Acupuncture is part of Chinese medicine and as such has a long history of managing women’s health complaints. Here at the Norwich Natural Fertility Partnership our acupuncturist works alongside your natural cycle, scheduling in your appointments at the time most needed by you. Some women need more acupuncture in the first part of their cycles and for some it is the opposite.
Your acupuncturist will be looking to balance both your Yang and Yin which naturally fluctuate throughout your menstrual cycle. In acupuncture the female essence ‘Yin’ is cooling, moistening, lubricating, substantial and is often compared to estrogen and the ovarian follicles themselves. The ‘Yin’ is balanced out by another force – which is much more dynamic, warming, moving and light – this is the ‘Yang’ and it is often compared to progesterone and adrenaline. Certain food and drinks also have a strong effect on the Yin-Yang which is why you are also given supporting
Chinese medicine dietary advice.
The needles themselves has a strong para-sympathetic effect – but what does this mean? Most importantly it means a ‘relaxing’ of everything. So when we needle locally above the pubic bone we are relaxing the tissues and vessels in the area close to the reproductive organs. Increased circulation to the uterus and ovaries is one of the most important benefits of fertility acupuncture. Some conditions like PCOS are thought to benefit particularly as they are characterised by having
increased sympathetic activity (the opposite to para-sympathetic) in the uterine arteries. Other acupuncture points around the body will have a systemic ‘relaxing’ effect by softening and letting go of tension – both physically and mentally.
Regular acupuncture is an integral part of your care here at The Norwich Natural Fertility Partnership. Our acupuncturist
Kate McDougall is registered with
The British Acupuncture Council, is an affiliated member of
The Fertility Society and continues to see women throughout all stages of their pregnancy.