Chinese Medicine for Women’s Health

Effective treatment for:

period pain, pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)

irregular periods, amenorrhea

hormonal migraines, acne

endometriosis, fibroids, heavy periods

polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

infertility - for women and men

pregnancy and post-natal care

urinary tract infections, thrush

menopausal symptoms

In Chinese medicine, gynaecological issues are viewed within the framework of the whole body’s functioning. A regular and harmonious menstrual cycle is thought to reflect a woman’s overall health – ideally periods should be pain-free, and unaccompanied by bloating, mood swings, skin outbreaks, breast tenderness or any other symptoms that many women endure monthly. Close attention is paid to the regularity, amount and colour of the menstrual flow and any accompanying symptoms as this provides useful information for diagnosing the underlying imbalance and individual treatment plan.

A course of acupuncture and herbal medicine accompanied by appropriate lifestyle and dietary changes can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and balance hormone levels, reduce stress and restore health and vitality. Chinese medicine provides effective treatment for a whole range of women’s health issues from period pain, PMS, hormonal acne or migraines to Western-diagnosed conditions including fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It is particularly important to address these issues if you are trying to conceive. 

Infertility

Being in good health before conception results in a healthier pregnancy and healthy baby, and so spending a few months preparing your body is recommended. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used to improve general health as well as enhance fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle and preparing the endometrial lining of the uterus (important for implantation and nourishment of the fetus), promoting ovulation and egg quality, balancing fertility hormones, and reducing stress. 

Treatment is often continued in early pregnancy to support and maintain maternal and fetal wellbeing. Because it treats the individual person and their particular pattern of symptoms, Chinese medicine is also able to help in many cases where the diagnosis is “unexplained infertility”. 

Acupuncture and IVF support

Chinese medicine has been improving fertility naturally for thousands of years, and today is safely used to support Western medical treatment. A course of acupuncture and herbal medicine is recommended in the months before commencing an IVF cycle to regulate the menstrual cycle and balance hormone levels. By treating the root causes of infertility, patients may conceive during this preparation time, while the chance of a successful IVF cycle is increased. 

Many studies have found that acupuncture can significantly improve success rates of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) by up to 65 percent. 

Clinical experience suggests acupuncture helps in the following ways:

• increases blood flow to the uterus and thickens uterine lining
• improves ovarian function and egg quality
• regulates and balances hormone levels for improved follicular response
• relaxing the body to decrease stress and anxiety
• reduces the side effects of drugs used in IVF
• lessens the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation in women with PCOS
• decreases the chances of miscarriage

Initial studies showed that success rates of IVF almost doubled when acupuncture was incorporated on the day of embryo transfer. More recently it has been found that acupuncture in the weeks before egg collection and transfer has a beneficial effect on stress hormone levels, as well as a higher pregnancy and live birth rate.

Chinese medicine can also help to treat male reproductive health, improving sperm count, quality, morphology and motility, as well as general wellbeing through what can be a stressful process. Initial studies in Sydney have found statistically significant increases in sperm count, motility and normal forms using Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture.

Pregnancy and post-natal care

Acupuncture is safe and effective during pregnancy to help relieve morning sickness, boost energy, treat fluid retention, digestive issues, and muscular aches and pains. 

Later in pregnancy, acupuncture can assist with turning breech babies and gradually preparing the body for labour. Weekly acupuncture treatment from 36 weeks helps to prepare emotionally and physically for childbirth, encouraging optimal fetal positioning and a timely birth with less intervention. 

If overdue, acupuncture can be used for gently inducing labour, optimising the chances of an uncomplicated labour and natural birth.

Chinese medicine is traditionally used in postnatal care, and can be used to treat any breastfeeding issues, postnatal depression, or just help recovery and boost energy.

Your practitioner – Mary-Jo Bevin

Mary-Jo specialises in gynaecology, with a focus on fertility, and has extensive experience in treating irregular or painful periods, endometriosis, PCOS, hormonal imbalances, and menopause. Over the last seven years Mary-Jo has been helping couples to conceive naturally and providing support to those undergoing IVF, pregnancy, and in preparation for birth. She has studied and worked with Steven Clavey and Jane Lyttleton, both world-renowned gynaecology specialists in Chinese Medicine, and recognises the individual strengths of Chinese and Western medicine and that integration of the two can achieve the best possible outcome.

Mary-Jo also has extensive experience in treating a wide range of internal medicine conditions including digestive and skin ailments, headaches, insomnia, stress, respiratory and immune health. Mary-Jo has a particular interest in the mind-body connection and the impact of stress on the immune system, and works with patients to understand their current health situation, medical history and contributing external factors, in order to ensure treatment plans are realistic and successful.

After completing a Bachelor of Science with honours, Mary-Jo studied Chinese medicine at RMIT University, followed by a clinical internship at the University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Nanjing, China. Mary-Jo is registered with the Chinese Medicine Registration Board of Victoria for both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and is a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese medicine association (AACMA). Private health fund rebates are available for her services. 

Make an appointment today… call Mary-Jo on 0417 312 800 to make an appointment or for more information. Leaps & Bounds Health is located in Malvern, less than a 15 minute drive from Melbourne CBD.