Marie Madden speaks to Acupuncture Therapist Ian Claxton of the Elmtree Clinic in Oranmore about the benefits of using acupuncture to boost fertility.

While acupuncture has long been recognised as a great way to aid relaxation and treat injuries, the fertility benefits associated with this ancient art are less well known.

The essence of acupuncture as a fertility treatment is that it looks at the body as a whole, taking a closer look at any imbalances from lifestyle and environment to physical difficulties.

According to Acupuncture Therapist Ian Claxton, "The reproductive system works much like a concert symphony - a masterpiece is created only if all the players are giving their best.

"Women may have clues that their periods are not healthy; they may have lots of PMS symptoms or pain, heavy bleeding or irregular cycles. The first goal of the fertility wellness programme is to understand how each individual interplays with life, emotions and environment and then work to create an optimal fertile environment. We can use the tools within the fertility wellness program to attain better balance."

Ian says there is "massive demand" in the Galway area for fertility treatment, particularly among patients who have previously tried to conceive and were not successful.

Recent studies have shown that the use of acupuncture can improve the chances of conceiving by up to 65 per cent. When combined with conventional treatments such as IVF, the results can be even more striking.

Acupuncturists can work closely with gynaecologists and reproductive endocrinologists to promote the benefits of integrating acupuncture with medical interventions, such as Clomid, IUI and IVF cycles.

As well as offering the Fertility Wellness programme, the Elmtree Clinic also offers targeted treatment for gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory issues, emotional and psychological problems, organ diseases and addictions. Sports injuries can also be addressed, with great success being seen, specifically in the treatment of back injuries.

So why does it work? According to Ian, acupuncture treats disorders at a deeper level than conventional medicine and avoids problems associated with drugs, such as overmedication.

"Acupuncture has lasted over 3,000 years, while Western medicine has only been around for 200. Western medicine treats problems at a cellular level but acupuncture works at a molecular level.

"I got into acupuncture after I got disillusioned with the pharmaceutical industry. So many people are overmedicated because they are looking for a quick fix, but acupuncture treats the problem not the symptoms, so the benefits are long-term. I don't know why exactly it does what it does, but it has stood the test of time," he says.

Aside from medical treatment, the Elmtree Clinic also offers the latest in cosmetic acupuncture.

Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation claims to reduce wrinkles, eye bags, dark circles, puffiness, age spots and crow's feet, and can also increase collagen, muscle tone and moisture in the skin. This non-invasive treatment has no recovery time and takes place over a number of appointments. It can be an effective anti-ageing practise, eliminating fine lines, discoloration, stress and anxiety, while brightening eyes, lifting eyelids, firming jowls and tightening the pores.