About Acupuncture, TCM & Functional Medicine
Welcome to specialist, integrative care
Combining the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the cutting edge science of Functional Medicine brings patients the most effective, holistic treatment for fertility and gynae issues like endometriosis, fibroids and PCOS.
Fertility, pregnancy and gynaecology treatment, support and success
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) covers a range of practices including acupuncture, herbal medicine and treatments such as cupping and moxibustion. It originated in China over 2000 years ago. TCM treats the whole person (body, mind and emotions) as an individual, with the aim of restoring balance.
The treatment of fertility and gynaecological issues is very complex and evolving rapidly. To deliver significant results needs specialist TCM knowledge and continuous professional development to stay abreast of the very latest understanding.
I use the most effective TCM protocols for fertility and gynaecology, with advanced acupuncture, high quality Chinese herbal medicine protocols and holistic health advice.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles to create balance and flow in the body. It helps to clear stagnation and pathogenic factors, reset the body’s natural processes, and strengthen deficiencies.
The initial consultation is done via video link and, after the completion of a detailed pre-assessment questionnaire, consists of a thorough consultation in which we explore your medical, gynaecological and fertility history (where relevant). We take a detailed look at all the signs and symptoms your body, and how you feel, is giving about your health. Then a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan is created.
During each session, a number of acupuncture needles are inserted in key acupuncture points, chosen in alignment with the treatment objectives. They are usually left in situ for about 20 minutes or so. Acupuncture is usually painless and is very relaxing – many people even fall asleep.
Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine is integral to Chinese medicine theory, with remedies using active ingredients taken from the natural world of herbs and plants. There is a growing recognition in Europe and worldwide of their effectiveness.
The use of Chinese herbs alongside acupuncture gives its impact a wonderful boost and, in some situations, resolves issues more easily and quickly than acupuncture alone. It is also a powerful standalone treatment, especially when combined with my Functional Medicine interventions (see my Endo Fertility Solution). For many patients, and with many conditions, I’d say the use of herbs is essential.
I am fully compliant with UK government regulations and I use the very highest quality of herbs, guaranteed to be free of pesticides, sulphides, xeno-oestrogens and steroids. All can be traced directly to source through the supplier I use, recommended by the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). The herbs consist of plants, twigs, barks, flowers, bulbs, grasses and bark, in powdered form and taken as a drink.
I have trained extensively in Chinse herbal medicine and follow the very latest protocols developed in the USA. These include carefully managed, high dosage treatments to increase efficacy, with minimal or no side effects. Your treatment includes the constant tailoring of your prescription to meet your changing health needs, delivered straight to your door.
Additional TCM Treatments
I may use other TCM treatments depending on your specific needs. These could include:
Moxibustion – where moxa, a dried form of the herb mugwort, is applied to acupuncture points in various forms and burnt. It has strengthening and warming properties, and gently warms the Qi and skin.
I may also use an infrared heat lamp to provide deep warmth, and encourage blood flow and relaxation.
Cupping – this involves suction cups being applied to various parts of the body. It’s useful for the treatment of pain and helps to stimulate detox pathways and the immune system.
Lifestyle & Nutritional Advice – TCM has traditional principles about nutrition and lifestyle which remain very effective in the modern world. I will share personalised advice, always in an achievable way, so you can support what we’re doing in the treatment room.
Functional & Integrative Medicine
Like TCM, Functional Medicine also uses a holistic framework, aiming to address underlying dysfunctions to deal with the root cause of imbalance and ill health. It uses modern scientific tools, including a deep understanding of biology, physiology and genetics along with lifestyle, social and environmental determinants of health. And uses targeted testing and effective treatment inventions to restore health and wellbeing.
My integrative approach brings together cutting edge reproductive and gynaecological science with the ancient wisdom of natural medicine, to bring my patients the best of both worlds.
Functional Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine is a powerful system but there are times when some extra help from modern health practices is invaluable. This is where the latest Functional Medicine interventions come in. They give a huge advantage when dealing with issues such as underlying infections (often asymptomatic), microbiome imbalances or system dysfunction, like autoimmune or thyroid conditions. This is why I continue to enhance my knowledge with training in these powerful treatment areas.
My Functional Medicine expertise and advice is included in the price of working with me. This can include recommendations for targeted testing (with result interpretation and subsequent treatment), and a personalised supplement regime. Again, this will be constantly tailored as your health transforms.
Please note that not everyone will need this, but if I think it will be valuable in your specific case, I’ll outline the options. The actual test and supplement costs are not included with my acupuncture treatment packages. That said, I pride myself on taking a route of minimal intervention so only suggest testing and supplementation if I’m convinced it will significantly improve your outcome results and timescales. And obviously it’s all done only with your agreement.
Natural Medicine Inventions
Functional Medicine testing enables us to really target the acupuncture and herbal medicine protocols in complex cases and, if required, introduce supplements too.
In addition, combining both TCM and Functional Medicine knowledge allows me to provide effective natural health advice for your specific case (all part of my Overwhelm-Free Zone Approach!).
This may include nutritional advice (combining both traditional and modern approaches) and lifestyle changes to help with sleep, physical and mental stress and environmental toxins. We may work to support the detox pathways, along with liver and kidney health. We could balance the gut or vaginal microbiomes with diet, supplements and even naturopathic suppositories.
In some cases, we may help you use the information to enhance your NHS treatment, for example if antibiotics are needed or to tailor gynae or fertility treatment (sadly, some doctors can be resistant to this but this is improving, particularly with high quality tests and understanding).
For those trying to get pregnant, we’ll use cycle tracking and analysis so you can see improvement and optimism (and you’ll be feeling those as well). And I’ll share the very latest natural health advice to boost fertility.
Sarah, treated for endo fertility & miscarriage
I have suffered with endometriosis for years…with a history of infertility and miscarriage.
I started with Louise and started seeing a difference in my cycles and pain, with the side effects becoming easier to manage. Louise knows so much and totally understands how you feel.
Fast forward to January – the double lines on the pregnancy test. I was gobsmacked! I was so happy but still couldn’t get too excited as we weren’t over the line just yet. I carried on working with Louise and her treatment adapted to suit the stages of pregnancy. Louise was with us every step of the way, the highs the lows. She was amazing throughout. I highly recommend working with her.
Lynsey, treated for endometriosis
Endometriosis has had a huge impact on my life, pain, confidence, fertility and my experiences. Before working with Louise, my periods were debilitating and extremely painful. The pain so bad I would want to be sick. Every month I would suffer from excruciating migraines and get cold sores.
Since working with Louise, my life has improved so much and my periods are so much more manageable. While they are still not perfect, I certainly don’t dread them and they don’t have the huge impact on my life like they once did. My sleep and energy have dramatically improved too. I can actually function in the week before and during my period.
The level of treatment from Louise is so comprehensive it has empowered me to understand my cycle and my condition. Louise has completely changed my life.
I now manage my endometriosis – it doesn’t manage me.
Alice, treated for endometriosis
Since working with Louise I have seen a big improvement in my symptoms. Before, I would experience extreme fatigue during ovulation, and unbearable PMS symptoms such as acne, bloating, breast pain, food cravings and mood swings, which were very debilitating and meant I couldn’t do many things I enjoyed. I hardly get these now.
The herbs have helped to ease my heavy, painful periods and Louise has given me useful lifestyle tips. I have such a better quality of life now thanks to Louise’s treatment and advice.
Want to reclaim your health and boost your fertility?
Book your first session with Louise now