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Acupuncture

(Apollo Health 2026) The oocytes, or maturing eggs, are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which is a primary factor in reduced egg quality and female fertility. You can visualize this process as internal "aging," similar to how a sliced apple turns brown or steel becomes rusty when exposed to the elements. As the largest cell in the human body, the oocyte is an energy powerhouse containing a significant number of mitochondria. This metabolic activity generates essential

(acupunctureyogy 2026) An increasing number of clients are seeking acupuncture support for labour preparation following recommendations from their midwives. Acupuncture treatment for labour preparation typically commences at approximately the 36th week of pregnancy. These sessions aim to facilitate cervical ripening, encourage optimal fetal positioning, and reduce maternal anxiety to support an efficient labour process. Benefits of acupuncture Cervical ripening Acupuncture fo

(Colorado Pain Care, 2026) We frequently see clients presenting with persistent upper back, neck, and shoulder tension.While many have tried various modalities, those who seek acupuncture often do so because they have not found sustained relief elsewhere. A common denominator for these persistent issues is often poor posture, particularly from slouching over desks and devices or improper sleep positions. Acupuncture is highly effective in treating this tension. However, to ac

(Orlando Alternative Health 2023) What is diverticulitis? Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches (diverticula) that form in the wall of the large intestine become inflamed or infected. This typically causes symptoms like lower abdominal pain, often concentrated on the lower left side, along with fever, nausea, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Symptoms Key indicators of diverticulitis often include sudden, constant pain in the lower-left abdomen, accompanied b

(PKWomen'sSpecialistClinic, 2025) What is uterine fibroids Uterine fibroids are prevalent, almost always benign (non-cancerous), and composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that develop within the uterus. Diagnosis typically involves a review of medical history, a physical examination, and imaging techniques such as ultrasound, which is considered the initial standard diagnostic step. Symptoms  The common symptoms of uterine fibroids can include heavy or prolonged menstrual per

Total spine & orthopedics (2025) What is a trigger finger? Trigger finger is a condition that can cause discomfort and limit the mobility of the affected finger. It occurs when a finger gets stuck in a bent position, which may suddenly release with a pop or click. This condition is most common in the thumb, ring finger, or middle finger. Symptoms  A clicking or popping sensation when bending or straightening the affected finger. The need to use the other hand to manually for

(researchgate, 2025) Acupuncture can be particularly effective in treating areas of the body that tend to heal more slowly, such as the shoulder, knee, and ankle. The rate at which different body parts heal is largely dependent on two key factors: blood supply and the degree of repetitive motion and constant use. Consequently, not all parts of the body recover at the same pace. Cartilage and ligaments are well-known for its extended healing process, whether the damage is due

(children's Health Defence, 2022) Placenta previa occurs when the placenta implants too low in the uterus, either partially (also known as low-lying placenta or LLP) or completely covering the cervix. It is typically identified during the 20-week morphology scan.  It can lead to vaginal bleeding, ranging from light to heavy, during pregnancy. This condition often necessitates a Cesarean section for delivery unless it resolves on its own. While placenta previa is not common, a

Migraine is a common neurological condition characterized by headaches that can range from moderate to severe. These headaches are often accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. It is a complex disorder that extends beyond a typical headache, frequently impacting daily life significantly. In Australia, migraines affect 4.9 million people, which is about 20.55% of the population. It's also more prevalent in women, who acco

(FlindersFertility,2025) Endometriosis, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can affect fertility. While many women with the condition can conceive, 30-50% may experience infertility. This is because it can cause scarring, cysts, and adhesions, which can disrupt ovulation, block fallopian tubes, or prevent a fertilized egg from implanting. This displaced endometrial tissue, commonly found in the pelvis but also in areas like the bowel or bladde

UChicagoMedicine (2025) Weight gain is a frequent occurrence during perimenopause and menopause. It is due to hormonal shifts, especially declining estrogen, which impacts metabolism and fat storage. Reduced muscle mass and physical activity with age also contribute. Concurrently, fluctuations in hormone levels often lead to mood alterations, which can manifest as anything from minor irritability to more significant anxiety or depression. The role of oestrogen in weight gain

<Adobe Stock> The Gut-Brain Axis Modulation of Acupuncture: Healing the Mind and Gut The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a two-way communication network between the brain and the gut. This connection allows the brain to influence intestinal functions and the gut to affect mood, cognition, and mental health. This communication involves neural, endocrine, immune, and metabolic pathways. The gut microbiota also plays a crucial role in this axis, leading to the concept of the microbiota-

Shutterstock A herniated disc, also known as a slipped, bulging or ruptured disc, happens when the soft, gel-like inner part of a spinal disc protrudes through a tear in its tougher outer layer. This can lead to irritation or compression of nearby nerves, resulting in symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness. While herniated discs are frequently found in the lower back, they can also affect the neck. Approximately 4 million Australians, or 1 in 6, experience back problems

Swan, N. (2025) Cancer rates are rising in younger adults in Australia, with a 65% increase in early-onset bowel cancer since 2005. Other cancers like prostate, thyroid, pancreatic, liver, uterine, and kidney cancers are also increasing in younger populations. This trend is not unique to Australia, as similar patterns are observed in the US. Despite the rise, cancer is often still perceived as a disease of the elderly. It is crucial for both patients and GPs to take persisten

Neo (2025) There are key factors that are important for natural conception and implantation. These include regular periods, the presence of quality cervical mucus, the status of the uterine lining, and the optimal timing for sexual intercourse. 1. Regular periods The subject of regular periods is crucial for natural conception and serves as a key indicator of consistent ovulation. From a Western medicine perspective, a normal menstrual cycle typically ranges from 21 to 35 day

The Well by Northwell (2021) Anxiety is a mental health condition that involves persistent feelings of worry, fear, and unease. These feelings are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a heart palpitation, difficulty sleeping and sweating. While occasional anxiety is a normal reaction to stressful situations, it becomes a concern when these feelings are overwhelming, occur frequently, and begin to disrupt daily life. Causes Anxiety disorders are multifaceted conditio

News Medical (2024) Long COVID describes the ongoing health issues that some individuals face after recovering from COVID-19. These symptoms can persist for an extended period, lasting weeks, months, or even years, and can impact various systems within the body. It's important to note that these symptoms can significantly impair daily life, even in cases where the initial COVID-19 infection was not severe. Causes While the specific reasons behind the development of long COVID

Doughtery (2025) What is Vertigo? Vertigo is a specific kind of dizziness that creates a false sensation of movement. People experiencing vertigo often describe it as feeling like they themselves are spinning or off balance, or that the world around them is rotating. Vertigo is different from simply feeling lightheaded. Causes The sensation of vertigo, characterized by a feeling of spinning or swaying, often originates from disorders within the inner ear, with benign paroxysm

Figure 1: Geelong Sleep Disorders Centre 2025 What is Insomnia? Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating sleep, maintaining sleep, or experiencing premature awakening with an inability to return to sleep. These sleep disturbances can lead to daytime fatigue, heightened irritability, and impaired concentration, which may negatively affect daily functioning and overall well-being. 1,2  Causes Elevated stress levels or worry related to school or work,

Image source: Flower mound Orthodontics TMJ Dysfunction  Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction encompasses a range of conditions affecting the jaw joint and its controlling muscles. These issues can lead to symptoms such as pain, clicking or popping sounds, locking of jaw, and limited jaw mobility. 1 Causes TMJ dysfunction can arise from several factors. These include physical trauma to the jaw, the habit of grinding teeth (bruxism), arthritis affecting the jaw joint, and