gynae/fertility curriculum
Gynae/Fertility: Day 1 & 2 curriculum
an emphasis on helping the practitioner to feel equipped to use acupuncture to support either natural or assisted conception, with an emphasis on understanding the western protocols and practices of assisted conception (AC)
The biology of reproduction
- a review of the biology of male and female reproductive organs, functions, cycles and
rhythms
- the biology and endocrine of normal conception
- a review of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems: oxytocin and adrenalin and
their effects on the reproductive hormone cascades
- the influence of acupuncture and herbs on endocrine function and its clinical application
The importance of constitutional diagnosis in treatment for fertility
- pre-conceptual care, educating our patients to understand their constitutional diagnosis
- menstrual phase treatment for fertility / improved function
- BBT and Chinese Diagnosis
- the Eight Extraordinary Vessels and their importance in the treatment of fertility
- diet and lifestyle advice in accordance with constitutional diagnosis
Assisted Conception (AC)
- HFEA, who they are and why they are: considerations of the medical and social politics
around AC
- deciphering the acronyms: IVF, ICSI, IUI, FET, etc…
- how patients are screened: hormone profiles, ultrasound, HSG, hysteroscopy,
sperm analysis, uro-genital screening
- fertility tests: what they tell us and how to read them
- laparoscopy: when and why it is used
- AC drug protocols: understanding the endocrine treatment reasoning
- the energetic impact of AC drugs
- long protocol, short protocol, understanding AC treatment plans
- frozen cycles: the processes of freezing and thawing, frozen egg transfer
- natural IVF / natural FET
- issues around single embryo/multiple embryo transfers
Acupuncture for Assisted Conception
- treatment leading into an assisted cycle
- treatment during an assisted cycle
- when NOT to treat
- treatment for OHSS
- acupuncture treatment at egg retrieval
- the ‘German’ (Paulus) protocol for Transfer
- research: acupuncture and AC, outcomes and issues
Treating male sub-fertility
- a review of the biology of sperm production
- a review of the channels of the genitalia
- reading a sperm analysis
- sperm count, morphology and motility – interpreting a sperm analysis
- diagnosis and treatment to improve sperm parameters
- the importance of herbs and nutritional supplementation in treatment for sperm
The roll of the acupuncture practitioner within AC
- working with/within AC units, approaches for integrated practice
- the fertility referral stream and the roll of the acupuncturist within the systems
- the acupuncturist’s roll in screening: what for? when? and how?
- the Knots of Not getting pregnant: the emotional rollercoaster of not conceiving and the
roll of acupuncture to address mind/body interconnection
- practitioner support: considerations for your own care when working with stressed and
distressed patients
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Gynae/Fertility: Day 3 & 4 curriculum
further discussion of the gynaecological disharmonies and dysfunctions that can affect fertility, from both the Chinese and Western perspectives, exemplified through case history discussions
an emphasis on practical work: case history, building a fertility practice, utilizing and developing research
A discussion of the Western physio/pathology, the Chinese pathology, the treatment with acupuncture, and the importance of herbs and nutrition in treatment for:
- Endometriosis
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovaries (PCO)
- Miscarriage
- Menopause
- PMT
- Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome (OHSS)
Using Electro acupuncture in fertility treatment
Further discussion of the constitutional diagnosis and its importance in the treatment for fertility
- foods for fertility according to Chinese energetics
- the inter-relationship of gynae and digestion
- the importance of balancing the blood sugar in the treatment for fertility
- a review of the endocrine of Glycaemic Index, it’s importance for balancing stress
hormones, and the roll of GI in regulating digestion and gynaecology
Further discussions around the medical and social politics of AC
Discussion of the impact of AC on the Jing and Shen: the ramifications for that child’s constitution and health and its impact for future generations, and, how does Chinese medicine sit within these social and moral dilemmas? How do we as practitioners rationalise our own opinions when treating these sensitive and emotive matters?
Point location
Needling techniques
Treatment room/equipment considerations
Further investigation of research as a tool for integrative approach
Further discussion on working with orthodox colleagues
Contracts and permissions to practice
Becoming part of your local fertility services; NHS, private and holistic