Athlone Fertility Acupuncture

Athlone Fertility Acupuncture Diagnosing and treating infertility using Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine and Chinese Nutrition. Supporting Western treatment options such as IUI -IVF

I qualified to practise in 2006 with a Licentiate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. I then travelled to China to continue with post graduate training at the Zhejiang Medical University in Hangzhou, where I was awarded an Advanced Clinical Certificate in Chinese Medicine. Through the university, I gained extensive clinical experience during an internship at the Red Cross Hospital and the Acupuncture and Tuina Hospital. During this time I also worked in a Gynecology ward that specialised in fertility. In 2012 I completed a B.Sc (Hons) level course in Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tuina and Advanced Acupuncture at the College of Oriental Medicine. I established a clinic in Athlone in 2006 and I have been in professional practise for the last eighteen years. In 2010 I completed a one year teacher training in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, where I trained with Professor Mark Williams from the Oxford Mindfulness Institute and I am qualified to teach this both as an 8 week course or on a one to one basis. I have many years of experience as a meditation teacher and facilitating group meditations. Acupuncture supports fertility and IVF by enhancing blood flow to reproductive organs, regulating hormone levels, and reducing stress. Improved blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries creates a favorable environment for egg development and implantation. By balancing hormones, acupuncture helps regulate menstrual cycles and improve ovarian function, essential for fertility. It also reduces stress and anxiety, positively impacting fertility outcomes. In IVF, acupuncture before and after embryo transfer has been shown in clinical trials to improve implantation rates. Overall, acupuncture serves as a complementary therapy, potentially increasing the success rates of fertility treatments. Mindfulness meditation helps reduce stress which benefits fertility and is a helpful support for women dealing with fertility issues and IVF.

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) by addressing its underlying causes and s...
02/09/2024

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) by addressing its underlying causes and symptoms. PCOS is often linked to hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, and inflammation, which contribute to symptoms like irregular periods, infertility, weight gain, and acne.

Regulating Hormones:

Acupuncture helps regulate the endocrine system, promoting a balance in hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and androgens. This balance can help restore regular menstrual cycles and improve ovulation, increasing the chances of conception.

Improving Insulin Sensitivity:

PCOS is often associated with insulin resistance, leading to elevated insulin levels and weight gain. Acupuncture has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity, helping to manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes. It is important to minimise refined carbohydrates in the diet.

Reducing Stress and Inflammation:

Chronic stress and inflammation can exacerbate PCOS symptoms. Acupuncture promotes relaxation and reduces stress by regulating the nervous system, while also decreasing inflammation, which can alleviate symptoms like pain and acne.

Enhancing Blood Flow:

By improving blood flow to the ovaries and reproductive organs, acupuncture can support ovarian function and improve overall reproductive health.

Chinese medicine for fertility involves more than just acupuncture. During the first consultation, I will take a detaile...
26/08/2024

Chinese medicine for fertility involves more than just acupuncture. During the first consultation, I will take a detailed account of your diet and lifestyle choices. Once we identify the pattern of imbalance underlying the fertility issues, we can develop a fully individualized plan that includes dietary and lifestyle changes necessary to correct the imbalance.

These recommendations will vary for each person who visits the clinic. One common issue I often encounter is kidney qi deficiency, which means your energy reserves are depleted, similar to adrenal fatigue. A healthy amount of Jing energy in the kidneys is essential for creating new life. In this case, the advice would include ceasing all caffeine intake, getting more sleep and rest, avoiding over-exercising or overworking, eating cooked foods, ensuring good quality protein at every meal, and incorporating a practice like meditation.

Along with balancing hormones and increasing bloodflow to the uterus and ovaries, reducing stress is a major part of fer...
19/08/2024

Along with balancing hormones and increasing bloodflow to the uterus and ovaries, reducing stress is a major part of fertility treatment, especially for those who are going through a cycle of IVF.

In Chinese medicine it is considered important to have healthy Jing (our pure essence, the energy of life). Jing can be ...
29/07/2024

In Chinese medicine it is considered important to have healthy Jing (our pure essence, the energy of life). Jing can be nourished by foods such as seeds or eggs, as these contain the Jing for the animal and plant that is yet to grow. Flaxseed and Walnuts are both foods that have been traditionally used to nourish Jing. These are a great source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, which researchers have found to balance hormones, boost fertility and improve s***m quality.

I often use the Qi Jing Ba Mai, these are meridians that translate as marvelous, miraculous, unique, special, unusual or...
22/07/2024

I often use the Qi Jing Ba Mai, these are meridians that translate as marvelous, miraculous, unique, special, unusual or the extraordinary vessels, to highlight their difference from the 12 organ meridians, they can be used for psycho-emotional and spiritual issues but also for fertility.

The use of the 8 extraordinary vessels, particularly Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), in fertility treatments is significant in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) due to their unique roles in regulating reproductive functions and overall bodily health. Here's a detailed look at their importance:

Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)

Governing Reproductive Organs: Ren Mai runs along the midline of the body and is considered the sea of all Yin channels. It plays a critical role in regulating the uterus, ge****ls, and overall reproductive health.

Nourishing Yin and Blood: As a vessel associated with Yin energy, Ren Mai helps nourish the blood and fluids, which are essential for fertility. Balanced Yin energy supports the menstrual cycle, egg quality, and a conducive environment for conception.

Hormonal Regulation: Points along Ren Mai are used to balance the endocrine system, which is crucial for regulating menstrual cycles, ovulation, and overall hormonal health.

Emotional Well-being: Ren Mai is also connected to the Heart and Shen (spirit), aiding in emotional balance. Emotional stress can significantly impact fertility, so calming the Shen is beneficial.

Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel)

Blood and Qi Regulation: Chong Mai is known as the sea of blood and the sea of the 12 meridians. It plays a vital role in the distribution and regulation of blood and Qi throughout the body, which is crucial for a healthy reproductive system.

Connecting to the Uterus: This vessel has a direct connection to the uterus and helps in regulating menstrual blood flow. Proper functioning of the Chong Mai ensures a healthy endometrial lining, which is essential for implantation.

Strengthening Core Energy: Chong Mai is linked to the Kidney essence (Jing) and core energy reserves. Strong Kidney energy is fundamental for reproductive health, impacting everything from egg quality to sexual function.

Addressing Stagnation: By promoting the smooth flow of Qi and blood, Chong Mai helps address stagnation and blockages that can lead to issues like painful periods, irregular cycles, and infertility.

Combined Use in Fertility Treatments

Holistic Balance: Utilizing both Ren Mai and Chong Mai in treatments provides a comprehensive approach to balancing the body's internal environment. This includes harmonizing Yin and Yang, regulating blood and Qi, and ensuring emotional and physical well-being.

Acupuncture : Acupuncture points along these vessels, such as Ren-3, Ren-4, Ren-6, and points on the Chong Mai such as St-30, are often targeted to enhance fertility.

Regulating the menstrual cycle and ability to conceive is about the healthy balance between Yin and Yang energies so I also regularly use the Du Mai.

Du Mai's Role in Fertility

Regulating Yang Energy: Fertility requires a balanced interplay between Yin and Yang energies. While Ren Mai governs Yin aspects like nurturing and fluid balance, Du Mai governs Yang aspects, including warmth and activity. Adequate Yang energy is crucial for processes such as ovulation and s***m motility.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility is a complex process that involves balancing various energies within th...
22/07/2024

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility is a complex process that involves balancing various energies within the body. Yang energy, which is associated with warmth, activity, and growth, plays a crucial role in different stages of the menstrual cycle, including ovulation and implantation.

Ovulation Stage:

During ovulation, TCM practitioners often focus on nourishing and supporting Yang energy. This is because Yang energy helps to generate the warmth and activity needed for the release of the egg. Key aspects include:

Warming the Uterus: Yang energy is considered warm and activating. Ensuring the uterus is warm can help with the maturation and release of the egg.

Promoting Blood Flow: Adequate blood flow, which is influenced by Yang energy, is essential for delivering nutrients to the ovaries and ensuring the egg is healthy.

Post-Ovulation (Luteal Phase) and Implantation:

After ovulation, the focus may shift slightly to ensure that the conditions are optimal for implantation. During this phase, TCM still considers Yang energy important, but it also emphasizes the balance between Yang and Yin. Key strategies include:

Supporting Progesterone Production: Yang energy supports the luteal phase by promoting the production of progesterone, a hormone crucial for maintaining the uterine lining for implantation.

Balancing Yin and Yang: While Yang energy provides warmth and activity, Yin energy provides nourishment and cooling. A balance between these energies helps create a conducive environment for the embryo to implant and grow.

Acupuncture:

TCM treatments includes acupuncture points to nourish Yang energy and support fertility:

Acupuncture: Points such as Ren 4 (Guanyuan) and Du 4 (Mingmen) are often used to tonify Yang energy.

Diet and Lifestyle:

In addition to acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle recommendations can support Yang energy:

Diet: Warm foods and spices (e.g., ginger, cinnamon) are encouraged, while cold and raw foods are typically minimized.

Lifestyle: Keeping warm, avoiding cold environments, and managing stress are important to maintain Yang energy.

Ovulation pain is considered to be pathological in Chinese Medicine with an underlying pattern of imbalance that can be ...
15/07/2024

Ovulation pain is considered to be pathological in Chinese Medicine with an underlying pattern of imbalance that can be harmonised with acupuncture and changes in diet and lifestyle.

Jing is very important for fertility, conception and a healthy pregnancy, Jing can deplete with age, but we can also rep...
08/07/2024

Jing is very important for fertility, conception and a healthy pregnancy, Jing can deplete with age, but we can also replenish Jing with food, acupuncture and healthy lifestyle choices. Habits that deplete Jing would include skipping breakfast, drinking coffee and going to the gym, or using caffeine to be on the go all the time and not getting enough down time or quality sleep.

Acupuncture treatments for fertility are tailored to the menstrual cycle's phases to support hormone balance, blood flow...
03/07/2024

Acupuncture treatments for fertility are tailored to the menstrual cycle's phases to support hormone balance, blood flow, and reproductive health.

Menstrual Phase (Day 1–5): Acupuncture focuses on promoting blood circulation and ensuring smooth shedding of the uterine lining. Points like SP6 (Sanyinjiao) and LV3 (Taichong) may be used to regulate blood flow, relieve cramps, and support emotional balance, I also use the Ren Mai and Chong Mai here to reset and regulate the cycle.

Follicular Phase (Day 6–12): The goal is to nourish the body and stimulate follicle development. Points such as ST36 (Zusanli) and KD3 (Taixi) help boost kidney energy and blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, supporting a thick, healthy uterine lining.

Ovulation Phase (Day 13–16): Treatments during ovulation aim to improve blood flow to the uterus and aid egg release. UB23 (Shenshu) and CV4 (Guanyuan) are common points to support Yang energy. Moxa may be applied to warm the uterus, enhancing ovulation and preparing for implantation.

Luteal Phase (Day 17–28): Acupuncture supports progesterone levels and implantation. Points like DU20 (Baihui) and ST29 (Guilai) are used to calm the nervous system, enhance blood flow to the uterus, and stabilize it to prevent early miscarriage.

Each stage's acupuncture approach optimizes fertility potential.

Fertility acupuncture, TCM and the Femoral artery massage can help with blood flow to ovaries and uterus which can impr...
02/07/2024

Fertility acupuncture, TCM and the Femoral artery massage can help with blood flow to ovaries and uterus which can improve egg quality. Acupuncture and dietary advice can help with inflammation, gut health and liver detoxification.

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6 Garden Vale
Athlone

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+353868334320

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