Frequently asked questions
I suffer from PCOS (policystic ovaries). Will you be able to help me?
Latest reasearch shows that sympathetic nervous system plays an important role with policystic ovary syndrome and anovulation. Acupuncture (if done the right way) is an effective way to normalise sympathetic nervous activity. If you suffer from a severe metablolic syndrome, acupuncture is less likely to help. I have seen numerous patients with PCOS and most of them responded really well to the treatment.
I am over 40 years old and suffering from infertility. Can acupuncture still help me?
Many of my patients who successfully had babies were over 40. Some of them conceived with the help of IVF plus acupuncture, others conceived naturally with just acupuncture.
My IVF is coming up in five months, when should I start acupuncture?
This is a hard question to answer without seeing you first. There are many factors to consider: your general health, your biological age, the reason why you are failing to conceive naturally, etc. We usually recommend to come for a consultation, ideally at least three months before IVF. During this consultation we will discuss what acupuncture will do in your situation and set out rough time-frames to achieve this, as well as the lifestyle changes that you might have to consider.
What about if I’m on Clomid/Clomifene? Will I still benefit from acupuncture?
Yes, absolutely
Can I have acupuncture and have conventional medical treatments at the same time?
The research shows that combining acupuncture with assisted reproductive technologies will improve your chances to conceive. Consult an acupuncturist specialising in treatment of infertility to discuss your situation.
I’m currently undergoing IVF. I’ve started my drugs already. Is it too late for Acupuncture?
I recommend to have your initial consultation as early as possible. Some patients will get the most benefit if we start acupuncture three + months before IVF. However, even if we start on the day of your embryo replacement, it could still make all the difference!
Can I use acupuncture during pregnancy? Is it safe for my baby?
Acupuncture is extremely safe, however, during pregnancy there are certain acupuncture points and techniques which are contra-indicated. When done correctly, acupuncture will be safe for both you and your baby.
Acupuncture can be helpful to reduce the risk of miscarriage. Back pain, pelvic pain, anxiety, depression, carpal tunnel syndrome are common during pregnancy. The ussual drugs can harm the developing baby and can't be used; and acupuncture can be very helful.
How often do I need to see you for acupuncture treatment?
Depending on your condition, the frequency may range between once or twice a week to once a fortnight. In very some cases, we will recommend to have acupuncture daily, till the symptoms are resolved or manageable.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Many of my patients are so comfortable and relaxed with acupuncture treatment, they can barely stay awake. The needles I use are very fine, at least five times thinner than the needles that are used for injections. You may feel pleasant warmth, numbness, ache or tingling at the acupuncture point. Most of my patients feel no pain with acupuncture at all.
My midwife told me my baby is breech. Can you help me with acupuncture?
Some studies show that the success rate of turning the breach babies is greater than 70% when acupuncture is applied between 32nd and 34th week of your pregnancy. Give us a ring straight away. We may need to consider doing it a little earlier if the foetus is very big. And the other way around, it can be as effective after 34th week if the foetus is small.
