Acupuncture Case Studies
Acupuncture and High FSH
Mary, age 45 presented to The London Acupuncture Space expressing concern about her high FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) readings, which were high. Day 3 FSH is a fertility test that evaluates egg quality and ovarian reserve and Mary had received three FSH readings from her fertility clinic over a 12 month period. Her readings were 11, 12 and the last one was 17, which indicates that there would be a 'very poor' response or no response to stimulation from IVF medication. She underwent a course of acupuncture treatments with Charlotte and after two months had a repeat FSH test. Her FSH levels had lowered to 9, which indicated a 'fair' response between completely normal and somewhat reduced ovarian reserve.
Acupuncture and High FSH
Claire, age 36 presented to The London Acupuncture Space expressing concern about her high FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) readings, which had increased from 10.3 to 11.8 to 13 in the last year. As she was planning an IVF treatment, her fertility clinic had advised that her FSH results were too high to commence IVF treatment. Claire commenced a course of acupuncture treatment, and a FSH test was repeated. Her FSH reading gradually decreased to her lowest reading of 7.2. The following month she had a positive pregnancy test result.
Acupuncture and Male Infertility
Lee, age 35 presented to The London Acupuncture Space because of male factor infertility. He had provided three semen samples to his fertility clinic in Jan '05, May '05, Sept '05. All readings highlighted a deteriorating sperm morphology, with only 4% normal forms. We developed an acupuncture programme for three months including a nutritional pre-conception programme to improve the sperm quality. A repeat semen analysis three months later showed that the morphology had 30% normal forms. The World Health Organisation (WHO) which defines normal sperm parameters indicates that there should be 14% of normal forms (ie. no deformities of the head, midpiece or tail).
Acupuncture and Menopause
Jean, age 52 presented to The London Acupuncture Space with daily hot flushes, irritability and night sweats. She was experiencing approximately five hot flushes a day lasting between 30 seconds and a minute. At night her sleep was disturbed and she woke with night sweats that soaked the bed linen.
After only one acupuncture session, the hot flushes and night sweats had ceased and her sleep undisturbed. On her second session, she had not experienced night sweats or hot flushes for 13 days.
Acupuncture during Childbirth
Lucy, age 34 planned a home birth for her second child after having a successfulwater birth with her son at home. She wanted the support of a Doula birthing assistant, and Charlotte Steed, an obstetrics acupuncturist to provide pain relief and to facilitate the birth. With acupuncture the labour lasted only 1.5 hours after the waters broke. The retained placenta was delivered immediately on insertion of acupuncture needles. Lucy, gave birth naturally at home to a baby girl in her bathroom with the help of her husband. It was a magical experience.
Acupuncture and PMT
Sally, age 36 presented to The London Acupuncture Space with PMT symptoms, primarily breast tenderness, fullness and heaviness more than 14 days before the periods started. Her breasts were uncomfortable at a level of 9/10. After a course of acupuncture, the breast tenderness started 5 days before the period and was uncomfortble at a level of 2/10.
Acupuncture and Male Infertility
Helen, age 38 came to The London Acupuncture Space wanting support with fertility after trying to conceive for over a year. Blood tests confimed that hormone levels and the thyroid function was normal and she ovulated on day 13/14. This was confirmed by her BBT chart, ovulation tests and observational changes in cervical mucus. Her partner had male factor infertility and his semen analysis highlighted poor morphology. An acupuncture treatment plan, incorporating dietary and lifestyle changes was developed to treat both Helen and her partner to aid natural conception and improve sperm quality. After 9 sessions, Helen announced that she was pregnant.
Acupuncture for Childbirth and Pain Relief
We continued to treat Helen during the pregnancy and provided acupuncture during labour for pain relief and labour induction at Lewisham Hospital maternity ward. Using a combination of flexible body acupuncture points and auricular (ear) points, Helen was mobile and able to find comfortable positions during strong contractions. Her partner was shown acupressure techniques for pain relief and labour induction and used gentle massage around the lower back and sacrum. Their healthy baby boy was born, weighing nearly 8lb.
Acupuncture for Breech Presentation
Kim, age 32 was referrred by her midwife to our Blackheath Clinic as her baby was in breech presentation at 33 weeks. We treated Kim with moxibustion and taught her the technique of using a moxa stick in the comfort of her own home with her partner. She informed me a week later that her midwife confirmed that the baby had turned.
Acupuncture and Labour Induction
Christine, age 29 was 40 weeks and 5 days pregnant and referred by her midwife for natural labour induction. During the acupuncture session, she experienced some minor contractions and the following day gave birth to a baby girl in her home birthing pool.
Acupuncture and Endometriosis
Yvette, age 32 was diagnosed with primary infertility, a short luteal phase and peritoneal endometriosis (left uterosacral ligament). Her menstrual cycle ranged between 26 to 35 days and she experienced heavy periods, lasting over five days. Yvette committed to a three month acupuncture programme with The London Acupuncture Space and was on an NHS waiting list for fertility treatment. During this time, her periods regulated, became lighter in flow and her BBT chart reflected a longer luteal phase. After three months, she announced a positive pregnancy outcome.
Acupuncture and PCOS
Susan, age 35 was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and was concerned about her irregular menstrual cyle. She had been informed by her fertility clinic after a series of bloods tests and a tracked cycle that she was not ovulating. Before opting for Western fertility treatment, she approached The London Acupuncture Space to regulate her cycle and to support conception. After an acupuncture and nutritional programme for three months, Susan and her partner conceived naturally.
The London Acupuncture Space has undergone intensive training in Acupuncture, Fertility Acupuncture and Obstetrics Acupuncture with Zita West and at the Royal College of Physicians in London. We are Members of the British Acupuncture Council.