Fertility

Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment for fertility, and some people find it helpful whether they are trying to conceive naturally or through assisted methods like IVF.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine practice that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow and promote healing.

How Acupuncture May Support Fertility:

Though scientific evidence is still developing, here are the commonly suggested ways acupuncture might help with fertility:

For Women:

  • Regulates menstrual cycles
  • Improves blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  • Supports ovulation and egg quality
  • Reduces stress and anxiety, which can impact hormones
  • Helps with hormonal balance (e.g., in PCOS or irregular periods)
  • Enhances success of IVF or IUI treatments
    • Studies suggest acupuncture before/after embryo transfer may improve outcomes.

For Men:

  • Improves sperm quality and motility
  • Reduces stress, which can affect testosterone and sperm count

What Does the Research Say?

  • Studies have shown positive effects on fertility outcomes, especially in combination with Western treatments like IVF.
  • Acupuncture is considered safe when done by a qualified practitioner.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind:

  • Always use a registered, experienced acupuncturist who has experience with fertility support.
  • It’s not a “magic cure,” but many find it helpful as part of a broader fertility plan.
  • It may take several sessions over weeks/months to see potential effects.

Would you like a breakdown of how many sessions are typically recommended or how it can be timed with a menstrual or IVF cycle?

  • Lynda recommends weekly treatments.
  • If this is not possible we will work on a treatment plan that will suit you, mindful of your time and finances.
  • Weekly treatments work as they coincide with the changes in your menstrual cycle.
  • A treatment is needed before and after embryo transfer.

Cupping

Cupping

 

Cupping is a form of alternative therapy that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to help with various health issues, primarily related to pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and overall well-being. It’s also sometimes used as a type of deep-tissue massage.

 

Types of Cupping:

  1. Dry cupping: Suction only — no blood is drawn.
  2. Wet cupping: Involves suction followed by small incisions on the skin to draw out a small amount of blood.
  3. Fire cupping: A flame is briefly used to heat the inside of the cup before placing it on the skin, creating suction as the air cools.

 

What It’s Used For:

  • Pain relief (back, neck, shoulders, joints)
  • Muscle relaxation
  • Improved circulation
  • Reducing inflammation
  • Relief from headaches or migraines
  • Reducing anxiety and stress
  • Boosting immunity
  • Sports recovery (many athletes use it, e.g., Michael Phelps)

 

⚠️ Possible Side Effects:

  • Bruising (from suction)
  • Skin irritation
  • Mild soreness

 

It’s often used as a complementary therapy rather than a replacement for traditional medical treatments such as acupuncture.

Make a booking online for dry cupping in Lynda’s practice.