Acupuncture can be “really transformative” for women trying to conceive, a doctor has said. 

The traditional Chinese practice involves inserting very thin needles through a person’s skin, the aim of which is to stimulate nerves and promote healing. 

One advocate is Dr Anthony Rafferty, who told Lunchtime Live that “loves” using it. 

“It has great success when you’re in the pre-conception stage,” he explained. 

“But also, there’s more and more research coming out with regards to its use in pregnancy. 

“There was a fantastic clinical trial that was done and published last year that showed there was a significant improvement in outcomes with regards to women who were on a journey with potentially being induced.” 

Dr Rafferty continued that for anyone considering acupuncture, he recommends contacting a practitioner with a specialism in fertility and pregnancy. 

“There’s fantastic people out there; I use it in my own practise as well,” he said. 

“It can be really transformative for people.

“A lot of it on a physiological level can have just a significant impact on things. 

“So, I love it as part of my pre-conception plan but also as an add-on therapy during the pregnancy.” 

Main image: An acupuncturist applying acupuncture needles to woman's neck. Picture by: Alamy.com.