Conceive is an acupuncture clinic in East Dulwich specialising in gynaecological disorders, male and female infertility, miscarriage, IVF support, pregnancy care and all aspects of women's health. Established in 2007 by acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist, Claire Battersby, it specialises in gynaecological disorders, male and female infertility, miscarriage, IVF support, pregnancy care and all aspects of women's health.
We have an expert team of dedicated acupuncturists at Conceive, who are here to support you on your fertility journey, and throughout your pregnancy, to birth. We are able to establish the appropriate treatment for you, taking into account medical history, test results, menstrual patterns, BBT, environmental toxins, nutritional, structural and emotional health. Comprehensive preconceptual advice is given accordingly, and a unique treatment programme can be drawn up to address each patient's individual needs.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine form the core of our treatment at Conceive. However we also offer Nutrition, Functional Medicine and Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage to provide a truly integrated service. I went back later when I was trying to conceive, and then to prepare myself for labour. Conceive has been a godsend to me! I recommend them for all women's health issues. Their practitioners are extremely knowledgeable and supportive and all are experts in the field." Anna, Designer
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TREATMENT PROGRAMME
An initial consultation is given to review your complete medical history, taking into account lifestyle, general medical history, western medical test results, menstrual patterns, body basal temperature, nutritional and emotional health. Where necessary we can arrange for blood tests and semen analysis, or referral to a gynaecologist or male infertility specialist.
On the basis of the medical history and test results, we are able to establish the appropriate treatment for you. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are the principal forms of treatment at Conceive, in light of the growing body of evidence of the efficacy of Chinese medicine in the field of reproductive medicine. It has become steadily more recognized by the medical profession in the UK, and an increasing number of gynaecologists and midwives now work together with Chinese medical practitioners to support their treatment. Acupuncture, in particular, has become the number one complementary treatment to support and enhance the results of IVF. Nutritional advice is also an important part of the treatment programme, and, where necessary, we can refer for counselling, hypnotherapy or, cranial osteopathy, to address your emotional and structural health. We also offer pregnancy massage and reflexology.
For those seeking a purely natural approach, Chinese medicine can be used alone; but equally they can be used to great effect in combination with western medical procedures.
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ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is an ancient natural healthcare system, originating in China over 3,000 years ago and based on the principles of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. Its benefits have been experienced throughout history, and it is now widely used and recognised across the world.
There is overwhelming evidence of its effectiveness in treating infertility and gynaecological conditions and it is for this reason that it is used as the principal form of treatment at Conceive. It has become steadily more recognized by the medical profession in the UK, and an increasing number of gynaecologists now work together with Chinese medical practitioners to support their treatment.
Acupuncture is based on the principles of Yin and Yang, two opposing qualities, which should be in a state of dynamic balance. When the balance becomes undermined, due to lifestyle, emotional, dietary, hereditary or climatic factors, toxins or trauma, menstrual irregularities or infertility may result. Like Yin and Yang, the hormones, too, are in a constant state of dynamic flux. By balancing Yin and Yang, Chinese medicine is able to balance the hormones and treat a number of gynaecological disorder. Amongst the conditions acupuncture can treat are:-
female infertility, male infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, miscarriage, High FSH, High prolactin, amenorrhea, painful periods, heavy periods, PMT, morning sickness, poor lactation, post-natal depression and menopausal symptoms.
From a western medical perspective, acupuncture can affect a response in the endocrine, neurological and immunological systems. It promotes the circulation of blood in the tissues, as well as stimulating the peripheral nerves, thereby triggering changes in the brain and internal organs. The hypothalamus is the regulatory control centre of all the hormones, and is situated in the brain. It controls the discharge of gonadotropin-releasing hormones, which govern ovulation, menstruation and pregnancy. The influence of acupuncture on the hypothalamus explains why it is so effective in treating reproductive health.
Numerous studies have demonstrated that acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can:
lower stress hormones which interfere with ovulation
regulate hormones by stimulating the hypothalamus, the regulatory control centre of all hormone activity
increase endorphin production which, in turn, effects the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone
promote blood circulation in the uterus, ovaries and te**es
influence the facility with which the eggs are released and travel down the fallopian tubes. improve ovarian function and follicular development
increase fertile mucus
thicken the lining of the uterus
increase energy production in the cells
boost and balance the immune system
strengthen the digestive system and nourish the quality of the blood, increasing general health and well-being.
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ABOUT CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
Chinese herbal medicine complements and supports the use of acupuncture, and is particularly recommended in cases of chronic or complex conditions. It is gentle and effective and affects real physiological change. Treatment with Chinese Herbal Medicine involves the use of a combination of herbs designed to correct the particular disharmony of the individual. The prescription is formulated according to the diagnosis, which is based on a full medical consultation, including medical history, tongue and pulse. As the patient’s condition progresses, the balance and combination of the herbs can be modified.
The herbal prescription may be administered in the form of capsules, concentrated herbal powder, pills, teas, tinctures, or external ointments, according to the circumstances and the pathology of the patient. The herbal formula may include leaves, flowers, roots, stems, barks and seeds of plants. It does not contain any endangered species and is not tested on animals. We source our herbs from suppliers we trust to provide herbs that are pure and effective.
Chinese herbal medicine can be used to treat a wide range of gynaecological disorders, including:- Male and female infertility,
endometriosis, PCOS, amenorrhea, painful periods, heavy periods, menopausal symptoms, poor lactation, recurrent miscarriage, PMT, high prolactin, high FSH and hypothyroidism.
Like acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine can:-
lower stress hormones which interfere with ovulation
regulate hormones
promote blood circulation in the uterus, ovaries and te**es
improve ovarian function and follicular development
increase fertile mucus
thicken the lining of the uterus
increase energy production in the cells
boost and balance the immune system
strengthen the digestive system and nourish the quality of the blood, increasing general health and well-being.
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GYNAECOLOGIST/ANDROLOGIST
Conceive has links to private gynaecologists and andrologists at The Lister Hospital and in Harley Street, to whom we can refer patients. We work closely with specialists in the treatment of our patients, combining the benefits of western medical investigations and treatment, with the natural, health-promoting power of complementary medicines.
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OTHER THERAPIES
Besides acupuncture and Chinese medicine, the clinic also offers Nutrition, Functional Medicine and Maya abdominal massage to provide a truly integrated service. Where necessary, we can also refer to colleagues for hypnotherapy, cranial osteopathy, counselling, reflexology and pregnancy massage.
NUTRITION
Optimum nutrition is fundamental for optimum fertility. In order to produce healthy eggs, healthy s***m and healthy babies, you need to eat a balanced and healthy diet. However, food can be lacking in nutrients due to modern agricultural and production processes, so very often you need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals, which are crucial to your reproductive health and to the health of the unborn baby. Your nutritional needs will vary according to your lifestyle, age, gender, metabolism and general health. The nutritionist will make a personalised assessment of your nutritional status and give you advice on the optimum foods and supplements for you.
Our acupuncturists, Eloise Minton and Anga González, are also both trained in Nutrition, and will be able to offer you advice on supplements and diet. MAYA ABDOMINAL FERTILITY MASSAGE
Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage was founded on the ancient massage techniques taught to Dr Rosita Arvigo by Don Elijio Panti, a traditional healer from Belize. This type of bodywork involves external non-invasive manipulation that gently repositions internal organs that have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and energy. Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage helps the reproductive organs by relaxing tight ligaments and toning weak ones, facilitates the movement of arterial and venous blood, moves congested lymph fluid and nodes and opens up energy channels that are stagnant, so that nutrients, disease fighting-agents, hormones, proper nerve signals and Qi flow efficiently through the whole body. The individual then has more capacity for balance and healing. Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage helps to reposition a tilted uterus, regulate hormones, break up scar tissue, promote blood circulation in the uterus and cervix and encourage the liver to get rid of excess hormones. It can be helpful in treating endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts, blocked fallopian tubes, scar tissue, tilted uterus, unexplained fertility and menstrual cramps. Our practitioner, Anga González, practises Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage, and can combine this with acupuncture. WHERE ARE WE:
Conceive offers treatments from two comfortable locations in Dulwich:
Goose Green Clinic
59 East Dulwich Road
London SE22 9AP
&
Oru Space
20-22 Lordship Lane
London SE22 8HN
