Tag: ivf support blackpool

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.

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.