Neil Kingham

Using acupuncture alongside IVF is becoming quite common, and there has been a great deal of research on this topic in the past few years which indicates that acupuncture increases the chances of a successful IVF cycle by 40-50%.

Beginning before the IVF cycle and continuing through to childbirth where necessary, acupuncture improves ovarian function, leading to larger numbers of better quality eggs, regulates the hormonal system, nourishes the uterus and foetus to help prevent miscarriage, and reduces stress and anxiety.

The treatment works in two ways – by following along with the IVF process to enhance each stage of the procedure, and also by helping you to deal with any side effects of the drugs, and by reducing stress and helping with any other health problems that occur along the way.

So, as well as the increased chance of a successful IVF cycle and subsequent birth, women who have acupuncture treatment also feel happier, more positive and more relaxed during the process. In my practice, women tell me that they have greatly enjoyed the acupuncture, and found that it has really helped them through what is normally a very stressful time.

Acupuncture treatment should normally be weekly throughout the IVF process, and ideally should start slightly before you start the IVF. For women who are needle-phobic it is also possible to use acupressure and tui na techniques during IVF in a similar way to acupuncture.

If part of you is dreading the approach of late Spring, and the pollen it will bring, acupuncture may hold the answer.

Chinese medicine provides an effective and side-effect free alternative for treatment of hay fever, which has been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) who say that “In controlled studies, it has been shown that acupuncture is more effective than antihistamine drugs in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Acupuncture’s lack of side-effects is a distinct advantage in treating this condition…”

Acupuncture works by regulating the immune system and reducing histamine production and can help to deal with the symptoms at the same time. Acupuncture and/or tui na massage are very effective treatments for hay fever, and can also be combined with nutritional advice where appropriate. For best results treatment should begin before the hay fever season starts, ideally at around 6 weeks before symptoms normally begin.

Hay Fever, or ‘seasonal allergic rhinitis’ is an allergic reaction to an airborne substance such as grass or tree pollen, chemicals or dust particles. It is caused by an over-sensitive immune system which produces histamine in response to the inhaled particles. This causes the characteristic itching, sore eyes, mucus, sneezing and so on.

Conventional treatment involves taking anti-histamines, corticosteroids, or the newer Leukotriene receptor antagonists. This can be effective, but often causes side-effects, which can be serious, and does not offer a long-term solution to the problem.

In Chinese medicine terms, hay fever is normally seen as an imbalance of the Wei Qi which is the defensive energy of the body, under control of the Lungs. As a chronic condition, other organs are normally involved, sometimes the Kidneys. Chinese Medicine is able to get at the root cause of the Hay Fever, and repeated treatment has a cumulative effect, lessening symptoms year on year.

For more information about the authors UK practice visit Bristol Acupuncture & Tui Na

Moxibustion refers to the burning of Chinese Mugwort (or Moxa) – normally as an accompanyment to acupuncture or tui na in order to provide a gentle source of heat. It can be used as a way of stimulating acupoints, or used to warm a whole area.

There are a few ways of using moxa – it can be attached to the end of an acupuncture needle, or made into a cone which is then placed onto the body on top of a protective medium such as a slice of ginger or layer or salt (depending on the desired outcome) or a moxa stick is used. A moxa stick is a tube of densely packed moxa which is lit at one end and then brought near to the effected area to warm it up.

Moxibustion has the effect of stimulating circulation and healing, warming the body and dispelling Cold. It is especially useful for people and conditions which are worse in the cold and respond well to heat. It is commonly used for pain, infertility, and weakness or lack of energy. It is also used during pregnancy for breech presentation and is an essential component in many of the traditional techniques for health maintenance. It is very pleasant and relaxing to receive.

Many of the ancient doctors recommended moxa on points such as Ren4 or Ren6 (the Dan Tien) or St36 (leg 3 miles) in order to ‘nourish life’, prevent ageing and increase longevity. Regular use of moxa on points such as these was seen to have a qi-enhancing and life-preserving nature and was performed routinely after the age of around 30. I find these practices extremely useful, but unfortunately they are rarely performed these days, even by acupuncturists.

All acupuncturists and most tui na therapists will be trained in the use of moxibustion. Moxa sticks are also suitable for home use, provided you have been shown the correct technique.

The effect of acupuncture in easing hot flushes and night sweats associated with the menopause has already been proved, but now a new study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology shows acupuncture to be effective in the treatment of hot flushes that occur as the side-effect of breast cancer treatment.

The study shows acupuncture is as effective as drug therapy with Effexor (venlafaxine) at easing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, but it also improved sex drive, energy levels, and clarity of thought.

Researcher Eleanor Walker, MD, of the department of radiation oncology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, says “Acupuncture offers patients a safe, effective and durable treatment option for hot flashes, something that affects the majority of breast cancer survivors. Compared to drug therapy, acupuncture actually has benefits, as opposed to more side effects.”

The study followed 50 breast cancer patients who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or drug treatment for 12 weeks. They were then surveyed for one year. Both groups experienced a 50% decline in hot flushes and symptoms of depression, but the acupuncture treatment appeared to have more lasting effects with fewer side effects.

There were 18 instances of negative side effects in the drug group including nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, and anxiety, but no side effects reported among the acupuncture group. Patients in the acupuncture group also reported improvements in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being.

In Chinese medical thought, hot flashes and night sweats are normally associated with a deficiency of Yin. This tends to occur with menopausal women, and Yin can also be damaged by some drugs, including Effexor.

Acupuncture and other disciplines within Chinese medicine can help to control hot flushes, reduce night sweats and improve overall health and well-being.