Lots of people that come to Fix ask about acupuncture. They ask if it does really work and if so how. The answer to if it works is a resounding YES! How it works is a little more complicated but here is an explanation:
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been practised for over 2000 years, to not only restore, but promote and maintain good health. It involves fine needles being inserted into the body which can ‘open up’ channels and remove blockages that have occurred in the energetic meridian system. This process then allows the body to operate at its optimum level.
From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system, influencing the production of the body’s hormones and neurotransmitters. The resulting changes activate the body’s self-regulating homeostatic systems, stimulating its natural healing abilities and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture can be used to improve most aspects of health, from anxiety and stress levels, to pain resulting from injury, digestive issues, sleep problems and fertility issues. Any process in the body that is controlled by hormones (read ALL!), can be influenced by the use of acupuncture.
At our new clinic, Fix East Village, we have an incredibly talented acupuncturist who specialises in fertility, Melanie Hackwell.
We asked Melanie how acupuncture works specifically for fertility:
“Ovulation can be promoted by controlling hormonal imbalances. The menstrual cycle can be regulated by bringing bloodflow and Qi (energy) to the reproductive area, and it can increase ovarian and uterine blood flow and endometrial thickness, egg production and oocyte quality.
All of these vital actions can assist in promoting embryo implantation.
In men, acupuncture can influence quality and quantity of sperm, improving motility and sperm count.
Reducing stress levels is essential where fertility is involved as stress reduces conception probabilities across the fertile window. Acupuncture also focuses on regulating the body’s neurotransmitters, essentially relaxing the patient.”
Melanie also practices a high level of IVF support, using the Paulus Protocol. This protocol of acupuncture is used before and after embryo transfer and can increase pregnancy rates from 26.3% to 42.5%.
If you have any further questions please call East Village on 0208 555 7165 or email Melanie directly at melanie@fixlondon.co.uk.