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We started trying for a baby in 2020 and couldn’t believe that I got pregnant straight away, however, I sadly miscarried a few weeks later. Following that, we’d been trying for around 8 months before I came to see Valerie. I was feeling quite obsessive and lonely with the whole process.

It’s been a long journey since then but I’m now 17 weeks pregnant following our second IVF transfer and we are so excited. I feel relieved, thankful and am enjoying each milestone of pregnancy.

Valerie has supported us with advice and regular acupuncture sessions. These sessions quite quickly lengthened my luteal phase and I found them very relaxing. I also noticed improvements in my energy. I think the most valuable thing over the past 2+ years has been having an ally to navigate the fertility system with, which can feel so overwhelming.

She has advised us on what to push for or do ourselves, from tests with our GP, referrals for additional tests that are not covered by the NHS, IVF and supporting my husband with his varicocele removal. Our funds are limited, and she really helped us to prioritise and persevere through the NHS system.

She’s helped me to feel in control and like we were doing all we can at each stage, despite it being a long process.

Thank you Valerie!

Jess, Bristol

“You’ve been great and have helped me loads.

Will be recommending you to my friends. Thank you again.”

M.W. Bristol

“I came to Valerie for help with heavy and painful periods. I found the initial consultation really helpful, with lots of advice sent to me in a report that I could look back over to remember what I needed to do. After just a few sessions, my next period was noticeably lighter, and I needed fewer painkillers. My next period was again much easier to manage with just a couple of paracetamols needed for mild pain. Everything seems to be going in the right direction, so I would definitely recommend Valerie if you needed help with your periods.”

Jo, Bristol

“After several years of worsening menstrual migraines, I came to Valerie to try to find an alternative to my migraine medication which often made me drowsy and lethargic and was ineffective if I left it too late. I was starting to miss days of work every month and my migraine attacks were increasingly severe. After several weeks of acupuncture treatment, I have experienced my first migraine-free months in years without the need for medication. This has been transformational for me and my quality of life.

continued…

K.B. Bristol

Back in December, before working with Valerie I was feeling a bit lost and quite low in energy. I definitely recognized that I didn’t physically feel in a great place.  Now, I feel more confident and could not be happier with the outcome we have had post treatment. Acupuncture has really been a game changer for us as we have achieved a pregnancy and are now in our second trimester.  The most helpful part has been knowing that we are working with an expert in the world of fertility which can be a bit of a rabbit hole. It has been really helpful to have a plan and be guided through the process.  We cannot thank you enough for getting us to this stage and we are so grateful for all your help.

Adam, Bristol

The acupuncture itself is relaxing and a time when I would really switch off and rest, which was something I really needed.

Just a big thank you for all your help and guidance as I truly believe this wouldn’t have happened for us so quickly without your help.

Anon, Bristol

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Find out more about Acupuncture for Fertility and Hormone Health on my Instagram page

How can I be of service to you?

I am thinking of offering a few one-off video call consultations to help you move forward on your fertility goals ready for 2026.

The session could be 50-80 minutes depending on your needs.

Things we could talk about:
💜 Easy to implement but impactful lifestyle changes
💜 Supplements - maybe you are just taking a multi and you’re not sure if it’s right for you
💜 Testing - we could either look at the test results you have, or talk about what would be a good next step for you
💜 Male fertility, especially when f some of his parameters are suboptimal
💜 Female fertility, if you have problem periods or have been told there is something wrong, or maybe you just know there is something wrong

In one session we would need to pick one or two things to talk about. If you are not sure what to pick, I will be able to guide you from a brief history and test results that you already have.

You are welcome whether you have worked with me before, or if you are new to working with me.

If this sounds interesting to you, send me a DM to start the conversation. ✨

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Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 18033289352739705
How can I be of service to you? I am thinking of offering a few one-off video call consultations to help you move forward on your fertility goals ready for 2026. The session could be 50-80 minutes depending on your needs. Things we could talk about: 💜 Easy to implement but impactful lifestyle changes 💜 Supplements - maybe you are just taking a multi and you’re not sure if it’s right for you 💜 Testing - we could either look at the test results you have, or talk about what would be a good next step for you 💜 Male fertility, especially when f some of his parameters are suboptimal 💜 Female fertility, if you have problem periods or have been told there is something wrong, or maybe you just know there is something wrong In one session we would need to pick one or two things to talk about. If you are not sure what to pick, I will be able to guide you from a brief history and test results that you already have. You are welcome whether you have worked with me before, or if you are new to working with me. If this sounds interesting to you, send me a DM to start the conversation. ✨

I follow a lot of fertility pages here, to make sure I am up to date and to see what others are up to.

One thing that annoys me at this time every year is this assumption that asking someone when they are going to have a baby is rude and offensive.

I do not think it is necessarily a rude question.

It may come from a family member or friend who is actually concerned about you. They may genuinely wonder whether this is something you are thinking about and struggling with. They may have struggled themselves and wished someone had asked them the question so they could have talked about it. They may have some insights or suggestions or support to offer.

Being told on social media how to feel when someone asks you when you are going to have a baby, or sibling for your child (if you are dealing with secondary infertility) is not helpful. It puts you into a state of anger automatically, when you hear that question.

Your family and friends often love you and want to support you. Maybe plan a truthful answer. They may be so happy that you were honest with them, or they may be surprised, but at least it opens up the conversation.

And finally, by being negative about this question, it is encouraging shame around being on a more challenging fertility journey. You don’t need to feel shame, and feeling shame will likely make things worse - Traditional Chinese Medicine theory where stuck emotions can lead to physical symptoms.

So my takeaway for you, is to have a think about what you want your response to be. Maybe it varies depending on who is asking. Yes, it is a personal question, but maybe this person cares about you. What is the worst that could happen if you gave an honest answer.

📷 Photo from a beautiful walk I went on.

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Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 17842019613636161
I follow a lot of fertility pages here, to make sure I am up to date and to see what others are up to. One thing that annoys me at this time every year is this assumption that asking someone when they are going to have a baby is rude and offensive. I do not think it is necessarily a rude question. It may come from a family member or friend who is actually concerned about you. They may genuinely wonder whether this is something you are thinking about and struggling with. They may have struggled themselves and wished someone had asked them the question so they could have talked about it. They may have some insights or suggestions or support to offer. Being told on social media how to feel when someone asks you when you are going to have a baby, or sibling for your child (if you are dealing with secondary infertility) is not helpful. It puts you into a state of anger automatically, when you hear that question. Your family and friends often love you and want to support you. Maybe plan a truthful answer. They may be so happy that you were honest with them, or they may be surprised, but at least it opens up the conversation. And finally, by being negative about this question, it is encouraging shame around being on a more challenging fertility journey. You don’t need to feel shame, and feeling shame will likely make things worse - Traditional Chinese Medicine theory where stuck emotions can lead to physical symptoms. So my takeaway for you, is to have a think about what you want your response to be. Maybe it varies depending on who is asking. Yes, it is a personal question, but maybe this person cares about you. What is the worst that could happen if you gave an honest answer. 📷 Photo from a beautiful walk I went on.

The truth is I don’t know everything about fertility.

But I am happy to admit that.

When something shows up that is new to me, it excites me and I go away and learn about it.

When I was training 8-12 years ago (it was a four year course) there was a focus on microbiome testing for gut health. But when I entered the advanced fertility space 5-6 years ago, I saw how important vaginal microbiome testing was. And that has evolved into semen, urine and uterine microbiome testing, depending on what is going on.

The point is, this testing has been around for a while now and it continues to evolve. It is scientific. Tests are developed by microbiologists with PhDs and results are processed in high quality labs. So why do the mainstream medical professionals not accept this more?

Time and time again, I see microbiome testing make a huge difference for couples. It is not the only avenue we explore, but it is a common one.

I am not taking on clients but I am thinking about a new offering to support people on a fertility journey to get the direction they need so they feel empowered and confident going forward.

What would help you? A course? A messaging service where we can talk through what support you need, talk about anything from food, to test results to supplements or lifestyle changes. Feel free to DM me if you have any ideas. I want it to be exactly what you need.

📷 This sunshine is so welcome on a cold crisp morning ☀️

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Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 17888807784262089
The truth is I don’t know everything about fertility. But I am happy to admit that. When something shows up that is new to me, it excites me and I go away and learn about it. When I was training 8-12 years ago (it was a four year course) there was a focus on microbiome testing for gut health. But when I entered the advanced fertility space 5-6 years ago, I saw how important vaginal microbiome testing was. And that has evolved into semen, urine and uterine microbiome testing, depending on what is going on. The point is, this testing has been around for a while now and it continues to evolve. It is scientific. Tests are developed by microbiologists with PhDs and results are processed in high quality labs. So why do the mainstream medical professionals not accept this more? Time and time again, I see microbiome testing make a huge difference for couples. It is not the only avenue we explore, but it is a common one. I am not taking on clients but I am thinking about a new offering to support people on a fertility journey to get the direction they need so they feel empowered and confident going forward. What would help you? A course? A messaging service where we can talk through what support you need, talk about anything from food, to test results to supplements or lifestyle changes. Feel free to DM me if you have any ideas. I want it to be exactly what you need. 📷 This sunshine is so welcome on a cold crisp morning ☀️

I am finding Oracle cards really helpful at the moment. In particular a pack called The Sacred Forest by Denise Linn.

This afternoon I pulled a card called Raven Spirit - Truth.

It is all about finding your truth and speaking your truth.

It has given me a lot to think about as I had been feeling very frustrated about the fertility world.

Well respected consultants telling men their sperm is fine. It wasn’t and we found an organism linked to miscarriage.

More well respected consultants telling women it is their fault. Even when her reproductive immunology tests are only slightly raised and there has been no thorough investigation into him. My view: an infection present in both of them is causing this slight increase AND affecting sperm quality.

I am taking some time to think about how I deal with this.

Why would someone listen to an acupuncturist, or even a fertility acupuncturist, when well respected doctors are saying something different.

I am not taking on clients at the moment. I am going to sit with this and see if there is a way forward.

When people follow my advice, there are wonderful results. But so many people are suspicious, and quite rightly so.

Or people take the advice and then don’t see it through, trying to save money. I completely understand it is hard at the moment. But that means you lose a resource which works when the doctor’s advice doesn’t get you the results you want.

I am not sure what is going to come next from me. I have a huge amount of knowledge and it is bubbling and wanting to come out and be shared, but I am not sure the best way to do it, to protect myself from negativity of often (not always) unsupportive partners.

It will probably be a few months before this offering comes out. But if you know what you want, feel free to let me know and I will take it into account.

For now I will speak my truth, and hopefully the people who need to see it, will, and those who don’t will scroll on by.

Best of luck to everyone who is currently on their fertility journey. I really hope you find what you need to get over the line.

23 11
Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 18058799564637785
I am finding Oracle cards really helpful at the moment. In particular a pack called The Sacred Forest by Denise Linn. This afternoon I pulled a card called Raven Spirit - Truth. It is all about finding your truth and speaking your truth. It has given me a lot to think about as I had been feeling very frustrated about the fertility world. Well respected consultants telling men their sperm is fine. It wasn’t and we found an organism linked to miscarriage. More well respected consultants telling women it is their fault. Even when her reproductive immunology tests are only slightly raised and there has been no thorough investigation into him. My view: an infection present in both of them is causing this slight increase AND affecting sperm quality. I am taking some time to think about how I deal with this. Why would someone listen to an acupuncturist, or even a fertility acupuncturist, when well respected doctors are saying something different. I am not taking on clients at the moment. I am going to sit with this and see if there is a way forward. When people follow my advice, there are wonderful results. But so many people are suspicious, and quite rightly so. Or people take the advice and then don’t see it through, trying to save money. I completely understand it is hard at the moment. But that means you lose a resource which works when the doctor’s advice doesn’t get you the results you want. I am not sure what is going to come next from me. I have a huge amount of knowledge and it is bubbling and wanting to come out and be shared, but I am not sure the best way to do it, to protect myself from negativity of often (not always) unsupportive partners. It will probably be a few months before this offering comes out. But if you know what you want, feel free to let me know and I will take it into account. For now I will speak my truth, and hopefully the people who need to see it, will, and those who don’t will scroll on by. Best of luck to everyone who is currently on their fertility journey. I really hope you find what you need to get over the line.

4 Things I Learned in 4 Weeks with @amybodytheory 💪✨

Over the last month, I’ve been working with Amy. She’s a brilliant Personal Trainer who specialises in helping women over 40 lose stubborn belly fat. She’s completely changed how I approach fitness, nutrition, and motivation. Here’s what I’ve learnt so far 👇

1️⃣ I’d been focusing on healthy fats and protein to support my hormones (which is great!) but if I wanted to actually lose weight, I needed to cut back on fats. It’s been a challenge but Amy’s guides have been very helpful.

2️⃣ Warm ups are way more important than I ever realised, they set you up for success (and help prevent injuries!). I never skip a warm up any more!

3️⃣ You don’t need to see your PT in person to get results. Amy reviewed my workout videos remotely, helped me correct my form, and made sure I was training safely and effectively 🙌 This was really important as I’ve had various injuries from exercise in the past.

4️⃣ Weekly check-ins = accountability magic. Knowing I had to complete that form each week kept me consistent and motivated which was really helpful.

The difference has been incredible, even after just 4 weeks. I feel so much stronger, I’m eating well and the tape measure and scales are already starting to move.

If you’ve ever wondered whether working with a Personal Trainer could really make a difference, especially when it comes to losing belly fat after 40, feel free to message me. I’m happy to share my experience and answer any questions ❤️

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Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 18112195684605591
4 Things I Learned in 4 Weeks with @amybodytheory 💪✨ Over the last month, I’ve been working with Amy. She’s a brilliant Personal Trainer who specialises in helping women over 40 lose stubborn belly fat. She’s completely changed how I approach fitness, nutrition, and motivation. Here’s what I’ve learnt so far 👇 1️⃣ I’d been focusing on healthy fats and protein to support my hormones (which is great!) but if I wanted to actually lose weight, I needed to cut back on fats. It’s been a challenge but Amy’s guides have been very helpful. 2️⃣ Warm ups are way more important than I ever realised, they set you up for success (and help prevent injuries!). I never skip a warm up any more! 3️⃣ You don’t need to see your PT in person to get results. Amy reviewed my workout videos remotely, helped me correct my form, and made sure I was training safely and effectively 🙌 This was really important as I’ve had various injuries from exercise in the past. 4️⃣ Weekly check-ins = accountability magic. Knowing I had to complete that form each week kept me consistent and motivated which was really helpful. The difference has been incredible, even after just 4 weeks. I feel so much stronger, I’m eating well and the tape measure and scales are already starting to move. If you’ve ever wondered whether working with a Personal Trainer could really make a difference, especially when it comes to losing belly fat after 40, feel free to message me. I’m happy to share my experience and answer any questions ❤️

Acupuncture has become a bit of a buzz word when it comes to ticking the boxes to support your fertility.

As an acupuncturist, I think it is great, but I know it isn’t everything.

This is why I place a great level of importance on:

✨Seeing both of you - male fertility is often overlooked but vitally important.

✨Making sure you are taking good quality supplements and the right supplements, not just the latest trend.

✨Supporting you to get the answers you need so you can fix your problems and go on to have more pregnancies and births to achieve the family you originally set out to have.

The results come easily when you follow my process. This is why I speak to potential clients before we start working together, because I don’t want the way I work to be a surprise.

There will likely be costs for testing and supplements and you may find a new way of eating is more expensive. But I aim to do it all in a manageable and cost effective way for you.

If you are in your 30s or 40s and feeling lost or not sure what to do next on your fertility journey, my 4 Month Conception Reset package might be just what you need. Please feel free to DM me to find out more, or you can book a free 15 minute call using the link in my bio @valerie_salt_fertility

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Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 18120061687512933
Acupuncture has become a bit of a buzz word when it comes to ticking the boxes to support your fertility. As an acupuncturist, I think it is great, but I know it isn’t everything. This is why I place a great level of importance on: ✨Seeing both of you - male fertility is often overlooked but vitally important. ✨Making sure you are taking good quality supplements and the right supplements, not just the latest trend. ✨Supporting you to get the answers you need so you can fix your problems and go on to have more pregnancies and births to achieve the family you originally set out to have. The results come easily when you follow my process. This is why I speak to potential clients before we start working together, because I don’t want the way I work to be a surprise. There will likely be costs for testing and supplements and you may find a new way of eating is more expensive. But I aim to do it all in a manageable and cost effective way for you. If you are in your 30s or 40s and feeling lost or not sure what to do next on your fertility journey, my 4 Month Conception Reset package might be just what you need. Please feel free to DM me to find out more, or you can book a free 15 minute call using the link in my bio @valerie_salt_fertility

✨ Every now and then, when I feel stuck, this quote pops into my mind:

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.”

And it’s so true, especially when it comes to fertility.

💫 I’m endlessly curious about the science of fertility and hormone health, it’s my passion and my purpose. I dive deep into both medical and natural approaches, because when we understand why things are happening in your body, that’s when we can make real, lasting change.

Sometimes, the smallest tweak creates a huge shift.
Other times, we dig deeper, uncovering what’s really going on and finding the right path forward.

🌱 So, where are you right now in your fertility journey?

Feeling stuck? Confused? Unsure what to try next?

Maybe it’s time to do something different, to finally change your path and open up new possibilities.

If you’re in your 30s or 40s and longing to feel in tune with your body again, my Four Month Conception Reset is designed to help you:
✨ Understand your unique situation
✨ Restore balance naturally or with the right medical interventions if necessary
✨ Create the best possible environment for conception

You don’t have to keep guessing or going it alone.

💬 DM me to find out more, or book a free 15-minute clarity call via the link in my bio @valerie_salt_fertility

❤️ You deserve a plan that works — and a body that feels really well.

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Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 17964263570987741
✨ Every now and then, when I feel stuck, this quote pops into my mind: “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you always got.” And it’s so true, especially when it comes to fertility. 💫 I’m endlessly curious about the science of fertility and hormone health, it’s my passion and my purpose. I dive deep into both medical and natural approaches, because when we understand why things are happening in your body, that’s when we can make real, lasting change. Sometimes, the smallest tweak creates a huge shift. Other times, we dig deeper, uncovering what’s really going on and finding the right path forward. 🌱 So, where are you right now in your fertility journey? Feeling stuck? Confused? Unsure what to try next? Maybe it’s time to do something different, to finally change your path and open up new possibilities. If you’re in your 30s or 40s and longing to feel in tune with your body again, my Four Month Conception Reset is designed to help you: ✨ Understand your unique situation ✨ Restore balance naturally or with the right medical interventions if necessary ✨ Create the best possible environment for conception You don’t have to keep guessing or going it alone. 💬 DM me to find out more, or book a free 15-minute clarity call via the link in my bio @valerie_salt_fertility ❤️ You deserve a plan that works — and a body that feels really well.

This post is more for my colleagues around the country and those addressing health and fitness in perimenopause. Even coaches need coaches sometimes!

I wanted to take my fitness to the next level, and, I really don’t want to say this out loud, work on getting rid of some stubborn belly fat!

I had been trying for a while to eat according to the rules that worked for me in my late 20s and early 30s but nothing was changing. Perimenopause had gradually started to impact my ability to lose fat and I didn’t feel like I could do it alone.

I have been following Amy for a while and I have been interested in the way that she works, especially as I have a new found love for weights. I decided that the time was right to get some support and accountability!

One thing that has really surprised me, is the amount of support that Amy can give, even from a distance. From filming sets of reps for feedback, to messaging in an app and having guidance videos relating to lots of areas of fitness, hormone health and wellbeing, it has been a wonderful experience so far.

Working with @amybodytheory in The Female Formula has been a game changer for me. If you’re struggling with your body shape, hormones, or energy in your 40s, I can’t recommend her enough. Reach out if you’re curious - I’d be happy to connect you or talk about my experiences 💪 🏋🏻‍♀️😊

Photo: me in the gym where there is some amazing artwork.

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Open post by valerie_salt_fertility with ID 18077629340087200
This post is more for my colleagues around the country and those addressing health and fitness in perimenopause. Even coaches need coaches sometimes! I wanted to take my fitness to the next level, and, I really don’t want to say this out loud, work on getting rid of some stubborn belly fat! I had been trying for a while to eat according to the rules that worked for me in my late 20s and early 30s but nothing was changing. Perimenopause had gradually started to impact my ability to lose fat and I didn’t feel like I could do it alone. I have been following Amy for a while and I have been interested in the way that she works, especially as I have a new found love for weights. I decided that the time was right to get some support and accountability! One thing that has really surprised me, is the amount of support that Amy can give, even from a distance. From filming sets of reps for feedback, to messaging in an app and having guidance videos relating to lots of areas of fitness, hormone health and wellbeing, it has been a wonderful experience so far. Working with @amybodytheory in The Female Formula has been a game changer for me. If you’re struggling with your body shape, hormones, or energy in your 40s, I can’t recommend her enough. Reach out if you’re curious - I’d be happy to connect you or talk about my experiences 💪 🏋🏻‍♀️😊 Photo: me in the gym where there is some amazing artwork.

Valerie Salt_Submark White300

Acupuncture in Bristol

Bristol Natural Health Service
407 Gloucester Road
Horfield, Bristol
BS7 8TS

Quick links:

Acupuncture in Bristol for General Wellbeing

Acupuncture in Bristol for Fertility

Acupuncture in Bristol for Pregnancy

Acupuncture in Bristol for Perimenopause

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