Affiliation with the Zita West Clinic
As a proud mother of two healthy daughters, Denise understands what it means to have children of her own and sympathizes with women who are unable to conceive. When she heard about the success stories associated with acupuncture and fertility, she began training with the renowned Zita West fertility clinic in London in order to better understand how she could help hopeful women with her skills.
She has since helped a number of her patients on their way to conceiving, including Stephanie, who sits across from me and tells me that seeing Denise was the first time that any sort of fertility treatment worked. Stephanie had been trying for a number of years and had suffered a number of miscarriages. It wasn’t until she came to see Denise for fertility treatment that she conceived naturally without any help.
Stephanie now comes in with baby Harley for cranial treatment, which assists with reducing the babies’ stress levels, aiding a better night’s sleep for both mother and baby.
For advice on fertility
Background
Founded over 300 years ago in China, the practice of acupuncture was developed to help maintain the body’s overall balance. After careful examination of their patients, Chinese practitioners observed that there are passages within the body known as meridians in which energy, or Chi flows through. The thought is that destruction of these paths causes physical and emotional imbalance. According to acupuncture theory, the insertion of acupuncture needles works to restore mental and physical wellness by stimulating certain pressure points within the body. This stimulation releases endorphins and allows the free flow of energy to continue.
We are very pleased to announce that Denise Callaghan has completed a one- year diploma course in Fertility, gynaecology and obstetrics. Denise is always dedicated to updating and improving her knowledge in the treatment of fertility issues. This diploma studied in depth the latest research and experiences with acupuncture for the treatment of fertility and female health problems. It includes difficulties with fertility for both men and women, miscarriages, menopause, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis and premature ovarian failure. If you have any fertility, obstetric or gynaecological concerns consider acupuncture from Denise Callaghan’s professional services, you will be in careful, qualified hands that have helped many patients before.
Another patient that testifies to Denise’s treatment is Jemma, pictured here with her baby Hayden. 
‘I had researched accupuncture via the Zita West website and was looking to find an affiliated clinic in the Bromley area to support my egg donation treatment cycle. This was my second attempt and wanted to utilise as many positive methods to support my treatment. I spent many sessions with Denise prior to, during and following my egg donation treatment and she was always informative and supportive. I had not used acupuncture the first time but believe that this made a positive influence second time around as my treatment was successful and I became pregnant. Denise also supported me through the pregnancy with acupuncture sessions and these helped me to relax, focus and deal with any ailments associated with the pregnancy. I gave birth to a lovely boy in March 2012.’
Nicole is yet another patient eager to testify to the benefits of acupuncture for fertility. Nicole used acupuncture as a natural alternative to any other type of fertility treatment. When I asked her what she thought of it she told me the acupuncture most certainly worked..here’s the proof! (as she holds up baby Leah) I’m now coming in for cranial as Leah is suffering from sleeplessness and irritability. I have only been in for a couple of treatments but I have faith in Denise’s practice.”
Please call
How can acupuncture increase fertility?
✓ Regulate and optimise Oestrogen, Progesterone, FSH and Testosterone.
✓ Regulate ovulation, optimise menstrual cycle
✓ Enhance egg quality
✓ Improve sperm quantity, mobility and quality
✓ Enhance thickness of endometrium; optimise temperature
✓ Increase endometrial receptivity, promote implantation
✓ Support pregnancy to term
9 Strategies for improving sperm quality
✓ Regular acupuncture improves sperm count, morphology and mobility. It also supports good energy levels and a strong libido.
✓ Improved nutrition, including a high intake of chicken, fish, fruit and vegetables, preferably organic, improves sperm morphology. Conversely, high fat and salt ready meals will deplete sperm count and concentration.
✓ Optimise weight to a BMI (body mass index) of between 20 and 25. Both high and low BMI may cause poor sperm quality.
✓ Keeping the testicles cool improves sperm morphology. This means no phones in pockets, no laptops on laps, and steer clear of saunas and hot tubs. Acupuncture treatment reduces scrotal temperate.
✓ Taking a good quality preconception supplement for at least three months will improve both seme quality and general health. Antioxidants, Vit C & E plus Zinc and Selenium are especially effective in improving sperm quality.
✓ Stop smoking and all recreational drugs to improve sperm quality. Stopping smoking increases sperm counts by 50 – 800%. Cannabis use is associated with poor sperm morphology.
✓ Stop or reduce alcohol, especially before IVF as it can reduce success markedly. Even as little as 5 units/week has an adverse effect on sperm quality.
✓ Get checked for Chlamydia and any other low-level infections, as low-level infections reduce sperm quality.
✓ Check medicinal drugs are not contraindicated, as some cause sperm abnormalities or reduce sexual function e.g. Citalopram.
Across my work treating fertility issues, a question I am regularly asked is “what should I eat to help me fall pregnant”. Just as stress levels, sleep and emotional health can have major impacts on your hormonal balance, circulation, cell ageing — and, therefore, fertility — so can your diet. Acupuncture for fertility courses that I have attended, such as Zita West and Reading College of Integrated Medicine, stress the importance of healthy and good quality nutrition in reducing inflammation, preventing premature ageing and improving crucial uterine circulation. Below are some of my top tips for a well-balanced diet — what to include and what to reduce — to maximise your — and your partner’s — fertility.
What to reduce
The maturing eggs, sperm, endometrial lining and foetus depend on vital nutrients for development. Foods which increase the production of free radicals can cause oxidative stress to developing eggs and sperm. Research suggests that oxidative stress lowers egg and sperm quality and function.
– alcohol
– coffee
– cigarettes
– trans-fats
– sugar
What to include
The Mediterranean diet, containing lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, is ideal as it incorporates antioxidants which destroy harmful oxidants. My general advice is the more colours of fruit and vegetables the better! The Mediterranean diet includes:
✓ Organic proteins: meat, tofu, dairy products, nuts, seeds and pulses
✓ Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, millet, organic porridge
✓ Healthy fats: nuts, avocados, legumes
✓ Dark leafy greens: kale, spinach, broccoli
✓ Fish
✓ Cooking oils: extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil
✓ Superfoods: wheatgrass, chia seeds, maca, acai, goji berries, spirulina
Vital vitamins and nutrients
I also encourage patients to make sure they are consuming a sufficient range of vitamins and minerals which contribute to reproductive health.
Along with a nutrient-rich diet of antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and vital vitamins and nutrients, I advise patients look at lifestyle factors including regular exercise, good-quality sleep and, where possible, reducing stress. It is also worth your while to consider a regular course of acupuncture to help boost your fertility.
“I can’t recommend Denise’s practice enough. From getting pregnant when I thought there was no hope… to helping me through the pregnancy and now helping me to cope as a new mother, Denise has been a friend and a trustworthy practitioner.” Stacey Jacob Harwood
Testimonials
“I just wanted to let you know that I fell pregnant in January. Still very early days but I just wanted to say thank you for the course of acupuncture you gave me as I’m sure this had a positive role to play.”
KW
“I trust you are well. I just wanted to drop you a short note to say that baby Finn was born at Kings College Hospital on 29th March, weighing 3.9kg. He is a great baby and I feel very blessed to have him. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your help and support. I love being a mum and so glad I came to see you.”
Cornelia Stanford
“I initially went to see Denise as she is a Zita West affiliated acupuncturist and therefore has specific knowledge of how to boost fertility. I had seen other acupuncturists during the years I was trying to get pregnant but noticed straight away that Denise was different. She carefully tailored each treatment in relation to where I was in my monthly cycle and to how I was feeling on each visit. We underwent IVF treatment and saw Denise regularly throughout this, happily the treatment worked on our first attempt. Denise continued to treat me during the entirety of my pregnancy. I experienced back pain which was completely eliminated with her help and I generally felt well during the time I was pregnant with our twins.
I would highly recommend Denise and much appreciate the assistance and support she gave during our fertility journey.”
Clare Christie
“Denise treated me for 3 months before I fell pregnant and then leading up to giving birth.
My fertility history had a been a sad one with one failed miscarriage after another including an ectopic pregnancy and 2 rounds of failed IVF. I went to Denise, knowing she was Zita West affiliated, with the hope of one, preparing my body to fall pregnant again and secondly to help maintain my pregnancy.
After weekly, sometimes twice weekly acupuncture sessions for about 3 months I fell pregnant for the 5th time. The first trimester was a tense time but I firmly believe I wouldn’t be here now with my baby boy if I hadn’t had Denise’s help and support with the acupuncture.
I am now visiting the clinic again for cranial therapy for my son as he was a ventouse delivery. This has helped immensely, he is now a very very happy little boy and I’m a very happy mum!
Many thanks to Denise, you have helped make our world complete!”
Hartly
“I can’t recommend Denise’s practice enough. From getting pregnant when I thought there was no hope…to helping me through the pregnancy and now helping me to cope as a new mother, Denise has been a friend and a trustworthy practitioner.”
Stacey Jacob Harwood
“I had researched accupuncture via the Zita West website and was looking to find an affiliated clinic in the Bromley area to support my egg donation treatment cycle. This was my second attempt and wanted to utilise as many positive methods to support my treatment. I spent many sessions with Denise prior to, during and following my egg donation treatment and she was always informative and supportive. I had not used accupuncture the first time but believe that this made a positive influence second time around as my treatment was successful and I became pregnant. Denise also supported me through the pregnancy with accupuncture sessions and these helped me to relax, focus and deal with any ailments associated with the pregnancy. I gave birth to a lovely boy in March 2012.”
Jemma Smith