At any stage of life, women tend to face a unique set of health challenges. Our experience in this area and our natural approaches may play a vital role in managing a vast array of female health issues.

The menstrual cycle in particular, may cause physical and emotional discomfort for women of all ages. Acupuncture may be employed to reduce period pain and heaviness, as well as irritability and fatigue, irregularity, Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and Endometriosis. [9]

Beyond the menstrual years, menopause may bring a whole new set of challenges. From hot flushes to mood swings and weight fluctuations, the support of a caring acupuncture practitioner may make a vital difference to every aspect of your wellbeing during this period of adjustment.

Women’s health and menstrual disorders - the menstrual cycle in particular may cause physical and emotional discomfort for women of all ages. Acupuncture may be employed to reduce period pain and heaviness, as well as irritability and fatigue, irregularity, Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and Endometriosis. [9]

[9]. Yang Xu et al, PLoS ONE, Oct 2017 12(10): e0186616. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0186616

For couples trying and struggling to conceive, stress may often be a critical factor. Ongoing feelings of stress may trigger the release of hormones and chemicals in the body that negatively impact a women’s fertility, and may lead to reduced sperm count and quality in men. The calming effect of acupuncture may therefore support natural conception by reducing stress, and thus its impact on the body and fertility. [5]

[5]. Lynch C et al, Hum. Reprod. May 2014 29 (5): 1067-1075.

‘Preparing the soil before planting the seed’ is a fundamental belief held by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. At Ash Gordon Acupuncture we have the distinct skills and necessary sensitivity to support both male and female parents before, during and after pregnancy. Our focus on fertility, IVF and the experience of pregnancy is not merely limited to physical and herbal treatments.

Trusted by practitioners for thousands of years, acupuncture improves the body’s blood and energy flow [1]. In turn, it may be used to target specific areas, promoting healing, pain relief and relaxation. With experience and knowledge of traditional and contemporary techniques, our evidence-based practices will revitalise your body, mind and spirit.

Acupuncture may yield crucial benefits throughout the IVF process. For men, it may improve sperm count and quality [6]. For women, we recommend consistent treatments during the two to three months prior to entering an IVF cycle. It is at this stage that acupuncture provides optimal benefits, and an excellent base to build on for subsequent pre and post-transfer sessions. [7]

[6]. Yan Yu et al, Acu Med BMJ, Mar 2019 37(1): 3-15 [7]. Cochrane S et al, Evid Based Comp and Alt Med, 2016, Article ID 3587569, 11 pages

In the latter stages of pregnancy, acupuncture may be used for a variety of outcomes. By undertaking regular sessions from the 36-week mark, a pregnant woman may experience improved blood circulation to the specific areas required, relaxed pelvic and cervical muscles in preparation for labour, and a more rapid replenishment of any blood lost during birth itself. And another little known fact? Acupuncture may actually be used to help induce labour if your new arrival is running late! [8]

[8]. Neri I et al, Jnl Acup Merid Studies, Oct 2018, 11(5): 332-336

After giving birth, maintaining the wellbeing of both mother and baby remains paramount. In our experience acupuncture and Chinese herbs may boost energy levels, reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality and increase

Hormone imbalances – thyroid (over- & under-active), pituitary and other endocrine dysfunctions, menopause (hot flushes, mood swings, weight fluctuations)

Problems with the gut may often mean prolonged periods of discomfort. Acupuncture has proven itself as an effective adjunct treatment for the many acute and chronic conditions that may impact on your digestion.

From IBS to Crohn’s disease, reflux, bloating, indigestion and issues with appetite, acupuncture aims to restore balance within the digestive system. By nourishing vital organs, reducing stomach inflammation, speeding up the metabolism and returning stomach acidity to normal levels, painful symptoms might be alleviated.

What’s more, Chinese Medicine has the potential to identify the underlying causes of gut problems, equipping clients with the knowledge needed to take further steps towards maintaining a healthier digestive system in the long-term.

In our clinical experience, and in conjunction with continual research into these conditions blood flow is essential for the transportation of ‘feel-good’ hormones around the body. Improved or increased blood flow may cause muscles to relax, reduce the feelings and impact on the body of stress and anxiety, while generally lifting your mood.

Our lives lend themselves to varying degree of stress. External stressors are hard to alleviate, however, altering how the body perceives those stressors and their affect on the body’s “fight and flight” response, is crucial to regulation.

In our clinical experience, we have found acupuncture to be beneficial relating to sleep disturbances (difficulties falling and staying asleep) and insomnia and, anxiety, PTSD and the continual “stress” which our bodies are exposed to.

McDonald J, Janz S., The Acupuncture Evidence Project; A Comparative Literature Review (Revised edition), 2017, Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd; http://www.acupuncture.org.au

By developing a thorough understanding of your situation and any health issues you may be facing, we make informed recommendations on the best combination of approaches to ensure your desired outcomes.