Fertility treatment with Classical Five Element Acupuncture

Classical Five-Element Acupuncture (CF-EA) is a system of medicine based around the understanding of natural laws, and how keeping these in balance maintains good physical and emotional health. CF-EA treats fertility issues and aids pregnancy by strengthening and supporting the natural functioning of the body as a whole, so that it is in the best condition to conceive and eventually give birth successfully.

The treatment follows a holistic approach, which not only treats physical symptoms that may be hindering pregnancy, but also addresses stress and emotional concerns which can predominate along this journey. Not only do patients experience improved physical functioning, but they can also achieve a better sense of self and reduced stress and anxiety. CF-EA treats both male and female fertility issues.

Specifically, the outcome of fertility treatment aims to:

• Regulate and improve the menstrual cycle
• Regulate the temperature in your lower abdomen
• Balance hormones
• Improve the circulation of blood and energy in key reproductive areas
• Stimulate the healthy maturation of sperm and eggs
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Support any underlying conditions such as fibroids, endometriosis and PCOS
• Offer lifestyle advice that will benefit both female and male fertility

During pregnancy, the outcome of treatment is to support the body physically and emotionally through the various stages. Treatment specifically aims to:

• Improve energy levels and fatigue
• Improve morning sickness and any digestive complaints such as acid reflux and constipation
• Support any musculo-skeletal complaints
• Correct the positioning of a breech baby
• Regulate blood pressure
• Naturally induce labour
• Reduce stress and anxiety

CF-EA treatment can work successfully on its own, or alongside other treatments and programmes, such as IVF, nutrition, counselling and hypnotherapy.

How it works

In CF-EA, the natural laws are understood as the Five Elements; water, wood, fire, earth and metal. We can observe these forces at work in nature, as well as in our bodies. These elements are associated with different organs, senses, emotions, times of the day, and overall strengths and weaknesses. By observing the five elements within ourselves, we can understand the root of imbalance and how this affects our health, including our fertility. The diagnosis involves identifying which element is in distress and therefore disrupting the five-element cycle, leading to symptoms which may hinder a healthy pregnancy. The treatment is to correct this imbalance and restore optimum physical and emotional functioning.

The treatment

The balancing of the elements is achieved by inserting fine, sterile and disposable needles just below the surface of the skin until a dull ache is experienced by the patient. Specific points will be located along several energy pathways which directly communicate with the body’s physiological and emotional responses. Often, these points will also be warmed by a herb called moxa.

During the first treatment, information will be gathered on your symptoms, medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional strengths and weaknesses. A course of treatment will then be tailored to your individual needs. Ideally, treatment begins on a weekly basis for a short while, then moves on to fortnightly and then monthly. After achieving a healthy pregnancy, patients may wish to continue having seasonal sessions thereafter for maintenance treatment.