What Happens in a Treatment?
On your initial visit, your consultation includes an in depth medical history going back to childhood, covering any accidents, illnesses and operations you have had. A list of medications and supplements will be taken, and you will be asked questions about your menstrual cycle (female), sexual functioning and history. We will also ask about your diet and lifestyle.
We will then look at your tongue and feel pulses to help with our diagnosis. This assessment helps the practitioner to identify the underlying pathology and select the most suitable treatment.
The acupuncture points used may be located anywhere on the body so you will be asked to undress down to your underwear, then you will be covered with a towel. Points are carefully chosen using the minimum amount of needles, usually 2-8 to achieve optimum results, and increase the potency of the treatment.
Once the fine needles are inserted they stay in for approximately 20 minutes. A typical treatment may also include moxibustion (a warming herb applied to the needle), acupressure, advice on diet, exercise and lifestyle may be given.
Follow up treatments will depend on the individual. You may be seen weekly, fortnightly or more frequently during an IUI/IVF/ICSI cycle. Initial consultation and treatment can last up to 2 hours. Following treatments will be between 45-60 minutes.
Who is Acupuncture for?
Anyone with compromised fertility can benefit. We work with females and males independently, but as infertility can cause great stress we often treat couples.We recommend at least 3-4 months of treatment for optimum results as it takes 72 days for sperm to mature, and a similar time for the oocytes.
Is it safe?
Patients can feel assured that their safety is always put first. All Unity practitioners are registered members of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) which guarantees that extensive training has been undertaken for a minimum of three years, and members are bound by their code of ethics with regard to professional safe practice. In addition, we have attended post graduate training and seminars specialising on the many aspects of fertility. We have close links with several consultants and nurses at various fertility clinics to keep updated with protocols, giving you the best care. Unity only uses individually wrapped, single use stainless steel disposable needles.
Will it hurt?
Some people may experience some sensation of heaviness around the site of the needle, or a shooting sensation along the channel as the blockage in cleared. Neither of these is regarded as painful and often people are completely unaware that the needles have been inserted as they are so fine.
How will I feel after a treatment?
Most people tend to feel relaxed and quite tired after a treatment, occasionally some feel invigorated. You may feel light headed but this will wear off quite quickly. Acupuncture changes the state of energy, blood, and affects the nervous system, so it is best to avoid any heavy physical work or exercise for the rest of the day. We also suggest the avoidance of alcohol and to drink plenty of water.