It is intended to create a useful library of articles for acupuncturists dedicated to supporting couples with fertility issues. Each article has a 100 word synopsis on this page with a link to the full article.

Any member can submit an article related to the areas of fertility and gynaecology. ALL submissions must be in 'Word' format This will then be edited by two other members and receive editorial clearance. Each article will be credited to the author and have a link to their website, along with contact number.

Please be aware that all the administration for the AFN is done on a voluntary basis so new articles will be updated on a monthly basis.

Article Submission Process
1. Write in Microsoft Word your article of between 500-3000 words on any area of fertility and gynaecology.
2. Add a 100 word synopsis to the front of this article, which will appear on this page.
3. Send an email to  Jani White at jani@naturechild.co.uk attaching your article.
4. Each article is then looked at by two AFN members for appropriateness and clarity.
5. The author will then receive an email from one of the co-ordinators as to whether or not it has received editorial clearance.
6. Articles receiving editorial clearance by the 1st of the month will be put onto the website in PDF format by the end of that month.

If you are interested in offering your support to AFN or editing articles submitted please contact Jani White at jani@naturechild.co.uk

 

 
List of Articles
 

Acupressure Techniques for Use during Childbirth and Pregnancy
This small booklet describes which acupuncture points to use and when they are best to use to promote a natural labour. They are easy to use and the booklet provides clear instructions on how to find the point and can be used by support people. It is designed to promote natural pain relief techniques during labour and partner involvement Debra has personally experienced the benefits of acupressure during two of her own labours.

Author: Debra Betts NZRN, MBAA, NZRA & Illustrations by Tina Young
email: debra.betts@jalna7.co.nz
Website : http://home.clear.net.nz/pages/debra_betts/Default.htm

 

Development of the AFN
In October 2005, a one day workshop on ‘treating fertility’ was developed with 20 MBAcC from across the country. It was agreed at this workshop to form the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN), and to organise a post graduate teaching seminar for treatment in support of assisted conception (AC).

Author: Jani White, Naturechild Ltd
Website: www.naturechild.co.uk

 

Book Review by Helen Newton, of

‘Fully Fertile – A holistic 12-week plan for optimal fertility’.
By Tamara Quinn, Elisabeth Heller & Jeanie Lee Bussell

Findhorn Press is offering all AFN members free postage and packing (a saving of £3) when they order copies of Fully Fertile.
Order on line at www.findhornpress.com and buy at our discounted web price of £10.39 per book, to claim your free postage and packing enter the code AFNW in the coupon/promotion code box on the second page of the checkout 
Or call 01309 690582 and pay £12.99 for the book just quote code AFNP to receive free postage and packing

This is an excellent book that you can lend, or recommend, to your fertility patients. It has a wonderful 12 week plan which patients can work through to help them achieve optimal fertility. What I like most about it is that you can select where you want to start and where you want to stop. I have found it helps to focus patients’ minds on the fact that optimal fertility takes time and the book shows them how they can take an active part in that process.

The book explores the benefits yoga has on the physical body, the mental mind and spirituality. Some of these benefits will not be to every ones liking and the book is structured in such a way, that if the reader don’t wish to explore the spirituality of Yoga they can focus on the exercises that help you mentally and physically. One of the most informative aspects of this book is the descriptions of the different poses and how they affect areas of the body, mind and emotions.

For many patients being treated by a traditional acupuncturist certain lifestyle, diet and sleep issues have been discussed so these chapters can be scanned and your patient can concentrate on learning how to perform, and practicing the yoga. That isn’t to say that these chapters don’t have something to offer, their messages will help support what you’ve already told your patients.

The authors own stories and how they took up yoga is really supportive and they give an honest appraisal of the changes they had to make to achieve their goals. The acupuncture content is minimal, but its brief overview and philosophy will help your patients have a deeper understanding of oriental medicine and how it can work in conjunction with yoga. This latter aspect is what has sparked my own personal interest in starting yoga; I only wish there had been a DVD with the book.

Week 1: Yoga Program for Fertility
Week 2: Oriental Medicine & the Philosophy of Fertility
Week 3: Fully Fertile Diet
Week 4: In the bedroom
Week 5: Strengthening the Letting-go muscle
Week 6: Identifying & eliminating your stressors
Week 7: Letting go of attachment & disappointment
Week 8: Letting go of your negative attitudes and thoughts
Week 9: The Koshas
Week 10: Learning the value of the Breath
Week 11: Seeing the forest from the trees
Week 12: Prayer

Findhorn Press, July, 2008, Full colour printing, many colour photos and illustrations
ISBN 978-1-84409-124-9
Distributed to the trade by Deep Books.