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ACUPUNCTURE

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Why Add Acupuncture To Your Fertility Treatments?

Acupuncture works in three ways to help with your fertility goals.

1. It increases blood flow to the reproductive organs. Having increased blood flow creates the optimal conditions for the best possible uterine lining thickness and chances of successful conception.

2. Acupuncture is very effective at calming the nervous system. Going through fertility treatments can be a very stressful time in your life and many of us find our lives stressful in general. When your body is stuck in a state of prolonged stress it perceives this as an unsafe time to conceive. It is important that you promote lifestyle choices and practices to be in a rest/digest, parasympathetic state as much as possible.

3. Acupuncture points can stimulate the nervous system sending messages to the brain that causes a regulative effect on sex hormones. These systemic changes can help create the best conditions for a successful pregnancy.

What To Expect From My First Appointment?

Your first appointment with Brendan will include an initial intake of approximately 30 minutes. You will be asked a number of questions about what’s going on in your body like your menstrual cycle, digestion, sleep, stress etc. as well as any underlying medical conditions like PCOS, hormonal irregularities etc. Supplements, diet and lifestyle protocols backed by the most current and robust research will be discussed. As a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Brendan will also identify imbalances in the body according to TCM. This gives you an additional understanding and way to address your fertility concerns complementary to modern Western medicine. If appropriate a TCM herbal formula may be recommended. This would be taken as granules dissolved in hot water twice a day. Usually your first acupuncture treatment will follow. Initial and follow-up acupuncture treatments take 45 minute.

Where On My Body Will The Acupuncture Points Be?

There will be acupuncture points on the lower legs, lower abdomen, arms, ears and scalp. It is important to stimulate the area on your lower abdomen above your pubic bone to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. All acupuncture point locations will be discussed with you beforehand to make sure you are comfortable with them. Your groin will be covered at all times and there is no needling near your vagina.

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Are Acupuncture Treatments Painful?

No. The majority of the points used in fertility treatments have a very mild sensation. If you’ve never received acupuncture before it’s important to know that the needles are extremely thin – much thinner than those used for an injection and therefore cause little or no discomfort upon insertion. Occasionally a nerve is stimulated and you may feel a quick “shock” that lasts momentarily.

Are Acupuncture Treatments Safe?

Yes. The needles used are government approved, single use, sterilized surgical stainless steel. The risks of acupuncture are extremely low when performed properly by a licensed practitioner. Brendan is a registered acupuncturist and TCM practitioner in good standing with the government regulated CTCMPAO and has performed thousands of safe treatments in the last decade. Occasionally there may be some minor bruising, bleeding or soreness after the treatment although this is not common.

What Is TCM & Complementary Medicine & How Can It Help With My Fertility Treatments?

Complementary medicine is the term for any medical products and practices that are used in addition to the standard medical care you would receive from your MD. This includes such things as supplements, dietary recommendations and practices like meditation, yoga and treatments like acupuncture, chiropractic etc. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a way of assessing your bodies health through signs and symptoms not normally used in standard care. In a rich tradition developed and refined over thousands of years this practice can provide additional information and treatment approaches to help in your fertility goals. By adding Complementary & Traditional Chinese Medicine to your fertility treatments you are ensuring the most comprehensive approach to your health and chances of conception.

About Brendan Dolan

Brendan holds a BA from Queen’s University where he studied Philosophy. He graduated with honours from the acupuncture & TCM program at SSC Acupuncture Institute and received the Masanauga award for promoting Traditional Chinese Medicine and representing the highest standard of excellence in the field. He is a Registered Acupuncturist & Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO) Beyond the five years of standard schooling Brendan has pursued the tutelage of many Asian medicine masters from the US, Japan, New Zealand, China, and at home in Canada. One of these teachers, Debra Betts from New Zealand, is considered a global leader in acupuncture for fertility and obstetrics. Brendan also has a comprehensive knowledge of modern research on supplementation and protocols to improve health and address fertility concerns.

Want To Learn More Or Have Any Questions?

Brendan is available for a free consultation by phone and / or email. To book an appointment please email or call First Steps Fertility at 416-924-4666

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