Women’s Health
More inclusive in Edmonton, AB
What is Uterine Health?
Uterine health is a huge topic that covered everything from puberty to fertility and pregnancy all the way to menopause. Dr. Melanie Morill Ac. at Accessible Acupuncture supports all types of uterine health concerns.
- Painful Periods
- Unpredictable Cycles
- Endometriosis
- PMS & PMDD
- PCOS
- Fibroids
- Menopause and Hot Flashes
- Fertility
- Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Breast and Pelvic Pain
These are a few of the uterine health concerns that are regularly treated here at Accessible Acupuncture Edmonton.
What is Uterine Health Acupuncture?
Acupuncture for your uterine health involves creating a treatment plan to regulate your hormones, support ovulation, as well as reduce stress and pain associated with your menstrual cycle.
Uterine health is often called women’s health or gynecological health but we recognize that not everyone with a uterus is a woman. Tinclude everyone with a uterus, we use uterine health.
Menstruation can result in cramping pain in the lower abdomen, low back, glutes, and thighs, called Dysmenorrhea or cyclical mood changes, like Premenstrual Syndrome or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. Acupuncture increases circulation to your uterus lowering your PMS and PMDD. Your menstrual cycles shouldn’t cause you pain and discomfort; we can help.
How can uterine health acupuncture improve your life?
Up to 90% of women experience cramping pain in the lower abdomen before or during menstruation, known as Primary Dysmenorrhea. This is caused by an increased production of endometrial prostaglandin, resulting in increased uterine tone, as well as stronger and more frequent uterine contractions.
Menstrual cramps are a common cause of absenteeism at work or school, as well as reduced quality of life. Acupuncture has been reported to alleviate your cramping pain (Primary Dysmenorrhea) in controlled trials:
“Acupuncture relieves pain and also regulates the motility of the uterus to facilitate menstrual discharge and further alleviate the pain.”
Dr. Xiaorui Zhang, World Health Organization
In the same report, the WHO found that patients receiving acupuncture gained relief from symptoms of cyclical mood changes (Premenstrual Syndrome). Furthermore, they found evidence that acupuncture helps your body regulate your hormones:
“The data suggest that electric acupuncture with relative specificity of acupuncture points could influence some genetic expression in the brain, thereby normalizing the secretion of certain hormones.”
Dr. Xiaorui Zhang, World Health Organization
PMS and PMDD
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is where a person has tension or anxiety, depressed mood, crying spells, mood swings and irritability or anger, appetite changes and food cravings, trouble falling asleep, social withdrawal, and other symptoms as a response to the drop in hormones just before the start of the period.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) causes severe irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before your period starts and resolves shortly after your period starts. PMDD is caused by the change in hormones after ovulation during the menstrual cycle.
PMDD and PMS have similar symptoms, but PMDD is considerably more severe, lasts much longer, and it has a larger impact on day-to-day life.
Acupuncture supports healthy hormone regulation which reduces or eliminates symptoms of PMS and PMDD.
Success Stories from Happy Patients in Edmonton
Lauren W
L
I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for Dr. Melanie. Prior to receiving acupuncture treatments from her, I had the most horrific PMDD symptoms and my hormonal imbalances were having a daily negative impact on my mental health. Now, my cycle and hormones are normal. I have the occasional tough day but all-in-all, I am doing worlds better. I can’t recommend her enough.
Fertility Acupuncture Edmonton
Natural and Holistic Fertility
Are you trying to start or grow your family?
Have you been trying to conceive for six months or more?
Are you working with a medical clinic to become pregnant?
Acupuncture balances hormones, regulates the menstrual cycle, improves egg and sperm quality, and helps you become pregnant sooner.
Acupuncture for Fertility
For Faster Conception
Trying to conceive is an incredibly exciting time in a person’s life. It can also be stressful, emotional, and frustrating when it doesn’t need to be. Acupuncture improves fertility, helps couples become pregnant faster, leads to more successful rounds of IVF, and can be started any time.
Our Doctor of Acupuncture Edmonton guides couples along their fertility journey from when you start trying, to your two-week wait, to your positive pregnancy test.
I can’t thank Melanie enough
Jennifer
J
I can’t thank Melanie enough. After two miscarriages and struggling to get pregnant and stay pregnant for years, I finally reached 24 weeks pregnant. Melanie regulated my hormones and helped me stay pregnant. My pregnancy has been wonderful.
Uterine Reproductive Health
Fertility is a complex topic and there are many ways acupuncture can help.
Acupuncture helps with:
- Anovulation
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Endometriosis
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- Obstructed fallopian tubes
- Hormonal imbalances
- Egg quality
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Fibroids
Uterine and egg infertility accounts for roughly 40% of all infertility diagnoses. Acupuncture supports fertility and can help you get pregnant faster.
Sperm Reproductive Health
Sperm factor infertility makes up roughly 40% of infertility diagnoses. There are four components to male fertility.
- Motility: How far are the sperm swimming in a straight line?
- Morphology: How many of them have one head, one tail, and appear normal?
- Count: The number of sperm in a sample. This number will vary (sometimes dramatically) from week to week.
- Volume: The sample size, usually in millilitres (ml).
Acupuncture can improve all four measures of sperm health and support fertility.
We are really excited
Brad
B
My wife and I tried to have a baby for two years and then we found out my sperm weren’t great. I saw Melanie for acupuncture for men’s fertility and a few months later my wife was pregnant and my energy is so much better. Our baby boy is due in December and we are really excited to meet him.
Artificial Reproductive Technology and Assisted Fertility
Acupuncture for both partners during IVF, IUI, IVI, and FET increases the rates of positive pregnancy tests and live births.
Acupuncture supports fertility and artificial reproductive technologies by improving blood flow, increasing egg quality, regulating the menstrual cycle, managing side effects of medications, and reducing stress.
LGBTQIA2S+ Fertility
Everyone who is trying to conceive is welcome at Accessible Acupuncture. Your acupuncturist will work with you and your chosen fertility clinic during IUI, IVI, IVF, FET, and surrogacy. We use inclusive language and we ensure that your fertility journey is as smooth and quick as possible.
Above and Beyond!
Samantha Chisolm
S
Mel goes above and beyond! She’s been so incredible during our journey into pregnancy. I’ve been seeing her weekly to support IUI cycles! I was getting really discouraged waiting for an LG surge and Mel was so kind and compassionate. She saw me twice right before my surge and it made a huge difference in my cycle and my relaxation going into treatment.
The day of my first IUI She booked me in after hours to make sure I was able to see her right after the IUI. I fell asleep almost as soon as she got the treatment started because I know I’m in such good hands with her. Mel is also a queer friendly practitioner and makes her services accessible to everyone! Thanks again for everything Mel!!
Pregnancy and Obstetric Acupuncture Edmonton
Acupuncture is safe and effective for managing issues that arise during pregnancy
Acupuncture Treatment’s for Pregnancy
Have a happy, healthy, joyful pregnancy!
Accessible Acupuncture offers acupuncture for people who are trying to become pregnant, people who are currently pregnant, people giving birth, and people who have recently given birth.
When done by a Doctor of Acupuncture, acupuncture is safe at every stage of pregnancy.
During pregnancy acupuncture helps with:
- Morning sickness and nausea prevention
- Pain, especially in your low back, sciatic pain, neck, and shoulders
- Headaches and migraines
- Swelling and edema
- Constipation, diarrhea, and stomach upset
- Stress, anxiety, and mental health support
- Heartburn and trapped gas
- Fatigue and insomnia
- Breech presentation
- Birth preparation for an easier labour
Obstetric Acupuncture
Our Doctor of Acupuncture, Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac, is a Senior Member of the International Obstetric Acupuncture Association (OBAA). She is one of only five Obstetric Acupuncturists who practise in Alberta.
The OBAA provides a resource for both pregnant people and their care providers to find acupuncturists in their area that demonstrate an elevated standard of care and safety within the field of perinatal care.
As a Senior OBAA member, Dr. Melanie Morrill Ac. ensures you receive the highest standard of care while you are pregnant and post-partum.
Very Positive and Helpful!
Alica Cooper
A
I had a very positive and helpful experience seeing Melanie for prenatal acupuncture. I was nervous about any kind of treatments during pregnancy, but knowing that Melanie was certified in treating pregnant women made me feel much more comfortable.
Melanie is very thorough and makes sure all of your questions and concerns are being addressed. I had developed really bad hip pain that was almost intolerable. Melanie was able to pin point the cause of this pain and treat it with acupuncture. I don’t think I would have made it through otherwise!
Melanie is very professional and kind, and I always felt very welcomed at her practice. I strongly suggest seeing her for all of your prenatal/postpartum needs!
Helping with Morning Sickness
First Trimester Wellness
Pericardium Six (Pc6), or Inner Gate is a lovely acupuncture point for so many conditions. During the first trimester, many people have nausea, vomiting, and heartburn. Acupuncture or acupressure on pericardium six can be a great way to reduce nausea and vomiting.
You can find this acupuncture point two fingers widths above the crease in your wrist and between the two tendons on the center of your forearm.
Acupuncture for Pain and Anxiety in Pregnancy
Second Trimester Wellness
Pregnancy can be a wonderful time, but it can also be incredibly uncomfortable. Growing a baby inside your uterus can pull on your low back and hips; the pregnancy hormones loosen and relax your pelvis; and on top of all that, your bladder is being used as a soccer ball. Pregnancy is not just glowing skin and luscious hair.
Aches and pains become common in the second trimester of pregnancy. Acupuncture is the best and safest way to stop pain and support your pregnancy. Acupuncture can treat all pregnancy pains including low back pain, neck and shoulder pain, pelvic floor pain, breast and nipple pain, migraines during pregnancy, and hip pain.
Along with aches and pains, anxiety during pregnancy is common. You are responsible for keeping your baby safe and healthy, there is a lot to worry about! Acupuncture is an amazing way to soothe your nerves, relax, and stop anxiety while you are pregnant.
Acupuncture for Insomnia, Constipation, and Easy Labour
Third Trimester Wellness
There is so much that acupuncture has to offer during the third trimester of pregnancy. By this time most pregnant people are uncomfortable, not sleeping well, and they are ready to meet their baby. Acupuncture can reduce constipation, improve sleep, and prepare the body for labour and delivery.
Acupuncture for constipation during pregnancy is a fast and effective way to become significantly more comfortable in your third trimester.
Being well-rested in your third trimester is a rare treat, but with acupuncture, you can expect to sleep more hours and improve your sleep quality. You will still wake up several times per night, there isn’t anything that can be done about needing to use the washroom overnight while you are pregnant.
Twice weekly treatments in the third trimester of pregnancy promote cervical ripening, encourage engagement (baby’s head moving into the pelvis), and soften the tissues for a smooth labour. Acupuncture can also be used to promote labour after 40 weeks.
Prenatal Acupuncture for an Easier Labour
Pregnant people who received weekly acupuncture in the four – six weeks before their labour and delivery had:
- 35% fewer medical inductions
- 31% fewer epidurals
- 32% less emergency C-sections
- 9% more uncomplicated vaginal births
And their labors were several hours shorter.
According to Acupuncture For Prebirth Treatment: An Observational Study of its use in Midwifery practice
Medical Acupuncture. Volume Seventeen / Number Three / May 2006
Turning Breech Babies
Acupuncture and moxa for turning breech pregnancy
At 34 weeks, most pregnant folks know if their baby is head down or head up. When the baby is head up it is called breech position and this is not an ideal position for a baby to be in during delivery because it means they are birthed feet first. Thirty-four weeks is the ideal time to use acupuncture and moxibustion to turn baby so they are head down. Babies can be turned later than 34 weeks, but we are the most successful at 34 weeks.