Male Fertility
Dealing with male infertility can be a challenging and emotional journey for any man. Around 1 in 6, couples have difficulty trying to conceive. What perhaps isn’t so widely known though, is that issues with sperm quality and quantity account for around half of those cases. But please know that you are not alone and there are ways to improve your fertility.
It's important to acknowledge that assisted fertility treatments often prioritize women, but this doesn't mean that men's health and sperm quality is any less important. While it's true that as long as a man can produce some amount of sperm, an IVF clinic will proceed with treatment, the reality is that success can't be guaranteed because the health of the sperm isn't always taken into account.
I want to encourage you to take control of your fertility and start working on improving your sperm health at least three months before you start trying to conceive. Sperm production is a constant cycle, and it takes around 100 days for sperm to mature. So, any semen analysis result will only ever be a snapshot of your health 100 days before the test and will only show certain parameters. But the good news is that sperm health is relatively easy to influence, as long as there are no underlying medical issues.
As someone who has worked in the fertility field for over 15 years, I understand the potential of fertility treatments and their flaws. Acupuncture is one approach that can support male fertility in various ways, including addressing issues with sperm count, motility, and morphology, as well as addressing factors like hypogonadism, immune factors, unexplained infertility, varicocele, systemic disease, sexual factors, mumps, urogenital infection, stress-related infertility, and anti-sperm antibodies.
Please know that there are options and resources available to you as you navigate this journey.
Male Fertility
Female Fertility
Are you struggling with fertility issues and looking for a natural, safe, and client-centred approach to support your journey towards conception? Acupuncture may be just the solution you need.
At my clinic, I have worked with many fertility patients over the past 15 years and have found acupuncture to be highly effective in addressing a wide range of issues. By optimizing the vitality of your eggs, sperm, and ovarian function, regulating immune factors, reducing stress, and improving digestion and sleep, acupuncture can help address the root causes of your fertility challenges.
Whether you are looking for natural fertility support or assisted conception, dealing with endometriosis or hormonal imbalances, or experiencing low sperm count or stress-related infertility, I will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.
I understand how stressful the journey towards conception can be, and my goal is to help you feel more relaxed, balanced, and in control. Acupuncture can address issues such as thin uterine lining, PCOS, fibroids, luteal phase defects, elevated FSH, unexplained infertility, tubal obstruction, recurrent miscarriage, anti-sperm antibodies, and morphology issues.
I am committed to providing a client-centred approach to your care, ensuring that your treatment plan is personalized, comprehensive, and addresses your unique needs and concerns. If you are ready to take a natural and holistic approach to enhance your fertility, please reach out to me and discover how acupuncture can support you on this journey. Trish 😊
Pain Relief
Acupuncture, a safe and effective alternative to pharmacological choices, has a remarkable track record of efficacy in treating pain, with over 13,000 studies in 60 countries and accumulating data supporting its use as an alternative to opioid medication.
Acupuncture for pain relief
In the last 20 years, research into acupuncture as a medical treatment has grown at twice the rate of research into conventional biomedicine.
During this time, over 13,000 studies were conducted in 60 countries, including hundreds of meta-analyses that summarised the findings of thousands of human and animal studies.
Pain, cancer, pregnancy, stroke, mood disorders, sleep issues, and inflammation are just a few of the clinical areas that have been studied. Acupuncture has received widespread recognition for its effectiveness in pain relief.
Its unique ability to alleviate pain in patients is a major element leading to its widespread appeal. Enough data supports the effectiveness of acupuncture for particular painful conditions.
A comprehensive assessment of 13 studies found that acupuncture outperformed both sham needling and opioid injections in terms of efficacy for acute pain.
A remarkable 93% of 89,000 patients reported effective musculoskeletal pain therapy with acupuncture. In the largest research of its type, 454,920 individuals in an open pragmatic trial got acupuncture therapy for headaches, low back pain, and/or osteoarthritis.
A meta-analysis of 17,922 individuals from randomised studies concluded that acupuncture is a valid referral option for chronic pain therapy.
Acupuncture advantages were observed to last for 12 months after therapy was stopped. Another research published in the journal Current Opinion in Anesthesiology indicated that there is growing evidence that acupuncture is useful in treating chronic low back, neck, shoulder, and knee pain, as well as headaches.
According to the study, accumulating data supports the use of acupuncture as an adjuvant or alternative to opioids and in perioperative settings.
For more than 60 years, researchers have been studying the factors that make acupuncture so efficient in treating pain. While there is still much to learn about acupuncture processes and the human body in general, the neural connections from acupuncture point stimulation to the spinal cord and pain centre inactivation in the brain have been delineated.
Acupuncture has been shown to activate some of the body's natural opioids while also increasing the brain's sensitivity to opioids. Acupuncture stimulation has been identified to release or modulate a variety of different biochemicals implicated in pain relief, including ATP and adenosine, GABA, and substance P27.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative with a lengthy track record of effectiveness in the setting of ineffective and frequently harmful pharmacological choices for pain.
References and further reading :
Acupuncture: An Overview of Scientific Evidence. https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/acupuncture-scientific-evidence
National Center for Health Statistics (2006) Health, United States, 2006 Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus06.pdf
Johannes, C. B., Le, T. K., Zhou, X., Johnston, J. A., & Dworkin, R. H. (2010). The prevalence of chronic pain in United States adults: results of an Internet-based survey. The Journal of Pain : Official Journal of the American Pain Society, 11(11), 1230–1239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2010.07.002
Breivik H, Collett B, Ventafridda V, Cohen R, Gallacher D. Survey of chronic pain in Europe: prevalence, impact on daily life, and treatment. Eur J Pain. 2006;13:287–333. doi: 10.1016/j.ejpain.2005.06.009.
National Center for Health Statistics (US. “Health, United States, 2016: with chartbook on Long-term trends in health. Hyattsville, MD. 2017.”
Moseley, G. L., & Flor, H. (2012). Targeting cortical representations in the treatment of chronic pain: a review. Neurorehabilitation and neural repair, 26(6), 646-652. DOI: 10.1177/1545968311433209
Fried, N. T., Elliott, M. B., & Oshinsky, M. L. (2017). The Role of Adenosine Signaling in Headache: A Review. Brain Sciences, 7(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci7030030
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2015) NIH Analysis Shows Americans Are In Pain. Available from: https://nccih.nih.gov/news/press/08112015
The CHP Group (2014) The Cost of Chronic Pain:How Complementary and Alternative Medicine Can Provide Relief. Available from: https://www.chpgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/CHP-WP_CAM-Chronic-Pain_Sls_12.12.2014.pdf
Abdel Shaheed, C., Maher, C. G., Williams, K. A., Day, R., & McLachlan, A. J. (2016). Efficacy, Tolerability, and Dose-Dependent Effects of Opioid Analgesics for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(7), 958–968. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.1251
Krebs EE. Effectiveness of opioid therapy vs. non-opioid medication therapy for chronic back & osteoarthritis pain over 12 months. Inannual meeting, Society for General Internal Medicine, Washington DC 2017.
Rudd RA, Seth P, David F, Scholl L. Increases in Drug and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths — United States, 2010–2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2016;65:1445–1452. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm655051e1
Schuchat, A., Houry, D., & Guy, G. P. (2017). New Data on Opioid Use and Prescribing in the United States. Jama, 318(5), 425–426. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.8913
Deyo, R. A., Korff, Von, M., & Duhrkoop, D. (2015). Opioids for low back pain. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 350, g6380. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.g6380
Motgahre, V. M., Bajait, C. S., & Turankar, A. (2016). Prescription pattern and adverse drug reaction profile of drugs prescribed with focus on NSAIDs for orthopedic indications at a tertiary care hospital. Skin. https://doi.org/10.18231/2393-9087.2016.0007
Bally, M., Dendukuri, N., Rich, B., Nadeau, L., Helin-Salmivaara, A., Garbe, E., & Brophy, J. M. (2017). Risk of acute myocardial infarction with NSAIDs in real world use: bayesian meta-analysis of individual patient data. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 357, j1909–13. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j1909
Cai, S., Garcia Rodriguez, L. A., Masso-Gonzalez, E. L., & Hernandez-Diaz, S. (2009). Uncomplicated peptic ulcer in the UK: trends from 1997 to 2005. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 30(10), 1039–1048. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2036.2009.04131.x
Bally, M., Dendukuri, N., Rich, B., Nadeau, L., Helin-Salmivaara, A., Garbe, E., & Brophy, J. M. (2017). Risk of acute myocardial infarction with NSAIDs in real world use: bayesian meta-analysis of individual patient data. BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.), 357, j1909–13. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j1909
Xiang, A., Cheng, K., Xu, P., & Liu, S. (n.d.). The immediate analgesic effect of acupuncture for pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Weidenhammer W, Streng A, Linde K, Hoppe A, Melchart D. Acupuncture for chronic pain within the research program of 10 German Health Insurance Funds–basic results from an observational study. Complementary therapies in medicine. 2007;15(4):238-46.
American Specialty Health Incorporated Health Services Department. (2016). Acupuncture: Does Acupuncture Provided Within a Managed Care Setting Meet Patient Expectations and Quality Outcomes?, 1–12.
Vickers, A. J., Cronin, A. M., Maschino, A. C., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., et al. (2012). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654
MacPherson, H., Vertosick, E. A., Foster, N. E., Lewith, G., Linde, K., Sherman, K. J., et al. (2016). The persistence of the effects of acupuncture after a course of treatment. Pain, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000747
Yin, C., Buchheit, T. E., & Park, J. J. (2017). Acupuncture for chronic pain: an update and critical overview. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology, 1. https://doi.org/10.1097/ACO.0000000000000501
Longhurst, J., Chee-Yee, S., & Li, P. (2017). Defining Acupuncture’s Place in Western Medicine. Scientia, 1–5.
Zhang, Z.-J., Wang, X.-M., & McAlonan, G. M. (2012). Neural Acupuncture Unit: A New Concept for Interpreting Effects and Mechanisms of Acupuncture. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012(3), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2007.08.003
Harris, R. E., Zubieta, J.-K., Scott, D. J., Napadow, V., Gracely, R. H., & Clauw, D. J. (2009). Traditional Chinese acupuncture and placebo (sham) acupuncture are differentiated by their effects on μ-opioid receptors (MORs). NeuroImage, 47(3), 1077–1085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2009.05.083
Zhao, Z.-Q. (2008). Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Progress in Neurobiology, 85(4), 355–375. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2008.05.004
Mental Health
I understand that it can be challenging and overwhelming at times, but please know that you're not alone. There are various ways to manage and improve your mental health, and acupuncture is one of them.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to address many mental health conditions. It works by stimulating the nervous system and releasing neurochemical messenger molecules, which can positively impact the body's homeostatic mechanisms and promote physical and emotional well-being.
If you're dealing with depression, acupuncture can be especially beneficial. Studies have shown that it can alter the brain's mood chemistry by increasing the production of serotonin and endorphins, which are known to promote feelings of well-being. Additionally, acupuncture can affect other neurochemical pathways, such as those involving dopamine and noradrenaline, which can also help alleviate depression symptoms.
Acupuncture can also be helpful in reducing sensitivity to pain and stress, promoting relaxation, and deactivating the 'analytical' brain, which is responsible for anxiety and worry. As a result, stress-induced changes in behaviour and biochemistry may be reversed.
Moreover, recent research suggests that acupuncture can change the 'default mode network' in the brain, which is associated with dysfunction in people with depression. This effect goes beyond that of expectation/placebo. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments, such as anti-depressants, to reduce their side effects and enhance their beneficial effects. Acupuncturists may also suggest dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful in overcoming depression.
Lastly, people struggling with depression often find that coming to see a supportive therapist on a regular basis is helpful in itself. Acupuncture can be an excellent complement to therapy, and many people find that the combination of the two helps them better manage their mental health.
Remember, there is no shame in seeking help for your mental health. Acupuncture is just one of the many tools available to help you on your journey towards wellness. Trish 😊
Hormones & Periods
Hormone health, period health, pms
Digestion
At times, it can be challenging to discuss bodily functions, and many people suffer in silence due to the stigma attached to digestive conditions. But you don't have to go through this alone. It's crucial to seek the right diagnosis and treatment for your digestive symptoms, whether it's IBS, acid reflux, or an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
Acupuncture is an effective therapy to assist in controlling the frequency and severity of flare-ups due to gastrointestinal tract disorders and diseases. It has been shown to be successful in controlling pain, bloating, acid reflux, stimulating the appetite, nausea, gas, constipation and diarrhoea and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression due to digestive conditions.
If you're experiencing bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, nausea, cramping, or abdominal pain, these are all signs that your digestive system isn't functioning properly. Acupuncture can help by regulating the gut-brain axis, the neurological system, and stress levels. Lifestyle factors such as chronic stress, an unbalanced diet, and lack of sleep can frequently be the root causes of many digestive problems. Acupuncture aids in reducing inflammation and pain, which helps control stomach acid and encourages peristalsis, ultimately improving digestion.
Remember, you don't have to suffer in silence. Seeking help and finding the right treatment can make all the difference in improving your digestive health and overall well-being. Trish 😊
Kids Health
kids health
Ears, Nose & Throat
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Urology
If you are experiencing urinary incontinence, chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), overactive bladder or undergoing chemotherapy for urological cancers, acupuncture may be a helpful therapy to alleviate your symptoms.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve symptoms of urinary incontinence in both men and women, as well as reduce pain and improve quality of life in patients with CP/CPPS. Additionally, acupuncture may be effective in reducing symptoms of overactive bladder.
If you are undergoing chemotherapy for urological cancers, acupuncture may also help reduce side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Research has shown that acupuncture can be effective in reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with urological cancers.
Urological conditions can significantly impact your quality of life and overall well-being. As an acupuncturist, my goal is to provide client-centred care that addresses your unique needs and concerns. I am dedicated to working with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates acupuncture to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Trish 😊
Neurodiversity
Introduction
Welcome to a journey where we embrace the beauty of diversity within the human mind. Neurodiversity celebrates the unique cognitive variations present in individuals, emphasizing that neurological conditions such as autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Tourette's syndrome are not disorders to be fixed but rather differences to be understood and appreciated. In this blog post, we will delve into the profound concept of neurodiversity and explore how acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in holistic wellness, can bring relief and enhance the quality of life for individuals navigating these conditions.
Understanding Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity, a term coined by sociologist Judy Singer in the late 1990s, recognizes and embraces the natural variations in brain function and cognitive processing among individuals. It promotes the idea that neurological conditions are simply alternative ways of experiencing the world, challenging the notion that they should be pathologized or eradicated. Instead, neurodiversity advocates for acceptance, accommodation, and support, fostering a more inclusive society where all minds can flourish.
Autism: Unveiling New Perspectives
Autism, often associated with difficulties in social interaction and communication, is a neurodevelopmental condition that presents itself in unique and diverse ways. Recent research has highlighted the potential benefits of acupuncture as a complementary therapy to help alleviate symptoms and enhance well-being among individuals on the autism spectrum.
A study conducted by Li et al. (2021) investigated the effects of acupuncture on children with autism in Northern Ireland. The results showed significant improvements in social communication, behavioural regulation, and overall quality of life. This research suggests that acupuncture can serve as a valuable tool in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum to reach their full potential and navigate the challenges they may face.
ADHD: Cultivating Focus and Serenity
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by difficulties in sustaining attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. Acupuncture, with its holistic approach to healing, offers a unique pathway to alleviate symptoms and promote well-being among individuals with ADHD.
A recent meta-analysis conducted by Yang et al. (2022) reviewed various studies on acupuncture for ADHD. The analysis revealed that acupuncture showed promise in reducing ADHD symptoms, improving executive function, and enhancing the overall quality of life. These findings demonstrate the potential of acupuncture as a complementary therapy in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by individuals with ADHD.
Tourette's Syndrome: Finding Harmony within Movements
Tourette's syndrome, characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics, can significantly impact an individual's daily life. Acupuncture, with its ability to restore balance and promote harmony within the body, holds promise as a complementary therapy for managing Tourette's syndrome.
In a study by Zhang et al. (2020), acupuncture was shown to effectively reduce the frequency and severity of tics in individuals with Tourette's syndrome. The findings highlight the potential of acupuncture as a non-invasive and drug-free option for individuals seeking relief from the symptoms of this condition.
The Holistic Approach: Benefits of Acupuncture for Neurodiverse Individuals
Acupuncture, an ancient Chinese practice that involves stimulating specific points on the body, can play a significant role in promoting holistic wellness for neurodiverse individuals. Here are some key benefits of acupuncture:
Balancing Energy Flow: Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along the body's energy pathways, known as meridians, to restore the balance of Qi (pronounced "chee"). By improving the flow of Qi, acupuncture helps regulate neurological functions and supports overall well-being.
Stress Reduction: Neurodiverse individuals often face unique challenges when it comes to managing stress. Acupuncture can be a powerful tool in reducing stress and promoting relaxation. The insertion of fine needles into specific acupuncture points triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers and mood enhancers. This release of endorphins helps individuals feel more calm, centred, and at ease.
Improved Sleep Patterns: Many individuals with neurodiverse conditions experience difficulties with sleep, which can further exacerbate their challenges. Acupuncture has been shown to improve sleep quality and quantity by regulating the body's circadian rhythm and promoting a sense of relaxation. Restful sleep is crucial for overall well-being and can significantly enhance the cognitive and emotional functioning of neurodiverse individuals.
Enhanced Emotional Well-being: Acupuncture is not only beneficial for physical health but also has a positive impact on emotional well-being. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture can help regulate neurotransmitters and hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play essential roles in mood regulation. Neurodiverse individuals may experience improved emotional stability, reduced anxiety, and increased feelings of happiness and contentment.
Creative Analogies: Painting a Vivid Picture
To illustrate the benefits of acupuncture for neurodiverse individuals, let's explore some creative analogies:
Acupuncture as a Symphony Conductor: Imagine your body as an orchestra, with different instruments representing different systems and functions. In neurodiverse individuals, sometimes the instruments play out of tune or in disarray. Acupuncture acts as a skilled conductor, harmonizing the different elements of the body, ensuring that each instrument plays in perfect rhythm and alignment. The result is a beautiful symphony of balanced well-being.
Acupuncture as a Puzzle Solver: Life with a neurodiverse condition can sometimes feel like a complex puzzle with missing pieces. Acupuncture gently helps fit those missing pieces together, creating a clearer picture of balance and wellness. Each needle represents a vital piece of the puzzle, gradually revealing a more complete and integrated sense of self.
Promoting a Positive Acupuncture Experience for Neurodiverse Individuals
If you or a loved one with a neurodiverse condition are considering acupuncture as part of your wellness journey, here are some tips to ensure a great acupuncture experience:
Research and Choose a Qualified Practitioner: Seek out an experienced acupuncturist who specializes in treating neurodiverse individuals. Look for practitioners who have a deep understanding of the conditions you're navigating and who have received proper training and certification.
Communication and Collaboration: Prioritize open communication with your acupuncturist. Discuss your specific symptoms, concerns, and goals for treatment. Collaboration between you and your acupuncturist is key to designing a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs.
Sensory Considerations: If you or your loved one has sensory sensitivities, communicate this to your acupuncturist. They can make adjustments to create a more comfortable environment, such as using softer lighting, providing soothing music, or using gentle needling techniques.
Gradual Introduction: For those who may be hesitant or anxious about acupuncture, it can be helpful to start with shorter sessions or focus on a specific area of concern. This gradual introduction allows individuals to acclimate to the experience and gradually build trust and comfort with the process.
Self-Care and Integration: Acupuncture is most effective when combined with a holistic approach to wellness. Incorporate self-care practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and nutrition that support your overall well-being. Additionally, work with your acupuncturist to integrate acupuncture into your broader treatment plan, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
Conclusion
Neurodiversity is a celebration of the beautiful variations in human cognition and experience. Understanding and embracing neurodiversity is essential for creating an inclusive and supportive society. Acupuncture, with its holistic approach to healing, offers a valuable avenue for alleviating symptoms and enhancing the well-being of individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and Tourette's syndrome.
Through the careful stimulation of specific acupuncture points, acupuncture helps rebalance the body's energy, reduce stress, improve sleep patterns, and enhance emotional well-being. By viewing the body as an orchestra or a puzzle, acupuncture aims to restore harmony and completeness, empowering neurodiverse individuals to lead fulfilling lives.
When considering acupuncture as part of your wellness journey, it's important to choose a qualified practitioner, communicate your specific needs and concerns, and gradually introduce the experience if necessary. By integrating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment plan and embracing self-care practices, neurodiverse individuals can unlock the benefits of acupuncture and improve their overall quality of life.
Remember, neurodiversity is not a flaw to be fixed, but a beautiful tapestry of human experience. Let us embrace the richness of our minds, supporting and empowering one another on this remarkable journey called life.
References:
Li, H., et al. (2021). Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021.
Yang, S., et al. (2022). Acupuncture for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 45, 101543.
Zhang, W., et al. (2020). The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for Tourette syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 48, 102262.
