She offers tailor-made, holistic programs for various stages, including pregnancy, labor induction, and post-labor care. Olivia understands the importance of collaborating with western medical practitioners to ensure a harmonious approach to care.
Unexplained Infertility
Many couples do not have an identifiable cause of infertility. Unexplained infertility is frustrating and upsetting as it leaves couples with a sense that nothing can be done except to keep trying and to hope for the best.
Chinese Medicine can help with unexplained infertility in a number of ways
• Regulating the menstrual cycle and hormonal balance: Chinese medicine can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles and balance hormonal levels. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may be used to promote regular ovulation and optimise the quality of eggs and sperm. By enhancing the overall reproductive function, Chinese medicine may increase the chances of conception.
• Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs: Chinese medicine focuses on promoting healthy blood circulation, including to the reproductive organs. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, creating a more favourable environment for conception and implantation.
• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation: Stress and emotional factors can impact fertility. Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall emotional well-being. By addressing stress and emotions, Chinese medicine may create a more supportive environment for conception.
• Balancing the body's energy and promoting overall health: Chinese medicine views infertility as a manifestation of imbalances in the body. By assessing the individual's overall well-being, including physical, emotional and energetic aspects, Chinese medicine aims to restore balance and promote overall health. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle recommendations are often used to support this process.
• Individualised treatment approach: Chinese medicine takes a personalised approach, considering each individual's unique constitution and patterns of imbalance.
Modern research supports the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of unexplained infertility.
Miscarriage - You can do something
Threatened Miscarriage
Women who experience a threatened miscarriage experience physical discomfort as well as a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, sadness and grief. The uncertainty surrounding the pregnancy can lead to increased stress and emotional turmoil.
Evidence to date fails to support biomedical medications or lifestyle interventions such as bedrest to improve (live birth) outcomes. Research has shown that women are dissatisfied with the medical advice of 'watchful waiting'. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment give women back the power to 'do something'.
Modern research also supports the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine for threatened miscarriage.
Chinese medicine may provide supportive care for individuals experiencing a threatened miscarriage by
• Stabilising the pregnancy: Chinese medicine aims to support the body in maintaining a stable pregnancy by addressing underlying imbalances. Acupuncture, herbal medicine and moxibustion can stop vaginal bleeding and reduce abdominal pain. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may also be used to help regulate hormonal levels, promote blood circulation to the uterus, and support the uterine lining, potentially reducing the risk of miscarriage.
• Reducing inflammation and uterine contractions: Acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine can help reduce inflammation and uterine contractions. Specific herbs may be prescribed to (support) the uterus and stabilise the pregnancy (see research).
• Supporting emotional well-being: Acupuncture has been found to assist women’s response to stress in early pregnancy and provides supportive care, which has been shown to improve pregnancy rates for women with threatened miscarriage. Threatened miscarriage is a stressful and emotionally challenging experience. By promoting relaxation and balancing the body's energy, it may contribute to a more favourable environment for the pregnancy.
• Strengthening the body's energy: Chinese medicine focuses on supporting the body's overall energy (Qi) and vitality. By strengthening the body's energy, Chinese medicine may help improve the body's ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
Olivia is a highly qualified acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Herbal Medicine who offers skill, presence and compassion. She understands what a stressful time early pregnancy can be and is here to support you in whatever way she can. Olivia is an integrative health care practitioner and provides tailor-made, wholistic care programs.
Recurrent Miscarriage
Early pregnancy loss is a shocking and traumatic event for women and their families. Miscarriage usually induces an intense period of emotional distress and subsequent miscarriages increase the distress women and their families feel. To date, there is no universally accepted western medicine treatment for unexplained recurrent miscarriage.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used in Asian societies for thousands of years and have become a popular alternative to Western medicines in recent years.
Many clinical studies have reported that Chinese herbal medicines can improve pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women who had previously suffered recurrent miscarriage.
Chinese medicine can offer support and potential treatment options for individuals experiencing recurrent miscarriage by
• Identifying underlying causes: Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to health and aims to identify and address the underlying causes of recurrent miscarriage. Olivia considers factors such as imbalances in Qi and blood flow, uterine health, hormonal imbalances, and emotional well-being to develop an individualised treatment plan.
• Regulating hormonal balance: Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can help regulate hormonal imbalances that may contribute to recurrent miscarriage. By promoting hormonal balance, Chinese medicine may support a healthier pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.
• Improving uterine health: Chinese medicine focuses on improving blood flow to the uterus and enhancing the uterine lining. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help promote a thick and receptive uterine lining, creating a favoruable environment for implantation and supporting a healthy pregnancy.
• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation: Stress and emotional factors can impact pregnancy outcomes. Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. By addressing emotional imbalances, Chinese medicine may help create a more supportive environment for a successful pregnancy.
Olivia is a highly qualified acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese herbal medicine who offers skill, presence and compassion. She understands what a devastating loss miscarriage can be and is here to support your body, mind and spirit to recover and to support you to carry your baby to full term. Olivia is an integrative health care practitioner and provides tailor-made, wholistic care programs.