Research Acupuncture
Positive findings and scientific research confirming the effectiveness of acupuncture taken from BBC news website:

Infertility
Arthritis
Headaches
High blood pressure
How acupuncture may reduce pain
Morning sickness
Pelvic pain during pregnancy.

The British Acupuncture Council's news page is a great resource from articles to research showing the benefits of acupuncture for a range of conditions. Visit www.acupuncture.com for more interesting acupuncture research and information. A review of acupuncture research in 2000 by the British Medical Association (BMA) said "the evidence suggests that acupuncture is more effective that control interventions for back pain, nausea and vomiting (most convincingly for post-operative symptoms in adults), migraine and dental pain."

Research Chinese Herbal Medicine
Measuring The Effectiveness Of Chinese Herbal Medicine in Improving Female Fertility
A private practice specialising in treating infertility with Chinese herbal medicine designed a study that took place between November 2003 and December 2004, which investigated the usefulness of Chinese herbal medicine in fifty women with the Western medical diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

Results: Pregnancies in the sample group recorded 6 months after commencement of the last treatment were 28, with 11 live births and 7 miscarriages. Conclusion: The study outcome demonstrates that using Chinese herbal medicine results in higher success rates of pregnancy, with no patient side-effects and a reduction in the category of patients conventionally classified as having unexplained infertility. For detailed information click here. The Register of Chinese herbal medicine web site provides more information on safety and other conditions that respond well to Chinese herbal medicine.

Pre-conception Resources
www.fertilityuk.org - Local NHS trained fertility awareness practitioner
www.TCOYF.com - Download fertility tracking software for The Fertility Awareness Method

Chinese Medicine Resources
5 Secrets of Health and Happiness
Angela Hicks, Thorsons Books, ISBN 0007110693
An excellent book on Chinese medicine and health. It takes you through every aspect of living a healthy lifestyle and the Chinese medicine approach to doing so in a non-judgemental way. Topics include eating, emotions, work, rest, exercise, sleep, environment, staying healthy and preventing disease.
www.acupuncture.com - Research and information
www.rchm.co.uk - Register of Chinese herbal medicine web site information on safety and other links

Conception and Childbirth Resources
Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby
Alison England, Vermillion, ISBN 0091822750
Deals with all sorts of topics, from swollen ankles and stretch marks to tiredness, and lists the oils that are, and are not, to be used during pregnancy, labour and on your baby. Helpful hints on massaging your new arrival.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reflexology
Frankie Avalon Wolfe, Alpha books, ISBN 0028631870
An ideal first book on the subject, has a tear out diagram in the front, and has 'foot notes and tread carefully' information boxes that contain a wealth of tips to refer to. Has accurate and accessible information for anyone with limited knowledge.

Reflexology: A Practical Introduction
Inge Dougans, Element books, ISBN 1862041601
A complete self- teaching guide to this form of therapeutic foot massage. The text clearly explains the connection between reflexology and the Chinese meridians, The author provides a step by step instructions on both the basics and more advanced reflexology techniques for restoring balance, preventing ill health and assisting relaxation.

www.reflexology.org/aor - The Association of Reflexologists gives support and information to its members, promotes Reflexology and provides information to the public (find a therapist in your area)
www.reflexology-research.com - Information and up to date research on Reflexology from authors Barbara and Kevin Kunz
www.pacificreflexology.com - Research results of numerous studies of the effectiveness of Reflexology as a therapy

Infertility - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/1933901.stm - News article - Acupuncture 'boosts IVF success'