Holistic Care – West Meets East

At Geno Health Clinic, we have a team of experienced acupuncturists, offering holistic and complementary treatments. Our Clinical Director, Dr Hannah He, is a GMC-registered medical doctor and dual-accredited in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, holding memberships with both the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).

 

Acupuncture, a practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for thousands of years to promote health and well-being. This ancient technique involves the careful selection of acupressure points by a trained acupuncturist, who then inserts fine needles into the skin at these specific points. The practice is grounded in the belief that Qi (pronounced “chee”), which can be loosely translated as “life force” or energy, flows through the body along pathways known as meridians. In TCM, it is believed that disturbances in the flow of Qi result in the manifestation of illness and discomfort. By stimulating specific acupressure points, acupuncture aims to restore the proper flow of Qi, thereby promoting healing and balance within the body.

Our service offers a unique, integrated approach to healthcare by combining acupuncture with GP consultations. This comprehensive service aims to provide exceptional, patient-centred care by blending the best practices of both conventional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We are committed to promoting balanced health and lifestyle choices while empowering our patients to achieve optimal health and well-being.

WHO Recognition

Over the centuries, acupuncture has been employed to treat a wide array of conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises acupuncture as a viable treatment for a variety of ailments, including but not limited to:

  • Respiratory disorders: Allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchial asthma.
  • Gastrointestinal disorders: Gastritis, hyperacidity, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation.
  • Neurological and muscular disorders: Headaches, migraines, sciatica, and facial pain.
  • Psychological conditions: Depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
  • Gynaecological issues: Menstrual irregularities, subfertility, infertility, and menopausal symptoms.

Beyond these conditions, acupuncture is also used to treat a variety of other issues, including musculoskeletal pain (such as back pain and neck pain), stress, and even nausea related to chemotherapy. As more research is conducted, acupuncture continues to gain recognition as a complementary treatment, blending ancient wisdom with modern healthcare approaches.

NICE Recommendation

In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic pain, as well as for managing headaches and migraines. Research supports acupuncture’s efficacy in these areas, suggesting that the practice can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and alleviate chronic pain, potentially reducing the need for pain medications.

Fertility Acupuncture

Acupuncture has long been recognised for its potential to support reproductive health. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility is closely linked to the balance and flow of Qi and Blood. When this energy is balanced, the body’s systems, including the reproductive system, are in harmony, increasing the likelihood of conception. Stimulation of specific acupressure points to restore balance, optimise reproductive function, and enhance overall well-being.

One of the most compelling aspects of fertility acupuncture is its ability to complement and enhance IVF (in vitro fertilisation) treatments. A meta-analysis conducted by Xu et al. in 2023, which reviewed 25 high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 4,757 participants, highlighted the significant impact of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. The study revealed that women who received acupuncture during their IVF treatments experienced a live birth rate of 38%, compared to 28.7% in those who did not receive acupuncture. This represents a 33.8% increase in live birth rates, demonstrating the powerful role that acupuncture can play in supporting fertility and improving the chances of a successful pregnancy.

Acupuncture can be integrated into your natural fertility journey, or complement the various treatment stages of the IVF process, including before and after embryo transfer. The treatment helps to:

  • Improve blood flow: Enhancing blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, which can improve the quality of the endometrium (the uterine lining) and create a more receptive environment for embryo implantation.
  • Regulate hormones: Balancing hormone levels to support the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and overall reproductive health.
  • Reduce stress: Promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which is particularly important during the often emotionally and physically challenging IVF process.
  • Enhance overall well-being: Supporting general health and vitality, which can positively impact fertility and the body’s ability to sustain a pregnancy.

Our GP and Clinic Director, Dr Hannah He, holds a postgraduate diploma from The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, and has completed further postgraduate training in Fertility Acupuncture. By combining acupuncture with GP consultations, our service provides a holistic approach to fertility and IVF support. This integrated care ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of your fertility journey.

Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome by combining the wisdom of TCM with the precision of modern medicine. Whether you are just beginning your fertility journey or are already undergoing IVF treatment, our combined approach can enhance your chances of success, supporting you every step of the way of starting or growing your family.

Menu