Most clinical trials to date suggest that acupuncture may be useful in the embryo transfer stage of in vitro fertilisation, and results in an increased pregnancy rate and a greater number of live births (Cheong 2008, Manheimer 2008, Kong 2009, Chen 2009, Smith 2006, Westergaard 2006), though there have been exceptions (Domar 2009) (see Table overleaf). In one recent large trial the pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was lower than that of the control (So 2009), thus affecting the results of subsequent reviews (Cheong 2010). This trial used an inappropriately active control treatment, a sort of acupressure, thus casting doubt on the validity of the findings.

Acupuncture may help in the treatment of infertility by:

• regulating fertility hormones – stress and other factors can disrupt the function of the hypothalamic pituitary-ovarian axis (HPOA). Acupuncture promotes the release of beta-endorphin in the brain, which regulates gonadatrophin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus, follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, and oestrogen and progesterone levels from the ovary (Anderson 2007).
• increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs (Ho 2009, Anderson 2007), which can improve the thickness of the endometrial lining, so increasing the chances of embryo implantation.
• increasing egg production (Jin 2009) and improving oocyte quality (Chen 2009), which could increase the chance of fertilisation.
• enhancing luteal function (Huang 2009)
• regulating follicle stimulation hormone-receptor expression (Jin 2009).
• normalising cortisol and prolactin levels on IVF medication days (Magarelli 2008); reducing stress (Anderson 2007)
• promoting embryo implantation (Liu 2008).

Research has found that acupuncture treatment can have a positive effect on those trying for a baby and can actually aid the conception process. Over the past twenty years, fertility problems have increased dramatically. At least 25* percent of couples in the UK planning a baby will have trouble conceiving, and more and more couples are turning to fertility treatments to help them start a family. Fertility focused acupuncture treatment can help to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormone levels, regulate the menstrual cycle and help improve the lining of the uterus and quality of eggs released.

Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis have also been shown to improve with acupuncture Men today also face fertility problems. Benefits to male fertility have been helped by acupuncture with positive effects on sperm count, morphology and mobility. •Some of the positive effects of acupuncture in fertility treatment are thought to include: •regulate the menstrual cycle and promote regular ovulation •regulate the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles •improve the functions of ovaries to produce better quality eggs •enhance the vitality of sperm •relieve the side effects of drugs used in IVF •increase the thickness of the uterine lining so to encourage successful implantation •reduce the chance of miscarriage It is known that stress has an adverse effect on the fertility hormones.

Acupuncture can be used to strengthen the constitution, thus enabling couples to cope with any stress and anxieties they may experience during the process of trying to start a family. The acupuncture treatment can help promote a calm, positive, relaxed frame of mind which can bring a more successful outcome for conception. Gerad Kite, acupuncturist and British Acupuncture member Council explains how it can help: “Unexplained infertility is becoming endemic as more and more couples decide to wait to start a family until their 30′s.

Acupuncture has now been recognised as a viable treatment to help this patient group increase their chances of conception. The treatment supports the person by finding the key that will unlock the natural healing mechanism that not only brings balance to their system but can dramatically increase fertility”. Research Previous studies have proved the effectiveness of acupuncture for infertility. A 2004 study conducted by the Reproductive Medicine and Fertility Center in Colorado found that 51% of women who underwent both IVF and acupuncture treatment at the same time became pregnant, while only 36% of those who only underwent IVF did. The latter group also had higher rates of miscarriage and stillbirth (20%) compared to those women who had received acupuncture (8%).

A 2005 study conducted by Shanghai University in China found that acupuncture also helped treat male infertility. Of the men who participated, those who had acupuncture had an increased percentage of sperm in their semen; their sperm structure and morphology was also healthier than their counterparts who did not undergo acupuncture infertility treatment. A report published in the journal Fertility and Sterility (2002) found the pregnancy rate in the group receiving acupuncture group was 42.5%, compared to the group which did not receive the therapy, where the rate was 26.3%.

About the BAcC:

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) has a membership of over 2,800 professionally qualified acupuncturists. It is the UK’s largest professional body for the practice of acupuncture.

BAcC members practise a traditional, holistic style of acupuncture diagnosis and treatment based on a system developed and refined over 2,000 years. To achieve BAcC membership, practitioners must first undertake extensive training in traditional acupuncture (minimum three years full-time or part-time equivalent), which includes physiology, anatomy and other biomedical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture.

Helen Taylor – Weekes has been involved in TCM acupuncture, infertility, IVF, male fertility and pregnancy now for over 20 years, as an acupuncturist, healthcare advisor, teacher, consultant and mother working in the NHS and in private clinics around the southeast. We are lucky enough to have Helen is co – owner of   The Welwyn & Hatfield Practice

Over the years many couples have come to Helen for advice on how to get into into optimum shape – Emotionally, physiologically, nutritionally and biomechanically for all the vital stages of childbirth from pre-conception to conception, to pregnancy and the months immediately after birth

“The mattress should be supportive enough to take the weight of the body without sagging, it shouldn’t be so supportive that it does not “give” comfortably when you lay down to rest”

Buying your mattress

Your mattress should be supportive enough to take the weight of the body without sagging. Old ones tend to sag and you may end up with a ver sore back or need Physiotherapy for back pain. However, the mattress does need to be firm enough to allow for shifts of posture during the night. Any sore joints or discs can stretch, bulge or inflame if not supported well. Possibly leaving you with that locked up feeling in the morning.

 Don’t be  embarrassed to lie on the bed in the shop for 20 minutes or so, for each mattress. Lie on your back as well as your side. This gives your body time to adjust and relax.You will be buying an expensive item that you will live with for years !! If in doubt call the Welwyn and Hatfield Practice Physiotherapy practice and ask to speak to Ian Norman.

The mattress should be comfortable to lie on and soft enough, with sufficient ‘give’, to support and cushion the body’s bony curves (for example like that provided by a ‘pocket sprung’ mattress). Don’t be embarrassed to lie on the bed for twenty minutes or so in the shop –it’s really  never as long as you’ll spend on it each night !

 A good quality mattress will need a strong base. It is always best to buy the base and mattress together if possible. If you buy these items separately do seek advice from the sales representative that they would make a suitable combination and get this in writing as otherwise the guarantee on either the base or mattress may be invalidated by misuse.Many of the mattress bases are spung as well.

Allergic disorders

 In one GP study 85% of Allergic disorders, such as asthma and eczema can be aggravated by sleeping on traditional  beds. The cause of these symptoms are generally  dust and bed mites. The mattress needs to allow for the easy evaporation of perspiration.The body loses between one and two pints of perspiration per night !! A divan or slatted base allows for good air circulation. Memory foam are especially good as they are hypo – allergenic, bugs like them least of all. If you are going to put a board under your mattress to improve support ensure it has holes. Hygiene and ventilation of the bed and covers are important. It helps (but can be  awkward) to hoover the bed once a month.Special protective covers are very helpful.

Beds vary in size from super king  to small single…

Are you and your partner  different size ? 

If you and and your partner are different sizes consider  link bed these are a great idea as they work independently from each other. Think about whats best  for you – if you are of average weight and need a supportive mattress but your partner is heavier and requires a firmer one, it might be better to choose a bed with separate mattress types on either side.

A brilliant option is a water bed.

Although they will not suit everone. Manufacturers claim that they support the body without distorting the spine and will last for many years without sagging.These beds  have no pressure point areas (so they are comfortable), they generally have the facility for internal heating which means if you have  stiff  joints or have back ache bed is a place to go to recover. You can also heat them up in winter or cool them down in summer months.They do require some maitenance involving conditioners  and there is less-likelihood of mites and dust asthey are hypo allergenic. However, as with many things, water beds are popular with some people, but others find them very difficult to relax in – try one before you pay in full.  Remember, there is no absolute best choice of bed.

The word ‘orthopaedic’  really just implies ” Firmness”

Be satisfied the bed you choose  it is right for you.  Remember that the word ‘orthopaedic’ is really meaningless, though it generally implies ‘firm’. If you require further advice on a back problem seek advice from our Physiotherapist or Osteopath at the Hatfield Practice. 01707 888229

Remember traditional mattresses need to be turned regularly – between every 6 weeks to 3 months. Get someone to help you turn them over, especially the heavier ones!  If you live on your own your may prefer a water bed, memory foam or latex mattress that requires no turning.Also dont forget to hoover the mattress from time to time to remove mites. A friend of mine used to leave his matress in the huge walk in freezer that he owned overnight or when he went on holiday. His idear was that it would kill any bugs or mites !!!

What else can help?

People tend to just rely on the mattress and pillows in isolation to fix their backs to improve their back condition. The reality is that really when you are young you could sleep on a pile  of bricks and still wake up rested. There are many other methods of improving your quality of sleep.

A memory foam “topper”

Heated under blanket in winter great for aching backs and kidney chills.

A bath before bedtime with a few drops of lavender.

Gentle walk or stretches an hour before you  sleep this moves blood and relieves stiff “TV style” joints.

Avoid alcohol and caffiene they speed your internal organs that self clense night time.

Turn off TV and have tech free evenings.Let yourself relax – No blood type zombie films !

Dont eat late if you can help it ( your liver will get anoyed with you and wake you at 2 a.m !!)

Dark and cool rooms help us to sleep well, less people tend to have curtains these days.

Why pain in bed

As we age the discs in our back wear, that’s normal really. They don’t always wear in an even way, spines are often twisted out of alignment.This creates torsions and tension along the spine which affects spinal joint spaces. these spaces are important as they allow the fluid between the joints to lubricate and nourish the cartilage. Wear is always uneven ( even on our shoes ! )

When we sleep any anomaly or lack of function along your spine will be tested. So if the joint is lax it will tend to stretch stressing the joint capsule or ligaments. If it is stiff blood flow will be reduced and it will ache as your body is made aware and it attempts to release your problematic area. Most commonly L4 and L5 at the base of your low back. Hey presto pain when you wake. Our ligaments tighten night time – recover. The main reason for this is that our discs even if worn,  absorb water – literally rehydrate night times . This is why we are taller in the mornings. This re hydration can also cause stiffness and pain as the body readjusts.

Professionalism in Physiotherapy

Edit this entry.

THE WELWYN AND HATFIELD PRACTICE – YOUR BEST CHOICE

Our physiotherapists, Osteopaths, Acupuncturists and Massage therapists  work as a integrated team, encouraged and trained to use our focused triage pain relief system.

We dont just give exercises. we design you a hands on “top end” treatment plan that will speed your recovery from injury or illness.

We have brilliant Communication Support System in place. Full time reception staff, personal practitioner email service. A emergency direct line (mobile) to our director & senior practitioner Ian Norman. Call Ian for advice, emergencies and feedback.   

“Our ability to  refer  between our specialists in a fast and effective way is cost effective and the future”.  

 ”if your condition is complex, non resolving or if your in a great deal of pain” we can  involve other specialist practitioners  with your treatment on the same day often during the same session. We also have a mobile Physio faster  service that will visit you at home or office 

Treatment starts with good working diagnosis ( i.e.  what the problem/ injury is). Its very important that you understand why your in pain and a clear idea of how long before you see any improvement in your condition. Most importantly a good understanding of why the problem happened in the first place . This must backed up with good quality educational advice so that the injury/condition is not repeated  over and over  again as many are.   

Physiotherapyis great for rehabilitation, Pilate’s, whiplash, repetitive strains, muscle imbalance, workstation assessments, exercises and core muscle stability advice. Physiotherapy is science-based and well researched, we are committed to extending, applying, evaluating and reviewing the evidence that underpins  its practice and delivery. Our Physiotherapy is  ” hands on”  and not just exercises. This approach has proven very successful and one of the best proven approaches for the treatment of joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and ligaments. As well as practising a wide range of  ” hands on “ techniques, our Physiotherapists are also trained in the use of electro – therapy such as     H- wave, ultrasound, laser, interferential and TENS.   

 Osteopathy is simply brilliant for loosening and improving spinal, muscle and joint function. Chronic muscle tensions caused by hours on the computer or by  not stretching and poor diet etc can leave people feeling tired and old. These chronic muscular tensions lead to inelastic fibrotic  muscle states that literally stiffen “strangle” our bodies almost like ivy on a tree. Stiffness in muscles and joints limit limit our range of movement. These changes can make us feel older than we are. The lack of movement affects cartilage nourishment eventually causing inflammation, osteoarthritis  “wear and tear”. Aging is in part  due to poor range of movement,eventually softening cartilage and weakened muscles .   

 Our osteopathy is not just cracks our practitioners  use a specific deep “neuro – muscular massage” which massively  improves blood flow, nerve elasticity and joint range of movement  improving and physical flexibility, function  and eased emotional patterns often “held” in our bodies   

Acupuncture is  simply brilliant for acute pain relief.  Systemic ( Internal organ) problems like, liver heat, kidney stress, digestive conditions such as acid reflux ,IBS, high blood pressure. Importantly  “stress origin” conditions like chronic fatigue, “burnout” are to do with the kidneys producing to much cortisol/ adrenalin. Brilliant for trapped nerve pain, Rsi, shingles, Irritable bowls and both male and female fertility infertility issues are just a few examples of the scope of Traditional Acupuncture.   

Interestingly in China the village acupuncturist would look after the health of locals. Checking on then all from time to time. The reason for this was ( apart from loving his work) he would not get paid if they became unwell and could not work ( brilliant !). Modern medicine often waits for disease to become established before intervention. Odd  really as like many things the more established a condition the harder it is to treat.   

Massage   

Our “Freedom Massage Treatment” starts with case history taking, full neurological examination, functional testing of muscular performance and joint movement structure and function. Then the treatment typically involves deep soft tissue work along specific nerve pathways. This tends to break reflexes and provides an amazing sense of lightness and freedom of movement. Of course  manipulation of the spine (helping the central control of the whole body), manipulation of peripheral joints and soft-tissue work including reflex- and trigger point therapy and neuro – release techniques to improve the tensions thorough the neuro system which often lead to pulled tissue disc, joint and nerve injuries. Deep neuro – muscular massage is undertaken by Ian Norman.   

Medication   

What about pain killers ? They cheaper than Physio  and proven right ?   

There is no doubt pain killers are a brilliant short term option. Directions on the box. Easy DIY how to  guide and of course  the side effects. Reality suggests the ”stronger the medicine” the stronger and more miserable the side effects. Painkillers don’t cure the condition they “manage”  the pain. But where is the education and understanding   

Some  pain killers  cause mental confusion, poor performance ( at work or driving! ) , gastro – intestinal inflammation, heart problems, kidney failure etc.       Many have been withdrawn due to the  adverse effects on  heart muscles.   

Many pharmacological products are clinically tested in isolation, in controlled conditions with no stress or any other tablets being taken in consideration.              In reality drugs are often taken by patients together with other meds. There are huge addiction problems. More recently the singer Michael Jackson.   

Long term effects of pain killers are quite well documented. Combined this with poor lifestyle habits  painkillers may not be the best option long term. Most importantly they don’t educate people  and may well encourage pain sufferers into more serious problems.Our unique selling point  is ”if your condition is complex, non resolving or if your in a great deal of pain” we can  involve other specialist practitioners  with your treatment on the same day often during the same session. We also have a mobile Physio faster  service that will visit you at home or office.  

 “Our success in treating difficult conditions is one of the characteristics that defines us”    

Good luck   

Ian Norman Osteopath and Practice Director.   

Welwyn Garden City  & Hatfield Physiotherapy Practice  

Welwyn Garden City Physiotherapy practices.  We have  more than 30 years experience in  pain management, rehabilitation and patient centered care. Our main aim  is that your treatment experience is second to none.   Chartered Physiotherapy, Registered Osteopathy, Licenced Acupuncture (specialist for infertility ) Holistic therapies, Sports Massage.  

2. Do drink some water to hydrate your muscles and soft tissues.

3. Arrive in plenty of time so you’re not rushed and can relax.

4. Tell your therapist if you haven’t had massage or this type of massage before.

5. Ask any questions you have about the massage treatment and what will happen.

6. If something doesn’t feel right during the treatment, it probably isn’t, so tell your therapist what you are feeling.

7. Also tell your therapist if:

•the pressure is too deep
•you are too hot or cold
•you don’t like the music
•you are uncomfortable in any way
•you are not happy with what they are doing
•you want the session to end
Remember this is your time and you are paying the therapist.

8. If you want to talk during your treatment, talk, if not don’t. The choice is yours.

9. Try to remain relaxed during the session, concentrating on your breathing will help.

10. Gather your thoughts before getting up from the table, you might feel lightheaded for a moment or two.

11. Drink sufficient water after to rehydrate your muscles and soft tissues.

12. Schedule time in after the massage treatment to relax and absorb the effects, at least 15-30 minutes.

I have uncovered ten simple pointers from the depth of my heart. They have helped me so much as well as others who I have coached.

Each one is a life lesson, a practice to hold in your heart and make your own in your own way. As such, these are pointers towards your Inner Knowing. Some are poetic and metaphorical, others are direct and practical. But they are all fairly simple.

I suggest you read them slowly, sit with them, and connect with them quietly. These are the kind of practices which can shine a light on an inner strength and happiness you have known all along, but may have overlooked….Being Present

Wait no more.

The next email you write, the next comment you post, the next sound you utter, can signal others to appreciate their beauty, strength, and marvelous nature.

In the same way that your breath is unobstructed, so too is positive energy.

…And what if you feel you cannot help others now? Then open your heart to receive….

Take a few moments to look at your relationship with time. Are you late? Are you early?

Where does your schedule originate from? Outside or inside you?

Consider that you are always on time….

The less time pressure you feel, the happier you are.

Don’t be at the mercy of clocks and calendars. Break free of them. Use them as tools for appointments and such, but don’t let them determine your inner state of happiness.

Cultivate an inner smile whether time seems to fly or crawl…

When we laugh at the concept of time, it flows like a dream. Let’s enjoy the surreal quality of time. How? By bringing our attention not just into the present, but rather into the conglomerate of past, present and future. Fuse them together. Be bigger than all three.

When past, present and future merge into each other, you feel whole again and your life becomes better balanced and integrated.

Joy, freedom and spontaneity return.

Don’t think about it.

Feel it….

by create

The media “machine”  appears to thrive on fear and negativity.  If it bleeds it leads mentality “  is a mindset that has become our staple diet of despair and gloom. Realise that they are affecting us deeply  with the constant barrage of  depressing junk .

 NO wonder why credit cards are so successful. People would rather shop, over eat or ”do”  anti depressants because its a quick way of feeling better !!

 Why not provide  positive  World News section after the depressing side.  What about the brilliant things people do every moment of every day. Fill news papers with all the good things we do as well  !! Why not  change the News papers to The Daily Wail, The Scum,The Evening Bandit or the The Daily Depress. Any more ideas?

One daily News paper in the UK fills its pages with content about  illnessess we get as we age, arthritis,racism  and disease  … Then follows by using   ”science fiction type “ articles about magic pills and surgery that cure ageing. To top that it generates huge revenue  by following with pages of inane adverts selling vitamins, knee wraps or health care  products that get you better again ” overnight”. Health  is more than that.

Imagine if you constantly bombarded your  children  with stories of depression, swine flue, fallen globalmarkets, terrorists, unemployment? 

How would little Johnny  feel ?

Maybe they would  start drinking young ?

Be racist and hate more ?

punch old ladies because they use up resources ?

what do we expect them to be if we fill their heads full of how bad the world is?  

They are the future … lets try to be more positive,  hate less,  forgive a bit more  and help each other. . even if its  just one person and you don’t really want to !

Maybe  today we could all start to feel better, the more love, kindness  you give  the more you have to give. I wouldn’t try this with all of your money as it does not work quite as well !!  But hey certainly you would have something new to concentrate on.

  How can we give  more towards more joy, gratitude and  happiness ? How can we inspire anyone? ourselves ? unless we work towards  manifesting our own individual joy… giving  is soul empowering.  Happiness spreads out like sunshine in a garden. Love more,  try kindness, smile ( face won’t crack and its  or a month. Have technology free evenings . Talk to a friend who has been on your mind.

Here is a short excerpt from the book The Lazy Mans Guide to Enlightenment

No resistance. This does not mean that you must be physically passive or meekly put up with bad vibrations or rip-offs. This means no resistance in your mind. Be free in your head, act out of love, and do what feels good. There is no action that is always right or wrong: the only true variable is the love with which you act. As you open your awareness, life will improve of itself, you won’t even have to try. It’s a beautiful paradox: the more you open your consciousness, the fewer unpleasant events intrude themselves into your awareness.

Love as much as you can from wherever you are. This line is especially good to recall when you feel frightened, crazy, or have taken some bad dope. Write it on the wall of your room. You may not want to love what you feel or see, you may not be able to convince yourself that you could love it at all. But just decide to love it. Say out loud that you love it, even if you don’t believe it. And say, ”I love myself for hating this.”

Love it the way it is. The way you see the world depends entirely on your own vibration level. When your vibration changes, the whole world will look different. It’s like those days when everyone seems to be smiling at you because you feel happy. The way to raise your vibration level is to feel more love. Start by loving your negative feelings, your own boredom, dullness and despair. It’s hard to believe, but changing the content of your mind does nothing to change your vibration level.

For the purpose of raising your awareness, it is useless to change your ideas, your faith, your behavior, your place of residence, or your companions.

The more loving you are, the more loving the beings within and around you are. On all levels we are mutually dependent on each other. Play a happy tune and happy dancers will join you. In another sense, loving yourself is a willingness to be in the same space with your own creations. How contracted would you become if you try to withdraw from your own ideas?   Loving yourself is not a matter of building your ego. Egotism is proving you are worthwhile after you have sunk into hating yourself. Loving yourself will dissolve your ego: you will feel no need to prove you are superior.

by Thaddeus Golas, 1972