Fertility centre to offer acupuncture as part of holistic treatment
Kota Damansara, 25 August 2017 – Award-winning healthcare providers TMC Fertility Centre and IMU Healthcare (IMUH) signed a MOU today to offer acupuncture services to couples seeking fertility treatment. The MOU was concluded by Prof Abdul Aziz Baba, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chancellor of IMU Education, and Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Khalid Abdul Kadir, Chairman of TMC Life Sciences, at the fertility centre’s headquarters in Kota Damansara.
Prof Khalid describes the collaboration as a ‘marriage made in medical heaven’ in his opening speech, as the two parties have services that complement one another. “There had been rising interest in acupuncture, as research shows that it helps as an adjunct therapy for fertility treatment,” he explained.
The fertility centre had opted to work with IMUH, the healthcare arm of IMU Education who also owns the pioneer private medical education institution International Medical University (IMU), due to its illustrious history in the last 25 years. The collaboration is expected to unleash further possibilities between the two parties in the integration of allopathic and complementary medicine.
“We are equally proud to work with TMC Fertility Centre for its sound reputation as an award-winning fertility centre with over 20 years of experience,” said Caroline Tan Phaik Choo, Director of IMU Healthcare. “The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes using proven, safe and evidence-based medical practices,” she stressed.
Acupuncture has been used for various medical ailments since ancient times, and has many functions in fertility treatment.
“The use of acupuncture in Assisted Reproductive Technologies is not something new,” said Dr Surinder Singh, Medical Director of TMC Fertility Centre. “’Many scientific research shows that it improves rates of pregnancy and live birth rates among women undergoing IVF treatment by mediating the release of neurotransmitters that influences the menstrual cycle, ovulation and fertility.”
He added, “We are always seeking ways to give our patients our best care; and introducing acupuncture is one of the ways we believe will benefit them in various ways.”
At the media launch, Dr Liow Sook Mee, IMUH’s Head of Chinese Medicine Centre specialising in fertility treatment, gynaecological conditions, and neurology, demonstrated how the treatment works by administrating acupuncture needles to targeted meridian points at the abdomen and limbs. The treatment and consultation, which takes about 20-30 minutes, is painless and relaxing.
| “In fertility treatment, acupuncture helps to thicken the endometrium lining of women, promote hormone development by improving Qi and blood circulation, and improve nutrient delivery which enhances follicular growth. It also stabilises hormone levels and increases emotional well-being,” said Dr Liow. |
The collaboration will see cross-referrals from both parties in the area of fertility treatment. Patients who enquire about acupuncture services at TMC Fertility Centre will be referred to IMU Healthcare, whereas IMU Healthcare patients who have been unsuccessful in trying to conceive with Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM) will be referred to TMC Fertility Centre for medical evaluation and treatment.
Patients undergoing fertility treatments at TMC Fertility Centre can choose to purchase a package of 10 treatments at RM1,688. From 1 September to 30 December 2017, an introductory rate of RM99 for a one-time session is available for patients who would like to try the treatment. Interested patients may request for a referral letter with their doctors at TMC Fertility Centre if they would like to try acupuncture treatment.
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