Fertility & Women's health therapies used at Harwood Fertility

Acupuncture is a specialised branch of Chinese medicine. During treatment, diagnosis is made through discussion of symptoms alongside tongue and pulse assessment to understand patterns of imbalance within the body. Very fine, sterile acupuncture needles are gently inserted at specific points on the body to help regulate menstrual cycles, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and support hormonal balance.  

In Chinese medicine, warmth is often used to support circulation and strengthen areas of the body that may feel depleted or cold. When appropriate for your diagnosis, heat therapy may be incorporated into treatment.

This may include the use of a therapeutic heat lamp or moxibustion, a traditional Chinese medicine technique where dried mugwort is gently warmed near specific acupuncture points. 

Reflexology is a therapeutic treatment based on the principle that specific reflex points on the feet correspond to organs and systems within the body. Through the application of gentle pressure to these points, reflexology helps stimulate the body’s natural healing responses, supporting relaxation, hormonal balance and nervous system regulation. It can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing stress, hormonal imbalance, menstrual irregularities and fertility challenges.

Reiki is a gentle energy therapy that supports deep relaxation and overall wellbeing. During a session, the practitioner places their hands lightly on or just above the body to encourage the flow of energy and support balance within the nervous system. Reiki can help reduce stress, promote emotional calm and support the body during times of physical or hormonal change, including fertility treatment and recovery.

Womb and abdominal massage is a specialised form of therapeutic bodywork focused on the abdomen, sacrum and pelvic area. Gentle, targeted techniques help improve circulation to the reproductive organs, release tension within the abdominal tissues and support the natural movement and balance of the pelvic structures. 

Meditation may be incorporated into treatment to support relaxation and emotional wellbeing. By giving the conscious mind something gentle to focus on — such as the breath, guided imagery or body awareness — meditation helps calm the nervous system and create space for the body to shift into a deeper state of rest and repair.

Where appropriate, meditation can also be tailored to the individual, offering support through different phases of their journey.