Infertility1

Gynaecology is one of the most sophisticated branches of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and this ancient medical system has a long history of treating fertility problems. By drawing upon traditional teachings and knowledge and adapting them for the modern situation, this course aims to facilitate a thorough understanding of the basis of fertility and reproductive health from both TCM and western medical perspectives. With surveys demonstrating a greater use of complementary therapies among infertile women than the general population, this represents a major area of practice and one that is full of possibilities for inter-professional exchange with infertility specialists.

Using case studies and experiences drawn from the clinical work of Janetta Bensouilah, a fertility and obstetric acupuncturist-aromatherapist, the course is ideal for aromatherapists wishing to work confidently with infertile couples or who wish to develop gynaecology into a clinical speciality.

Biology of reproduction

Understanding the menstrual cycle, reproductive hormones, fertility indicators, amenorrhoea, dysmenorrhoea, oligomenorrhoea, menorrhagia, PMS, emotional issues

TCM understanding of the menstrual cycle

Four phases of the cycle, yin and yang aspects of fertilisation, balancing the imbalances with aromatherapy, energetics of PMS

Reviewing gynaecological conditions which compromise fertility including PCOS, endometriosis, fibroids, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, chlamydia, natural and conventional treatments

Male fertility

Issues affecting sperm, understanding sperm analyses, lifestyle and nutritional factors

Effects of stress and lifestyle

Orthodox approaches and assisted reproductive technology (ART)
Diagnostic methods and treatments, IVF protocols, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, combining natural treatment options with ART programmes, understanding test results, aromatherapy support through treatment cycles

Essential oils and aromatherapy

Energies of oils for gynaecology, reviewing the science of ‘hormonal’ oils, integrating aromatherapy with reproductive medicine – when and when not to treat

Diet and nutrition
Modern insights into traditional dietary therapy for pre-conceptual health, foods for fertility

The emotions of infertility

Emotional issues, their energies and impact on reproductive health, psychoaromatherapy

Specialising in gynaecology and infertility

Things to ask and be aware of when taking the case history, understanding medical investigations, treatment schedules

Janetta is a fertility and obstetric acupuncturist-aromatherapist. She qualified in aromatherapy in 1995 and went on to gain a Licentiate in Acupuncture in 1998; she has undertaken further studies in advanced clinical aromatherapy and fertility and pregnancy acupuncture, holding a postgraduate Certificate in Obstetric Acupuncture. As a member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network, an alliance dedicated to the promotion of traditional acupuncture in support of pregnancy and fertility, Janetta is committed to ongoing professional development in these areas of practice. She is co-author of the book Aromadermatology – aromatherapy in the treatment and care of common skin conditions, is currently studying the MSc course in Chinese Herbal Medicine at Westminster University and maintains a busy private practice specialising in traditional gynaecology and dermatology.

Venue: Sue Lincoln School of Holistic Therapies, Evron Centre, John Street, Filey North Yorkshire, YO14 9DW
E-mail: info@suelincoln.co.uk; www.suelincoln.co.uk

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