Labour preparation and induction

As you get closer to the end of your trimester, we begin to prepare the body for labour. Before we embark on why acupuncture is important in the preparation of labour and/or induction, if your baby is in breech or transverse position, acupuncture and moxabustion is very effective in turning the baby . There is a caveat. As soon as you find out that your baby is in breech, which should be around 34 weeks, the better the outcome. The later you seek acupuncture to help rotate the baby, say around 36-38 weeks, the success rate would be reduced. Having said that, I have assisted women in 36-37 weeks to rotate the baby successfully. It really depends on the individual.

Now, back to the topic of labour preparation and induction. I always advised my patients that had gone through fertility treatment with me to return back to acupuncture at 36 weeks onward to prepare the body for labour. Labour preparation is important because it helps prime the body and mind to the last stage of pregnancy. In addition, it also assist in a smooth transition from contractions to active labour and, the delivery of the placenta.

At the initial stage (36-38 weeks), gentle acupuncture points are used to relax the body and mine and, reduce and manage symptoms such as tiredness, reflux, insomnia, stress and anxiety. It can also gently coax the baby to optimal birthing position (if it is not) which is occiput anterior (OA) or anterior baby which means head down with baby spine positioned against your belly. As we get closer to the due date, which is roughly around 39 to 40 weeks, stronger acupuncture points are used to directs Qi downwards and to open the cervix. The frequency of treatments may be increased from weekly to two treatments in a week depending on how active the contractions are or if there are none at all. In my clinical experience, labour preparation at 36 weeks is the best way to assist in this transitioning process. However, any time between 36-40 weeks is a good time to come in for some acupuncture treatments.

I have also treated pregnant women that normally comes in close to their due date, in hope to have a natural birth instead of being induced. I even had one that saw me the day before her induction date. Needless to say, she went into labour later in night after the treatment. It is important to stress that medical induction is not a bad thing. Yes, we hope for a natural birth but the safety of both you and the baby is also very important. Acupuncture can help in may ways to bring on contractions and labour, but it is not 100% guaranteed. However, there is no harm in trying something that can encourage the body to transition into the labour process.

If you have been wondering what you can do to help with your last stage of pregnancy and to prepare for labour, acupuncture is worth the consideration. It is a safe intervention for both mother and baby. You can book a treatment via ONLINE or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to drop me a message. I will be more than happy to help where I can.

acupuncture can assist in freezing embryos

Freezing embryos is increasingly popular among women aged 25-40 to preserve reproductive potential. Chinese medicine highlights changes in the reproductive cycle every 7 years. Peak fertility occurs between 21 and 30 years old, with good embryo quality and ample reserves. Age affects embryo quality and reproductive reserves with older women have higher risks of miscarriages and chromosomal abnormalities. Decline in embryo quality starts at 30 years old and accelerates after 35 years old. Therefore, storing healthy young embryos early is something to consider. This proactive approach mitigates age-related fertility decline and increases chances of successful conception later on.

In my clinical practice, I have helped numerous patients seeking to freeze their eggs.  Their objectives was to increase the number of embryos that are viable for future use.  In this respect, acupuncture and herbal medicine can play a vital role in assisting with this process.

How can acupuncture and Chinese medicine plays a part in this?

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can bring more blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. This increased blood flow can have a positive impact on the quality of the embryos. By nourishing these reproductive organs, acupuncture and herbal medicine help create an optimal environment for embryo development. The enhanced blood flow contributes to improved hormone regulation and ovarian function, all of which are crucial for successful embryo collection. Through their combined effects, acupuncture and herbal medicine offer a holistic approach to fertility enhancement, promoting a higher chance of successful embryo collection.

What do you look at or target during treatments?

Three main Organs that help reproductive functions in Chinese medicine are Liver, Spleen and Kidneys.  These three Organs supports each of their individual functions.  In a nutshell,

• The Liver acts as a traffic controller, directing and regulating the flow of energy throughout the body. It plays a crucial role in determining where this vital energy, known as Qi, should go. However, when stress starts to creep in, it can take a toll on the Liver's ability to facilitate the smooth movement of Qi. This can have a cascading effect on various bodily functions. One area that can be particularly affected is reproductive health. The proper flow of Qi is vital for optimal blood circulation to the reproductive organs, ensuring they receive the necessary support for the production of good quality and quantity of embryos. Unfortunately, stress disrupts this flow, inhibiting the passage of blood and impairing reproductive function.

• In addition to reproductive health, stress can also hinder the smooth flow of Qi to the digestive system, which is primarily regulated by the Spleen. The Spleen plays a vital role in breaking down and absorbing nutrients from food, allowing the body to properly nourish itself. However, when stress interferes with the flow of Qi to the digestive system, it can disrupt this vital function, leading to digestive issues and imbalances. Therefore, it's crucial to address and manage stress levels to ensure the optimal functioning of the Liver and its role in directing the flow of Qi throughout the body. By doing so, we can help maintain a harmonious balance within the reproductive and digestive systems, promoting overall well-being and vitality.

• The Kidneys, known as our vital storehouse, play a fundamental role in preserving and harnessing our inherited vitality from our parents. Moreover, they rely on the Spleen for transforming and transporting essential nutrients throughout the body. With this combined effort, the Kidneys are able to provide us with that much-needed surge of energy when it matters most, especially as we face the inevitable effects of aging. However, it is crucial to be mindful of lifestyles that can exhaust this valuable storehouse. Balancing and managing stressful lifestyles and prioritizing rest, are all vital to preserving the integrity of our Kidney storehouse. Failing to do so may result in a depletion of this energy reservoir, thereby compromising the Kidneys' ability to support the production of healthy embryos.

How can acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help restore these Organs?

Acupuncture and herbal medicine can assist in

• Moderating and reducing stress – calm the Liver to promote smooth flow of Qi and Blood to the ovaries and uterus

• Optimise the digestive and gut function – strengthen the Spleen function for the transformation and transportation of vital nutrients to the reproductive organs

• Strengthening and fortifying the storehouse – improve the function of the Kidneys Qi to assist in the production of good quality embryos

How long is a course of treatment?

Ideally, three months acupuncture sessions are recommended to have a bigger impact on the quantity and quality of the embryos.  This allows the time to enhance, rectify and rejuvenate areas that may obstruct the chances of getting good quality embryos. 

However, if you have only a month left before you start your egg collection journey, acupuncture can have some influence on it.  In this instant, frequent sessions are recommended to boost the body’s function and to address other factors such as stress, sleep, digestion and gut, etc.

Where do I go from here?

At Eastential Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Melbourne, I support women throughout their fertility journeys. I can provide personalized treatment plans using acupuncture and herbal medicine to optimize the chances of successful embryo freezing. If you're considering freezing your embryos or have any concerns about your fertility, I encourage you to reach out to our clinic for a consultation. Simply BOOK ONLINE and we will take it from there.

Fertility with Acupuncture and Chinese medicine - What to expect

Ever wondered when is the best time to start acupuncture and herbal medicine for fertility?  Have you been sitting on the fence not sure if this is the right approach for you?  Here are some of the common questions I get asked often in clinic which I hope answers some of questions about utilising acupuncture and Chinese medicine as part of your fertility journey

What should I expect in my first consultation?

You will be asked questions in detail about your menstrual cycle and general well-being.  This allows me to see a whole picture of where your body is at from Chinese medicine perspective.  I will take a look at your tongue and take your pulse.  Tongue and pulse are used in Chinese medicine to inform me about what is going on internally.  Then acupuncture is given as part of the consultation and, herbal medicine is prescribed.

What does a course of treatment look like?

Natural conception

Normally it would take a minimum of three months to improve fertility outcomes.  However, it all depends on a case by case basis.  In general, if your cycle is regular and general health is good, then a minimum of three months is required for pre-conception health.  If your cycle is irregular, older in age, highly stressful, poor gut health or there are menstrual issues such as PCOS or Endometriosis it may take up to 6 months for a desirable outcome.

IVF and freezing eggs

Similarly to the above, it is highly recommended to start acupuncture and herbal medicine at least three months prior to starting IVF.  While preparing your body for IVF, it is encouraged to continue to try naturally and in some instances, patient do fall pregnant un-expectedly.  Regular acupuncture sessions is encouraged while you go through IVF cycles.  Each phases of IVF comes with different set of challenges.  Acupuncture can address these issues and also improve the outcome.  This also applies to women looking into freezing their eggs for future use.

Multiple miscarriages

While miscarriages are heartbreaking and sometimes unexplainable, acupuncture and Chinese medicine can improve the outcome of pregnancy and prevent further miscarriages.  By looking at your overall and menstrual health, certain details can be identified according to Chinese medicine diagnosis.  Course of treatment can range between three to six months for a positive outcome. I would encourage women that have been through multiple miscarriages to seek treatment as early as possible. The more often this occurs, the weaker the body becomes. Therefore, the more strengthening and re-balancing the body will required to have a successful pregnancy.

PCOS and Endometriosis

Women enduring with PCOS and Endometriosis understands the struggle to menstrual health and the challenge in trying to conceive.  Each condition is different and based on individual menstrual condition, different treatment course are advised.  In general, PCOS and Endometriosis will need a lot of work to re-balance the body with will take at least six months.  If you have mild PCOS or Endometriosis, the course of treatment would be less extensive.  However, in my clinical experience, it is challenging to maintain a regular and healthy cycle conducive for pregnancy but not necessarily impossible. It does require patience and time to re-calibrate the body.

Low sperm count and poor quality sperm

Increasingly, low sperm count and poor quality sperm is the cause of failed pregnancies and miscarriages.  Sperm health is equally as important as menstrual health.  Depending on the degree of the sperm quality and quantity, a minimum of three to six months is needed to improve a positive outcome. I do not often see men in the clinic for this condition however, the few that had come in for treatments has have a positive outcome. It goes to show that by encouraging men to take responsibility in their health, and to seek help when there is an issue early on can make the fertility journey less challenging and heartbreaking.

Can I just do acupuncture without herbal medicine?

My recommendation is to do both acupuncture and herbal medicine together.  In my clinical experience, having both modality yields better result.  However, there are circumstances that only acupuncture is recommended for example if you are on a long list of supplements and medications from your doctor has prescribed and, you are currently undergoing IVF (generally specialist would not recommend any herbal medicine during IVF to minimise any interactions with the drugs prescribed).  My approach is not to overload the body with too many herbs, medications and supplements.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe to use?

Yes it is.  The powdered herbs I use in my clinic have been tested for toxicity and it is a well-known brand from Taiwan that have been providing powdered herbs for many years.  It is also approved by the Therapeutic Goods of Australia (TGA). Initially you may find the taste a bit ‘interesting’ but you do get used to the taste after a few rounds of it.  I used powdered herbs in my clinic which makes it convenient to adapt into your lifestyle.  It is as simple as adding hot water to a couple of teaspoons of powdered herbs.

Is acupuncture painful?

Head to this link on what to expect for acupuncture

Why a course of treatment takes between three to six months or longer?

It takes time.  Depending on your menstrual and general health, it takes time to re-balance, replenish and strengthen your body to hold and carry your pregnancy to term. I work on regulating your cycle, making sure that the consistency of blood is good, the amount of bleed is neither too heavy of light etc. If the issue is with the sperm, I work on increasing the quantity, morphology and motility of the sperm. In addition, treatments are also aimed at reducing stress, optimising your digestive and gut function and improve your energy and quality of sleep. All of these parameters have a role to play in having a positive and successful pregnancy. “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished” - Lao Tzu

How would know it is benefiting me?

You will start to noticed that you are less stressful, sleeping more soundly, improvements in gut and digestive health, regulated cycles with good quality and quantity of blood, increase in cervical mucous (stretchy egg white mucous that indicates ovulation) less pre-menstrual symptoms, cramps etc.  All these changes are tell-tale signs that the body is re-calibrating and improving the chances of falling pregnant.

What happens after I fall pregnant?

This would be a wonderful outcome and a new journey begins.  Acupuncture and herbal medicine is still encouraged after a positive result with treatments now geared towards securing and supporting the pregnancy.  As you go through each week of the pregnancy, acupuncture and herbal medicine can assist in symptoms that may arise during pregnancy such as nausea, lower back pain, spotting etc.  As the week advances, everything from your blood test to scans showing the baby is growing strongly and, most importantly you feel confident with the pregnancy, treatments are no longer needed. However, during the course of your pregnancy if you feel that you need support, I am here to assist you whenever you need it.

When should I start?

My recommendation is to start as soon as possible if you know you are wanting to start a family or have been struggling to fall pregnant.  Simply book online for an initial consultation today and we will begin your fertility journey.

Fertility series - Five Key Aspects from Chinese medicine perspective for Preconception Health

When you and your partner decides on when to start trying to have a baby, it is good to have an idea of your partner's and your health in check.  Here are 5 important aspects from Chinese medicine perspective for preconception health:

Cycle, Ovulation & Fertile mucous - It is important that your cycle is regular and there are signs of ovulation.  The appearance of substantial fertile mucous that is clear and stretchy resembling an egg white consistency preceding ovulation is an indication of your "peak day".  Fertile mucous acts like an alarm, alerting you to your most fertile days and, it facilitate the sperm's journey up the cervix aimed at getting these sperm inside the female reproductive tract well before the egg is released.  The egg is one of the shortest lived single cell in the body, its lifespan only last between 6 to 12 hours.  A simple tool such as a fertility app can help you monitor your cycle and body temperature to determine when ovulation occurs.  It also indicate your most fertile phase for intercourse and it keeps a log of your physical and mental health symptoms.

Emotions and mental health - Anxiety, depression or fear can affect your reproductive health.  In Chinese medicine, there is a connection between the Heart (Mental/Emotions) and the Kidney (Uterus).  It is said that when the Heart is happy, peaceful and tranquil, the function of the uterus would be harmonised.  Meaning ovulation would occur at the right time and the cycle is regulated.  Emotional well being and mental health is important to your partner as well.  This will impact on his sexual function and his ability to enjoy the journey with you.  Not only do you need to work on your physical health, emotional and mental health is equally as important in preconception health.

Nutrition and Nourishment - How you fuel your body can either enhance or deteriorate the function of your body.  Food influence your well-being, weight, energy levels and how you feel from a day to day basis.  By understanding that food is medicine that provides nutrition for your body, you can begin to nourish your body by changing the way you connect with food.  From a Chinese medicine perspective, we are encouraged to consume warm cooked meals and to stay away from cold and raw foods such as smoothies, cold and raw salads, poke bowls, protein shakes, and ice-cream.  Greasy, deep fried food, junk food, and overly spicy food are discouraged and the consumption of alcohol should be limited and cold beverages should be avoided.  This general principle is applied for preconception health.  It helps to keep the stomach and womb warm and well nourished, an important aspect in increasing the success rate of natural conception.

Lifestyle - Stress!  Most common issue that I constantly hear about during preconception consultation in my clinic.  In Chinese medicine, stress can cause Qi stagnation.  When Qi does not flow harmoniously, it disrupt the balance of Yin and Yang in the body.  Therefore, hindering the energetic Organs of the Liver, Spleen, Heart and Kidneys that aid in reproductive matters, to work on coping with stress rather than on conception affairs.  Begin by addressing what is the source of your stress, than take steps to either minimise or find strategies to manage that stress for example, reducing work load responsibilities, practice meditation or yoga, etc.  By tweaking and adjusting your lifestyle now will help you and your partner have a higher success rate in conceiving naturally.

Sexual function - Check in with each other.  Is there poor libido, premature ejaculation problems, performance issues or pain on sexual intercourse?  These are signs that suggest an imbalance in the body or a physical problem that can either be addressed with Chinese or western medicine.  It is best to address these issues as soon as possible because treatment to restore good healthy sexual function does take time.  Therefore, the sooner you get it checked out and treated, the quicker you can start trying for a baby.

The body is very resilient and copes with whatever we throw at it.  We also believe that the body can heal itself quickly.  As a practitioner, I would like to believe that this is the case for every body but we are all built and shaped differently.  If you and your partner would like to have a baby six months to a year down the road, I urge you to put your health and lifestyle as a priority now.  Changes on the physical, mental, emotional and cellular level takes time therefore, preconception health should be right at the top of your "To Do List".

Would like more information?

Dr Jacqueline's main focus of practice is fertility and women's health.  She is compassionate and understand the struggle and emotional strain a couple goes through natural fertility.  If you would like to discuss or understand how Chinese medicine can help with natural fertility, please BOOK ONLINE for a consultation.

Resources

Lyttleton, J. (2013). Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine.

Image from Unsplash by Taylor Hernandez