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Fertility

Many couples have trouble conceiving and may need assistance either in getting pregnant or in preventing recurrent miscarriage. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine treatment has received a great deal of attention in recent years for it’s ability to do just that. The following conditions that may contribute to fertility issues can be treated effectively with Acupuncture and TCM:

• menstrual irregularities
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
• recurrent miscarriage
• unexplained infertility
• luteal phase defect
• male factor infertility
• preconception support for both men and women

Whether attempting to conceive naturally or through Assisted Reproductive Technology, Chinese Medicine can increase your chances of successful conception and a healthy pregnancy by:

• increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus
• regulating menstrual cycles
• balancing hormone levels
• improving quality and thickness of uterine lining
• aiding in the prevention of miscarriage
• reducing stress and calming the body
• improving sperm parameters

Lori has studied with such leading practitioners in the field as Jane Lyttleton, Randine Lewis and Michael Berkley. She has worked with many couples over the years, both those seeking a natural approach to improved fertility as well as those working with western fertility MDs and it gives her great satisfaction to be able to be a part of such an important journey in her patient’s lives.

Pregnancy

Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy is an extremely safe and effective way of managing many of the uncomfortable symptoms and conditions that can arise during the exciting journey to motherhood. Whereas many medications are unavailable to pregnant women during the course of their pregnancy, Acupuncture treatment can be the perfect alternative in helping to manage some of the discomfort . Studies have shown that Acupuncture treatment can be helpful in treating the following pregnancy related conditions:

• morning sickness
• back pain
• headaches
• anterior pelvic pain
• insomnia
• heartburn
• sinusitis
• elevated blood pressure
• swelling and fluid retention
• tendonitis
• breech presentation
• inductions past 40 weeks

Breech Presentation
Both in-office Acupuncture treatment and at home treatment with moxibustion (a Chinese herb that is applied above the skin to heat specific Acu-points) are known to be effective in encouraging babies in utero to move into proper birthing position. This treatment is ideally applied between the 32 and 35 weeks gestation in order to obtain the best results and results are typically very positive. Several randomized studies in France showed a significantly reduced need for caesarean section intervention and external cephalic versions for breech presentation with the use of Acupuncture treatment. The Chinese Medicine treatment protocol for turning breech babies is over 1,000 years old and poses no risk to mother or baby.

Labor & Delivery Preparation
Studies have shown that weekly pre-birth Acupuncture sessions applied starting at 36-37 weeks can prepare the body for a more efficient labor and delivery process and can lead to a decrease of western medical interventions. Several Acupuncture points specifically help to soften and ripen the cervix, encourage the baby to drop and engage the cervix as well as encourage uterine contractions when the time is right.
Pre-birth Acupuncture can help shorten labor time, decrease the need for pain medication during labor, reduce medical interventions, and decrease labor and delivery complications.
Data gathered on 169 pregnant women by 14 midwives as part of their midwifery practice in Wellington, New Zealand found that women who had received pre-birth acupuncture had the following results in their birthing process:

• An overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby this was a 43% reduction)
• A 31% reduction in the epidural rate
• 32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery
• A 9 % increase in normal vaginal births
• There was no difference in the onset of early labor in those women receiving pre-birth Acupuncture

Our practitioners have had the privilege of studying with Debra Betts, a leading Acupuncture Practitioner in the area of Acupuncture Obstetrics in New Zealand and author of “The Essential Guide to Acupuncture and Pregnancy in Childbirth”.

Women's Health & Menopause

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a thousands year old form of medicine that is based on the flow of qi through channels called meridians. The smooth flow of this energy is what creates health and balance in the body. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine has been used for many years to balance hormones and regulate women’s menstrual cycles and is very effective in treating the following conditions:

•  irregular cycles
  
•  heavy flow
•  PMS
•  cycle related mood swings & migraines
•  painful periods
•  back pain
•  endometriosis
•  PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)
•  perimenopausal & menopausal symptoms
  

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments have a balancing effect on all of the body’s physiologic systems; the endocrine system and hormones being one of them. Many women suffering from debilitating menstrual cycle issues such as severe abdominal pain, intense mood swings, acne, heavy bleeding, irregular cycles, back pain, and breast tenderness have found great relief with Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine treatment.

Menopause
The symptoms of perimenopause and menopause can be frustrating, embarrassing and often debilitating for many women. Western medicine often prescribes hormone replacement therapy for those women who are struggling with difficult transitions into menopause however recent research has shown that this treatment may also come with certain health risks. Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment for menopausal symptoms is both safe and effective and many women notice improvement in their symptoms after only a few treatments. Patients regularly report considerable decrease in frequency and intensity of hot flashes, improved sleep and improved focus and concentration.