Sperm takes around eighty days to mature and another twenty to thirty days before it is capable of fertilization, therefore, would-be dads should aim to be health conscious for at least four months, prior to conception.

The female body will be the host to the fetus for the next forty weeks and as her health is paramount for the gestation of the baby, she should prepare her body for conception at least six months beforehand. However, it is important to remember that conceiving is only one part of the equation, the most critical stage of foetal development is during the first ten weeks in the womb and therefore the most important period for optimum nutritional care is not only during the six months immediately prior to conception but also those immediately after. Whilst alcohol, smoking, caffeine, stress and a poor diet all can have a negative impact upon reproductive health, a balanced diet full of nutrient dense foods can play a vital role in fertility, conception and pregnancy.

Healthy Eating Guidelines

Always eat breakfast – Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but a healthy breakfast should not include sugar, caffeine or saturated fats.                  

Eat little and often – Never skip meals.

Stay hydrated - It is important to drink at least 1.5 litres of non caffeine, non fizzy, non sugary fluids each day (preferably pure water).

Eat plenty of wholegrains  – Wholegrains contain sources of fibre, the B vitamins and the minerals iron, magnesium, and selenium, whilst containing less salt and sugar then their processed, white counterparts.

Eat your 5–a–day  – “5” is actually the minimum number of portions of fruit and vegetables you should be eating each day, ideally this number should be nearer 8-9.

Choose quality protein – Such as oily fish, chicken, game, beans and nuts & seeds.

Mix carbohydrates and protein – Each meal should contain a source of quality protein as well as complex carbohydrates, such as wholegrains or vegetables.

Include a source of good fats  - A source of oily fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, herring), seeds or avocado should be included in the diet daily.

Avoid stimulants and toxins – Sugar, caffeine and alcohol, along with the additives and toxins contained within food are all detrimental to fertility health and should be eliminated from the diet.

Supplements – are often necessary as even when eating an ideal diet you will probably not be getting all the nutrients you need in order to give the best chance of conceiving. This is mainly due to modern agricultural and food production processing as well as modern haulage and storage conditions, during which food can lose many of its nutrient stores.

Specific Vital Nutrients

Individual nutrients and their beneficial effects on both male and female fertility are well documented, with scientific evidence showing they can be very effective in re-balance hormones, regulating menstrual cycles, improving the quality of the sperm and offering protection against the free radical damage derived from toxins within the diet and as well as the environment. The most important nutrients are:

Folic Acid – is an essential nutrient as along with vitamin B12 it works to ensure the baby’s genetic codes are intact. It is also important for the division of cells within the body and is vital in both conception and pregnancy, as this is a time of rapid cell multiplication. Folic acid has also been proven to help prevent Spina bifida in a baby.  Leafy greens, brewers yeast, black eye peas & whole grain cereals are good sources of folic acid.

Zinc – is an essential component of genetic material and a deficiency in this important mineral can cause chromosome changes in either you or our partner, leading to reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. It is also required for the reproductive hormones oestrogen and progesterone. Zinc is also found in high concentrations in the sperm where it is needed to make the outer layer and tail of the sperm and is, therefore, essential for the health of your partner’s sperm and, subsequently, your baby. Good sources of zinc include meat, fish, oysters, nuts, eggs and leafy greens.

Selenium - has anti oxidant qualities which help to protect against the effects of free radicals within the body that can cause chromosomal damage.  It is also needed to maximise sperm formation and is required for testosterone production.  Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, tuna, cabbage and whole grains are good sources of selenium.

B complex – The B vitamins help to create new blood cells for the growing baby and are also key for brain development and cell division as well as the development of the nervous system, with vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 having specific important actions The B vitamins can be found in many nuts, seeds and whole grains as well as yeast extract.

Essential Fatty Acids - These essential fats include the omega 3(fish oils) and omega 6 (seeds & oils), both of which have important roles to play especially in reproductive and immune health.  They are also crucial for healthy hormone functioning. Essential fatty acids break down in the body to produce prostaglandins which healthy semen is rich in. They also help to promote good levels of healthy, mobile sperm. EFA’s are essential for the correct structural development and functioning of the brain and the retina of the eye.

Vitamin E – has powerful anti oxidant qualities and it is this antioxidant activity that helps to make sperm more fertile. Vitamin E can be found in nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocado, beans and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C - is another nutrient with anti oxidant qualities and is essential in a male’s diet as it can help to prevent against agglutination of sperm (clumping together) and therefore aids in increasing fertility. It’s anti oxidant nature also helps to enhance sperm quality and protect sperm & the DNA within it from damage. Green vegetables, peppers, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, citrus fruits and berries all contain this vital vitamin.

Vitamin A - There is a lot of confusion regarding the use of vitamin A. It comes in two forms retinol (from animals) and beta carotene (from vegetables). It is the retinol form of vitamin A which causes concern regarding foetal safety; however the beta carotene form does not carry any risks before or during pregnancy. Vitamin A has powerful antioxidant qualities, helps to protect against cell mutation and is required for healthy eyes. Beta carotene containing foods include carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, tomatoes, squash and watercress.

L-Arginine & L- Carnitine - are two amino acids required for the normal production and functioning of sperm, aiding sperm quantity, quality and motility. Deficiencies in L-arginine are linked to immature sperm development.

Appointments are available at Great Bookham and Leatherhead as below:-

Fairfield Medical Centre
Lower Road
Bookham
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT23 4DH

Hours

Monday 14.00 – 20.00

Leatherhead Leisure Centre
Guildford Road
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 9BL

Hours

Tuesday 09.30 – 14.00, Wednesday 15.00 – 20.00

Rachel can be contacted via email and mobile as below:-

Email:      acupuncture.rachel@gmail.com

Mobile:   07810 823109

Please find below a brief synopsis of Rachel.

Rachel Townsend, BA (Hons), Lic Ac

I gained my Licentiate in Traditional Acupuncture in 2004 at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, accredited to the British Acupuncture Council.  Continual professional development, specialist postgraduate courses and studies further my skills and deepen my knowledge of Chinese Medicine. 

Whilst experienced in treating the full scope of illnesses, I have a special interest in headaches and pain, stress-related issues, women’s health and gynaecological complaints.  As a member of the Acupuncture for Fertility Network (AFN) http://www.acupuncture-fertility.org/ I am experienced in treating fertility (male and female) and supporting assisted conception techniques, as well as supporting women through pregnancy and post-natally.  I abide by a strict professional code of ethics and practice and I am fully insured. 

I am delighted to be looking after Becky’s practice, while she is on maternity leave, in addition to running my own practice in Godalming.

Research out today has revealed that over 21% of the British public think an acupuncturist’s needle is as large as that used in an injection, proving that despite the ancient Chinese medicine’s rising popularity there are still a host of common misconceptions surrounding the treatment.

The British Acupuncture Council, the leading self-regulatory body for the practice, comments on the research: “2.3 million acupuncture treatments are carried out each year by traditional acupuncturists and this figure is rising, yet this research shows myths surrounding the therapy still remain strong.  Acupuncture Awareness Week, the first of its kind, aims to banish the myths and provide all the answers for those people who want to try acupuncture.”

Size does matter – Acupuncture needles are in fact the same width as a human hair and some are just 0.13mm in length, yet many people believe they are just like the needles used to take blood or give an injection. The research, in which 3,000 UK men and women were questioned, also found that over a quarter of people (26%) think an acupuncture needle is similar in size to a sewing needle.

The placebo effect – The belief that acupuncture provides a placebo effect is well documented and this latest research confirms 40% of consumers still feel this is the case, however the treatment is widely considered to be beneficial for a range of illnesses and symptoms and there is substantial body of evidence to support this. In fact the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines recommend acupuncture as a first line treatment for persistent, non-specific low back pain. Interestingly 45% of those polled think acupuncture can treat many medical conditions so a mind-shift is taking place.

The independent research was carried out on behalf of the British Acupuncture Council to launch the first ever Acupuncture Awareness Week in the UK. Supported by TV presenter Clare Nasir who used acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF treatment and is now the mother of Sienna, Acupuncture Awareness Week (taking place 27^th February – 4^th March 2012) aims to give consumers all the information they need about treatment. Visit www.introducingacupuncture.co.uk for more information and personal stories from men and women who have had acupuncture.

Safety first – Nearly 17% of consumers polled are put off having acupuncture because they don’t think it’s regulated and around 14% say their barrier to treatment is they feel it’s unsafe. Additionally three quarters (72%) say they did not know that practitioners must seek a licence to practice from local councils before they begin treatments.

Despite popular opinion, acupuncturists have first-degree level qualifications and adhere to codes of safe practice and professional conduct in order to be registered and insured by the British Acupuncture Council. The Council guarantees excellence in training, safe practice and professional conduct so patients are advised to look for a practitioner who has British Acupuncture Council membership.

Other Popular Misconceptions about Acupuncture

• Three quarters had no idea that children and pregnant women can safely be treated with the therapyAccording to two studies published in the British Medical Journal (2001) the risk of serious adverse reaction to acupuncture is less than 1 in 10,000. This is far less than many orthodox medical treatments.
• 26% of people surveyed say they are put off having acupuncture as they think it will be painful. Most people find acupuncture to be very relaxing and not painful. Patients often describe the needle sensation as a tingling or dull ache.

About Bookham Acupuncture

Becky Hale LicAc, BSc (Hons), Dip Tui Na, MBAcC, DHP

I trained at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading for nearly 4 years. The acupuncture degree course is validated by Kingston University and accredited by the British Acupuncture Accreditation Board (BAAB).

I practice a style of acupuncture which integrates two complementary forms:

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which initially concentrates on physical signs and symptoms.

Five Element Acupuncture, which approaches healing from an emotional and spiritual perspective.

Alongside acupuncture I also use Tui Na (Chinese Remedial Massage), Cosmetic Acupuncture (Facial Revitalisation) and Chinese Dietary Therapy in order to help patients regain good health.

In the treatment of chronic pain and injuries, I find using a combination of acupuncture and Tui Na (Chinese Remedial Massage) enhances speed of recovery and general wellbeing.

Recent studies show that acupuncture can effectively treat sports injuries such as back pain, tennis elbow and neck pain.

Acupuncture is also very beneficial for treating longer term chronic painful conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, frozen shoulder and chronic back pain.

Tui Na Massage

Tui Na (pronounced Twee Na) is a massage therapy and, like acupuncture, has been used in China for over 2500 years.  Tui Na can generate a feeling of wellbeing and vitality and produce many health benefits.  It can stimulate your body’s energy to correct physiological imbalances, encourage relaxation, release endorphins and promote the circulation of blood and lymph.  It is usually administered through light clothing.  It is also useful in balancing the overall energy of the body.

Tui Na is extremely effective alongside acupuncture at treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain.  This ancient form of therapeutic massage is the basis upon which many modern manual therapies such as Shiatsu, Acupressure, Deep Tissue Massage are founded.  Tui Na is unique in that it is rooted in the Traditional Chinese Medicine theory that pain and injury are caused by blockages and imbalances in your body’s energy patterns. Practitioners are trained to identify and re-balance energetic blockages in the body and to develop subtle and powerful techniques to maximize the effects of the massage.

The aims of treatment are to:

• Alleviate pain
• Relax muscles and relieve spasms
• Improve blood circulation
• Restore mobility

Gentle exercises will also be provided as part of the treatment, to aid recovery and range of movement.

To make an appointment or for more information on acupuncture, please ring or email.

Phone: 07810 823109

Email: becky@bookhamacupuncture.co.uk

www.bookhamacupuncture.co.uk

• Eating too many raw and cold foods.
• Drinking too much cold water.
• Drinking and eating directly from the fridge. 
• Spending too much time exposed to cold air. 
• Certain medicines can be very cold in energy, including antibiotics and antidiuretics.

HOW TO WARM UP 

• Drink teas such as ginger tea or chai.
• Eat warming foods, which include beetroot, garlic, lamb, peppers, carrots, figs, chicken and oats.
• Make homemade chicken soup and add warming spices like ginger and coriander.
• Add warming essential oils to your bath such as cardamom, orange, bergamot and ginger.
• Sleep away from draughts and air vents.
• Make sure you have enough warm layers on. 

Fertility acupuncture treatment has been found to increase the blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormone levels, regulate the menstrual cycle and help improve the lining of the uterus and the quality of eggs released.  Additionally, conditions such as polycystic ovaries and endometriosis have also been shown to improve with regular acupuncture treatment.  Benefits to male fertility have also been found with positive effects on sperm count, mobility and morphology.

Trying to conceive can often be a very stressful experience and many find that undergoing a course of acupuncture can reduce associated problems such as anxiety, stress and insomnia.  Acupuncture can help to improve the chances of conceiving by improving well-being in general.

According to Chinese Medicine, our health is dependant on the body’s energy -known as Qi – moving in a smooth and balanced way through a network of channels in the body.  The flow of Qi can be disturbed by anxiety, stress, anger, grief, poor nutrition and lifestyle, injuries or infections.

By inserting very fine needles into acupuncture points located along these channels just beneath the skin, the practitioner can stimulate the body’s own healing response and restore its natural balance.

Acupuncture is increasingly being used alongside Assisted Reproductive Therapies such as IVF.  The aim is to maximise the chances of conception by relieving stress and helping the body to relax.

Additionally the treatment will include Chinese dietary advice on specific foods to enhance your overall well-being based on your individual Chinese Medicine diagnosis.  I also provide information on some simple lifestyle changes that can easily be done at home to help improve your chances of conceiving.

To make an appointment or for more information on acupuncture, please ring or email.

Phone: 07810 823109

Email: becky@bookhamacupuncture.co.uk

www.bookhamacupuncture.co.uk

Hypnosis has been proven to outperform all other methods to quit, helping you to look and feel great as a healthy non smoker.

If you have tried other ways to quit which haven’t worked, then call today and join the MANY HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE who have SUCCESSFULLY STOPPED SMOKING easily and effortlessly through Hypnotherapy.

You will feel healthy, fit and more attractive as a non smoker, once your smoking habit is removed. Don’t let smoking control you, sap your energy and ruin your looks and your health.

To start your new life free from cigarettes, call Becky Hale on 077793 60032 to learn more or to book an appointment.

Or visit my website www.halehypnotherapy.co.uk

I also offer Cosmetic Acupuncture (Facial Revitalisation), Tui Na (Chinese Remedial Massage) and Hypnotherapy.

Cosmetic Acupuncture

Otherwise known as ‘Facial Revitalisation Acupuncture’ is a new introduction in the West, and offers a natural alternative to surgery offering a painless, non surgical method of reducing the signs of the ageing process. Very fine needles are inserted into particular areas of the face and body according to the individual’s needs. Acupressure (gentle massage around the face) is incorporated into the treatment to further enhance the circulation and muscle tone.

Tui Na (Chinese Remedial Massage)

Tui Na (pronounced Twee Na) is a massage therapy and, like acupuncture, has been used in China for over 2500 years. Tui Na is extremely effective at treating acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain and is an effective intervention for disc problems, sciatica, whiplash, low back pain and joint pain. It is also useful in balancing the overall energy of the body and can treat a similar range of conditions as acupuncture. Tui Na is a valid alternative for conditions that might otherwise be treated with prescription drugs or by osteopaths, chiropractors and physiotherapists.

The address of Leatherhead Acupuncture is

Leatherhead Leisure Centre
Guildford Road
Leatherhead
Surrey
KT22 9BL