🔍 Why are periods delayed while breastfeeding? After childbirth, many women notice a prolonged absence of periods, sometimes for several months. This is called lactational amenorrhoea. It is perfectly natural and results from a high level of prolactin, a hormone that stimulates milk production but inhibits ovulation. However, some women would like their cycle to return more quickly, in particular when they:

are planning another pregnancy, feel a hormonal imbalance (fatigue, mood swings, sleep problems), or are worried about a prolonged absence of periods.

This is where acupuncture can play a valuable role.

🧬 Acupuncture, an ally for rebalancing the hormonal cycle. Acupuncture is a method from Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves stimulating specific points on the body using fine needles. It acts on the flow of energy (Qi), but also on hormones via the nervous and endocrine systems. In the case of a delayed return of periods while breastfeeding, acupuncture can:

🔄 Stimulate ovulation, ⚖️ Rebalance hormones such as prolactin, progesterone and oestrogen, 🌙 Improve sleep and recovery, 💆‍♀️ Reduce stress, which can also disrupt the menstrual cycle.

📊 What do studies say? Some research suggests that acupuncture may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian function, which regulates reproductive hormones. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2020) observed that acupuncture may help regulate menstrual cycles in women with postpartum amenorrhoea, by encouraging ovulation to resume.

🤱 Is it compatible with breastfeeding?Yes.Acupuncture is natural and gentle, and side effects are uncommon and usually mild when performed by a trained practitioner. It does not disrupt milk production and can even:

relieve postpartum fatigue, help manage milk surges, improve the mother’s general well-being.

📍 When should you seek advice? It is advisable to see an acupuncturist if:

your periods have not returned 6 to 12 months after giving birth, you have partially or fully weaned, but your cycle is still absent, you feel a hormonal imbalance (hot flushes, sleep problems, pelvic pain, etc.), you would like to get pregnant again quickly.

💡 In summary: the absence of periods while breastfeeding is normal, but if you would like to get your cycle back more quickly, acupuncture can be a worthwhile natural tool. By working on hormonal balance, fatigue and stress, it gently supports the female body during this transitional phase.

Are you breastfeeding and waiting for your periods to return?Consult a specialised professional for personalised and natural support.

Knee pain is common and can affect anyone: athletes, older people or even young adults. Whether the pain is acute or chronic, it is essential to identify its cause in order to act effectively.

What are the possible causes of knee pain?

A painful knee can have several causes:

• Knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis): wear of the cartilage with age
• Tendinitis or bursitis: inflammation caused by overuse
• Patellofemoral syndrome: poor alignment of the kneecap
• Sprain or meniscus injury: following trauma
• Muscular or postural imbalances: often overlooked but common

This pain can appear when walking, climbing stairs, after sport or even at rest.

How can knee pain be relieved naturally?

At our practice in Aix-en-Provence or Cadenet, we offer natural and personalised approaches, alongside medical care, to address knee pain in depth:

• Osteopathy: to rebalance joint and muscle tension
• Acupuncture : to reduce inflammation and stimulate circulation
• Advice on gentle exercises: to strengthen the knee without straining it
• Lifestyle and posture: to prevent recurrence

These methods aim not only to relieve the pain but also to act on its cause.

When should you see someone about a painful knee?

If the pain lasts more than a few days, restricts your movement or keeps coming back, it is time to consult. Early care can help prevent the problem from getting worse and help you regain comfort and mobility.

Do you have knee pain?
Do not wait to act. Book an appointment at our practice in Aix-en-Provence or Cadenet for tailored support.

Book an appointment on Doctolib

Introduction

Assisted reproduction (ART) is a solution for many couples facing infertility. The quality and maturation of eggs (oocytes) play a crucial role in the success of treatments such as IVF (in vitro fertilisation). However, some hormonal treatments can have side effects and do not always guarantee an optimal result. A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture could improve egg maturation and thus optimise the chances of conception naturally. How does this Traditional Chinese Medicine work, and what are its effects on ART?

Acupuncture and how it acts on fertility

Acupuncture, which comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine, is based on stimulating strategic points on the body to restore energy balance. It is part of a holistic approach that takes into account the patient’s general condition, including their level of stress, their diet and the quality of their sleep.

In the context of fertility, it may act on several biological mechanisms:

• Improved blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus: a better supply of oxygen and nutrients supports egg maturation.
• Reduced stress and inflammation: high cortisol levels can affect the ovarian response to hormonal treatments.
• Regulation of the hormones involved in the ovarian cycle: acupuncture may help to balance FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), LH (luteinising hormone) and oestradiol.
• Improved egg quality: a stable hormonal environment supports the production of mature, viable eggs.

Acupuncture and egg maturation: what the studies say

Scientific research has examined the effect of acupuncture on egg maturation in ART. Some studies indicate that:

• Acupuncture may increase the number of mature eggs collected during egg retrieval, which may improve the chances of obtaining viable embryos.
• Better egg quality has been observed in some studies in patients having acupuncture sessions alongside ovarian stimulation.
• Endometrial receptivity may be improved, which might support embryo implantation and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

For example, a meta-analysis published in Fertility and Sterility observed that acupuncture as support for ART might increase the clinical pregnancy rate by 26% on average. Other studies suggest that patients receiving regular acupuncture sessions might have a higher rate of mature eggs and a better fertilisation rate.

How can acupuncture be included in an ART journey?

To optimise the benefits of acupuncture on egg maturation, it is recommended, in liaison with the medical team overseeing the protocol, to:

• Start sessions several months before the ovarian stimulation protocol to prepare the body and regulate hormones.
• Increase the frequency of sessions during the critical phases of the cycle (stimulation, egg retrieval, embryo transfer) to maximise the effects.
• Combine acupuncture with a healthy lifestyle: a balanced diet, stress management and suitable physical activity.
• Work with a practitioner specialising in fertility for a personalised protocol suited to your situation.

Some techniques, such as electro-acupuncture (applying micro electrical pulses to the needles), may be used to reinforce the effects on ovarian stimulation.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is a worthwhile complementary approach that might help to improve egg maturation in ART. By supporting an optimal hormonal and circulatory environment, it might contribute to the success of fertility treatments. For those who wish to maximise their reproductive potential, combining ART and acupuncture can be a worthwhile natural strategy, alongside medical care.

If you are considering ART and would like to explore the benefits of acupuncture, feel free to consult a specialist to develop a protocol suited to your needs.

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects millions of women around the world. Characterised by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, it causes intense pain, digestive problems and sometimes fertility problems. While medical treatments exist, many patients look for other approaches, alongside their medical follow-up, to improve their quality of life. Among them, osteopathy is a worthwhile complementary approach. But how does it work and what effects does it have on endometriosis?

What is endometriosis and why is it painful?

Endometriosis is characterised by the presence of tissue similar to the endometrium outside the uterine cavity. This tissue responds to hormonal cycles, causing inflammation, adhesions and intense pelvic pain. The pain can spread to the back and legs and come with digestive problems (bloating, constipation, diarrhoea).

Conventional treatments include painkillers, anti-inflammatories, hormonal treatments and even surgery. However, these solutions are not always enough, which is where osteopathy comes in as a complementary approach.

How can osteopathy relieve endometriosis?

Osteopathy relies on gentle manipulations to restore the body’s balance and improve tissue mobility. Several mechanisms may explain its beneficial effects on endometriosis:

Reduced pelvic pain and muscle tension

Endometriosis causes significant muscular and fascial tension, particularly in the pelvis and lower back. The osteopath works on mobilising the fascia and deep muscles to release this tension and ease the pain.

Improved blood and lymphatic circulation

Poor blood circulation can encourage inflammation and the build-up of toxins. Through specific techniques, osteopathy aims to stimulate blood and lymphatic circulation, which may help to reduce inflammation and pelvic oedema.

Regulation of stress and the nervous system

The chronic pain caused by endometriosis can heighten stress and create a vicious circle in which stress intensifies pain. Osteopathy acts on the autonomic nervous system, encouraging a state of relaxation that helps you manage pain better.

Effect on digestive problems linked to endometriosis

Patients with endometriosis often suffer from digestive problems. Visceral osteopathy works on the digestive organs to improve their mobility and function, which can reduce bloating and intestinal pain.

What do studies and testimonials say?

Although osteopathy does not cure endometriosis, several patients report a clear improvement in their symptoms after a few sessions. A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies suggests that osteopathic techniques may reduce pain and improve pelvic mobility.

What to expect during an osteopathy session?

An osteopathy consultation begins with an overall assessment of the body. The osteopath assesses posture and tissue mobility and looks for areas of tension. The techniques used vary with each patient, but they are generally gentle and non-invasive.

Recommended frequency

The number of sessions needed depends on each case. In general, a regular approach with one session every 3 to 4 weeks can be beneficial for maintaining the effects.

Conclusion

Osteopathy is a natural and complementary approach that may help relieve the pain and problems associated with endometriosis. By working on tissue mobility, blood circulation and stress management, it offers a worthwhile complement to medical follow-up for improving patients’ quality of life. If you have endometriosis, consulting a specialised osteopath may be an avenue to explore for greater comfort in everyday life.

Need personalised support?

Book an appointment with a qualified osteopath near you and start your journey towards natural wellbeing!