SUPPORTING PCOS AND IVF THROUGH CHINESE MEDICINE

SUPPORTING PCOS AND IVF THROUGH CHINESE MEDICINe

Fertility journeys can be challenging, particularly when conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are involved. At Xu Clinic, we take an individualised approach, combining acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle support alongside appropriate medical fertility treatment.

 

This case illustrates how complementary care was used to support a patient with PCOS during her fertility journey and IVF treatment. The details have been anonymised and generalised to protect patient confidentiality.

 

The starting point

 

The patient was in her late twenties and had been trying to conceive for around a year. She had PCOS and was not ovulating regularly on her own. She had also recently undergone an IVF cycle that had not resulted in pregnancy.

 

Alongside her fertility concerns, she was experiencing a number of symptoms affecting her general wellbeing, including migraines around her menstrual cycle, persistent tiredness, digestive discomfort, light sleep, brain fog and feeling unusually cold.

 

The focus was therefore not only on fertility, but also on supporting her overall wellbeing and helping her feel more balanced during what can be a physically and emotionally demanding time.

The approach

 

Treatment included regular acupuncture alongside Chinese herbal medicine, with the approach adjusted according to her changing symptoms and stage of treatment.

 

Lifestyle and dietary habits were also discussed. One significant change was moving away from intermittent fasting and towards three regular meals each day. This was intended to provide more consistent nourishment and energy throughout the day.

 

Other areas discussed included keeping a food diary to identify potential digestive triggers, establishing an earlier bedtime and incorporating gentle stretching alongside her existing meditation practice.

 

She also received massage to help relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, which was associated with her headaches.

Changes over time

 

Over the following weeks and months, she reported improvements in several areas of her wellbeing. Her migraines became less frequent, her energy and sleep improved, and her digestive symptoms and brain fog eased.

 

Her menstrual cycles also became more regular, and she began to ovulate more consistently.

 

When she returned to IVF treatment, her ovaries responded strongly to the medication. This can occur more readily in people with PCOS and can increase the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Her fertility team therefore took appropriate precautions and chose to freeze the embryos for a later transfer rather than proceeding with a fresh transfer.

 

Following egg collection, acupuncture and supportive care continued, with treatment adapted according to her symptoms and stage of her IVF journey. Acupuncture was also used to help manage some of the common effects she experienced from fertility medication, including bloating, night sweats, hot flushes, tiredness and skin breakouts.

 

Acupuncture continued alongside her medical treatment up to the time of embryo transfer. She subsequently became pregnant through IVF and went on to have a baby later that year.

 

A note on PCOS and fertility

 

PCOS can present very differently from one person to another, so there is no single approach that will suit everyone.

 

Throughout this fertility journey, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and personalised lifestyle support at Xu Clinic were used alongside IVF and under the care of her fertility team. Her holistic treatment plan was adapted as her symptoms and needs changed, including support with her menstrual cycle, digestion, energy, sleep and the side effects she experienced during IVF medication. Acupuncture continued through the different stages of her IVF journey, including up to embryo transfer.

 

At Xu Clinic, we believe fertility support should look at the whole person, not simply one symptom or diagnosis. Treatment is always tailored to the individual and may evolve as their needs change throughout their fertility journey.

 

Book an appointment with us to start your natural fertility journey: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/b973b79d/?locations=Xu%20Clinic. 

 

 

                         Helena, Associate Acupuncturist and Fertility Champion at Xu Clinic.

Moxibustion for Breech Presentation

 

Breech Presentation and Moxibustion: A Pregnancy Case Study

We are delighted to share a lovely pregnancy success story from Xu Clinic.

The Presentation

A pregnant client came to see us after being told that her baby was in a breech presentation, meaning the baby was positioned bottom or feet first rather than head down.

The Treatment

The client began a gentle course of moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves warming specific acupuncture points using moxa, a preparation made from mugwort.

Moxibustion has traditionally been used in Chinese medicine to support women experiencing breech presentation, and it may be considered as one of the complementary options available when appropriate.

Treatment was provided following an individual assessment, with guidance on how to safely continue the technique where suitable.

The Outcome

Around 10 days later, Mum contacted us with wonderful news — her baby had moved into a head-down position, ready for delivery.

Naturally, we were delighted to hear the news and to know that Mum could continue towards her birth with her baby now in a cephalic position.

While this was a very positive outcome for this particular client, it is important to remember that every pregnancy is unique and individual outcomes cannot be guaranteed. A baby's position can also change naturally during pregnancy.

How Can Moxibustion Help With Breech Presentation?

Moxibustion is a traditional technique that uses the gentle warmth of burning moxa to stimulate specific acupuncture points. It has been used within Traditional Chinese Medicine for many years, including as a complementary approach for breech presentation.

At Xu Clinic, we take an individualised approach and will first assess your circumstances to determine whether moxibustion is suitable for you.

If your baby is breech and you would like to explore complementary options, we would be happy to discuss your situation and help you understand whether moxibustion may be appropriate for you.

Please continue to follow the advice and care provided by your midwife, obstetrician or maternity team throughout your pregnancy. 

If you would like to try our service, please book a General Acupuncture and Treatment session with us: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/b973b79d/?locations=Xu%20Clinic. 

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Acupuncture for Severe Colic & Constipation:

 

Supporting a Premature Baby with Severe Colic & Constipation: A Case Study

When a newborn is constantly uncomfortable, it can be incredibly distressing for both the baby and their parents. This case involved a two-month-old premature baby who was experiencing significant digestive discomfort, severe colic and constipation.

The Presentation

The baby had been breastfed since birth and was experiencing severe colic throughout the day, both before and after feeding.

During episodes of discomfort, he would become visibly distressed, tightening his whole body and crying. His parents also reported constipation and a protruding umbilical button.

The frequency and intensity of his symptoms meant that he appeared to be in almost constant discomfort, making day-to-day life particularly challenging for the family.

Our Approach

Following an assessment, the baby received one session of paediatric acupuncture.

In addition to the treatment, we felt it was important to give the parents practical techniques that they could continue at home. We therefore demonstrated gentle baby acupressure techniques and provided individualised advice focused on supporting comfortable digestion and encouraging regular bowel movements.

We also discussed feeding practices and provided dietary guidance for Mum, as the baby was exclusively breastfed.

The aim was to provide the family with a combination of gentle treatment, practical hands-on techniques and supportive advice that could be incorporated into their daily routine.

One-Week Follow-Up

At the one-week follow-up, the parents reported a significant improvement in the baby's bowel movements. He had returned to having a daily bowel movement following the treatment.

His colic symptoms had also reduced considerably and were described as much more manageable.

For the parents, having a baby who was more comfortable and easier to settle made a meaningful difference to their daily life.

A Gentle, Individualised Approach to Children's Health

Babies can present with digestive symptoms in many different ways, and every child is different. Our approach is to look at the individual presentation and provide gentle, age-appropriate support alongside practical advice that parents can use at home.

For very young or premature babies, we always recommend that parents discuss persistent, severe or concerning symptoms with their GP, health visitor or paediatric team. Paediatric acupuncture should be considered as complementary support rather than a replacement for appropriate medical assessment and care.

If your baby is experiencing ongoing colic, digestive discomfort or constipation, you are welcome to book a General Acupuncture and Treatment session with us to discuss whether our paediatric services may be appropriate for your child: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/b973b79d/?locations=Xu%20Clinic.