Surrey Acupuncture

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“I'm in no doubt that Paul and his treatment were instrumental in the success of my IVF.”

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine are increasingly being used in the area of infertility and in vitro fertilization (IVF). A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2008 concluded that when combined with IVF, 'acupuncture increased the odds of clinical pregnancy by 65%". Paul belongs to the Acupuncture Fertility Network, a professional body dedicated to supporting men and women with fertility-related problems.


Infertility

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine can be used to increase natural fertility where there is an obvious functional problem such as irregular periods, insufficient cervical mucous, a thin womb lining or sperm clumping.

Acupuncture can also help in cases of ‘unexplained’ infertility, where there is no obvious functional problem. Frequently stress, anxiety or emotional issues can be a causative factor in the lack of fertility. As Acupuncture regulates the body’s nervous system it can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs and help stabilize hormone levels.

IVF

Acupuncture is increasingly being used as an adjunct to modern fertility treatments. Preparation for IVF is best begun a few months prior to implantation in order to make the uterus as receptive as possible. However, treatment just a few weeks beforehand could also make a difference.

Hard evidence on the efficacy of combining acupuncture with IVF has been growing. A German study done in 2002 showed that of the 80 women who underwent IVF and received Acupuncture, 34 women got pregnant, a success rate of 42.5%. Of the 80 women involved in the study who received IVF without any Acupuncture treatments, only 21 women (26.3%) became pregnant. This means that the chance of the IVF being successful was increased by 50% in the group combining Acupuncture with IVF. To read about this study at BBC News, click here. A recent systematic review in the British Medical Journal concluded that the true figure was probably closer to a 65% increase in success rates. to read this article in its entirety, click here

The NHS News website concluded that this "systematic review is the strongest research method because it reduces the possibility that the effects are due to bias or chance. Complementary medicine needs more reviews like this". To read their report, click here.

After conception no further treatment is required unless there is an obvious condition to be treated. Drug therapy should be avoided as far as possible whilst pregnant, as many drugs cross the placental wall. Conditions such as cystitis, hay fever, sciatica and backache can be controlled by Acupuncture during pregnancy, thus avoiding the need for conventional medication.

Testimonials

“I feel extremely lucky to have found Paul. I embarked on acupuncture treatment with him 4 weeks before my IVF treatment and it paid off! I'm now 8 weeks pregnant.

Paul was calm, reassuring, positive and knowledgeable about the benefits and treatment, which is most encouraging. My time with him every week was a great time to relax and think positively about the process and Paul creates an environment that allows you to do that.

I'm in no doubt that Paul and his treatment were instrumental in the success of my IVF.”

Fiona, 37

"I started seeing Paul in January 2006 after trying to conceive for several years. I have had 2 miscarriages and I had been receiving treatment for both from a Consultant practicing Western fertility treatment.

We had resigned ourselves to IVF when my own research led me to to acupunture and TCM as several studies have confirmed its success in increasing success rates during IVF. I think Paul was the first person during my quest to have a baby who made me feel like he could really help me and he seemed in no doubt he would not only help me to conceive before or during IVF but carry a successful pregnancy.

In March this year two weeks before starting IVF I found I was pregnant after a year of trying since my last miscarriage. Paul has been treating me throughout my pregnancy and I feel amazing. I am in no doubt that this is due to his ongoing care and positive mental attitude. My hospital consultant (2nd most successful live birth rate in the UK) always uses acupuncture during treatment.

I would have no hesitation in recommending Paul as he can not only help you to conceive but make you feel less stressed about trying!"

Jo, 35, Investment Management Director

“My first consultation with Paul was based on a recommendation made by another couple who had had difficulty conceiving their first baby. They strongly believed acupuncture and Paul's calm manner had helped them immensely. As anyone who is struggling to conceive will know, a recommendation like this makes you feel like there is hope and that you too can overcome infertility.

From the first time I met Paul I was made to feel at ease with his professional manner. He took a detailed history and did not just focus on the infertility but on me as a whole person, something Western medicine does not do. I was also being seen by a consultant who had diagnosed polycystic ovarian syndrome which was the main reason for my infertility and my irregular, painful menstrual cycle. Within three months of acupuncture my cycles were more regular and I was not reaching for painkillers at all! The treatment helped me relax and gave me a positive focus.

My husband and I decided to try IVF as advised by our consultant; both my GP and the IVF clinic I went to were in favour of acupuncture being used in conjunction with IVF. I had done a lot of research and was encouraged by how acupuncture was found to increase the percentage of successful cycles. Paul saw me throughout the cycle and I had treatment pre and post embryo transfer.

I was over the moon as you can imagine when I had a positive pregnancy test after just one cycle of IVF. I am now looking forward to the arrival of our first precious child and I am truly grateful to have found Paul and for the treatment he gave me and could give you.”

Ali, midwife, 33

"Having conceived my son very quickly, I assumed that falling pregnant for a second time would also be straightforward. But as the months ticked by and it just didn’t happen, I became increasingly stressed about the situation and this anxiety was compounded by my concern that these very feelings were making it even harder for me to conceive. I felt that I was caught in a vicious circle which was becoming all-consuming. I knew how lucky I was to already have a healthy son, but I desperately wanted another child and the more time went by, the more obsessed I became.

It was at this point that I began acupuncture sessions with Paul in a bid to regain a sense of perspective and to try to relax about it all. I was immediately struck by Paul’s reassuring, calming manner; he was very understanding and supportive and I felt a great sense of relief to be doing something to address the situation I was in .The treatment was very relaxing and left me feeling serene and back in control of my feelings. Then, much to my amazement and absolute delight, I discovered I was pregnant after only 3 weekly sessions. It felt as though Paul had waved a magic wand - I’m in no doubt that his skill was central to my body relaxing and rejuvenating itself and I cannot recommend him highly enough."

Vicky, 32, housewife

“I first experienced acupuncture after I had been trying for a year to conceive my first baby. When my husband and I decided we felt ready to start our family we had hoped it would happen very quickly. I was fortunate to fall pregnant in the first month of trying, but sadly miscarried. After a further year of trying with out success I started to research more into the routes we could take in our desire to have children. Having had blood tests done and my tubes checked and my husbands sperm count checked, all of which came back fine, we decided to give acupuncture a go.

After spending some time searching online I came across Paul's website and immediately booked an appointment to see him. Within a couple of sessions of acupuncture with Paul I immediately felt more relaxed and able to deal with trying to conceive better than I was. I just felt better and more confident we would have a family. My cycle improved, as did my mood swings and energy levels. Within 3 months of having acupuncture I fell pregnant, and I honestly believe that acupuncture really helped me fall pregnant. I now have a beautiful daughter and the joy she brings is just amazing.

After 4 months of trying to conceive our second child I was delighted to fall pregnant, sadly this pregnancy ended in miscarriage. I immediately called Paul for acupuncture and felt better after one session. My heavy periods and short cycles also improved and within 2 months I was pregnant again. I am now 23 weeks pregnant with my second child and recommend acupuncture to anyone who is having problems conceiving. It helps to make you feel better, gives you more energy and sort problem cycles out.

I highly recommend Paul, who is very calm and positive and makes you feel more positive yourself.”

Jo, 34, Accountant