It takes on average between 8 months to a year to conceive, and naturally as it starts to get longer than that then people start to become impatient. Constant worry and anxiety often set in gradually when trying for longer. This increasing levels of stress start to gradually affect the hormonal and biochemical balance of the body. This imbalance, if left untreated, can cause a vicious circle of fail attempts and increased anxiety.

The positive effect of acupuncture has been documented in many scientific publications. As a result acupuncture is being offered at many major fertility clinics as a complementary part of IVF treatment.  One study shows a conception rate of 42.5% when IVF procedure was carried out with acupuncture treatment, compared to 26.5% when carried out without acupuncture (1). An analysis of available research involving 1366 patients, carried out by the British Medical Journal also found that acupuncture had a significant positive effect on the outcome of IVF treatment (2).

Although acupuncture treatment can be carried out during the IVF process, here at Bodylogics Health and Fitness Clinic and Aria Practice Zohreh encourages patients to try a combined course of acupuncture and osteopathy (visceral and structural) before embarking on more complicated options. This is simply because a course of acupuncture plus osteopathy treatment can help to bring back the hormonal and biochemical balance that the body had lost due to the stress and anxiety of daily life and/or delayed success in fertility.

The most recent success stories came about when 3 patients of mine who were having a combination of acupuncture and osteopathy for infertility conceived during the lockdown! On average these patients were trying for 2 years and had decided to try this treatment before going down the route of more complex options. In fact, it is a very good idea for anyone who is considering getting pregnant to have some acupuncture and osteopathy treatment beforehand in order to optimise the environment of the body and prepare it for the process of pregnancy. The treatment relaxes the body and the mind which are vital foundations for a healthy and happy pregnancy.

It is also common for expecting mothers to suffer from various pregnancy-related issues such as morning sickness, loss of appetite, insomnia, indigestion, heartburn, shortness of breath as well as various aches and pains. Again, if faced with such problems, Zohreh can effectively help through a tailor-made treatment plan to make the journey as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

1) Paulus, et.al. Fertility and Sterility (2002); Vol: 77, No. 4

2) Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. BMJ (2008);336:545-549.