Author: JMReflex

Jackie Marsden is a fertility acupuncturist based in Warton, near Preston, Lancashire, supporting couples who are trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IVF. In addition to her acupuncture training, she has completed advanced fertility training with Naava Carman, focusing on a comprehensive approach to reproductive health that considers hormone balance, metabolic health, immune factors, circulation and overall wellbeing. Jackie is passionate about helping patients investigate and optimise the factors that may influence fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Jackie is a member of the Acupuncture Association and the Association of Reflexologists and is also trained in scar therapy.

Ear points for fertility support

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Menstrual Cycle, Stress, Stress, TCM

Ear seeding and ear acupuncture (or auricular therapy) is growing in popularity, but this is an ancient concept with its roots as far back as ancient Egypt, Greece and Persia. Ear acupuncture is an adjunctive technique which is useful in clinic to support fertility clients.

This post will go over some key ear acupuncture points I regularly use to support my fertility clients in addition to their body acupuncture prescriptions. I use ear acupuncture to reinforce the main treatment I give on the body. Other practitioners may use it as a stand alone treatment, and this is also appropriate.

Zigong (1)

In Chinese Medicine Zigong also means Uterus, or “Palace of the Child”. This point is found just on the edge of the small crater-like structure in the top of the ear called the triangula fossa.

ShenMen (2)

ShenMen means “Spirit Gate” and is useful to promote a sense of calm. Particularly useful when stress is prominent. This point is similar to the body point Heart 7: in Chinese Medicine the Heart houses the Mind, and also governs Blood. So you can see why this point is particularly useful in fertility support.

Kidney (3), Liver (4), Spleen (5)

These points help reinforce the main treatment protocol. In Chinese Medicine, the Kidneys are known as the “Root of Life”, storing Essence and governing birth, growth, reproduction and development; the Liver stores Blood and promotes the smooth flow of Qi; the Spleen governs transformation and transportation (e.g. digestion) and controls Blood.

Endocrine (6)

The Endocrine point is used with the intention of regulating the endocrine system. So useful for balancing hormones. It is found at the meeting point of the ear folds.

Sympathetic Nerve (7)

The Sympathetic Nerve point is used to help regulate the sympathetic nervous system which is part of the autonomous nervous system and prepares the body for “fight or flight”. It is the body’s stress response; the body’s way of keeping us safe and away from danger. This point, therefore, is useful to help combat stress and to promote sense of calm. It is also useful where immune system modulation might be needed, and in the presence of inflammation. The sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the autonomous nervous system work in a “see-saw” way, and its about getting that balance right to promote overall health and to boost chances of conception and ongoing pregnancy.

Diagram of ear acupuncture points for fertility support.
Ear acupuncture targets specific points linked to fertility, helping to balance hormones and improve well-being.

If you’re trying to conceive or preparing for IVF and would like personalised support, please get in touch. Whether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey or exploring your next steps, I’m here to help. If you’re not local to Lancashire, I also offer Zoom consultations to review your history and discuss your options. Please email or text to find out more.

Why does IVF fail the first time?

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, AMH, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor, Menstrual Cycle, Pregnancy, Reflexology, TCM

Often the first round of IVF is used as a diagnostic. This means that the clinic will use a first round to assess where particular issues might be.

Human sperm being injected into an egg via ICSI.

For example, if the embryos are failing at day 3 then this can tell us that there is a problem with the health of the sperm.

Another example would be if the embryos are graded well but there is still no pregnancy then this could potentially mean there is an issue with the uterus, lining or progesterone receptivity.

Depending on where the procedure failed can give clues as to what is creating the unexplained infertility picture.

Unfortunately this first round is not something that should be taken lightly. Often it is a huge financial investment, not to mention the physical demands on the body, as well as the mental and emotional strain the process has on a couple.

When I work with clients I try to allow us at least 12 weeks to prepare for the next round of IVF. I take a very well-rounded consultation and full health intake to make sure we can drill down to where potential problems are sitting, and then increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Unfortunately I have seen scenarios where, had the couple not come for acupuncture, could have been a very different outcome. For example a couple who had all embryos fail at day 3 were told they needed donor eggs. No mention of improving the health of the sperm, which can be so easy to do with lifestyle and nutritional changes. Luckily this couple worked with me for 3 months and had a successful second cycle with their own eggs, and are now proud parents of a baby boy.

I’ve also seen clinics attempt a second cycle without really looking at the first one in detail. For example one client approached me after a failed fresh cycle. It was clear that there were microbiome issues and also a potential progesterone receptivity issue that we pushed to be checked during the second cycle, and the transfer was consequently halted due to low progesterone. Once we had this confirmed, a third cycle was successful after careful adjustment and monitoring of progesterone medication.

My training and continued learning and development gives me the tools to ask the right questions and see the infertility picture through a different lens. With access to the understanding of Chinese Medicine we can often see where problems lie early on.

If you are trying to conceive and need help, support or advice please get in touch.

Understanding Morning Sickness and Chinese Medicine in Pregnancy

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Extraordinary Vessels, Pregnancy, Reflexology
Pregnant woman experiencing morning sickness and nausea.

Morning sickness is a general term we use to describe the feeling of nausea associated with pregnancy.

Although many women who experience morning sickness only feel ill in the mornings, many women actually feel ill all through the day and night. So it isn’t always about feeling sick just in the mornings.

When we sleep, we lay down for a long period during the night, and this can cause fluids to “sit around” and start to stagnate. Gentle movement such as walking out in the fresh air can help to get that fluid moving and circulating again. Ginger tea can also help with this.

Pregnancy uses up a lot of Qi, and many women feel worse when they don’t allow themselves enough rest. Perhaps still working 9-5, perhaps still pushing forward with other commitments and goals. If we use up a lot of Qi doing these things on top of pregnancy then there is little Qi left to move fluids around the body efficiently, creating the feeling of nausea. Adequate rest is really important.

Let’s talk a little bit about Chinese Medicine. The Chong Mai is the Sea of Blood and this will be sending Blood to the Uterus to nourish the foetus. This can overflow and start backing up, particularly in early pregnancy, creating the sense of nausea. This is why morning sickness often improves as the pregnancy progresses, as the foetus grows and the body adapts to the new life growing inside. The Chong Mai is closely linked with the Stomach channel. As the natural movement of Qi within the Stomach is downwards, “Rebellious Qi” describes it rebelling upwards, creating the feeling of nausea. Acupuncture can help to strengthen the descending action of the Qi to alleviate symptoms.

Sea bands are based on Pericardium 6 acupuncture point on the wrist which harmonises the Stomach and alleviates nausea and vomiting. My clients are often sent home with stick-on magnets to use on this point and perhaps others depending on the individual pattern. Using these in between acupuncture sessions can be really beneficial.

Contact me to support you through your fertility journey, early pregnancy and beyond.

Under Sink Water Filter

by JMReflex, posted in Health & Wellbeing, Healthy eating, hydration, water

The water filtration market can be difficult to navigate. Which one is best? What do I need it to do? What is structured water? What is ionised water? Will a water ioniser filter the water? Will a water filter ionise the water too?

Water filter fitted beneath the sink to connect to a dedicated drinking tap.

After a lot of research on the internet and discussion with industry experts, I have come to the conclusion that the Energy Plus Undersink Water System from Water For Health is the best system which brings the best of both filtered and ionised water, ensures that the water is structured for the highest bio-availability, is affordable in price, easy to install, and has great personal, knowledgeable customer service.

I have been using this system since 2021 and replace the filter cartridges myself annually.

The water passes through 4 filters before coming through your tap:

Filter 1: An ultrafiltration membrane filter cartridge to remove particulate and act as a barrier to bacteria and cysts. It filters down to 0.1 micron, so removing most particulate including microplastics.

Filter 2: An advanced carbon block filter using minerals and polymers to give extremely efficient removal of heavy metals, chlorine, fluoride, pesticides, hormones and pharmaceutical resides.

Filter 3: This filter uses a combination of several types of bioceramic minerals including tourmaline, to improve water structure and its beneficial mineral content.

Filter 4: This filter uses a combination of bioceramic filter media to increase the alkalinity of the water and give it antioxidant properties through the release of molecular hydrogen. It also uses granular activated carbon for final filtration of the water.

For more information check out my affiliate link or order directly from me here.

Water and hydration are at the centre of health.

Why is Acupuncture popular during IVF?

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor, Stress
Acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular within the IVF world and many clinics recommend acupuncture to patients to help support them through the journey. But what is it about acupuncture that makes it so popular for the IVF process?

There is a huge wealth of scientific study and evidence to show that acupuncture has a positive effect on IVF outcomes. It is easy to do a quick internet search to find lots of research articles and scientific studies on this topic. It is a widely researched area and there is a lot of interest. For further information about studies and outcomes, please see this fact sheet from the British Acupuncture Council.

Let’s now focus on the physical aspects of acupuncture and the IVF process. The reproductive system is a particularly vascular system, and therefore inserting needles into that area of the body will create a micro-trauma. This sends extra blood, oxygen and nutrients into the area, helping to regulate uterine and ovarian blood flow and encourage follicular development (eggs) and endometrial development (the lining of the uterus).

Acupuncture has an impact on hormones and the communication within the endocrine system, thus having a positive effect on menstrual cycles. Specifically points on the head can have a direct effect on the pituitary gland. Likewise, serotonin and dopamine are our neurotransmitters, and acupuncture can offer regulation of these, so patients start to feel better and in balance. Acupuncture therefore can help navigate the side effects often felt from IVF drugs, such as headaches, nausea, hot flushes, low mood.

For men, needles in the lower abdomen and legs is going to increase blood flow to the testes and will positively effect the semen. Semen are constantly being manufactured within the body so changes can happen quickly and swiftly.

Alongside the physical aspect of acupuncture there is also the emotional support an acupuncturist will offer as you go through the IVF process. Being able to talk to someone knowledgeable, caring and in confidence during a very stressful time, when you might be wanting to keep your journey private from friends and family, can be really helpful and a lifeline for support during the process.

How does reflexology work?

by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology
Reflexologist touching the solar plexus reflex point on a woman’s foot.

Reflexology is based on the philosophy that the entire body is mapped onto the feet. However, this doesn’t explain simply, how touching the feet can affect the body in such a profound way.

The feet are a sensory-rich area of the body. We have around 7000 nerve endings in the feet. By stimulating these nerve endings through the power of touch, a reflexologist sends signals from the feet up to the brain, via the spinal cord, and thus encompassing the whole body. A typical reflexology session lasts around 45 minutes, so imagine how many of these signals are sent, received and processed throughout that period of time!

These neurological pathways are opened up and in some ways reawakened, particularly if the client tends to keep feet covered in socks and shoes. This is a lot of stimulation for the brain to receive, and therefore creates a profound state of relaxation as the body relaxes into the sensation of gentle touch.

It is generally accepted that gentle touch stimulates the production of oxytocin, our love hormone, helping us emotionally. And relaxation switches on the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest), which is the Yin to the Yang of the sympathetic nervous system (fight and flight).

Ultimately the power of touch, stimulating the sensory-rich feet, over the period of time, creates profound relaxation, promotes much healing and a return to homeostasis.

What happens when we relax?

by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology
Woman receiving reflexology on her feet.

Continuing the conversation about how acupuncture and reflexology work, let’s focus on the commonality through all of them, which is relaxation.

Our autonomic nervous system has two separate branches; the sympathetic and the parasympathetic. The autonomic nervous system looks after all of those involuntary functions and tasks that happen without us consciously having to think about it, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration and digestion.

The sympathetic nervous system switches on when we need to be alert, for example when we are exposed to a threat or some kind of danger. Our brain is aware of the danger, and sends chemical messengers to the adrenal glands, which then prepare the rest of the body to get ready to either run, or fight. This involves increased blood flow and oxygen to our arms and legs, increased heart and respiration rate, and extra sensitivity to stimulus as we become highly alert to sounds and the surrounding environment of the impending danger.

When the sympathetic nervous system is switched on, our parasympathetic nervous system is suppressed. Our parasympathetic nervous system governs rest, and digest. This means that when we are exposed to a threat or danger, our bodies will not prioritise tasks that are unessential for survival. These include digesting food, reproduction and sleep.

Although in modern life we are no longer facing impending danger from predators higher up the food chain, we do experience a lot of stress, anxiety and worry, and our brains and bodies interpret these feelings in exactly the same way: as impending danger.

This means that chronic stress creates all sorts of health issues as our sympathetic nervous system reacts to the relentless demands of modern life.

Relaxation is key to swinging the parasympathetic nervous system into the forefront as often as we can. Having regular sessions of reflexology or acupuncture can have a profound effect on getting the balance right. Even having the appointment in your diary can have a huge psychological effect on wellness and stress management.

Common obstacles to wellness

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Health & Wellbeing, Reflexology, Stress
Woman receiving a facial massage.

Many people find it difficult to find the time for wellbeing. Juggling work and family commitments can be a challenge, and before we know it another week has passed and another opportunity to book in for that reflexology or acupuncture session has gone.

As women I think we often find that, in altruistic fashion, put our own needs at the bottom of the priority list. Our children/partners/work all often take priority over ourselves and what we need to keep well and feel good.

Sometimes we might even feel that having that massage or facial is actually a luxury, and not an essential, and then we simply don’t prioritise it at all, and may even cross it off the to-do list completely!

But it is so important to take care of our health while we still have it. If we become unwell and ill-health prevails, that is when we will be unable to cope with family commitments and go to work.

Preventative healthcare is so important particularly for women as we spin so many plates in our various roles as mother, sister, daughter, wife/partner, carer, money-earner, housekeeper, cook, cleaner… the list goes on! If we don’t take care of ourselves while we have so many responsibilities, the stress of it all will start to take its toll.

So put yourself first, at least once a month, for just an hour. Book in for that treatment and make sure your cup is replenished so that you’re fully topped up and resourced for the month ahead.

How does Acupuncture work?

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, fertility acupuncture, Health & Wellbeing, Pain management, Stress, Stress, TCM

I am often asked how my therapies actually work. Like, really, how to they work? What are the fundamental principles by which Acupuncture effects the client?

Woman receiving abdominal acupuncture.

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the skin. At this very basic level, we are creating an immune response in the body, by piercing the skin. The skin is there to protect us, to act as the boundary between the interior and the exterior. The body reacts to the needles by stimulating the immune system to create more white blood cells ready to defend against a pathogen.

We can also say that the needles have a neurological effect on the body because beneath the surface of the skin we have the superficial fascia, which is our neuro-connective tissue. Think of it like cling film wrapping all the body parts together. This connective tissue runs throughout the entire body in varying different layers, separating, supporting and enclosing different body parts, but connecting them all together. By piercing this with a very fine needle at particular points stimulates the nervous system and can affect the whole body.

Fascinating!

If you would like to book in please get in touch.

Thoughts on Sleep

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Breath, Health & Wellbeing, Meditation, Reflexology, Sleep, TCM, Yin and Yang
Woman sleeping peacefully.

Aside from nutrition, getting good quality sleep is probably the most important aspect for health and longevity. It is the cornerstone to good health,vitality, living longer and feeling well.

As basic as it sounds, we are designed to live with the diurnal rhythm; we wake with the light, and we sleep in the dark.

From around 5-6pm in the evening, our cortisol levels naturally start to drop, and the natural light starts to dim, and melatonin levels begin to rise. Melatonin is the hormone that makes us feel drowsy and gets us ready for a good night’s sleep.

I love to look at the Yin/Yang aspect of everything, and we can see here we have the dark night time which is Yin, and the light daytime which is Yang. We can also see that cortisol is the Yang to it’s counterpart melatonin, which is Yin. Our Yin and Yang aspects are always ebbing and flowing gently, gradually and naturally. Therefore its a really good idea to get into a winding down routine in the evening to allow our Yin to naturally deepen and do its work for a good night’s rest.

Its a great idea to adjust your daily activities (as much as is possible) to support this natural daily rhythm. Eating breakfast and your main meal, taking physical exercise and doing the main bulk of your work during the morning and earlier part of the day is best as this is when cortisol is at its highest.

As cortisol starts to drop early evening, its better to eat a smaller evening meal at least 3-4 hours before bedtime. The ‘321’ idea is an easy concept to follow:

  • Eat no later than 3 hours before bed
  • Drink no later than 2 hours before bed (any fluids)
  • No screens no later than 1 hour before bed.

If you can’t switch off your mind, meditation is helpful, as is Valerian, chamomile and magnesium. A bath with Epsom salts will give you a great boost of magnesium, and as your body temperature starts to drop afterwards, it will naturally help to make you feel sleepy. A cup of night time tea might also be useful. Try different things and see what helps you – we are all different!

We should be getting around 90 minutes of deep sleep every night and this usually happens earlier into the night. Its during the deep sleep where our body replenishes, heals and rejuvenates.

We should be getting around 2-3 hours of REM sleep a bit later on in the night, after deep sleep, and this is the type of sleep where our mind sifts, sorts through and processes everything that’s happened during the day. I believe this is why meditation can be so useful because sitting quietly and observing our thoughts for a few minutes before bed will get ahead of the sifting and sorting process that happens during REM.

We can disrupt our deep sleep by exercising too much. It’s a bit like taking a car on a very long drive; the engine will have been revved up and used a lot of oil. It will take longer to cool down and get back to normal. It’s the same with our body and mind. It can leave you wired even if you have done a lot and think you should be tired.

If you are a snorer then this will disrupt your sleep patterns, particularly if it causes apnea and wakes you everytime you’re snoring too loudly or gasping for air. It also means that you are not breathing through your nose as much. Nasal breathing increases the gas nitric oxide which is a molecule produced naturally in the body and is important for relaxing blood vessels and allowing them to widen and increase circulation (and so increasing oxygen and nutrient circulation around the body). It also helps us to feel relaxed and switch from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest’ i.e. switching off the sympathetic nervous system and switching on the parasympathetic nervous system. Again these are the Yin and Yang aspects of health. Nasal breathing helps us to move out of Yang and into Yin.

Humming on the outbreath creates vibration which will open up the airways and increase nitric oxide, again making us feel relaxed and able to sleep better. So do some “Oms” with your evening meditation and see if you notice the difference!

Going back to snoring; snoring is usually down to raised inflammation making the airways swollen and restricted. Reducing inflammation is something to really work on if you are a snorer; losing weight, eating the rainbow, cutting down on refined carbs and sugars, processed foods, alcohol, smoking, caffeine, upping your omega 3s by eating oily fish, nuts and seeds, olive oil etc.

Working with a practitioner like myself with regular reflexology and/or acupuncture can be so useful in taking care of your overall health and wellbeing, and we can usually pinpoint areas that might be disturbing your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

Overall, getting into good habits by creating a bedtime routine or ritual that you follow each night, tailored particularly to those things that work for you, is the best way to set the stage for a good night’s sleep.

If you are interested in working with me please get in touch.

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