Atlantic Acupuncture & Wellness

02/12/2025

12/11/2025

Acupuncture & Male Fertility; How does it work?

S***m take between 70 and 90 days to fully mature, so commencing acupuncture treatment, along with appropriate lifestyle changes in the 3 month period before trying to conceive naturally or with IVF or ICSI, can positively impact s***m quality, motility and count.
In Chinese Medicine, male fertility is deeply connected to the balance of vital energy (Qi), Blood and the health of key organs.

1. Kidney Essence (Jing)
~The Kidney stores Jing (Essence), which is the foundation of Reproductive Health.
~Weak Kidney Jing can lead to low s***m count and poor motility.

2. Liver Qi Flow
~The Liver ensures smooth Qi and Blood circulation, essential for s***m production. Liver Qi Stagnation, often caused by stress and emotional imbalance, can lead to hormonal disruption and poor s***m health.

3. Spleen and Digestive Health
~The Spleen energy transforms food into Qi and Blood, nourishing the reproductive system.
~Poor diet and weak digestion can lead to Dampness and Phlegm accumulation, affecting s***m quality.

4. Blood Circulation
~Strong, healthy Blood is needed for testicular function and s***m production.
~Blood Deficiency can lead to low libido, fatigue and weak reproductive health.
Lifestyle, diet and overexertion can deplete Jing.

5. Dampness and Heat
~Excess heat (from inflammation, poor diet or stress) can damage s***m.
~Dampness (from poor digestion or environmental factors) can impair circulation and impact fertility.

***mhealth

10/11/2025

The quality and health of s***m significantly impacts fertility outcomes. S***m makes up 50% of the the DNA of the embryo and s***m health directly impacts fertilisation, whether implantation will occur and embryo development.
Often, I see women who are focused on their reproductive health and fertility with no or only basic s***m testing for their partners. Good s***m isn't just about count.
It's important to look at Motility & Morphology.

Poor s***m motility can prevent the s***m from reaching and fertilising the egg.
Abnormal morphology can impair fertilisation and embryo development.

In cases of recurrent implantation failure or early miscarriage additional testing may be necessary. DNA Fragmentation offers a more comprehensive analysis on the integrity of the s***m. High levels of DNA fragmentation in s***m can lead to poor fertility outcomes. Genetic abnormalities can also be linked to DNA Fragmentation and testing can help determine whether further testing for genetic conditions may be helpful.

Stay posted for more on the role of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in s***m health and how lifestyle and dietary changes can positively impact fertility outcomes.

***mhealth

28/10/2025

Autumn 🍂 🍁

13/08/2025

Treating lots of stress related imbalances recently and thought I'd share a little on Acupuncture for Stress.
A common question i get asked is how exactly can acupuncture treat stress? How does it work?

Stress, anxiety, or depression disrupt the body's natural energy flow. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Qi (or energy) moves through the body along meridian pathways. Stress acts like a blockage in these pathways, much like a traffic jam, preventing energy from flowing smoothly. This can lead to issues beyond emotional distress, such as digestive problems, elevated blood pressure, chronic pain, and sleep disturbances. Acupuncture addresses these blockages, allowing energy to flow more freely, thereby relieving stress.

On a biological level, acupuncture triggers the release of neurochemicals that directly influence mood and stress levels. One of the key chemicals released during acupuncture is serotonin, a neurotransmitter often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone. Serotonin plays a critical role in regulating mood, and higher levels of serotonin are associated with feelings of ease and relaxation. By boosting serotonin production, acupuncture helps reduce anxiety and promotes an overall sense of well-being.
No two people deal with stress or are impacted by stress in exactly the same way- this is where a pre treatment consultation is essential to understand how the body is impacted by stress and how to treat the imbalance.

☎️087 9364302 for more information

25/07/2025

The traditional Chinese practice involves inserting very thin needles through a person's skin, the aim of which is to promote healing.

10/07/2025

When trying to conceive naturally or preparing for IVF or other Assisted Reproductive Therapies, a focus on supporting egg quality is important. The decline in fertility as we age is almost entirely due to a decline in egg quality. For any embryo the first few weeks after fertilization are crucial, and many embryos stop developing at some stage during this time. Around 40% of miscarriages are caused by a chromosomal abnormality- the proportion of eggs with chromosomal abnormalities can be influenced by nutrients, hormones and lifestyle factors. This is good news because what it means is that by making changes in diet and lifestyle we can positively influence egg quality.
While a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have, these eggs are stored in the body until it is each eggs turn to begin the developmental process. The process an egg undergoes in it's journey from being dormant to reaching ovulation takes almost a year and the most important development takes place in the final four months before ovulation. This period therefore, is one during which diet and lifestyle changes can and will impact egg quality.

The following are key recommendations to consider in the months before trying to conceive naturally or getting ready for assisted treatment.

09/05/2025

Understanding your Hormones;
Progesterone 🌼

In fertility, Progesterone plays a crucial role in the preparation of the uterus for the fertilized egg and pregnancy. Another primary function of progesterone involves keeping estrogen levels in check.

Progesterone is secreted by the ovary's corpus luteum after ovulation. As I mentioned in my last post its nature is Yang, as it transforms, heats, and invigorates. The luteal phase defect, a common issues in fertility, occurs when the corpus luteum fails to produce sufficient progesterone levels required to transform endometrial tissue so it can hold a fertilized egg.

Acupuncture can be very beneficial at supporting progesterone levels and luteal phase deficiencies. Some of the ways that acupuncture can support progesterone levels and luteal phase deficiencies are through:

Stress Reduction: Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels by affecting the release of neurotransmitters and hormones such as cortisol. High stress levels can disrupt the balance of reproductive hormones, including progesterone. By reducing stress, acupuncture may indirectly help balance progesterone levels.

Regulating the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis: The HPA axis plays a crucial role in regulating stress responses and hormone production, including progesterone. Acupuncture may modulate the activity of the HPA axis, leading to more balanced hormone levels.

Improving Blood Circulation: Acupuncture can enhance blood circulation to reproductive organs, including the ovaries and uterus. Improved blood flow may support ovarian function and hormone production, including progesterone.

Modulating Neurotransmitters: Acupuncture may influence the release and activity of neurotransmitters involved in hormone regulation, such as serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters can indirectly affect the production and balance of reproductive hormones such as progesterone.

07/05/2025

Understanding your Hormones ;
Oestrogen 🌼
Oestrogen is the dominant hormone produced during the menstrual cycle's follicular phase. This hormone is produced by the ovaries, fat cells, and various other tissues in our bodies.
This hormone helps the production of healthy uterine lining, brings about changes to the cervix and also leads to ovulation and the production of fertile cervical mucus. Oestrogen also helps the uterus to accept and nurture the fertilized egg.
As menopause approaches, our oestrogen levels decrease- causing hot flushes, night sweats and many other symptoms.

In terms of Chinese Medicine, Yin represents the cooling, moistening, nourishing, growing and fertile actions, while Yang represents the warming, drying, moving and more energetic side.
In the first half of the cycle, the uterus is being nourished. The follicles are developing, cervical mucus is produced and the endometrium-the uterus lining, is built up. This is a Yin and blood building time.
During ovulation, body temperature increases and spikes, this corresponds to the shift from the Yin phase to the Yang phase. The time around ovulation is the time to move Qi and Blood and the days after Ovulation are considered the Yang phase-the rise in Progesterone slightly warms the uterus and dries up the cervical fluid to provide an optimal environment for an embryo to implant. This warming and drying part of the cycle corresponds to the Yang Phase.

Acupuncture is a gentle treatment which can help maintain healthy hormonal balance at every stage.

25/04/2025

If you are considering IVF or ICSI treatment it is best to allow the body 3-6 months preparation time to give yourself the best chance of a positive outcome.
The following are some key factors to keep in mind;

Gut Health.
Healthy gut microbiota plays a significant role in our immune, reproductive and metabolic function by helping to maintain a fine balance between hormone regulation and protecting our bodies from pathogens- germs that can weaken the body and spread disease. A good gut microbiome balance or healthy gut is important.
Factors such as stress, poor dietary and lifestyle habits and illness can disrupt the bacteria in our gut.

Managing Blood Glucose levels.
Imbalances in blood sugar levels can have significant implications for reproductive health. When blood sugar levels are too high or too low, it can disrupt hormonal balance and, impact reproductive function. For women, high blood sugar levels can impact egg quality and for men s***m quality and function can be compromised.
Regular meals and eating the right food help balance blood sugar levels.

Stress Management and Sleep.
Adequate sleep is essential for the regulation of the body's systems, including the production of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone, which are critical for fertility. Poor sleep can disrupt these hormones, leading to irregular menstrual cycles and decreased likelihood of fertilisation. Emerging research indicates a significant link between sleep quality and fertility.
High levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol, can interfere with overall reproductive health in men and women. Managing stress effectively and having a good support network are so important in preparing for IVF or other fertility treatments.

20/04/2025

Wishing you all a relaxed & happy Easter 🐣

16/02/2025

Lots of great learning this weekend on Autoimmune conditions, their impact and treatment in Fertility ✨