An area of special interest in my clinical work is working with gynecological health.  The origins of the word ‘gynecology’ have Greek roots, gyne - meaning woman and logy - meaning study of.  In the historical study and writings of Chinese Medicine, it is acknowledged that working with women is more complex, because the female system is more vulnerable to imbalance, disease and pathogenic invasion during menstruation or following childbirth. Traditional Chinese Medicine understands the signs and symptoms experienced throughout the menstrual cycle as communication from the body about what it needs. These signs and symptoms indicate where deficiency is present and where and when Qi and internal stagnation needs moving. When gynecological symptoms occur, it is not just a case of getting rid of them, but understanding why they manifested in the first place in order to realign the body with better overall health and reacquaint the patient with the knowing of their body.

The way in which mainstream gynecology is practiced today has its origins in a care system that was orientated around the male body. The system of care that we have come to know as ‘mainstream’ is lacking in nuance and choice for those exploring support for menstrual or reproductive disorders. The care I offer in my clinic is an integration of a different traditional care lineages. Alongside Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture I work with hands on care of the belly and pelvis using Craniosacral Therapy. Alongside these modalities, I work with the system that underlies our endocrine and reproductive health - the nervous system, this might take the form of movement, working with the breath or somatic education.

WHEN CAN ACUPUNCTURE BE USED? - Acupuncture can be useful to support balance at key times of gynecological and hormonal change such as during puberty, through pregnancy, post natally and during menopause.  It can also support people during times of emotional or physical stress and with specific symptoms that are either chronic or acute.

In my practice I work to support patients with any of the following presentations; dysmenorrhoea (period pain), PMDD & PMS, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding at irregular intervals) and amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), difficulty conceiving, recurrent pregnancy loss, support prior to, during and following termination of pregnancy. Vaginisimus, pelvic prolapse, and symptoms prior to and during menopause.

My intention is to offer patients care that enables them to understand their own body with greater awareness. Working with the reproductive organs is not solely about working to alleviate symptoms but to integrate our understanding and relationship to pleasure, emotion and relationships. These aspects of life all hold influence over our system entirety and are as relevant to work with as the nature of the cycle itself.

LIFESTYLE, DIET and DIAGNOSTICS - alongside hands on treatment, my work can include education and support in a patient’s choice making around other contributing health factors such as food, movement and lifestyle. I am an affiliate practitioner of Invivo Healthcare; The human microbiome company. ‘Invivo provides diagnostic testing services that analyse the microbiome, the host-immune status and genomic data’. Working with Invivo enables us to access microbiome diagnostics should this feel appropriate and supportive to your care. (Invivo are an awesome B Corps certified UK based company that are operating as carbon neutral too). If it is relevant I can work with you to gain more information about your gut, oral and vaginal microbiome to support the direction of care.

When appropriate, I work with basal body temperature (BBT) charting.  BBT charting is a method of knowing when you are fertile - a useful practice for women tracking their fertile time of the month both to help a process of conception as well as for natural contraception.

If you are considering support for GYnaecological health issues please do get in touch.  I WOULD BE VERY happy to discuss HOW acupuncture and craniosacral therapy COULD SUPPORT you.

JAPANESE PROVERB

Ame futte ji katamaru

After the rain, earth hardens

Adversity strengthens the foundations. / After a storm, things will stand on more solid ground than they did before.