Have you seen the feature about fertility acupuncture in the local Wigan Observer? Check it out here! I’m thrilled that they wrote an article about how acupuncture can support fertility and IVF. This isn’t just a plug for my business – it’s about spreading the word on how acupuncture can benefit anyone trying to conceive.

Fertility clinics recommend acupuncture when starting IVF, but it’s not just for that. I urge anyone trying to conceive to consider acupuncture to ensure their system is balanced and their menstrual cycles are in optimal condition.

Did you know that experiencing pain during your cycles or having spotting and very heavy bleeding isn’t normal? Your menstrual cycle should be 28 days, with ovulation occurring at 14 days. Don’t accept pain or irregularities as normal – acupuncture can help achieve balance and optimal reproductive health.

I take up to 10 patients at any one time to make sure that they have my full and undivided attention including support day or night via email, text, or phone, which is really important when anxiety is at its peak during this journey. I aim to support you every step of the way to reduce the anxiety and stress that TTC can cause. Contact me if you wish to begin your fertility journey with me.

Food for fertility is really important when starting to consider having a family. When you come to see me for fertility support you will also get advice on food for fertility that can help you. Now, I hate discussing ‘diet’ because that imediatley makes you think weight loss, chinese medicine doesn’t view food in this way. Food is seen as health and medicine, not weight loss so you will get a list of foods from me that will support any imbalances that you have in your diagnosis. This could be for kidney, liver, spleen or blood stagnation. These foods are primarily to improve any imbalances.

We say eat a rainbow of food on your plate because each food has a variety of minerals and vitamins and if you eat a ‘beige’ diet then you are not getting all the vitamins and minerals you need. We also suggest eating seasonally and organically if you can and avoid processed foods wherever possible. Yellow and orange vegetables contain lots of beta carotene, an antioxidant, which has been shown to maintain hormone balance and prevent miscarriage. Red vegetables such as tomatoes contain lycopene, a carotenoid, which has been shown to increase sperm counts. Leafy green vegetables contain folic acid which is important for preventing birth defects and is a vital ingredient for healthy sperm and eggs. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage contain a phytonutrient called DIM which helps with estrogen metabolism and prevents fibroids and endometriosis. In fact, a 2004 study found that women who ate the most fruits and veggies had the lowest rates of endometriosis.

A lot of people don’t realize that you do need some fat in your diet in order to create certain hormones it’s important to include healthy sources of fat in your diet such as olive oil nuts, seeds, avocado, and oily fish. Therefore a low fat diet when trying to concieve is a no no.

Some people don’t get enough protein which is unfortunate because the amino acids in protein are vital for egg and sperm production, and for making LH and FSH which are important fertility hormones. You can get your protein from meat, fish, eggs and dairy products, of course, but there are plenty of vegetarian sources of protein too, including beans, lentils, brown rice, quinoa and other whole grains, nuts and seeds (especially sunflower seeds).

One key thing that is often overlooked for fertility is water. It’s really important to hydrate properly for eggs and sperm to be of good quality. None of us drink enough water but it is the key to life and so should be at the top of your priority list throughout the day. Drinking herbal teas is good to help hydrate if you are not a fan of plain water. Dehydration can lead to lower production of the fertile cervical fluid needed at ovulation and can lower semen volume.

One of my fertility acupuncture patients recommended this book to me.  She had read this and it turned her life around from working all the hours she could in a very stressful job she had a miscarriage and realised that there was more to life than working for money. Happily she is pregnant now and is 21 weeks as of the date of writing this blog post.  This book is written for anyone on the fertility journey not just TCM practitioners.

She came across this book and the messages in it along with the case studies of fertility acupuncture that were shared really made her think about her life and re-evaluate what was important.  So often I see ladies struggling with fertility who are working all hours in stressful jobs, and this has a massive detrimental effect on their fertility.

I think that the last two years with Covid has made lots of people look at their lives both working and family life and re-think what is important to them.

If you are struggling with fertility issues then I would recommend you buy this book, oh and also go and find an acupuncturist that specialises in fertility acupuncture.

The main things I learned from this book:

• Even though you are going through the fertility process try not to let it be your sole focus in life.
• Stop trying so hard – get back to enjoying life and sex (not just at ovulation time).
• Drink lots of water.
• Eat good food but most of all a good breakfast including fats, carbohydrates and protein.
• Rest! At least an hour a day of complete rest from everything- that could be reading, going for a walk, or sitting doing nothing. Whatever makes your mind and body rest.
• Find something that makes you happy – truly happy that makes your heart sing and do it.
• Most of all include your partner in these conversations and activities.
• Contrary to popular belief “fertility- it’s not just all about you ladies!”

You can find the book here on amazon.co.uk

Contact me to book your appointment today