Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine that uses hair-thin, surgically sterilized needles to stimulate specific energy pathways in the body. Clinical and laboratory studies have shown that acupuncture affects the central and peripheral nervous systems. Precisely placed needles trigger the brain to release endorphins that help to moderate the stress response and help to balance hormone levels in the body.

Nathan was born in Michigan, USA, but did his training at the Seattle Institute of Oriental Medicine. He was practicing in San Francisco, before moving to Europe nine years ago. He has been helping couples for years during their IVF process and is happy to join the team at Gynem.

How does acupuncture before and after embryo transfer work?

When I first meet the client I like to find out if they have had any experiences with acupuncture in the past. I try to give them a sense of what it feels like and always let them know that if any of the points don’t feel good then please let me know and I’ll promptly change them. I remain quietly by the client’s side the whole time so if a particular point doesn’t feel right, I can quickly change it.

Acupuncture releases endorphins in the body so for most people it’s a pleasant experience that decreases stress hormones in the body.

There is not a long initial consultation as to what points I will use as I usually use the same acupuncture point protocol that has been clinically studied for acupuncture done on the day of transfer. The points used before the transfer are different from the points I use after the transfer.

Once I insert the needles they are retained for 20 to 25 minutes. There is one treatment before transfer and one after. I don’t think there have been studies, but I have been told from some women that transfer was more comfortable after having acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a safe therapy before and after pregnancy.