Acupuncture for infertility

The patient

A special needs teacher in her mid 40s had been trying for a baby for over two years without success. She lead a busy life and lived mainly on takeaways during the week. At the weekends she was often too tired to exercise.

Presenting symptoms

- Tiredness
- Passing blood clots during menstruation, painful periods

Treatment outcome

- Increased energy level
- Periods became symptom free and uneventful gradually 
- After 4 months of weekly acupuncture sessions, patient felt pregnant naturally and gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl!

Acupuncture for infertility, image resource

Diet and lifestyle changes

Regular exercise and a healthy diet is vital for optimising fertility. Patient went for a week delivery service of fresh fruit & vegetables to have more healthy home cooked meals. There are lots of good suppliers providing fresh ingredients and convenient recipe cards such as hellofresh, ideal for working professionals. She also went out for walks with her partner at weekends.  

Acupuncture for infertility

Although statically it becomes more and more difficult to conceive with age, with the help of improved diet and lifestyle and the assistance of complementary therapy, it is still achievable in the natural way. In the patient's case, acupuncture helped with natural conception by addressing her menstruation issues and enhancing overall wellbeing. 

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for painful periods (Dysmenorrhoea)

Patient

36 year old female IT project manager. Long daily commute. Very busy at work, often forget to drink anything for a whole day. 

Presenting symptoms

- Lower abdominal cramp at period time

- Passing large dark black blood clots during period

- Fatigue

- Premenstrual tension two days before period starts

- Poor circulation, cold hands and feet

- Difficult to fall asleep and stay sleep

Outcome

After 1st session: Slept well after treatment and remained so for the rest of the week. Improved frequency of bowel movement. Energy level also increased, no more energy dips in the day. 

After 2nd session: Period went smoothly. No pain on day 1, Pain started on day 2 however much better than before. A little pain by day 3. 

Patient was discharged after five sessions of acupuncture.

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for whiplash injury/neck and should pain

The patient

Office worker in his 40s suffering from neck and shoulder pain since a car accident. Patient was referred from his physiotherapist after his treatments reached a plateau. 

Presenting symptoms

- Limited range of movements in the neck and shoulder

- Stabbing should pain 

- Disturbed sleep from the pain

Treatment

Patient received 6 weekly acupuncture treatments through insurance cover. Moxibustion and cupping were also used to aid recovery. He gradually regained his movements in the neck and shoulder while the pain level reduced. Patient was discharged at the end of the treatment block following satisfactory results.

Exercise

Patient was referred back to his physio for assessment and was given further exercises to do to consolidate the treatment effects.

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum (HG))

Morning sickness hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

The patient

HR manager in her 30s who is generally healthy.

Presenting symptoms

Patient suffered from a severe form of morning sickness in the first trimester. The constant nausea and vomiting meant she had to take sick leave from work.

Outcome

Symptoms subsided after one session of acupuncture and the patient was able to return to work the following week. Patient was discharged at follow up session.

Ivy's thoughts

Morning sickness commonly occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and it's a phase that will pass for majority of women. There are anti-sickness bands available for purchase over the counter in high street pharmacies which involves wearing a bracelet on the forearm. It works by applying pressure on acupuncture points. It doesn't work for everyone because it is often difficult for patients to put it on the correct location for it to work. From a Chinese medicine point of view, the underlying condition needs to be addressed at the same time. Therefore if you are one of the few that suffers severely it is recommended to go and see a qualified acupuncturist for treatment.

Acupuncture is a very gentle method of treatment throughout pregnancy (also see acupuncture for lower back pain). Good results can be expected after a short treatment cycle. 

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for peptic ulcer (stomach ulcer)

Patient

45 year old female. Digestion deteriorated after taking antibiotics. Patient was researching on the Internet everyday for 'miracle diet' that will help with her digestion.

Presenting symptoms

She often experience strong reaction to certain type of food and made frequent trips to the A&E. She described a burning sensation at night that stops her from sleeping. She also thought she had entered menopause early and experienced hot flushes.

Outcome

Acupuncture for peptic ulcer (stomach pain), image source

Improved digestion. Patient no longer needed to take Gaviscon every night. Bloatedness after meal was much better. Sleep had improved too. Reduced frequency and intensity of hot flushes.

Dietary & lifestyle advice

Suggest patient seek a dietary review from a licensed dietitian and ditch 'miracle diets'. Advised patient to start gentle exercise when her energy was restored.

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for back pain

Patient

Acupuncture for back pain, image source

50 year old roofer. 

Presenting symptoms

Acute lower back pain for 8 weeks. It started on the left side and gradually moved to the lower back, upper back and right shoulder. Movements made pain worse. Patient had a history of back problems which he used to settle with osteopathic treatments. No finding from recent ultra sound check up.

Outcome

Patient started feeling pain relieve after just one session of acupuncture. By second treatment, the left side stabbing pain had completely disappeared. After third treatment, patient the shoulder pain also improved.

Advice

Suggested patient wrap up warm and tuck his shirt in when working outdoors to protect his back from cold weather. Daily stretch after work.

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The patient

Retail manager in her mid 20s. Patient fell ill after an overseas holiday trip and was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome after returning to the UK. No prior medical

Acupuncture for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, image source

history.

Presenting symptoms

Tiredness, muscle weakness, join & muscle pain, headache. Patient was signed off on sickness leave from work for over a year due to her illness. Poor appetite and constipation. Patient had undergo physiotherapy until being signed off due to lack of progression. 

Outcome

Improved energy and muscle strength. Patient was able to start a gentle exercise programme. She was able to have normal portions of food. Daily bowel movement. 

Treatments started on a weekly basis before phasing out to every other week and then monthly maintenance treatments. 

The improved mobility and energy meant she could spent more time doing what she loved most, baking. She even managed to secure a part time position at a trendy cafe selling her own cakes.

Advice

Encouraged patient to start her physiotherapy exercise programme as soon as she could manage. Warm, well cooked meals that are easy to digest were also suggested. 

Ivy's thoughts

Patients who suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome often require a lot of encouragement and family support during treatment as they are on a long road of recovery that are full of relapses and plateau points. This patient worked very hard to motivate herself to keep up with the treatment and exercise programme. We were both pleased when all her hard work finally paid off.

If you would like further information on this blog or to discuss any conditions you would like to be treated, please do not hesitate to contact me via email ivyxxu@xuclinic.co.uk.