Tag: balance hormones

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 are trying to conceive, or preparing for IVF, feel lost or unsupported, please get in touch. If you are wanting private blood tests please contact The Diabetes Lady, Maureen Chadwick on 07706 353127.

Stress is a thief

by JMReflex, posted in Acupuncture, Fertility, Health & Wellbeing, Journalling, Meditation, Menstrual Cycle, Mindfulness, Pregnancy, Reflexology, Spirituality, Stress
Woman feeling stressed.

Stress is bandied about a lot across the internet and social media. But lets cut to the chase.

When you are chronically stressed (and this can be any type of stress, worry or fear because the body treats it all the same; as a threat) then your adrenal glands will secrete more of the hormone cortisol in order to keep you safe.

However, cortisol is made up of various ingredients, one of which is pregnenolone. This is where the steal happens. Pregnenolone is a key building block for the sex hormones: oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone. When the body is stressed, it believes it is under threat, and the priority is survival. So of course, the body will prioritise using the ingredients to create cortisol, the stress hormone, over using it to create our sex hormones. Because if your cycle is irregular, or you have unusual mid-cycle bleeding for example, these are not life-threatening. But the body will interpret any stress as life threatening, so other processes of less importance will be “put on the back-burner”.

So if you are having fertility issues of any kind, identifying areas of stress in your life can be a pivotal starting point. Really take some time reviewing your daily activities and routines and see where things could be improved. Spend some time sitting quietly and try not to think about anything. If this is difficult, write down the thoughts or worries that keep reappearing. Other things to consider:

  • Meditation or some sort of spiritual connection
  • Reflexology and/or acupuncture, massage
  • Gentle exercise allowing time for recovery afterwards
  • Setting time aside to do the things you love to do

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please call/email me directly to have a chat and book in.