Tag: immune system

What is the difference between regular acupuncture and fertility acupuncture?

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

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.

More on Endometriosis

by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology

Endometriosis comes from the retrograde menstrual blood flow. This means that when we menstruate, some of the uterine shedding doesn’t flow downwards and out through the vagina; some of it will move up through the Fallopian tubes and into the ovary, and sometimes beyond and into the pelvic cavity.

Woman experiencing period pain.

These pieces of the endometrium are then implanted outside of the uterus, and will bleed during subsequent menses. This means that there is menstrual blood outside of the uterus which the body sees as a foreign invader; the body doesn’t recognise it outside of the uterine cavity. This creates inflammation and pain, and triggers an auto-immune response.

This also can create an oestrogen-dominant state within the body, because of the excess oestrogenic tissue outside the uterine cavity.

Endometriosis doesn’t just create “period pains” and heavy bleeding. It also can have a huge impact on reproductive health, digestive health and bowel movements, urinary and bladder health, mental/emotional health. It can also cause fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine principles, we need to move Liver Qi Stagnation and clear Blood Stasis. This means that the Qi (energy) of the body is not free-flowing, which causes pain. It also means that if these continue to stagnate then the Blood cannot flow as it should and it gets locked down.

Depending on your particular symptoms and observations an acupuncture prescription will be created to help encourage the restoration of balance within the body.

If you prefer a Reflexology approach, then Reflexology Lymph Drainage could be the sequence of choice. This sequence specifically targets the lymphatic reflexes on the feet, with the intention of modulating the immune system (the white blood cells of the immune system live in the lymphatic fluid) and reducing the inflammatory effect on the body.

Some lifestyle interventions you can do to help yourself:

  • Do not wear tampons. These block the natural downward movement of menstrual blood.
  • Do not have intercourse during your period and the post-partum period.
  • Do less exercise during menses.
  • Avoid pelvic examinations and abdominal massage/pressure during menses.
  • Avoid exposure to cold water during menses.
  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, increasing your intake of phyto-nutrients, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and reducing refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine.
  • Remove all oestrogen-mimicking plastics and personal care products from your home. Anything from synthetic fragrances, plug-ins, candles, food stored/cooked in plastics, washing plastic tupperware/bowls/cups in really hot water and with a harsh detergent, switch to more environmentally friendly cleaning products and glass tupperware. See my other post on detoxing holistically.

For more information please see my other blog post.

Feel at the endo’ your rope with Endometriosis?

by JMReflex, posted in Reflexology
Woman experiencing menstrual cramping and heavy bleeding due to endometriosis.

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 menses 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, musculo-skeletal health, intestinal and bowel health, sexual health and mental wellbeing. Higher levels of the wrong type of bacteria can be prolific within the microbiome. 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. 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.

What is Stress?

by JMReflex, posted in Health & Wellbeing, Reflexology, Stress

We all talk about stress in our lives, but what actually is “stress” and what does it do to our bodies? How can we be more aware and what can we do to help ourselves?

This blog offers an introduction to the topic of stress.

Our Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is the important part of our nervous system which controls our vital bodily functions such as our heart beating and our breathing.stress

It is split into two divisions: Parasympathetic and Sympathetic. The two sides work in an integrated and complementary fashion. When one is stimulated the other one is suppressed.

When we face any type of stress, whether it’s fear, anxiety, danger or worry, our nervous system reacts in exactly the same way: it prepares to “fight or flight”. This is because it senses a threat and it works to keep us safe. So whether you are running across a road of speeding traffic, or whether you are anxious about a looming work deadline, the body will be reacting in exactly the same way.

The sympathetic division predominates. A release of adrenalin instructs the body to prepare for “fight or flight”.

Blood vessels supplying the heart, limbs, head and brain dilate enabling more blood and oxygen to reach these body parts in preparation for physical activity.

Blood pressure and heart rate rises, as does respiratory rate.

The brain and eyes are also on full alert, improving concentration and peripheral vision.

Sugar is released into the blood system for the anticipated need for additional energy. This happens in the liver.

In order to conserve energy, the blood vessels supplying the non-essential systems of the body constrict, suppressing the digestive and immune systems.

The stomach and small intestine become inhibited, delaying digestion, the onward movement of food, and the absorption of nutrients.

Once the perceived threat has gone, the body will revert back to normal and rebalance: homeostasis will be resumed.

But in our modern day life, the perceived threat might go on and on for days, weeks, months or even years. Anxiety and worries can take all sorts of forms, such as work/job worries, financial worries, health worries, deadlines, long working hours, relationships: the list is endless.

As you can imagine, the ability to relax will be difficult: the body being on constant high alert. Problems include difficulty sleeping, feeling run down, constantly catching colds and viruses due to the suppressed immune system. Good nutrition will also be compromised with the suppressed digestive system, causing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), diarrhoea, constipation etc.

It’s so important that we get a balance in our lives: time for work and time to rest/relax. We need time to allow the parasympathetic nervous system to predominate, and then allow the body time to rebalance.

This is where reflexology and other holistic therapies can be so beneficial. A regular session booked into the diary will break the constant stress cycle, and give you and your body an hour to lie back and relax: me time.

Reflexology, in particular, can be very beneficial in providing profound relaxation because of the high concentration of nerve endings in the feet: the feet are great access points for the whole body.

If you are looking for fertility support in Lancashire please get in touch.

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist and independent consultant (Team Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and facetime, and a closed facebook group. All views are my own.

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Image courtesy of Master isolated images at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Combating Winter Colds and Viruses

by JMReflex, posted in Children, Health & Wellbeing, Healthy eating, Nutrition, Organic, Organic, Reflexology, Stress, Supplements

ID-100231025It’s that time of year again when the weather turns colder, the central heating goes on, and windows tend to be closed, creating a breeding ground for winter colds and viruses.

There are simple ways of combating the prevalent cold virus, and this is more in prevention rather than cure.

Immune system

Our immune system needs regular boosting so that it is ready to fight any invaders. Do this by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably organic. Fruit and vegetables are full of antioxidants, which fight those free radicals which are released within the body to attack.

A regular vitamin C supplement can also help boost the immune system, optimising it for attack. Have you ever drunk a glass of organic juice and noticed its acidic effect on the digestive system? This is caused by the ascorbic acid. The vitamin C supplement I use contains Calcium Ascorbate instead, which is slow release, non-acidic form of vitamin C.

Stress will also damage our immune system, prioritising our adrenalin and sympathetic nervous system, and thus neglecting those systems that are not needed for immediate survival such as immune and digestion. A regular session of reflexology can help reduce stress and evoke relaxation.

Vitamin C

Patrick Holford’s advice re. vitamin C absorption is to take around 2 grams every 4 hours. This will saturate the tissues with vitamin C and thus flushing out the cold virus, maintaining a high level of immune protection. [1] This will completely blow the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) out of the water, however vitamin C is water soluble and thus the body cannot store excess amounts in fat – it simply excretes via the kidneys.

The RDA was written years ago based on the nutritional value of our foods after the war – nowadays our foods are nutritionally poorer due to the depleting quality of our soil. This is why I advocate an organic based diet and lifestyle. If we don’t adopt this way of life our future foods will be nutritionally worthless.

Antioxidants

berry complexI have been using the Organic Berry Complex to continually saturate my body’s tissues throughout the day, particularly if I know I’m going to be busy with clients, driving long distances or late nights. Whiz up 2 scoops of the complex with some sprigs of mint and a blender jug full of water. Add a glug of Elderberry syrup to give a deeper taste and a richer content. It tastes amazing, so refreshing and the children love it too. Take a small glass of it regularly throughout the day to top up.

The supplements created by Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic are superior in the way they work because they are synergistic blends of carefully selected and sourced vitamins and minerals. Vitamins and minerals work with each other to do their jobs efficiently – not in isolation.

[1] Patrick Holford The Optimum Nutrition Bible pg. 289 How to kill a cold

Jackie Marsden MAR is a qualified reflexologist and independent consultant (Team Leader) for Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic. Jackie leads and mentors a growing team of consultants (many of whom are therapists integrating organic products into their existing businesses) via the NYRO social selling channel, holding regular team meetings, one-to-one coaching via phone and facetime, and a closed facebook group. All views are my own.

independent-consultant-long-logoGrowyourbusiness

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Image courtesy of cooldesign at FreeDigitalPhotos.net