Symptoms Treated
Fertility
Also consider acupuncture during your pregnancy and birth. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been found useful for relieving labor pain, nausea, vomiting, and significantly reducing the duration of labor. There is also strong evidence that acupuncture can help with a breech birth. (5, 6)
In the realm of fertility, acupuncture stands out as a natural approach that is supportive for both women and men and is gaining increasing attention. Let's delve into how acupuncture serves as a gentle yet powerful ally on the journey to conception:
Enhanced Blood Flow and Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture stimulates energy flow or Qi through the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. In the context of fertility, acupuncture enhances blood circulation to reproductive organs, thereby optimizing their function. Improved blood flow creates a conducive environment for follicle development, implantation, and overall reproductive health. Additionally, acupuncture supports hormone balance, which is crucial for menstrual regularity and ovulation in women.
Stress Reduction and Emotional Well-being: The journey towards parenthood can be emotionally taxing, often accompanied by stress, anxiety, and feelings of uncertainty. Acupuncture promotes relaxation, reduces stress hormones, and fosters emotional well-being by targeting specific points associated with stress relief. Managing stress levels is vital for fertility, and acupuncture provides a valuable tool for coping with emotional challenges.
Supportive Adjunct to Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART): For individuals undergoing ART like IVF or IUI, acupuncture is embraced as a supportive adjunct. Research suggests improved outcomes among patients receiving acupuncture alongside fertility treatments.
Individualized Treatment Approach: One of the hallmarks of acupuncture is its individualized approach to patient care. Practitioners tailor treatment plans to address each patient’s unique constitution, medical history, and fertility concerns. Through thorough assessment, acupuncturists identify key areas of imbalance within the body and develop targeted treatment protocols aimed at restoring harmony and promoting fertility.
By enhancing blood flow, regulating hormones, reducing stress, and offering personalized care, acupuncture empowers individuals on their journey towards conception and parenthood.
Studies reported by The American Pregnancy Association suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions. However, conception does sometimes occur without traditional medical interventions when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used alone. (1)
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed recent studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:
Increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall.
Reduce anxiety and stress. The hormones that are secreted during stressful situations can significantly decrease fertility.
Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility.
Regulate menstrual cycle. (2)
In a 2007 study, researchers found that acupuncture may improve the quality of life in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). It was also found that women receiving acupuncture reported significantly less abdominal pain, other pain, nausea, and stress two hours after oocyte aspiration (egg collection) compared to women receiving conventional analgesia. (3)
In 2008, the British Medical Journal published research which concluded that acupuncture can be offered as a significant, clinically relevant adjunct to IVF, relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow for the successful implantation of an embryo within the uterine lining. (4)
An acupuncturist’s approach to fertility.
According to the theories of acupuncture and TCM, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi (pronounced “chee”) and blood affecting the healthy functioning of one or more of the organ systems. When Qi, also known as our vital energy, and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and can function well. Acupuncture and TCM can raise the fertility potential of women by effecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and blood (keep in mind that the organs described reflect Chinese medical theories and philosophies).
Kidney Organ System. The release of an ovum is controlled by the kidneys. The kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind, and pregnancy. If an imbalance exists within the kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and may be a cause for infertility. Chinese herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, can nourish and support Jing Qi and overall kidney health.
Spleen Organ System. An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman’s body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. Disharmony within the spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.
Liver Organ System. In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. The liver is in charge of facilitating this function. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and blood. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and increased possibility of infertility.
Acupuncture and TCM provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine:
An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
Acupuncture and TCM are completely natural. No drugs are ever used. Invasive procedures and drug therapies that are used in the Western treatment of infertility can cause undesirable side effects and accumulated toxicity in the body.
Acupuncture and TCM can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, therefore can increase the effectiveness of other procedures.
References:
American Pregnancy Association. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/acupuncture.htm.
Five ways acupuncture can boost fertility. Prevention.com. 2002.
Alternative Therapies, May/June 2007, Vol. 13 No.3.
Manheimer, E., et. al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: systematic review and meta-analysis. British Medical Journal. February 2008;336:545-549.
World Health Organization. www.who.int/medicines.
A Manual of Acupuncture. Deadman P. & Mazin Al-Khafaji. Eastland Press, 2007. Page 326.
Whether you’re exploring acupuncture as a standalone option or in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies, our fertility acupuncture treatment plans aim to improve your reproductive wellness and support your fertility journey.
Our highly qualified women’s health practitioners specialize in acupuncture treatments, as well as lifestyle medicine designed to support your fertility and increase the chances of conception. Our experienced acupuncturists personalize treatments to address specific fertility concerns. Explore the benefits of acupuncture for fertility today and schedule your consultation with our expert team to start your personalized path to conception.