KATY BRADSHAW ACUPUNCTUREAcupuncture for Stress
Posted on September 20, 2023
In our fast-paced modern world, stress has become an ever-present companion; affecting both our physical and mental well-being.
In the UK, its effects on mental health are staggering: recent statistics show that approximately 74% of adults have reported feeling stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope at some point in the past year.
Symptoms of stress
Stress is the body’s natural response to external challenges and pressures. Having a healthy stress-response is a normal part of being human and our ability to respond to and recover from stressful events is part of our very successful survival instinct!
However, if stressful triggers are too big, too frequent or our resources are too low then our body is unable to maintain a healthy response. It can then manifest in a multitude of symptoms that impact both our physical and mental well-being.
- Common symptoms of stress include heightened anxiety, often characterised by racing thoughts, restlessness, and constant worry.
- Physically, it can lead to muscle tension, headaches, and even digestive issues like stomach aches or irritable bowel syndrome.
- Sleep disturbances such as insomnia or frequent awakenings can also be indicative of stress.
- It can affect our emotional state, leading to mood swings, irritability, and an inability to concentrate or make decisions.
- Prolonged stress can eventually lead to more severe physical and psychological conditions that may necessitate medical intervention.
But what if there was a different approach that went beyond conventional methods? And how might acupuncture hold the answer?
How does Chinese medicine understand stress?
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), our understanding of stress and its impact on the body is deeply rooted in the concept of balance and the flow of vital energy, known as “Qi”.
Whether it stems from emotional turmoil, lifestyle factors, or environmental influences, it is believed to disrupt the free flow of Qi through the body’s meridians, leading to stagnation or blockages. These energy blockages can manifest as physical and mental symptoms, ranging from muscle tension and headaches to anxiety and insomnia. Moreover, TCM emphasises the interconnectedness of the body’s organ systems, acknowledging that chronic stress can weaken vital organs, such as the Liver or Heart, leading to imbalances in their respective functions.
Managing stress is essential for maintaining the body’s natural equilibrium, promoting the smooth flow of Qi, and preventing the development of more severe health issues over time.
How does acupuncture treat stress?
Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to stress reduction by targeting both the physical and mental aspects of this common condition. When fine needles are delicately inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body, a cascade of physiological responses is triggered.
One of the key mechanisms involves the stimulation of the nervous system, particularly the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” system. This activation promotes relaxation and reduces the “fight or flight” response associated with stress, effectively lowering cortisol levels, a stress hormone. Additionally, acupuncture encourages the release of endorphins and other natural painkillers, which not only alleviate physical discomfort but also elevate mood, creating an overall sense of calm and well-being. The personalised and holistic nature of acupuncture treatment accounts for its ability to address the root causes of stress, offering individuals a path to sustainable relief and improved emotional resilience.
After each session with Katy my sleep is better and my anxiety is reduced.
What does the science say?
Scientific research into the effectiveness of acupuncture for stress and anxiety has yielded promising results. Numerous studies have documented the positive impact of acupuncture on the body’s stress response mechanisms. Moreover, studies using brain imaging techniques such as fMRI have shown that acupuncture can modulate the activity of brain regions associated with stress and anxiety regulation. A meta-analysis of clinical trials has also indicated that acupuncture can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety when compared to control groups.
Want to try it for yourself? Then why not book in for a free consultation to see if acupuncture can help with your mental well-being.
Acupuncture for Pain
Posted on September 20, 2023
Acupuncture has been employed for centuries to alleviate pain arising from many different conditions.
It offers a holistic approach to pain management, targeting not only the physical symptoms but also addressing the underlying imbalances in the body’s energy flow. As I work in a trauma-informed way I also make connections between the psychological origins and physical manifestations you are experiencing.
Through the stimulation of specific acupuncture points, it can effectively address various painful conditions, including:
Chronic: Acupuncture has demonstrated efficacy in managing chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and neuropathy.
Musculoskeletal: It is commonly used to alleviate musculoskeletal issues like backache, neck pain, and joint pain, tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis. It does this by promoting relaxation and improving blood flow to affected areas.
Headaches and Migraines: Acupuncture is recognised for its ability to reduce the frequency and intensity of tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches.
Menstrual: Many women find relief from menstrual cramps and other menstrual-related discomfort such as endometriosis through acupuncture treatments.
Postoperative: Acupuncture can complement postoperative recovery by reducing pain, swelling, and promoting quicker healing. It can also help with scar healing.
Cancer-Related: Some cancer patients have reported decreased pain, nausea, and improved overall well-being with acupuncture as a complementary therapy.
Nerve: Conditions like sciatica and diabetic neuropathy may benefit from acupuncture’s ability to stimulate nerve function and reduce pain signals.
Emotional: Acupuncture is known to have a calming effect on the mind, making it a potential option for managing stress, anxiety, and depression-related physical symptoms.
Want to know more about how acupuncture can help you? Then why not book in for a free 30-minute telephone consultation.
Acupuncture for Fertility
Posted on September 15, 2023
Acupuncture for fertility is becoming increasingly popular with individuals and couples struggling with infertility. Acupuncture aims to enhance reproductive health by regulating hormonal balance, reducing stress, and improving blood circulation to the reproductive organs.
Many individuals turn to acupuncture as a natural and non-invasive way to support their fertility journey. This is either as a standalone treatment, or in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). With its potential to improve fertility outcomes and overall well-being, acupuncture offers a promising avenue for those seeking to achieve their dream of starting or expanding their family.
Understanding fertility issues
In the UK, a range of common fertility issues affects many couples trying to conceive.
Unexplained infertility accounts for approximately 25% of cases, where no specific cause can be identified despite extensive testing.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is another widespread condition, affecting about 20% of women of reproductive age and often leading to irregular ovulation.
Male factor infertility is also significant. This contributes to roughly 30-40% of all fertility problems, with issues such as low sperm count and poor sperm motility.
Endometriosis affects around 10% of women and can lead to pelvic inflammation, scarring, and fertility challenges.
When I first started seeing Katy my cycle was on average 43 days long and I had been trying for a baby for around 9 months. A few months of weekly acupuncture treatments brought my cycle to a healthy 28 days & was helping to manage my endo pain so I was not needing to take as many pain killers. To my amazement I fell pregnant after around 6 months of treatment & now have a baby boy. I truly believe this may not have happened without acupuncture and I am so grateful to Katy for this.
Benefits of acupuncture for fertility
Acupuncture offers several potential benefits for fertility, making it an attractive option for individuals and couples struggling to conceive:
Regulates hormonal imbalances, promoting a more regular menstrual cycle and improving ovulatory function, which is crucial for conception.
Reduces stress and anxiety levels, both of which can adversely affect fertility by disrupting hormone production and menstrual regularity.
enhances blood flow to the reproductive organs, which can improve the quality of the uterine lining and increase the chances of successful implantation.
Enhances the effectiveness of assisted reproductive technologies, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), by optimising the body’s response to fertility treatments.
While individual results may vary, these combined benefits make acupuncture a valuable adjunctive therapy for those wanting to increase their chances of achieving a successful pregnancy.
Acupuncture and ART
When used in conjunction with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), acupuncture can be a valuable complementary therapy for individuals and couples facing fertility challenges.
Research suggests that acupuncture may enhance the success rates of ART procedures by improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, optimizing the response to fertility medications, and reducing stress and anxiety associated with fertility treatments.
Many individuals choose to incorporate acupuncture into their ART protocols, receiving sessions before and after key procedures such as embryo transfer. This combination of modern medical interventions with traditional acupuncture techniques offers a holistic approach to fertility enhancement, potentially increasing the likelihood of a successful pregnancy while also providing emotional and physical support during the often stressful journey of assisted reproduction.
A recent study in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has shown that acupuncture may increase the success rate of implantation and pregnancy during IVF by as much as 65%.
The BAcC also provides more information on research into acupuncture and ART.
Lifestyle and diet
Lifestyle and diet play crucial roles in maximising the benefits of acupuncture for fertility.
Diet and exercise: Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise is an essential first step towards pregnancy. Incorporating nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can help support overall reproductive health. Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake while quitting smoking can also have a positive impact on fertility.
Stress: Stress management techniques, including yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises, can complement acupuncture’s stress-reduction effects.
Sleep: Moreover, getting adequate sleep and staying hydrated are essential for optimal reproductive function.
Frequency of treatment and when to start treatment
Start as soon as you can, ideally giving yourself at least three-months of regular treatment before starting any assisted fertility treatment. This is especially the case for men as it takes up to 90 days for sperm to mature so you won’t experience the full benefits prior to that.
Frequency of treatment will always depend on individual circumstances but in general, I recommend weekly acupuncture sessions for the first cycle, moving to every two-weeks after that to coincide with day 2-3 and day 15 of your cycle.
If applicable, I time treatment specifically around assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures such as IVF or IUI. These more frequent sessions are typically designed to optimize hormone balance, improve uterine blood flow, and reduce stress in preparation for conception. After successful implantation, the frequency of treatments may decrease but is often continued throughout the first trimester to support a healthy pregnancy. Ultimately, I will tailor the treatment to your specific fertility challenges and goals.
But remember, some acupuncture is better than none so start as soon as you can and come as often as you can.
Want to know more? Then why not book in a free 30-minute telephone consultation to see how acupuncture can help you with your fertility journey.
