A woman's body goes through many cycles in the course of a lifetime. From the onset of puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, with many years of menstruation in between, a woman's body is in a constant state of change. Acupuncture works to restore balance and overall vitality to women along any stage of their journey. Some of the more commonly treated conditions with Chinese medicine include:

• Loss of menstrual flow
• Irregular periods
• Painful periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Pre-menstrual syndrome PMS
• Fertility
• Pregnancy-related conditions
• Post pregnancy care
• Menopause
• Thrush
• Cystisis
• Poly cystic ovarian syndrome (pcos)
• Endometriosis

Acupuncture can be directed at specific health problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome and irregular menstrual cycles through to general health problems such as stress and can be used as a sole treatment or used in conjunction with western medical fertility treatment.

Infertility should not be considered to be just a biological process that needs to be addressed. Couples who experience fertility problems are very aware of the stress that it can cause to each individual, and the effect it can have on their relationship.

Acupuncture is very successful in treating infertility issues in both women and men, and since acupuncture treats the body, mind and spirit it is hugely beneficial in helping relieve the emotional and stress related problems, as well as addressing the physical issues.

Research shows that acupuncture improves the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs. Acupuncture helps to regulate the hormone levels to help produce a larger number of follicles. Increased blood flow to the uterus in turn creates a thicker uterine lining. The result is better likelihood of implantation of the embryo to the uterus. During implantation of the embryos, acupuncture can help prevent the uterus from contracting, thereby also preventing the patient from experiencing painful cramps.

Lessen the side effects of the drugs used in IVF, such as emotional instability, insomnia, palpitations, etc.
Acupuncture can strengthen the immune system.

For males, Acupuncture can improve the quality and quantity of the semen to create better quality embryos.

Acupuncture can reduce stress and treats the emotions that go along with all that is involved in dealing with fertility issues.
A woman's body - her uterus - in Chinese medicine, in the Chinese language, is called Ãge gongdi, which means "palace of a child".
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, your body creates the environment for a child, if the palace is not in good condition, a child - a soul - does not want to come. When the palace is ready, when it has good energy, then a child will come to it.
Put simply, acupuncture will prepare your body physically and mentally, so that the palace is ready for your child.

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Acupuncture is a safe, gentle and effective treatment that can be used throughout pregnancy to benefit both mother and child. As both an experienced acupuncturist and a mother herself, Caitriona understands how important it is to feel relaxed, comfortable and full of vitality during this special time. Morning Sickness, Heartburn, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Sciatica, Constipation, Haemorrhoids, Back Pain, Oedema-swelling, Breech Presentation, High Blood Pressure, Induction, Anaemia, Headaches, Sinus Problems, Labour Preparation.

At Evolution Acupuncture Caitriona has a special interest in treating women who are pregnant, although we know pregnancy is not an illness there are plenty of minor and some not so minor ailments a woman may have to deal with throughout her pregnancy, medication is not an option for many of these ailments and so acupuncture is the ideal solution- drug free, safe and very effective in all trimesters.

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At Evolution Acupuncture I suggest a pre birth treatment plan, this involves 4 weekly treatments from 36 weeks onwards. The plan works in two ways, firstly we can deal with any problems that have arisen in the last few weeks such as heartburn or high blood pressure, fatique, secondly the treatments help to soften and ripen the cervix, prepare the pelvis and ligaments for birth, and also to help you to deal with the emotional aspects of bringing a new baby into the world.

Research has shown that women who have used acupuncture in the weeks prior to the birth, have shorter labours, less medical intervention, and fewer complications. Acupuncture can also be used to induce labour if a medical induction has already been scheduled.

For more information on this subject, please visit: http://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz

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Traditionally in China and many other cultures after giving birth women were afforded the utmost in rest and care to allow for full restoration of her health and strength. The most nutritious foods and herbs were given post partum to heal the body from birth and restore hormonal balance.

Not so in modern times and in fact this is a very vulnerable time for new mothers faced with the demands of caring for a new baby while their physical and mental states are depleted. This leaves them more susceptible to illness and future health problems and doesn't allow for a restoration of reproductive health.

Many women experience postpartum depression, recurrent bleeding, mastitis and lactation difficulties as well as decreased energy and hormonal imbalances that may not self correct. It is very beneficial to new mothers to follow a restorative health plan post partum acupuncture to give back all that creating new life has depleted.

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Menopause is an event common to all women, but each woman's menopausal experience is unique. As they reach this transition in life, many women are looking for alternative approaches to their body's changes. Acupuncture has been used to treat menopausal symptoms for more than two thousands years.

Women usually experience major changes in the body at the age between 40 to 60. This is the time when hormone levels, specifically that of estrogen and progesterone, take a drastic plunge when a woman's ovaries no longer produce these hormones.

Although not viewed as a disease, menopause can result in severe health issues due to the decreased levels of estrogen that creates symptoms such as prolonged periods, night sweats, anxiety, hot flashes, fatigue, fribromyalgia, heavy bleeding, headaches, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, depression, forgetfulness, urinary tract infections, weight gain, vertigo, vaginal dryness, migraines, and decreased libido, among others. Research shows that acupuncture helps with many symptoms of menopause.

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