Tag: acupuncture for stress

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.

PMS and it’s extremes

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Healthy Snacks, Menstrual Cycle, mental health, Nutrition, Pain management, Reflexology, Stress, Supplements, supplements, TCM, Yin and Yang
Woman experiencing severe menstrual cramping.

Approximately 90% of women suffer from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) at some point in their lives. During the few days leading up to menstruation can present with all sorts of symptoms such as bloating, irritability, frustration, anger, back ache, acne, abdominal cramping and pain, feeling tearful and emotional, as well as anxious and depressed.

Every cell in our body has a hormone receptor, so PMS can be attributed to over 200 symptoms as fluctuating hormone levels can have an impact everywhere in the body. These may be symptoms you only experience during the build up to your period, or perhaps these are symptoms you already experience, but are exacerbated at this time of your cycle.

In TCM terms, the luteal phase of your cycle e.g. the second half of your cycle between ovulation and your period, is when your body is at its most Yang. It is the part of the cycle where there is the most energy. Your body is gearing up for the possibility of a pregnancy with the surge of progesterone helping to really plump up the uterine lining for an embryo to implant. This surge of hormone and surge of energy can make us feel energised and productive, however as this starts to wane and drop just before our period starts, can suddenly leave us feeling depleted. The smooth flow of Qi is now not so smooth, as the progesterone starts to dip and body temperature starts to drop, our overall hormone levels can quickly leave us feeling grumpy and moody, and present us with physical symptoms too.

Switching between the Yang half of our cycle to the Yin half i.e. our menses, can create Qi stagnation. Getting to know your cycles by charting on a calendar, or Basal Body Temperature (BBT) charting can really help you to understand what is going on inside your body, help you identify symptoms and mood changes, and shed light onto areas that perhaps might need further attention.

For example, some people do not just suffer with “regular” PMS, but can experience more extreme versions such as Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and Premenstrual Exacerbation (PME). These extreme versions of PMS can be very difficult to deal with and manage on a monthly basis. “Experiencing PMDD can make it difficult to work, socialise and have healthy relationships. In some cases, it can also lead to suicidal thoughts.”1

Understanding your own personal cycle, the length of your follicular and luteal phases, and looking at your BBT throughout your cycle can open up possibilities to improve symptoms you’re experiencing. You might discover that phases of your cycle are too long/short or your temperature is not high enough or too high for example.

Supporting progesterone can help with PMS. To support progesterone production and your luteal phase, add more nutrient dense calories into your diet at this phase of your cycle. After all, your body is gearing up for a potential pregnancy, and some women find that they are hungrier at this time. Adding more protein, and looking at using adaptogens such as Ashwaganda to help manage stress and change. “Adaptogens are the umbrella term for fungi and plant-derived compounds that help the body adapt to stress.”[2] Magnesium is also said to help, as many of us are depleted in magnesium and it is involved in a myriad of daily bodily functions. Using a topical spray or adding in Epsom Salts to your evening bath are easy ways to get magnesium into your body. Magnesium often becomes low as a result of stress. [3]

Managing stress is also key to supporting your luteal phase. Booking in for regular reflexology or acupuncture can offer you the opportunity to feel relaxed and receive some downtime already scheduled into your diary. With acupuncture in particular, treating throughout the cycle can help you regulate and improve your quality of life. Vitamin B complex supports the body’s ability to handle stress. [3]

Understanding your cycle can help you to prepare and plan for what might be up ahead. Scheduling your diary around your cycle can help you to be more productive when you are feeling at your most energised, and avoid difficult social situations when you’re likely to be feeling fragile. You can also use your cycle to help with meal planning and snacking, and scheduling in more gentle exercise within the luteal phase.

If you would like fertility support in Lancashire and to book in with me please get in touch.

  1. https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd/about-pmdd/
  2. https://www.parsleyhealth.com/blog/what-are-adaptogens/
  3. https://webfmd.com/hpa-axis-dysfunction-treatment/