Acupuncture and IVF

Chinese medicine has been shown to increase the success rates of IVF to up to 70% (Shulan Tang, Lifang, German study)

The British Acupuncture Council has produced a briefing paper on acupuncture and IVF to provide a comprehensive review of the current research in this area. Below is a summary of the main points:

Studies have shown that Acupuncture has positive impact on the birth rate of sub fertile women undergoing IVF/ICSI.
11 reviews found acupuncture to significantly improve clinical pregnancy rate.
A recent high-level review found acupuncture to significantly improve birth rates.
Studies indicated that acupuncture treatments can reduce stress and/or anxiety and increase women’s ability to cope with the IVF process.
Current research supports the findings that acupuncture during an IVF or ICSI cycle, with increased frequency during ovarian stimulation and at the time of transfer, can have a statistically positive effect on clinical pregnancy and live birth rate.
A comprehensive systematic meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture treatment may be beneficial in IVF/ICSI for improving the clinical pregnancy, implantation and live birth outcomes.

Regular treatments for optimal results

Patients are encouraged to attend regular acupuncture treatments before IVF for optimal results. However, if this is not possible there are still many positive benefits when using acupuncture alongside your IVF treatments.

Below is a general guide on how acupuncture can help at different times of your IVF cycle.

While all clinics have slightly different procedures, the underlying principle remains the same.

Down regulation

Down regulating medication is given to suppress the ovaries and “shut down” their natural cycle so that egg maturation is better controlled during IVF treatment. Patients may experience symptoms such as headaches, emotional lability, hot flushes or night sweats. Acupuncture may be effective in alleviating those symptoms. When patients get a menstrual bleed towards the end of down regulation acupuncture is used to ensure that the uterine lining will shed completely. This allows for a good quality lining to form during the stimulation phase.

Ovarian stimulation

During this phase, treatment is focused on stimulating the ovaries in order to encourage follicular growth and increase blood circulation to the womb to thicken the uterine lining.

Egg collection & Fertilisation

Acupuncture to be administered as soon as possible before egg collection. Acupuncture at the time of egg collection can help to reduce anxiety and stress sometimes caused by this waiting period before your transfer. Acupuncture can also accelerate the healing process after the procedure. It is also recommended that if you have a partner, he also receives acupuncture treatments prior to egg collect, which may improve sperm quality and quantity.

Embryo transfer

This is the most important time to have an acupuncture treatments as it can significantly improve chances of successful implantation. Two acupuncture treatments are administered, one before and one after the transfer.

Juliet has helped hundreds of patients to get better. Here’s what they have say about their treatment:

“I just wanted to say a massive, massive thank you for everything that you have done for us during this IVF cycle. Your acupuncture certainly helped keep me calm and relaxed, and – more excitingly of all – we have had success in circumstances in which I thought that it was impossible to happen! Your kindness and compassion has also been amazing. Thank you for listening to me, and for tailoring the treatment to how I was feeling that day. And thank you for being so flexible and understanding. It is still early days, but you have certainly gotten us off to the best possible start!

Thank you, thank you, and thank you again!”

– A.R.(paediatrician)

“I have been seeing Juliet for the past few weeks. There are no words to express how much the treatment has helped me. I came as a last resort, as I had been suffering with the most indescribable pain in my right shoulder down my left arm. Before seeking acupuncture treatments I spent the good part of three months on medication and most of the day with my left hand above my head for relief. After four treatments the results were there for all who had witnessed my discomfort to see.I cannot recommend Juliet and the service she offers highly enough.

Just try it for yourself!!”

– P.M (NHS practice manager)

“I saw Juliet for 10 sessions of acupuncture after being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy. Despite doctors’ prognoses that my Bell’s Palsy may take months to heal, it was completely gone after 8 sessions, to the extent that my last sessions were spent receiving facial rejuvenation treatment on my whole face so that the healthy side looked as good as the formerly paralysed side! My sessions with Juliet also enabled me to relax fully and helped to address the underlying stresses that had caused my condition.”

– S.P (Accountant)

“I would definitely recommend anyone to try Juliet’s facial acupuncture. The treatment itself was painless and quite relaxing, and after a few sessions I did feel that my skin looked rejuvenated and refreshed.”

– D.A (Personal trainer)

“Following an operation for a fractured tibia plateau I suffered from acute nerve pain in my leg and foot. The pain was so intense it prevented me from sleeping. Finally someone recommended that I try acupuncture so I booked an appointment with Juliet. I didn’t expect miracles, and Juliet didn’t promise them, but after just one session the pain relief was immense. I went from sleepless nights writhing in agony to a pain-free existence. I am a total convert and would highly recommend Juliet.”

– J.W (Art director)

“I would highly recommend Juliet. Acupuncture changed my life!
Having chronic anxiety issues, for many years, I had few acupuncture sessions and could feel the positive effects immediately. I am feeling more relaxed and positive in everyday life.
I would recommend acupuncture for people with high stress and anxiety who tried everything to sort it out without sorting it out!Juliet is very professional. She takes the time to listen and understand where the pain might be coming from and treats it effectively.”

– C.B (Events & Marketing)

“I was suffering acute back pain which left me barely able to breathe.
After one emergency session with Juliet the pain was relieved. After a further two sessions it went completely and hasn’t recurred. Juliet also took the opportunity to address a 20 year old recurring shoulder pain, which, I’m delighted to say, is now dramatically reduced.”

– C.S.(Vicar)

“I was treated by Juliet throughout my ivf cycle which resulted in a positive pregnancy test. Juliet was kind caring and professional and l highly recommend her.”

– M.J (45YR, part time researcher)

“Juliet, just wanted to say thank you for all your hard work and advice on my leg. I’ve woken up this morning with no pain and I can now put my foot on my thigh and stretch with ease! Your a star! Thanks so much.”

– N.S. (Gym Instructor)

Juliet is a deeply intuitive and knowledgeable practitioner and I always leave feeling calm, balanced and restored after a treatment with her.

S. R (Psychotherapist )

To book an appointment or ask Juliet a question, please don't hesitate to contact her!

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