Acupuncture and Herbs from Yiping Fang, Chalfont St Peter, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire

" In June 2005 I was diagnosed with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Insulin Resistance (or syndrome X as it is popularly known in the media). I was prescribed metformin by my consultant physician. PCOS means multiple cysts on the ovaries, which are in fact eggs that have failed to break through the ovary wall to be released and possibly fertilised to create a pregnancy. There are multiple other miserable symptoms of PCOS such as weight gain and poor skin, diarrhoea followed by constipation, and unpredictable and extreme mood swings that were making life very difficult for my husband and me. The most troubling symptom was infertility. Conventional medication, a very strict diet and a large amount of exercise helped a great deal, but were not enough to encourage regular ovulatory cycles in order to conceive. I met Dr Yiping Fang in August 2006 after researching various complimentary medicine options to work with my conventional medication and help with the above problem. She listened carefully and asked a great number of questions to fully understand my condition. She then researched it further herself. It is a very complex syndrome with many possible different manifestations in individual cases. She then suggested twice weekly acupuncture and a herbal tea preparation. The thought of the acupuncture scared me somewhat, but in fact it was fine. I spent most of the sessions asleep, and found myself refreshed and energised afterwards. The tea is not something I would choose to drink as a beverage, but you do get used to it!

Dr Fang carefully monitored progress, and in a month or so started to see results. Menstruation recommended, and regularised somewhat and my mood altered quite dramatically. I was feeling much better! Most of the other PCOS symptoms gradually abated. The acupuncture and herbal tea continued, administered with unfailing good humour and cheerful, brisk encouragement by Dr Fang. Any other ailments, such as colds, bronchitis and skin problems were also treated to gain overall good health. Then in the autumn Dr Fang changed the formula of the tea. She felt I was ready for something more. In November and December I ovulated properly, for the first time in a very long time. In January 2007 we conceived a child and are eagerly awaiting its arrival in September 2007. Since conception, Dr Fang has treated me weekly and I have experienced minimal morning sickness - most unusual in my family.

All scans to date have been very satisfactory. Dr Fang's delight at this news was rivalled only by our own! I am certain that we would not have been successful in conceiving without her help."

Mrs S Denham, Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire

" About two and a half years ago my husband and I decided to start trying for a family. I stopped taking the contraceptive pill and began to monitor my cycles. I am a biology teacher so understand a good deal about the menstrual cycle and fertilisation so was aware of key fertility signs. I began to become concerned when after about a year not only was I not pregnant but more worryingly there were no signs of any regulation of my cycle. My periods were practically non existent and I had any increasing problem with acne on my skin. I had read about Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome and went to the doctors who told me it wasn't possible as I wasn't overweight and should just wait a bit longer! I was convinced I was right in my diagnosis so chose to go to a private fertility clinic. The consultant did an ultrasound scan and blood tests which conclusively showed classic symptoms of PCOS. A series of fertility treatments followed including ovulation induction drugs and inter-uterine insemination all of which were unsuccessful and actually made thing worse by causing a cyst on my left ovary to become greatly enlarged hindering reproduction further.

I decided to try other alternative approaches to try and help. I saw a intuitionalist who recommended certain supplements (my diet was already good) and I started having weekly acupuncture. Initially the acupuncture gave me much more energy and helped me to have a more positive approach. Over time my cycles started to regulate shorten. My skin improved a bit too which made me feel much better.

I had been having acupuncture for nearly a year when I had to change therapists and found Dr Fang. I started to take the herbs she prescribed and had more regular sessions to target ovulation. I was absolutely amazed when a month and 5 tests later I realised I was pregnant!!!

I am now 10 weeks and have continued to have acupuncture to help reduce nausea etc. (which has been working really well!) and just have my fingers crossed that everything is going to be perfect.

I am absolutely convinced that acupuncture is the reason I am pregnant today - it is fantastic! "
Nikki Cooke, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire