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A systematic review and meta-analysis presented in the “Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics” has opened up new possibilities for those undergoing IVF.

The conclusive evidence suggests that acupuncture is a valuable asset in enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth during IVF treatment.

The recent systematic review and meta-analysis, published in July 2023 in the reputable Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, has shed light on the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving IVF outcomes.

The Study:

This research aims to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on IVF outcomes, particularly focusing on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). The study is based on an extensive search of digital databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the available evidence.

A total of twenty-five trials, encompassing 4757 participants, were included in this systematic review. The research analyzed the data to draw insightful conclusions.

Key Findings

Improved Clinical Pregnancy Rate (CPR):

The analysis revealed that the pooled CPR in all acupuncture groups was significantly higher (43.6%) than that of the control groups (33.2%). This finding suggests that acupuncture has a positive impact on the likelihood of achieving a clinical pregnancy during IVF.

Key Findings:

Enhanced Live Birth Rate (LBR): Furthermore, the systematic review found that the pooled LBR in acupuncture groups (38.0%) was significantly higher than in the control groups (28.7%). This indicates that acupuncture can significantly increase the chances of a live birth following IVF.

Additionally, the study explored various factors that might influence the effectiveness of acupuncture in IVF, including different acupuncture methods (manual acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, and transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation), the timing of acupuncture (before or during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and around embryo transfer), and the number of acupuncture sessions (at least four sessions and less than four sessions). The findings indicate that all these variables can have a positive impact on IVF outcomes, underlining the versatility of acupuncture as a complementary therapy.

Conclusion:

In light of these findings, it is important for healthcare providers and patients to consider acupuncture as a part of the IVF process. Its potential to improve clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates provides a ray of hope for people striving to expand their families through assisted reproductive techniques.

IVF Acupuncture

We are in collaboration with Alberta Reproductive Fertility Centre, to offer on-site acupuncture treatments specifically for individuals on their IVF journey, right on the day of embryo transfer.

Contact us for a free 15-minute session for further details about how you can optimize your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Research:
doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1

Autumn can bring about dryness and stagnation in the Lungs. A practice that incorporates twists and pranayama (breathing techniques) will help aid in reducing symptoms related to these conditions. 

Learning to twist well will provide a more well-rounded view of surroundings, including both opportunities and threats. A proper twist starts in the pelvis with the hips square. When moving into a twist, lengthen the spine to create a bit of a backbend thus creating more space for the Lungs. The archetype of a twist brings the heart to 90 degrees and the vision to 180 degrees, so when one twists both ways the full 360 degree picture is revealed.

Starting a breathing practice is as simple as moving the pelvis forward and back and pairing this movement with the breath. Breathe in as the pelvis tips forward and out as it tips back. This brings the awareness down into the lower body to bring stamina and stability to one’s experience, while igniting movement and function with the breath.

Reach out to our resident yoga instructor, Tira Mills, for a free 15-minute consultation to learn more about how yoga can elevate your life.

Embarking on the journey of healing after a pregnancy loss can feel like navigating uncharted waters. We want you to know that you’re not alone, and there’s a supportive community here to walk with you through the process.

Time and space 

Allow your time yourself to grieve: there is no right or wrong way to grieve and there is no timeline for healing. It’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions from sadness and anger to confusion and numbness. Give yourself permission to mourn.

Be patient with yourself: healing is unique and an individual process. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you navigate this difficult journey. Your strength is immeasurable.

Connection and community support 

Lean on your support system: Reach out to your partner, family, and friends. Share your feelings with those you trust. Talking about your loss can be a crucial step in the healing process.

Connect with others: Reach out to support organizations, online communities, or local groups that focus on pregnancy loss. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide comfort.

Seek professional help: Consider speaking to a therapist, counsellor, or support group specializing in pregnancy loss. They can provide valuable guidance in a safe space to express your emotions.

Take Care

Take Care of Your Physical Health: Ensure you’re getting proper rest, nutrition, and hydration. Your body needs time to recover, both physically and emotionally. 

Self-Care Is Essential: Take time for self-care, whether it’s through meditation, gentle exercise, reading, or simply resting. Prioritize your emotional and mental well-being.

Memorialize and Remember

Create a meaningful way to honour your baby’s memory. This could be through a memorial service, planting a tree, lighting a candle, or keeping a journal of your thoughts and feelings.

Contact us

Whether you’re here for guidance or to extend a comforting hand to those in need, we’re honoured to be a part of this compassionate and supportive community.

Contact us to explore options for gentle next steps towards healing.

In the gentle embrace of October’s autumn, we pause to acknowledge a profound and often silent journey that touches the hearts of countless families. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month—a time to unite, remember, and offer solace to those who have faced the unimaginable.

For those who have known the depths of loss, we want you to know that you are not alone. Your grief is valid, your pain acknowledged, and your precious babies remembered.

In our acupuncture clinic, we witness the incredible strength of those who walk this path and the unwavering love that forever connects them to their little ones. We stand with you in your grief and in your healing journey.

To those who have experienced the loss of a pregnancy, a child, or a dream of parenthood, we extend our deepest compassion and support. Your stories, your courage, and your resilience inspire us daily.

This month and every month, we honour the memory of the little souls who left us too soon and stand alongside those who continue to carry them in their hearts.

If you or someone you know needs support during this challenging time, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our clinic is here as a safe and nurturing space for you.

Let us create a world where love and empathy shine brightly, where healing is not a destination but a continuous journey, and where the strength of our community knows no bounds.

If you have had a recent preganncy loss, contact us for more information about how we can support you.

Cortisol and Stress

Many of us have heard that having high cortisol levels can be damaging to our health, but what about having low cortisol levels? Studies show that low cortisol levels, or hypocorticolism, can be linked to long term exposure to stress.

During stress, the body adapts by increasing levels of cortisol to push the body to respond to danger (whether the danger is real or apparent). But if the stress response persists (like in the case of chronic stress), these elevated cortisol levels are unable to fall back within normal range & the body’s cortisol baseline level changes.

Chronic Stress and Hypocorticolism

After prolonged time of elevated cortisol levels, there is a fail-safe mechanism in the midbrain that tries to rebalance the hormone levels. For example, the amygdala and hippocampus can become less responsive, thus lowering levels of cortisol in the body. This negative feedback pattern continues and eventually the body can become less responsive to stress. This might sound good, but any long term imbalance can cause more issues down the road.

The body’s stress response is important & cortisol is designed to protect the body from danger and invasion. So when cortisol levels are chronically low, the body can become less responsive to inflammation and allergies.

Cortisol, Inflammation & Adaptability

Research has linked inflammation to higher levels of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis as well as symptoms like fatigue, stress intolerance, and low blood sugar. Those living with hypocorticolism are often tired, might be intolerant to exercise, overweight, crave sweet and salty flavours, and commonly experience anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Overall, having chronically low cortisol levels reduces the ability to adapt to changes and stressors in life. Finding ways to better manage stress through meditation and yoga, acupuncture, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help bring the stress response back into balance.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can help you manage stress and balance hormones.

Reference: PMID: 15950390

Summertime is ideal to practice communally. It is a time to get out and spend time with others, teaching and learning from each other through observation and insight. Summertime is joyful and uplifting! This is the polar opposite of winter, which is interpersonal and reflective.

Some postures to incorporate into a summer practice are dynamic movements, standing postures, and pranayama (breathing exercises) to lighten up the heart.

Summertime can bring about bitterness emotionally if one does not allow heat to come in and flow out of the body. Any extra heat in the body has a cascading effect on sleep, digestion, and mood. Using techniques to flush out excess heat will benefit during the summer months, and also prepare the body for autumn.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can support you throughout every season with individualized one-on-one yoga.

Watch Whole Family Health fertility specialist, Christina Pistotnik and Alberta Reproductive Centre’s Reproductive Endocrinologist, Dr. Ariadne Daniel on CTV Morning Live – speaking to Canadian Fertility Awareness Week 2023.

Listen to Dr. Ariadne Daniel from Alberta Reproductive Centre speak with Global Health Matters host, Su-Ling Goh about Canadian Fertility Awareness Week (CFAW), her new IVF clinic’s vision of Whole Person Fertility Care and our joint event offerings for CFAW’23.

We are grateful to Global Weekend Morning Live for having us on this morning to raise awareness for Canadian Fertility Awareness Week!

WFH’s Dr. Alda & ARC‘s Dr. Ariadne had the pleasure of speaking with CBC RadioActive Host Jessica Ng about Canadian Fertility Awareness Week and our collaborative events for supporting the 1 in 6 this year. What a pleasure and honour it was – we are very grateful to CBC Radio for hosting us!