Over recent years acupuncture has begun to feature more prominently in mainstream healthcare in the UK, particularly as a support mechanism to fertility.
Acupuncture has been used in many Eastern cultures for countless centuries and is a long established component, in particular, in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is used as a primary source of preventative medicine and treatment to support male and female reproductive health generally. It is also used to treat specific gynaecological concerns such as endemetriosis, dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, uterine fibroids and PCOS.
Though there is a growing body of scientific research into its uses, there is, however, little data that conforms to the usual Western medical standards of large scale, double-blind, randomised controlled trials on the human population and, as a result, its efficacy must still be considered to be largely unproven scientifically. All of the references to research made within the paragraphs below need, therefore, to be seen in that context.
Despite this, we remain strong supporters of its use as part of a co-ordinated approach to promoting the best possible levels of reproductive health.
Research suggests, for example, that underlying conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Endometriosis and irregular cycles may be treated with acupuncture. It may also be good for relieving stress (which isn’t good for fertility) as well as balancing female hormones (hormonal imbalance is a frequent contributor to fertility problems) and boosting the flow of blood to the reproductive organs. It may also help with male fertility issues too.
Personally developed by Zita West, all the Clinic's acupuncture protocols incorporate a five element approach (which can help on an emotional level), integrated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Based on her early experiences as the pioneer of acupuncture in the NHS, Zita is widely regarded as an authority on all aspects of its use in relation to fertility and pregnancy and all the Clinic's practitioners are trained in her techniques.