The International College of Oriental Medicine, East Grinstead, is holding an Open Evening & Seminar for local couples about Acupuncture and its role in improving fertility and supporting IVF treatment on Wednesday July 1st, 6.45-9.00 pm. The event, which is free to the public, will include: a talk on “Acupuncture for IVF & Fertility” - including lifestyle and dietary advice, by Galit Hughes, acupuncture practitioner at the College Clinic, and a Practical Demonstration of an Acupuncture treatment by Craig Minto, Director of Clinic. Visitors will also be offered a free 15 minute acupuncture pre-treatment consultation with a registered Acupuncture Practitioner to talk privately about their individual circumstances and/or a free 10 minute Head and Shoulder massage (clothed). All are welcome.
To book a place, call 01342 313106. Early booking is recommended as places are limited.
Approximately 1 in 6 couples have difficulty conceiving at some point in their lives and the number seeking specialist fertility treatment is increasing. A commonly used approach is in vitro fertilisation (IVF). This involves collecting a woman’s egg, fertilising the egg with sperm outside the woman’s body and then placing the fertilised embryo back in the woman’s womb. IVF is successful in approximately 30% of cases. Research reported by the British Medical Journal (2008) indicates that acupuncture given at the time of embryo transfer significantly increases rates of pregnancy and birth in women undergoing IVF. On average, for every 10 women receiving IVF, acupuncture results in one additional successful pregnancy.
Acupuncture has been used in China and the East for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions including fertility and gynaecological problems. Studies of acupuncture in pregnancy and labour have shown acupuncture to be safe. Embarking on a course of IVF treatment is demanding and stressful. In addition to improving the outcome of IVF, acupuncture can also help reduce stress and anxiety, and the side effects of the drugs used in the IVF process.
