True Health Clinics is the longest-established clinic in Godmanchester, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire managed by practitioners with world-renowned reputations.
4.9 out of 5 stars based on 956 reviews received between 2012 and 2020
Certificate in Acupuncture, Northern College of Acupuncture, York, UK, 2003
Diploma in Acupuncture, Northern College of Acupuncture, York, UK, 2004
Master of Science in Acupuncture (passed with distinction), University of Wales, 2004
Post-graduate training in Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, 2004
Numerous fertility and IVF courses attended between 2004 and now
Post-graduate training in fertility, gynaecology and early pregnancy ultrasound scanning, The College of Radiographers, Bournemouth University, 2013
Recipient of The National Research Excellence Award
In 2006, The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) recognised the excellent quality of Irina's research into acupuncture treatment of insomnia, bestowing upon her their 2006 Research Excellence Award.
Main Scientific Publications
Szmelskyj, I., & Aquilina, L. (2014). Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction: An integrated approach to treatment and management. (A. Szmelskyj, Ed.) Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction: An integrated approach to treatment and management. http://doi.org/10.1016/C2011-0-05861-1 A best-selling textbook on acupuncture management of fertility and IVF patients as well as early pregnancy support.
Szmelskyj, I. (2015). Acupuncture in Assisted Reproduction. In J. Bold & S. Bedford (Eds.), Integrated Approaches To Infertility, IVF And Recurrent Miscarriage. Singing Dragon. ISBN 978-1848191556. A book chapter that includes information on:
• Mechanisms of acupuncture in fertility and IVF;
• Research on acupuncture and IVF implantation rates;
• Acupuncture for stress reduction in fertility and IVF patients;
• Acupuncture role in the management of conditions known to affect fertility and IVF success rates including PCOS and endometriosis;
• Practical consideration such as how to choose fertility and IVF acupuncturist
• When is the best time to have fertility and IVF acupuncture
• How many acupuncture treatment sessions are needed to improve fertility and increase IVF success rates
Szmelskyj, I., & Szmelskyj, A. (2017). Acupuncture for infertility in polycystic ovary syndrome. JAMA - Journal of the American Medical Association, 318(15), 1501. http://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.13382
Member of The British Acupuncture Council, the UK's governing body for acupuncture practice and training.
Member of The British Medical Acupuncture Society, the UK's main medical acupuncturists' regulating body.
Irina has extensive experience in the treatment of the following conditions:
• Pain related disorders
• Fertility, IVF, early pregnancy support
• Insomnia
• Women's health related complaints, including menstrual pain and menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and mood swings
• Cancer treatment side-effects support
Invited Guest Lecturer at The Northern College of Acupuncture, York, UK.
Title "Acupuncture and Fertility: an Integrated Approach". 2011 to present.
Invited speaker at the 6th National Congress, Associazione Medici Agopuntori Bolognesi, Bologna, Italy. October, 2017. Presentations titles:
• “Acupuncture Treatment During IVF”;
• “Advanced Infertility Medical Tests and Investigations: Interpretation and Implications for Acupuncturists”;
• “Acupuncture and IVF Research Design: Are We Asking the Right Questions?”
Invited guest lecturer at The New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, New Zealand.
Title "Limitations of Acupuncture and IVF Research". November, 2015
Invited speaker and expert panel member at The British Medical Acupuncture Society's Spring Meeting, Newcastle, UK.
Title "Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Research Design: Are We Asking the Right Questions?". April, 2015
Invited speaker at The Acupuncture Fertility Network Conference, Gloucestershire, UK.
Title "Conventional Medical Infertility Investigations: Interpretation and Implications for Acupuncturists". March, 2015
Speaker at the 17th International Acupuncture Research Symposium, King's College, London, UK.
Title "Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Research Design: Are We Asking the Right Questions?". March, 2015
Invited guest lecturer at The New Zealand School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, New Zealand.
Title "Outcome Measures". November 2014.
Speaker at The Annual Zita West Fertility Acupuncturists Network Seminar, The Royal Society of Medicine, London, UK.
Title "Mechanisms of Acupuncture in Reproductive Medicine: Summary of Research". November 2014.
Invited guest lecturer at The Lincoln University, Lincoln, UK.
Title "Acupuncture and Fertility: an Integrated Approach". 2011-2014.
Irina was born in Ukraine and permanently moved to England in 1995 after marrying Alan Szmelskyj. They have been married for almost 25 years and have two children.
When not working, Irina enjoys playing the piano, reading, travelling, narrow boating and playing with her family and two Burmese cats. Irina is multilingual and fluent in English and Ukrainian and has a good working knowledge of Russian.
"Irina is exceptional in her knowledge about acupuncture and fertility. She is friendly and professional and goes beyond the call of duty to support her patients, offering genuine care and much-valued advice as well as treatment. I would highly recommend her."
"I have just had my first meeting with Irina to discuss acupuncture as I am having IVF. I left the meeting feeling more positive about my IVF journey than I have done in months. Not only did she explain how acupuncture can help, she also has really good knowledge of the IVF process and how different drug protocols can help depending on your need for fertility treatment. I think I have found a gem - thank you Irina!"
"I can’t speak highly enough of Irina. She made me feel like I was her only patient. Her expertise in fertility made me completely confident that I was in good hands and she answered every question with detailed, evidence-based knowledge. Irina gave me hope and positivity when I felt I had none and she filled with me confidence that this pregnancy would be different. Irina is professional, sympathetic, and thoughtful. I just wished I had found her seven years ago."
"The passion of Irina about her job and fertility is just incredible. No doubt that her care, her responsibility and knowledge make her one of the best acupuncture practitioner for this topic. I drive 1.5h (45minx2) to go to her sessions and I will certainly keep doing it! I highly recommend her."
"I came away feeling fully informed, very relaxed and positive following on from my first consultation /acupuncture treatment. Irina is very professional, friendly and makes you feel that you are in the very best hands. The acupuncture was completely pain free and the heat treatment very soothing. I am particularly grateful for all of the advice that Irina gives me, she takes into account the whole picture of your presenting complaint. I like her honest approach and realistic expectation to each individual case. I would not hesitate to recommend Irina (True Health Clinics)."
"Irina was fantastic. She was so informative and I came away feeling very positive about trying to conceive. I have seen various doctors and consultants, but none have been as informative as Irena!
She made me feel at ease and the whole process was not as daunting as I thought.
I would highly recommend this clinic to anyone!"
Irina Szmelskyj is a co-author of a leading textbook on acupuncture treatment of fertility and IVF patients.
The book 'Acupuncture for IVF and Assisted Reproduction' (ISBN 978-0702050107) co-authored by Irina Szmelskyj and Lianne Aquilina and edited by Alan Szmelskyj reached No1 best-selling ranking in the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, India. It covers all key areas on how to manage fertility patients, including:
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