Dr Lulu Beyers is a registered Doctor of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture). She has been a Natural Health practitioner for over 15 years and holds degrees in both Natural Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Dr Beyers specializes in treating infertility, reproductive/hormonal disorders and imbalances relating to the nervous system. She understands the complexity of the reproductive system and the myriad of influences that can affect its normal functioning.
During in-depth consultation Dr Beyers takes a closer look at general health and lifestyle factors, allowing for an accurate TCM diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan based on her patient’s needs. She uses Acupuncture in conjunction with Chinese Herbal Therapy to optimize treatment outcomes.
We sat down with Dr Beyers to find out more about how TCM and acupuncture really can boost health and vitality in women as well as boost fertility.
What exactly is TCM ?
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) is a complete and unique system of health care that has been developed over a period of 5000 years in China. Treatment focuses on stimulating the body’s natural curative powers through the use of Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping, moxibustion and nutritional therapy.
At the root of TCM is the belief that the individual (microcosm) is viewed as an integral part of the forces of nature (macrocosm). In TCM, both philosophically and medically, moderation is advocated, as is living in harmony with nature and striving for balance in all things.
The TCM doctor may treat every patient differently, based on the notion that one does not treat the disease or condition but rather the individual patient. Thus two people with the same complaint may be treated entirely differently, if their constitutions and life situations are dissimilar.
What can I expect from a consultation?
TCM offers a humane, patient-oriented approach that encourages a high degree of practitioner-patient interaction.
A TCM consultation and diagnosis aims to trace symptoms to patterns of an underlying disharmony by measuring the pulse, inspecting the tongue, skin, and eyes, and looking at the eating and sleeping habits of the patient, among other things.
Altogether, these essentially methods of diagnosis will lead the TCM doctor to differentiate the underlying TCM pattern, so that the most suitable course of treatment can be applied.
After making a diagnosis, the TCM practitioner will suggest a course of treatment from one or all of the available TCM methods. These fall into four main categories: herbal medicine, acupuncture, dietary therapy, and exercise.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on the notion that the body’s vital energy force (Qi) travels through pathways known as channels or “meridians.” Based on the TCM pattern diagnosis, the TCM doctor will select particular Acupuncture points to address the underlying imbalances of the patient. This involves the insertion of thin sterile needles at these particular, selected Acu-points on the body to assist in the unblocking or correcting the flow of energy. These needles are hardly felt as they are inserted and are left in place for about 20 – 30 minutes. Most patients fall asleep, due to its incredibly relaxing effect.
In modern science, Acupuncture’s effect is explained through concepts of neuroscience, where Acupuncture points are seen as areas where nerves, muscles and connective tissue can be stimulated. Findings from research have begun to elucidate the mechanisms of action of Acupuncture, including the release of opioids and other peptides in the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as changes to neuro-endocrine function.
Can Acupuncture enhance fertility? And, how does it increase my chances of falling pregnant?
ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE has gained global recognition for its positive effect on reproductive function. According to the World Health Organisation, Acupuncture is found to be effective for treating various conditions. Among these are gynaecological disorders such as PMS, menstrual disorders, PCOS and infertility.
Scientific studies confirm that Acupuncture enhances fertility and reproductive function, and can optimize the success rate for both IUI and IVF procedures by at least 20%.
Acupuncture supports the reproductive systems and IUI/IVF outcomes in the following ways:
- Increasing the blood flow to the ovaries to nourish the developing follicles and create better egg quality and stronger embryos.
- By stimulating blood flow to the uterus and endometrium, which supports implantation and embryo/foetal development.
- Increasing blood flow to the testicles for improved sperm quality to optimize the male’s contribution to embryo quality.
- Regulating the body’s natural hormonal production, which in turn improves ovarian function, egg quality, and optimum progesterone levels.
- Relaxing the body and reducing stress levels to improve reproductive function. Stress is known to have a negative impact on reproduction and the menstrual cycle. By lowering stress hormones, which undermine fertility, Acupuncture influences reproductive function and boost fertility.
How much do sessions cost?
- Initial TCM consult/assessment and treatment: R 950 (this includes a thorough consultation/assessment and treatment).
- R 650 (60min follow-up sessions).
How many sessions do you recommend for fertility patients?
In TCM, it is important to support/prepare the body well ahead of any fertility procedure. The best results are often achieved with patients that come for regular (weekly) Acupuncture sessions, 3-6 months ahead of their IUI/IVF procedure. It is also vital to have Acupuncture immediately before and after your IVF/IUI procedure to enhance the treatment outcome. It is advisable to communicate transfer dates/times well in advance (where possible) to ensure that these sessions can be reserved for this important day.
If you have any questions for Lulu, you can reach her on info@whitelotus.co.za
Love DESA x
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