Stress – Specialist in Fertility Acupuncture & IVF Support, Warton, Preston, Lancashire PR4

Keeping Your Fire Burning

February 11, 2026October 23, 2026 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Breath, Depression, Fertility, Health & Wellbeing, Menopause, mental health, Ming Men, Sleep, Stress, TCM, Yin and Yang

A performer breathing fire against a dark sky, with flames shooting from his mouth.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), vitality is rooted in the Ming Men, often translated as the Gate of Life. Located in the lower back between the Kidneys, it is considered the source of the body’s warmth, motivation and vitality. The Ming Men draws on both Kidney Yin and Kidney Yang to distribute balanced Qi throughout the body, supporting physical, emotional and reproductive health.

When the Ming Men is strong, Fire arises, and vitality flourishes. This shows up as good energy levels, healthy circulation, strong libido, good fertility, a calm mind, and a regular, robust digestive system. This is because Fire is needed to warm and activate the digestive organs.

When the Ming Men becomes depleted, people often describe feeling that their “spark” has gone out. They may experience fatigue, poor digestion, coldness, low libido, fertility challenges, lower back weakness or an overall sense of running on empty. Emotionally, it can show up as reduced resilience, anxiety or a loss of motivation.

Night sweats and hot flushes are signs that Ming Men Fire is fluctuating, flaring up and then dropping down rather than maintaining a stable, balanced heat.

Ming Men Fire drives Blood circulation, supports the Heart, and in TCM the Heart houses the Mind (Shen). This means the Ming Men provides not only physical vitality but also mental and emotional vitality. And because mental and emotional resilience are deeply connected to physical health, supporting the Ming Men offers a truly holistic approach to wellbeing.

How to support your Ming Men?

Breathwork, focusing on gently drawing the navel toward the spine
Acupressure or massage to the lower back
Keeping the lower back warm to nourish and protect the Ming Men
And of course, regular acupuncture sessions

Could Your Fire Need Rekindling?

If you’re struggling with fatigue, low mood, digestive problems, fertility challenges, low libido or simply a sense that your energy isn’t what it used to be, acupuncture may help restore balance and vitality.

I offer acupuncture from Elder Cottage Clinic in Warton, supporting patients with fertility, women’s health and general wellbeing.

To find out whether acupuncture could help you, please get in touch to arrange a consultation.

Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title

£17.00

A practical self-guided fertility ear acupressure programme featuring pattern identification, point-finding photographs, a four-week routine and tracking tools to help you use ear acupressure consistently and confidently.

Category: Fertility Resources

Tags: Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Ear Acupressure, Ear Points for Fertility, Fertility, Fertility Support, Women’s Health

Fertility Journey Review

£150.00

A 90-minute one-to-one Zoom consultation designed to review your fertility history, previous investigations and possible next steps.

Category: Personalised Support

Tags: Fertility, Fertility Support

Trying to Conceive? Why Natural Skincare Matters More Than You Think

May 2, 2025October 23, 2026 by JMReflex, posted in aromatherapy, Eco-friendly, Environment, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, Organic, Organic, Skincare, Stress, water

Hands forming a heart shape over a bare stomach.

When you are trying to conceive, it is natural to focus on diet, supplements and lifestyle. You might start tracking your cycle, supporting your hormones, or eating more nourishing, fertility-friendly foods. But one area that is often overlooked is the everyday products we apply to our skin, hair and body.

We are usually careful about what we eat, but do we pay the same attention to what we put on our skin? The skin is permeable and many ingredients in personal care products are absorbed into the bloodstream. This becomes particularly relevant in the preconception phase, when you are working to create the healthiest possible internal environment for pregnancy.

The Problem with Petrochemicals

A large number of mainstream skincare, body care and cosmetic products are based on petrochemicals. These are substances derived from petroleum and crude oil. They may be used to preserve products, make them feel silky, create foam or fragrance, or simply to bulk them out because they are cheap and widely available.

Petrochemicals can burden the liver and disrupt the endocrine system. Some are known or suspected endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which means they can interfere with your hormones. This is especially important during the delicate process of trying to conceive, when hormonal balance is essential for ovulation, implantation and embryo development.

Petrochemical-Derived Ingredients to Avoid

Here are some common ingredients that may appear in your skincare products, all of which are derived from petrochemicals and can impact fertility:

Paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil) Often used in moisturisers, this is a by-product of petroleum refining. It forms a film on the skin that may block pores and inhibit natural detoxification.
Propylene glycol Common in creams and serums to help retain moisture, but it can irritate the skin and increase the penetration of other chemicals.
Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben) Used as preservatives, they mimic oestrogen in the body and are linked to hormonal disruption.
Phthalates Often hidden under the word “fragrance” or “parfum,” these are plasticisers that can disrupt reproductive hormones and have been associated with reduced fertility.
Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) These are foaming agents that can irritate the skin and are often contaminated with by-products of the petrochemical industry.
Synthetic fragrance or parfum A single artificial fragrance can contain dozens of undisclosed chemicals, many of which are derived from crude oil and may disrupt hormones or sensitise the skin.

The Preconception Window is Precious

In the months leading up to conception, your body is preparing in subtle but powerful ways. Detoxification, hormonal signalling, egg and sperm quality, and the uterine environment are all influenced by your internal balance. Reducing your toxic load by avoiding petrochemicals is a simple but significant step that supports these natural processes.

Nourish Yourself Naturally

Choosing natural personal care products is an act of self-love. Look for certified organic or naturally formulated options that are free from petroleum-derived ingredients, artificial fragrance and synthetic preservatives.

Brands such as Neal’s Yard Remedies focus on high-quality botanical ingredients that support rather than suppress your body’s natural rhythms. Begin with the products you use most often, such as body lotion, deodorant and facial care. These small shifts create long-term benefits, not only for fertility but for overall well-being.

Conclusion

Trying to conceive is a time to simplify, nourish and connect more deeply with yourself. By making thoughtful changes to the products you use every day, you support your body in doing what it was made to do. Natural personal care is not about being perfect. It is about creating space for your hormones to settle, your liver to work freely, and your skin to breathe.

You deserve to feel safe, supported and ready. Let nature take care of you, so you can take care of what matters most.

SHOP ORGANIC

Fertility Journey Review

£150.00

A 90-minute one-to-one Zoom consultation designed to review your fertility history, previous investigations and possible next steps.

Category: Personalised Support

Tags: Fertility, Fertility Support

Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title

£17.00

Category: Fertility Resources

Tags: Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Ear Acupressure, Ear Points for Fertility, Fertility, Fertility Support, Women’s Health

What is the difference between regular acupuncture and fertility acupuncture?

February 3, 2025October 23, 2026 by JMReflex, posted in Stress

Fertility acupuncture is very similar to regular acupuncture in that it will still try to address common issues such as pain, digestive issues, headaches, hormonal imbalances etc. as part of the wider picture of a fertility patient. However it focuses a lot on reproductive health and treating the meridians that target this area of health. Common points are found on the wrists, ankles, feet, lower legs, abdomen and lower back.

Fertility acupuncture aims for the optimal internal environment for each particular patient. This means that it’s not a generic set of acupuncture points for everyone; each patient is treated as an individual. There is no one size fits all in any aspect of health.

Happy pregnant woman preparing for her baby.

Fertility acupuncture tends to prioritise regulating the menstrual cycle, increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and regulating sperm health for the men. Stress management and building resilience to stress is also key when trying to conceive. This is something that is always prioritised in clinic.

When coming for fertility acupuncture it’s advisable to plan to come weekly for 3 months as this is the length of time it takes for an egg to be recruited, matured and finally ovulated. What we do now has an effect on those eggs ovulating (or collected via IVF) three months down the line.

During those 3 months we treat through the menstrual cycle, meaning that when you’re bleeding the focus is on good blood flow and emotional support as a period means no pregnancy. During the follicular phase the focus is on follicular development so good blood flow to the ovaries and uterine lining.

Fertility acupuncture works with each phase of assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF/ICSI to really enhance your response to the treatment you’re having, and manage the side effects of the medication.

When you work with a fertility acupuncturist, you gain insights and education from someone who has a regular practice in this area of health; someone who understands the process and what is involved. It’s not just needles; it’s fully rounded support.

If you would like to discuss your situation with me or would like to book in with the clinic in Warton, near Preston, Lancashire, please get in touch. Please read some of the success stories from the clinic here.

Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title

£17.00

Category: Fertility Resources

Tags: Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Ear Acupressure, Ear Points for Fertility, Fertility, Fertility Support, Women’s Health

Fertility Journey Review

£150.00

A 90-minute one-to-one Zoom consultation designed to review your fertility history, previous investigations and possible next steps.

Category: Personalised Support

Tags: Fertility, Fertility Support

The benefits of regular reflexology

August 7, 2024February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Health & Wellbeing, Stress, Stress

A woman receiving reflexology on her feet.

Reflexology is profoundly relaxing and this can help to reduce stress and manage anxiety. The gentle pressure applied to specific points on the feet or hands promotes a sense of calm and safety, which helps settle both the mind and body into a place where the body’s natural healing can take place.

Reflexology helps many people with relief from pain and discomfort, no matter where their particular ailments are anatomically. Reflexology can help to reduce inflammation (particularly Reflexology Lymph Drainage), and promote the release of endorphins (such as oxytocin); the body’s natural pain-relieving neurotransmitters.

Reflexology helps to improve blood circulation throughout the body. As a reflexologist, working the reflex points with intention, along with promoting an overall relaxing state for the client, allows better flow of blood and oxygen to the organs and tissues, engendering an overall sense of improved health and wellness.

I have seen time and time again, clients that come into clinic for regular reflexology sessions, huge improvements in their health, whether it is reduced pain or reduced stress and anxiety (and largely it is both), feeding into their increased sense of wellbeing and improved health.

To book in please get in touch. Sessions start with a full consultation followed by regular sessions either weekly, fortnightly or monthly.

Ear points for fertility support

July 11, 2024October 22, 2026 by JMReflex, posted in Stress, Stress

Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular therapy, is a branch of Chinese medicine that uses specific points on the ear to influence different areas and functions of the body. In fertility practice, I often use ear points alongside body acupuncture to reinforce treatment and provide support between sessions.

Below are some of the key ear points I regularly use with fertility patients. If you’d like a more structured approach, including pattern identification and complete ear point routines, you can also explore my Fertility Ear Acupressure Guide.

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.

Want a complete fertility ear acupressure routine?

This article covers the basics, but if you’d like a more structured approach, my Fertility Ear Acupressure Guide includes:

A simple pattern identification section
Targeted ear point routines
Step-by-step instructions
A four-week practice plan
Tracking sheets and FAQs

If you’d like more personalised guidance, I also offer a Fertility Journey Review via Zoom. Whether you’re at the beginning of your fertility journey, preparing for IVF or considering your next steps, this session is designed to help you better understand your fertility picture and explore your options.

To find out more, please get in touch.

Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title

£17.00

Category: Fertility Resources

Tags: Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Ear Acupressure, Ear Points for Fertility, Fertility, Fertility Support, Women’s Health

Fertility Journey Review

£150.00

A 90-minute one-to-one Zoom consultation designed to review your fertility history, previous investigations and possible next steps.

Category: Personalised Support

Tags: Fertility, Fertility Support

Why does IVF fail the first time?

July 3, 2024October 23, 2026 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor, Nutrition, Pregnancy, Stress, Stress, 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.

Fertility Journey Review

£150.00

A 90-minute one-to-one Zoom consultation designed to review your fertility history, previous investigations and possible next steps.

Category: Personalised Support

Tags: Fertility, Fertility Support

Ear Points for Fertility: The 28 Day Protocol title

£17.00

Category: Fertility Resources

Tags: Acupressure, Chinese Medicine, Ear Acupressure, Ear Points for Fertility, Fertility, Fertility Support, Women’s Health

Common obstacles to wellness

April 15, 2024February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Health & Wellbeing, Reflexology, Stress

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?

April 8, 2024February 4, 2025 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?

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.

How can I increase my chances of IVF success?

December 14, 2023February 4, 2025 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, AMH, Fertility, fertility acupuncture, ICSI, IVF, Male Factor, Pregnancy, Stress, Stress, TCM

IVF is a process which shouldn’t be taken lightly. It is hard on couples from all angles; emotionally, mentally and physically.

The drugs used are heavy duty; creating all sorts of side effects and mood swings. The process involves physical incisions through the vaginal wall and on the ovaries – multiple cuts in fact – depending on how many follicles you have. A lot of energy is required for your body to heal. You will also be sedated and this can take time to recover from.

Then there is the agonizing wait to see if any eggs fertilized, and how well they develop to day 5 where you will then have another procedure to transfer the embryo into your womb. And the 2 week wait begins, alongside more drugs.

It is an emotional roller coaster and exhausting; taxing mentally and physically with trips in and out of the clinic for tests and scans.

For such a consuming process, wouldn’t you want to prepare the best that you can to maximise your chances of success? Its not something you should walk into without first fully investigating what the problems are with your inability to conceive naturally, and to really prepare your body and the environment within which your eggs are recruited and collected, and then transferred back for implantation and ongoing pregnancy.

Preparation is key when it comes to IVF success. Don’t allow a fertility clinic to use your first round as a diagnostic; that’s way too expensive both financially and for your health and overall wellbeing.

Find someone to help you through the process and work with a specialist who can take a deep dive into your lifestyle and nutrition, and offer you acupuncture as part of your preparation program.

Contact me for an initial chat and start your preconception journey with me today.

Feel at the endo’ your rope with Endometriosis?

December 1, 2023October 23, 2026 by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Endometriosis, Fertility, Health & Wellbeing, Healthy eating, Mediterranean Diet, Menstrual Cycle, Pain management, Reflexology, Sleep, Stress

Endometriosis is a condition where the cells of the endometrium (the uterine lining) are laid down outside of the uterus, usually within the pelvic cavity but sometimes also further afield, like in the nostril for example.

Often endometriosis is found on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even the bladder and bowel.

When menstruation occurs, the endometriosis tissue bleeds too. This means that menstrual blood is flowing into areas where it shouldn’t. The body’s immune system will kick in, and attack the endometriosis tissue, creating high levels of inflammation and pain.

Other symptoms might include pain while emptying bladder, during bowel movements, and during or after intimacy. IBS symptoms may also be present; diarrhoea or constipation.

Often endometriosis takes a long time to diagnose, because it really can only be seen via laparoscopy or MRI, although sometimes it can be detected via ultrasound. Initially pain and IBS symptoms will be dealt with via pain killers, and heavy periods are often managed via the oral contraceptive pill. Although these firefighting methods might help, they don’t get to the root of the issue.

High levels of inflammation can cause all sorts of havoc within the body. A disordered immune system will have an impact on thyroid, joints, musculoskeletal health, intestinal and bowel health, sexual health and mental wellbeing. Higher levels of the wrong type of bacteria can be prolific within the microbiome; these can cause reoccurring infections such as thrush and UTIs. Oestrogen dominance can also prevail.

What are the answers?

If you suspect you have endometriosis its imperative that your symptoms are investigated further.

Anything you can do to modulate your immune system will help. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet and removing known stimulants and food triggers is important. Regular bowel movements are also hugely important. Seek help from an acupuncturist specialising in fertility or women’s health, or a reflexologist specialising in Reflexology Lymph Drainage.

If you are experiencing problems and would like to book in with me please get in touch.