In my final year at University studying Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, I started treating patients in polyclinic. We did a lot of gynae, pregnancy and fertility as Chinese medicine is so rich in literature. It has a wonderful understanding of cycles and the whole theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) explained fertility and the monthly cycle so richly and precisely. So when I entered clinic I took on a lot of women patients and always looked at regulating the cycle as part of a holistic treatment plan.
When I graduated it wasn't long before I seemed to get a lot of fertility, women's health and pregnancy in my clinic. It always seems to work like that when you are a therapist. I began to specialize in these subjects and did many courses and read all the important books modern and old. I loved walking down the street in the area where I lived and practiced and would see a couple with their baby who had come to my clinic in what they thought was a hopeless situation.
When you take on fertility you have to be a good listener, be empathic and be honest. I would always empower my patients and let them know all the choices they have in western medicine, the blood tests or investigations needed, the right foods to eat and give them my years of experience. The truth about male factor and how a good sperm test result doesn't rule out the man being the main issue, something I see way too often. Bad GP practice where the GP doesn't know when hormonal blood tests should be taken and especially, how to interpret the results. This is very common.
After 10 years of treating infertility, I wrote to almost every fertility clinic in London informing them of my services and how I could work with them. I never got a single reply of interest. It was common for patients to tell me the clinic would say to them "it's a waste of time", or "Well I guess laying on a bed for an hour is good relaxation".
Forward 12 years later and I now work with a couple of fertility doctors doing research and taking on specific cases for them. Most fertility clinic now have connections to acupuncturists or have in house practitioners they can make them aware of. They cannot ignore the evidence they see, the improvement in IVF stimulation numbers when preparing for a Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET), better overall outcomes, much better reactions to fertility drugs, maintaining pregnancies.
Fertility clinics cannot offer acupuncture as part of their packages because of NICE and HFEA regulations. Acupuncture needs research that passes the scientific standard of Randomised Control Trials (RCT's). That means double blind trials where both the practitioner and patient don't know if they are getting the treatment or an inert placebo. Similar to a drug trial where you and the person giving you the pill don't know if it is chalk or the real drug. A sham acupuncture machine was built to attempt this but after some time it was discovered that the sham acupuncture was having an effect on the patient and was not an inert placebo.
So it is only because it is not possible at this time to do effective RCT's to pass the standard set by the governing bodies that protect us from bad practice. It is not because it is not trusted, it is. Now we are seeing many come through our doors who have tried before without the help of acupuncture but now are ready to give it a go. Some of the clinicians are now learning to use acupuncture. I would strongly suggest you make sure you see a practitioner who has done at least three years of study in acupuncture. Even if they are a Doctor, Physio or Osteopath, who will do a month training on point location, choose a BAcC registered acupuncturist and one who specializes in fertility. The clinics are now embracing what we have to offer and at some point we will be part of the clinical process.
The evolution of my practice reflects not only my growth but also the shifting perceptions of acupuncture within the medical community. Initially, I faced considerable skepticism, with fertility clinics dismissing acupuncture as an irrelevant treatment. Yet, over the years, attitudes have transformed, with many clinics now recognizing the value of integrative approaches to fertility. This shift is not merely anecdotal; it is supported by an increasing body of evidence suggesting that acupuncture can indeed enhance reproductive outcomes when combined with traditional Western techniques.
Working closely with fertility doctors has allowed me to advocate for my patients more effectively. By collaborating with medical professionals, I emphasize the importance of a comprehensive approach to fertility. It is vital to address not only the physical aspects of infertility but also the emotional and psychological factors that can significantly impact a patient's journey. My experience has shown that providing emotional support, along with practical guidance on lifestyle and dietary changes, can prepare couples for the rigors of fertility treatment.
Furthermore, education plays a crucial role in my practice. I strive to empower my patients with knowledge about their bodies and the fertility process. This includes discussing the importance of understanding male fertility, emphasizing that sperm quality can fluctuate, and highlighting the role of stress and overall health in reproductive success. Many patients come to realize that fertility is a shared responsibility; both partners play integral roles in creating the optimal conditions for conception.
The challenges posed by the limitations of research and regulation remain. While the demand for acupuncture in fertility treatment continues to grow, achieving the level of scientific validation required by bodies like NICE and HFEA is a hurdle that we must overcome. It is an ongoing discussion among practitioners, researchers, and fertility specialists on how to blend traditional practices with modern scientific standards without losing the essence of what makes acupuncture unique.
In conclusion, my journey through the world of fertility and acupuncture has been one of continuous learning and adaptation. I have witnessed firsthand the barriers that exist but also the incredible transformations that can occur when we embrace a holistic approach to fertility. As we continue to gather evidence and advocate for integrative health practices, I remain hopeful that acupuncture will find its rightful place within the realm of reproductive medicine, benefiting countless couples seeking to build their families.