Mystery of Conception
Published 16th September 2019
Recently I have been thinking about how many women I have worked with over the years. I think I have treated nearly 1000 women, most of which have been trying to conceive, whether this be naturally or via IVF. Almost all of them have gone on to have their families.
Not always the way they thought it would happen and most definitely not when they originally thought it would happen. But their miracle, beautiful, full of life babies are here at last.
I’ve often thought about the complexity of conception. There are endless components that have to align to create a life, most of which we have no knowledge of, or ability to control. This leads most women to worry about the small number of things which we think we can influence; diet, sleep, exercise… and to really stress about the things we can’t control; age, quantity of eggs, stress itself!
Is there any point worrying about any of these things? Will things just happen if they are meant to?
Mathematic Modelling of Conception
I was told a few years ago about a TED talk by Alexander Tsiaras, who was involved in a project looking at the mathematical modelling of conception. The project looked in minute detail into how life was created and his thoughts are fascinating.
“There is a magic of the mechanisms inside each genetic structure saying exactly where each cell should go. The complexities, the mathematical models on how these things are indeed done are beyond human comprehension. Even though I am a mathematician, I look at this with a marvel of “how do these instruction sets not make mistakes as they build, what is us.”
It is a mystery. It is magic. It is Divinity.
Building that level of complexity, of building that within a single system, it’s beyond comprehension or any existing mathematics today.”
The Role of Acupuncture for Conception
So if even one of the world’s best mathematicians can’t understand how life is created, what is the advice for women struggling with fertility?
In my clinic, I see my role as helping women to be in the best position mentally and physically in order to get pregnant. Using specific and tailored acupuncture points to:
- regulate menstrual cycles
- help nourish the body for a substantial period
- ensure that ovulation happens at the right time
- promote a good sleep pattern
- reduce feelings of anxiety
Treatments are usually timed specifically around the menstrual cycle, depending on what we are aiming to achieve. During IVF treatments, acupuncture can be used to influence the up-regulation phase, the thickness of the uterus lining and the implantation process. Acupuncture is also incredibly relaxing.
There is considerable research into the beneficial impact of having acupuncture during IVF treatment.
The authors reported that IVF with acupuncture increased the odds of pregnancy by 65% (according to early evidence on ultrasound), increased the odds of ongoing pregnancy by 87% (according to ultrasound evidence of pregnancy at 12 weeks) and increased the odds of a live birth by 91% compared with IVF on its own.
https://www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/acupuncture-and-success-of-ivf/
If you would like to know more about how acupuncture can benefit you, or you would like to book an appointment, please get in touch.
Gabby x
[email protected]
Tel: 07817 597288
