Infertility testimonials
'Unexplained infertility'. Pregnant after treatment with acupuncture
and herbs
'When I first came to see Maeve, I had been trying to get pregnant for
over a year. I believed there were many factors that had contributed
to my husband's and my lack of success- We got married in 2003 and 2
weeks later I left my home country of Australia to settle in England,
start a new business, buy a property and renovate it, and learn to fit
in with my new family - a fair bit to achieve in a relatively short
time!
Once we had settled into our new flat, we started trying to conceive,
but the stress of the business and subsequent extreme financial pressures
took their toll on me, not to mention a good dose of the blues, due
to the weather and homesickness for my family and friends in Australia.
After 10 months of trying we went back to Australia for Christmas and
I decided to take the opportunity to get the appropriate tests.
I saw a fertility specialist in Australia, and he did blood tests, a
Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy to have a general look around as well as
to see if my tubes were blocked. He found nothing but a small amount
of endometriosis, that he believed shouldn't have effected my fertility.
In fact he told me after surgery that I was formula one, and ready to
go!
Relieved that there was nothing wrong with either of us we started trying
again - but to no avail. As the months went by I became more stressed
and depressed, a vicious circle, stressed because I couldn't get pregnant,
and being stressed was no doubt stopping me from getting pregnant.
It was at this point that I found Maeve. I had friends who previously
had enlisted the help of an acupuncturist for unexplained infertility
and had had success, so I felt I had nothing to lose and everything
to gain. After my initial consultation we both agreed that I needed
to calm down and Maeve concentrated on stress relief and relieving some
chronic menstrual symptoms.
Maeve's pragmatic yet nurturing approach was just what I needed, and
I soon felt a lot more relaxed. However I was 35, and felt the pressure
to get pregnant soon and as it still wasn't happening I decided to try
the fertility drug that my doctor in Australia prescribed for me - Clomid
- for three months, but with no luck.
Then Maeve felt that we could remedy the situation with Chinese herbs
as well as acupuncture. Maeve did a lot of research into creating a
herbal prescription specifically for me. I was very pleased to have
someone looking after me who took the process very seriously. By carefully
charting my temperature and monitoring my symptoms it was clear within
the first month of combined herbal and acupuncture treatment that my
cycle was more balanced with a longer luteal phase.
Because we had intended to go back to Australia for Christmas 2005 my
husband and I decided that we had a window of opportunity to do an IVF
cycle. We booked in for the IVF, hoping we wouldn't need it, but it
was good to have a back up plan, meanwhile we did a second month of
combined treatment of acupuncture and herbs.
At the start of the third month of treatment we realized that I would
have to start on the IVF hormone treatment in the next month, much sooner
than we had hoped. This meant we couldn't give the herbal treatment
the four months minimum Maeve had told us we would most likely need
to see any positive results.
Proceeding with the IVF meant I would have only have one more chance
to get pregnant with the aid of the Chinese herbs, it seemed impossible.
So you can imagine our shock and delight when we discovered 2 days before
I would have had to start the IVF hormone treatment that I was pregnant.
In fact we are still in shock as I write this at 7 weeks pregnant.
I still see Maeve for calming treatment, as I am now anxious for things
to go well! She has also helped enormously with my stuffy nose - apparently
a symptom of early pregnancy.
We really have come on a journey together Maeve and I, and it has definitely
been a roller coaster ride. I'm very grateful for her wisdom, emotional
support and empathy and I would recommend her to anyone who is having
trouble getting pregnant.
I want to say that I come from a family of Physicians and Nurses, so
I most definitely don't disregard Western Medicine, but I do think that
Chinese Medicine has something unique to offer, at this point in time,
especially in the area of infertility. It is very interesting to note
that a number of very successful IVF clinics offer or encourage patients
to have acupuncture during their IVF cycle, as it has been proven to
increase the success rate. I'm personally very pleased to see Eastern
and Western Medicine working together in this way, it can only benefit
us all.'
Stress during IVF treatment due to infertility - Benefits of
acupuncture written by a nurse
'The effects of acupuncture can be felt intensely, at the time of the
session and immediately afterwards but also for several days following
the session.
The acupuncture has a soothing and calming effect. This is much more
noticeable and intense than merely lying still and relaxed for an hour.
In this calm state I find a ‘space’ to think with increased
clarity, to focus and concentrate and a strength to resolve problems.
This space enables me to rationalise and consolidate my thoughts. The
acupuncture makes me feel restored, relaxed, enabled and nurtured.
Acupuncture shores up my coping mechanism which is important for dealing
with the day to day stress and procedures involved in our treatment.
The acupuncture experience can be revisited at times of acute stress
and I am learning to do this which again improves my ability to cope.
The fertility treatment is physically exhausting but I feel I can summon
energy after acupuncture that wouldn’t have otherwise been there.
The sensations I feel during the session which I can ‘revisit’
later are of deep muscle relaxation, energy and strength.
The relaxation of body and mind I feel during acupuncture enables me
to ‘find my spirit’. Often I feel my spirit is ‘low’
and ‘battered’. The session will enable me to restore and
lift my spirit. I feel physically open and vulnerable when my spirit
is low and the restoration that occurs enables me to rebuild a protective
psychic barrier.'
Mother Care - Pregnancy Testimonials
Nausea during pregnancy
'I was desperate with nausea from five weeks pregnant with both my pregnancies.
It was debilitating to feel so sick all the time. Maeve treated me both
times and it helped keep me going as a lawyer with a heavy caseload.
I appreciate her attention to safety during pregnancy.'
Back pain during pregnancy
'There was very little discomfort from treatment and an immediate improvement
which continued steadily throughout the course of four treatments. It
brought me immense relief from a back problem which other methods had
failed to do. There were no side effects and no problems associated
with treatment. As a midwife, I would highly recommend acupuncture.
I felt it was a safe method of treatment for myself and my unborn baby.'
Post Natal Shock
'After the birth of my son I was in shock because of the rapidity of
the birth. I telephoned Maeve, who although I had never met her, had
a terrific empathy down the phone and spent a long time talking to me
even though I was being treated by another acupuncturist at the time.
Then I went to see Maeve and found it brilliant because she rebalanced
my system physically and was a tremendous support mentally and emotionally
and has remained so for all the years she has been treating my family.'
Babies And Children Testimonials
Newborn not opening her bowels
'At two weeks my baby was screaming after being fed, having been absolutely
angelic prior to that and in between feeding sessions. The health professionals
advised me to feed her more because she was so small. She had not opened
her bowels for five days. I was very stressed because she was in great
discomfort and I felt she didn’t need more food. So I rang Maeve
who told me about pressure points to rub and came and performed one
treatment that made my baby feel immediately relieved. Before Maeve
had even got out the door the baby had filled her nappy and I was very
happy. Maeve also showed me how to keep her unobstructed. From then
on I was able to relieve any further discomfort by using what she had
taught me.'
Relieving possible side effects of immunisation
'After immunisation I felt my son wasn’t the same, he was listless
and lacking in energy. Treatment rebalanced him and brought his old
self back.'
Baby suffers stroke in the womb (a rare condition - fortunately)
'J suffered a stroke pre-natally. I contacted the stroke association
for some information that might help. In their info they made mention
of the fact that in Eastern European countries, acupuncture is often
used as a matter of course for stroke victims. I then contacted the
British Acupuncture Council for a list of local practitioners. Maeve’s
name was on there!
Initially we contacted Maeve regarding J’s severe lack of movement
on the left side and her inability to stand. However, J also suffered
severe gastric reflux and was about to have an operation for it. She
was vomiting 4-5 times a day along with the associated changing of clothes.
Maeve assured us she could help although we were not sure as J had been
vomiting for all the 18 months of her life.
How wrong we were! Within 24 hours J had completely stopped vomiting.
We were able to cancel the operation. Our lives and especially J’s
changed overnight! J ‘came alive’ once her reflux was under
control. She has come on leaps and bounds since starting her regular
treatment.
J’s physical strength has also improved enormously down her left
side. She can now move both arms and she can stand and walk with aid.
From our personal viewpoint J’s physical difficulties were improved
through acupuncture. We are incredibly grateful to Maeve for all her
help and we wish we had found her sooner.'
Child with cystic fibrosis (a genetic disorder).
The centile scale mentioned is used to monitor average growth in
children of the same age.
'I first met Maeve when I was about eight months pregnant and she gave
me a general tonic treatment. After that I felt full of energy for about
ten days. So when my three-month-old baby was diagnosed with cystic
fibrosis (a condition where an abundance of thick mucus compromises
the lungs and the digestive tract) I decided to take him to Maeve. He
was not thriving after many infections and had suffered huge weight
loss. I figured that, at the least, it might make him feel a bit more
energised and hopefully it would help his chronic condition. At that
time he was so thin he wasn’t even on the centile scale. Now we
are several years down the line and while he still has occasional digestive
and respiratory problems he has been steadily thriving for most of that
time. He has huge amounts of energy, he is up to the 75th centile for
his weight and his height is almost there too.
By comparison with other children at the hospital with the same condition,
who are very thin and pale, what is always striking to hospital staff,
is that my boy is full of energy, boisterous and strong and growing
like a rocket.
The treatment is very quick which minimises any distress and he’s
built a strong relationship with Maeve and so forgives her.'
Women’s Testimonials - Gynaecological
Hysterectomy looming due to fibroids
'Three years ago I was told that I had heavy periods due to fibroids
and that assorted medication could possibly resolve the situation. Failing
this, there was the possibility of a hysterectomy. I was willing to
give the tablets a go, but as the situation worsened the drastic solution
sounded too horrific to contemplate! I researched into the subject and
on many occasions acupuncture was suggested as an alternative to conventional
medicine. I decided to give it a go. I reckoned that as it had been
used in China for a very long time, there must be something to it. The
concept of a holistic approach seemed to make a lot of sense, rather
than treating just the symptom.
It was very encouraging on the very first session to be questioned about
my health in general and have a practitioner who did not shroud the
whole idea in some sort of mysticism, but who was very sane and down
to earth. I also did not know what to expect first time and was pleasantly
surprised that the needles were not at all invasive and uncomfortable.
In fact it was very relaxing!
As the sessions have progressed I have felt a sense of well-being and
things have eased considerably. What I have also really appreciated
is a general consciousness raising the treatments have brought about.
On a physical level I feel much more in touch with my body and I am
aware of looking after my body.
Although the concepts of Chinese Medicine are quite new to me, Maeve
has explained it in such a way that I get the gist of the ideas.
On a more philosophical level the sessions have a great impact on my
life. Things I have vaguely been aware of such as the effect diet has
on the body, the whole lifestyle and effects on the mind and consequent
health, have all been brought together in a sane and rounded way.
One particular aspect that has impressed me is the way Maeve is always
updating her knowledge, attending courses and keeping up with current
research. She does not confine herself to the area of acupuncture alone
but looks at the broader issues.
I am very grateful for the physical benefits the treatment has brought.
As well as having the fibroids decrease dramatically and my periods
being no longer a problem, more importantly my energy level is higher
and so I am able to deal with things much better due to the overall
general improvement in my health. This has been accompanied by monumental
changes to my own life that the discussions in the sessions have brought
about.'
PMT/Perimenopausal
'I was suffering terrible PMT and I thought I may be perimenopausal.
Virtually two weeks of my life every month were wiped out by awful symptoms:
depression, panic attacks, severe anxiety and mood swings, extreme fatigue,
disturbed sleep, food cravings, abdominal cramps, headaches. The hospital
recommended a course of natural progesterone pessaries but I did some
research and decided to see Maeve Heavey first. Maeve had been recommended
by my cousin who had sung her praises to the skies because she had supported
her during pregnancy. I had heard that she was brilliant, caring, accessible
and committed and as a specialist in women’s health I felt confident
that she would have something to offer.
As I have a very complex psychological and emotional history I knew
Maeve would have to approach my treatment on many different levels.
Working with Maeve gave me great insight into my own feelings and processes.
She encouraged me to have more confidence in my powerful feelings and
not to be so fearful of what I was experiencing. She helped me to accept
my ferocious anger and reassured me that it was OK to feel these overwhelmingly
negative and powerful feelings. My previous psychotic and manic episodes
seemed to be caused when I was unable to feel the feelings because they
were so dangerous and negative. She encouraged me to keep a journal
and helped me to do healing visualizations. She also recommended some
very helpful reading.
On the positive side of my life Maeve reconnected me with all the good
things in it - my creativity, love of self expression in art and music,
family, friends, home, security, work, community etc. Since seeing Maeve
I haven’t looked back. I no longer fear the approach of my period.
I have hardly any symptoms at all and can function totally normally
throughout my pre-period and during it. I have become more confident
as a person and feel able to express my views without being frightened
of retaliation or criticism.
Maeve has also been a positive role model. I see her as a brave and
courageous practitioner, she ‘walks her talk’ and is not
afraid to be honest and up-front about the difficulties of modern life
and about the challenges for women particularly when faced with dramatic
events in their lives. She confirms the reality of life’s harshness
and unfairness but at the same time suggests that there is hope and
a way through the darkness. This is all very reassuring and adds a quality
to her treatment that has a truly human dimension. She also has a wonderful
laugh and that has a strong healing effect.
To have known Maeve and to have been treated by her has been a great
fortune and privilege. She has put a great deal of energy and commitment
into the healing process and I feel that she really cares about the
outcome. I have been able to turn to her again recently as my daughter
has become very ill and I have needed support and treatment to get through
the stress of being her carer.'
Maintaining Wellness
'I have come to Maeve for maintenance treatment for the past nine years
on a monthly basis. Once my initial gynaecological problems were resolved
very effectively and quickly I reassessed and realised that as a mother
of three and a teacher, I needed to take time out to top up my own batteries
in order to be able to function as a human being. I find the treatment
restores my mind, body and spirit balance which for me is central to
my life. Treatment with Maeve is an oasis of sanity and helps me rise
above the chaos of everyday life.'
Diagnosed with a thyroid condition - now comes for maintenance.
'When I came to Maeve my anxiety levels were extremely high and my life
was at a standstill, I was confused, alarmed and very desperate. By
the third acupuncture treatment my whole outlook had been transformed
into something much more constructive and stable. I realised that the
initial diagnosis was not at the extreme end of the scale. Maeve’s
non-judgemental listening skills and her positive approach to practical
living, together with her healing techniques have made a big difference
to my life in a short period. I have learned to accept my vulnerability
and my intense emotional nature and not to be scared of my strong emotions
but to manage them more effectively into an overall positive approach
to life. I feel fantastic and energetic after acupuncture treatment,
I am able to see things in a better light and feel very balanced. I
miss my MOT if I don’t have it on a regular basis.'
Respiratory Problems
'Maeve changed my life. I had always been quite a sickly child with
a tendency to chest and throat infections and frequent tonsillitis.
What Maeve discovered was that when I get very stressed and rundown
my weak point is my chest. When I saw her regularly she built up my
immune system by concentrating on my chest and at the same time did
a de-stress treatment. I am now a different person. Now I’m surprised
if I get a cold these days. If I get a chest infection it’s rare
and overall I now feel I’m a very healthy person.'
General
Ongoing support
'Acupuncture treatment has helped me keep going in very difficult circumstances
over eight years. I have chosen Maeve as my practitioner because of
her training, expertise and empathy. She is an excellent sounding board
in times of distress.'
Stress
'Having had this treatment I have felt much more relaxed and calmer.
My family have noticed a difference in my behaviour. Also since changing
my eating habits my headaches have stopped, I sleep better, I'm not
so quick tempered. All in all I feel ten times better. It has also given
me more confidence in myself.'
Hay fever
'If I get to Maeve in time for the hay fever season I can more or less
avoid it and if I don't I'm miserable. So acupuncture is effective in
this area.'
Headaches
'When I started my treatment I was experiencing pain in my neck, headaches
and nausea which were unbearable without the help of strong painkillers.
I needed only four treatments to be able to discontinue the tablets.'
'After a few sessions I felt much better as the frequency of my headaches
decreased. I learnt to relax completely and was made aware of the harmful
effects of an unhealthy diet which in turn led to my headaches. Apart
from the diet I also became aware of trigger factors like stress which
I learnt to control. There is a definite result which can be seen/felt
over a relatively short period of time.'
'I have had no really severe headaches since the first acupuncture treatment.
The treatment not only helped my complaint, but did so much good in
a lot of other areas, such as diet, in managing stress and tension,
in my attitude and lifestyle.'
'After eight weeks of treatment my severe headaches have improved 100%
and my digestive problems are much better. Although I was not treated
for Asthma I have found 50% improvement. I feel that the diet given
is an important part of treatment.'
Digestion
'My stomach is much better since having acupuncture. I have noticed
a difference in other ways as well, much less stress and indigestion
and a feeling of well-being in myself.'
Back Pain
'What blew me away was the power of acupuncture when I had a back problem
which I had been going to an osteopath for, yet it hadn't shifted. One
acupuncture treatment sorted it.'
'The impact of the treatment really hit home after a back problem occurred
and within two sessions the pain had almost disappeared.'
'My shoulders and back pain have been cured. I have never had acupuncture
treatment before and am amazed at the results. Trusting a person is
very difficult, I came to Maeve by recommendation. I have heard that
going to an unqualified acupuncturist can have a devastating result,
so I was very reluctant at first but I can trust Maeve.'
'Acupuncture has given me back much of the freedom that I had lost through
back pain. The relief was apparent straight from the first session and
continued to improve throughout the six weeks of treatment.
Apart from the physical benefits of the acupuncture itself the psychological
benefits were just as important. I had become resigned to the fact that
I would have to suffer the rest of my life and no-one seemed able to
help or even fully understand. However, after my first consultation
it became obvious that not only was my problem understood but, for the
first time, actually treated. As stress is so often a contributing factor
to back pain I was already halfway to being cured. I realised that the
whole body has to work together, and I have a far wider understanding
of how to look after myself. Since beginning treatment I have taken
up meditation.'
Sciatica
'I couldn’t walk upright and my back was twisted with sciatica.
I can now walk normally.'
Arthritis
'I had terrible difficulty walking due to severe pain in my knee and
ankle and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis. After six treatments I
have no pain.'
'I had terrible pain after an accident and operation two years ago.
Now I have no pain after three treatments.'
'If it was not for acupuncture I would be in sheer agony and would not
be able to walk. I had arthritis in my knees for two years and now I
only get an occasional twinge.'
Tinnitus
'The tinnitus sounds have reduced in volume considerably. I no longer
feel that the condition needs to have such a devastating effect on my
life as I previously felt it might.'
Depression
'It was good to speak to someone one to one who I feel has an understanding
of what I was going through. The acupuncture enabled me to relax more
than I used to therefore enabling me to cope better with things. These
two things combined helped me enormously.'
I want to thank the many people who have so generously written of their very personal experiences of my treatment. To protect their privacy I have not used names.