ACUPUNCTURE

Amelia Pyle is a NCCAOM certified licensed acupuncturist who treats a variety of conditions with a special interest in women's health. Harnessing the ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine in combination with our modern understanding of the body supports optimal health naturally.

Acupuncture has the ability to stimulate neurotransmitters, release endorphins, regulate hormones, and activate the immune system. Her practice taps into a vast wealth of knowledge beginning with her love of movement from an early age which lead to a BA in dance from Naropa University (Boulder, CO). Through Amelia’s relationship to movement she developed a deep connection to the human body and the nuances of health and vitality. After a mentorship with a local acupuncturist she went on to complete her MSTOM from the Pacific College of Health and Science (San Diego, CA).

In 2015 Amelia became the mother of twins, thereby offering her a new perspective on health and healing. The fierce gentleness of motherhood and aging have added a rich dimension to her work.

Chinese Medicine can benefit all by treating the whole person: body, mind and spirit. It understands that women’s bodies are constantly changing through life stages-menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause-and offers support tailored to each phase. Through tools like acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet therapy, and lifestyle guidance. This medicine works to bring the body back into balance gently and naturally. Amelia creates space to meet you where you are at, in the moment, with custom personalized care. Optimal health is a journey of balance, and Chinese Medicine guides the way with gentle, holistic care.

What is Acupuncture? Fine needles are used to initiate the body's innate healing abilities thereby restoring overall balance. While this ancient Chinese medicine has a lineage that dates back more than 3,000 years, modern studies have shown validity in its benefits. Flow and balance of the body's life force (qi/chi) is at the center of optimizing vitality. Improper flow can lead to a myriad of ailments that can be addressed with acupuncture. The insertion of ultra fine needles have the ability to stimulate neurotransmitters, release endorphins, regulate hormones, and activate the immune system. 

Who Should Get Acupuncture? Adhering to the adage that “acupuncture is good for what ails you” the benefits are vast. Safe for any phase of life acupuncture is adaptable to support you from birth to end of life care and every phase in between. Areas that acupuncture are known to support include: pain reduction, nausea, fertility, headaches, anxiety, depression, fatigue, hormone imbalances, insomnia, migraines, stress levels, and digestion. 

How does Acupuncture support fertility? There are excellent protocols known to support: hormone regulation, egg quality, uterine lining, IVF transfer, and maintenance of early pregnancy. We are able to help address underlying conditions such as PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), endometriosis, irregular menstrual cycles, unhealthy diet, and lifestyle. Stress and the rapidity of modern day life are a disruptive force prior to beginning our fertility journey. Additionally the path to conceive brings its own set of stressors. Honoring the all encompassing nature of this journey I seek to meet you in the moment and support you as a whole person. 

How Does Acupuncture Help IVF success? Acupuncture has a unique ability to increase blood flow to the uterus, and lessen the propensity for cramping with transfer. Additionally the release of cytokines are stimulated to help lessen the inflammatory response. The overall relaxation and decreased stress levels exhibited after acupuncture are greatly beneficial during the time of transfer. Ideally the protocol is performed within the 24-48 hour window prior to transfer. I appreciate the timeliness of these treatments and aim to make myself available to accommodate.. Please feel free to contact me directly for time sensitive appointments if availability is not listed on the website. There is also benefit for post transfer acupuncture largely due to its ability to lessen cramping and help to maintain pregnancy. 

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy? Yes, acupuncture is very safe during pregnancy. Treatments are effective in supporting the maintenance of early pregnancy, alleviating nausea (morning sickness), fatigue, pain, stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Later in pregnancy conditions 

such as perinatal carpal tunnel, sciatica, and reflux are also very responsive to acupuncture. This modality is an excellent minimally invasive, drug free, self healing addition to your life. 

Can Chinese Medicine Help with Breech Presentation? Absolutely! A combination of moxibustion and acupuncture are ideal to promote the baby to turn. At your visit acupuncture will be used to help open supporting meridians that may be adversely affecting the babies ability to turn on its own. Moxibustion (the burning of bundled mugwort) is then utilized at specific

acupuncture points which further promotes movement. A smokeless moxa (moxabustion) stick is provided with directions to continue care at home. This is a minimally invasive way to support work that you may be already doing to encourage the baby to turn naturally. While it is never too late to perform these techniques they are ideally utilized between 32-37 weeks. This timeline allows for the optimal room for movement with the likelihood that the baby will stay down once turned. 

How Does Acupuncture Prepare you for Labor? Recognized for its ability to help descend a baby and ripen the cervix, acupuncture supports the natural progression of labor. Specific acupuncture points can be employed at the end of pregnancy to help prepare the body for delivery. Information is also provided on how to utilize acupressure points at home to support labor development and ease labor pain. Our experience at the Cary House indicates shorter active labor windows when labor prep protocols are utilized. 

What to expect on my first visit? If you are new to the Cary House please note that in the parking lot preceding the building the first 8 spots (labeled 18-25) along the side of our building are available for you. Enter through the main front door and find the waiting room directly to the left. If the door is locked please ring the bell to alert us of your arrival. Help yourself to water or tea while you wait for your practitioner who will come meet you here. Comfortable clothing is ideal to support relaxation however blankets and gowns are available for use. The initial visit is 1.5 hours allowing time to do an in depth history and physical assessment. Treatment plans are largely based on a two sided conversation as well as diagnostics such as pulse and tongue. The treatment will then move into the active phase where acupuncture will be administered. Occasionally the practitioner will incorporate moxibustion (moxa) the burning of bundled mugwort to bring warmth and mobility to the channels. The needles are retained for approximately 20 minutes. Occasionally a two sided treatment is indicated. The treatment plan moving forward will be discussed before departure and reevaluated with each visit.

Contact Amelia directly for more information at (716) 665-1011 or at Ameliapylelac@gmail.com