Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or using assisted reproductive techniques, acupuncture can help. It can improve ovulation rates, thicken the uterine lining, reduce stress and balance hormones.
Acupuncture stimulates nerves throughout the body, increasing blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. It also relaxes the nervous system, which allows for successful embryo implantation and minimizes the risk of miscarriage. Visit https://gardenacu.com/ to learn more.
Acupuncture for fertility can enhance a woman’s chance of getting pregnant, especially when used as a complementary treatment to more intense medical infertility treatments. The acupuncture needles stimulate and move the body’s energy, Qi (pronounced “chee”), which ancient Chinese medicine says must flow unhampered from head to toe, 24/7. When this energy is out of balance, disease and illness can occur.
In one study, women undergoing IVF who received acupuncture sessions before and after their embryo transfer were twice as likely to get pregnant as women receiving IVF alone. This result is similar to the results of other studies that have shown that acupuncture raises pregnancy rates when used alongside IVF.
The acupuncture needles improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, thicken the uterine lining, increase ovulation and regulate hormones, which can boost the chances of successful implantation of a fertilized egg. Acupuncture also reduces stress and anxiety that can impede fertility treatment.
Many women who struggle with infertility have a great deal of stress in their lives. Acupuncture helps to reduce this stress by regulating the nervous system and producing neurochemicals that promote feelings of well-being. Acupuncture can also help to alleviate the physical symptoms of infertility like pain, bloating and nausea.
In addition, acupuncture can increase the rate of fertilization of eggs and sperm, and decrease the risk of miscarriage by improving uterine linings. Acupuncture can also be helpful in preventing the scarring that can occur after a miscarriage.
Acupuncture may not be the right approach for every patient who struggles with infertility, however. Some patients have structural problems that require more intensive medical care before acupuncture can be effective. For this reason, many doctors recommend that patients try acupuncture before investing in more invasive fertility treatments.
Increased Embryo Implantation Rates
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that uses tiny needles inserted in various areas of the body to manipulate energy flow. It is based on the theory that illness, disease and health issues stem from an interruption of the natural flow of energy (called chi) in the body. Acupuncture can help to balance the flow of chi and promote overall wellness as well as treat fertility related conditions.
Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve the success of IVF treatments by increasing embryo implantation rates. The researchers compared women who received acupuncture to those who did not receive it. The acupuncture group had more successful IVF cycles. The study showed that two sessions of acupuncture 25 min before and after the embryo transfer significantly increased IVF pregnancy rates compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.
Acupuncture can increase a woman’s ability to become pregnant by stimulating the release of certain hormones that support healthy ovulation. Acupuncture can also improve sperm health by helping to increase testosterone levels and boosting sperm motility. In addition, acupuncture can decrease stress and anxiety that can interfere with conception.
In this case report a young couple, 28 years old, who has been trying to conceive for a year. The female patient has been diagnosed with endometriosis on both ovaries. Before the acupuncture treatment the couple was using hormonal therapy and had not been able to conceive. After one year of acupuncture the patient was able to conceive. The couple is now expecting their first child.
This patient’s case was treated with a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine. The acupuncturist used points to harmonize the kidney and spleen according to traditional Chinese and Japanese theories of acupuncture. The acupuncturist used points including Qihai CV-6, Guanyuan CV-4, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Zhongfeng LR-4, Taixi KI-3, Zusanli ST-36 and Yanglingquan GB-34.
The acupuncturist recommended three treatment sessions of 20-30 minutes per session. The acupuncturist also prescribed a course of traditional Chinese herbs to support the reproductive system. The patient responded very well to acupuncture and the traditional Chinese herbal regimen. The results were impressive and the couple is now expecting their first child.
Reduced Miscarriage Rates
Acupuncture reduces the risk of miscarriage by decreasing stress hormones, promoting relaxation and helping the body to relax. When a woman is stressed, it can cause her to produce excess cortisol which in turn reduces progesterone levels which are needed for a healthy pregnancy. In a study that randomly assigned women to receive either acupuncture before their embryo transfer (ET) or a placebo, those who received acupuncture had significantly lower rates of threatened miscarriage than the control group.
Researchers found that acupuncture affects three key areas of the brain involved in fertility issues: the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the ovaries. Acupuncture also stimulates the production of endorphins, which are the brain’s natural feel good chemicals that also help regulate the menstrual cycle and increase ovulation.
Using a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques, the acupuncturist can identify the root causes of your fertility problems and work to correct them. Often, the acupuncturist will recommend herbal remedies to help balance your system and support a healthy pregnancy. The herbs may be in the form of capsules, tinctures or granules that you mix with water and drink like tea.
The research shows that acupuncture is a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment for infertility issues. It can also help you overcome the emotional challenges that are associated with trying to conceive. If you’re considering fertility acupuncture or would like to learn more about our other women’s health offerings, please give us a call or fill out our online enquiry form.
Anna has 12 years experience working in Women’s health and can help you on your IVF journey. Contact her for a free 15 minute chat on 07540 353137 or send an email to her.
Acupuncture for Fertility is performed weekly throughout the first trimester to support blood flow to the uterus, to reduce stress and to keep progesterone levels high enough for healthy pregnancy. Your acupuncturist will tailor your treatments to meet your specific needs and advise you of how many sessions are recommended for your individual case. Contact Anna to discuss your individual situation and schedule a consultation.
Increased Intimacy
For those who have tried to conceive naturally or through fertility treatments, there is often a great deal of emotional stress associated with the process. Acupuncture may help relieve some of that stress, allowing you to better cope with the ups and downs of infertility treatment. It also helps promote relaxation, which may aid in a healthy pregnancy by lowering cortisol levels and decreasing the risk of miscarriage.
In fact, a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility in 2002 found that adding acupuncture to an IVF protocol greatly increased pregnancy rates. Researchers discovered that acupuncture seems to boost production of endorphins, which are a natural brain chemical known to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. In addition, acupuncture appears to have a neuroendocrine effect by impacting the three-way axis of hormone production in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries.
During a fertility acupuncture treatment, very thin, stainless steel needles are painlessly and gently inserted into specific points along the body, including the arms, legs, and abdomen. This specialized form of acupuncture is considered to be safe for both women and men, regardless of age or sexuality. However, it is important to use only a licensed and certified acupuncturist who is familiar with infertility treatment. You should also make sure the acupuncturist uses disposable, single-use needles and sterilizes them with an alcohol swab before each treatment.
Acupuncture for fertility optimizes reproductive health by regulating hormonal balance, enhancing ovarian function, increasing blood flow to the uterus, and reducing stress. In addition, it can be used to reduce any complications that may arise during an IVF cycle by promoting relaxation and helping the uterus become more receptive at the time of embryo transfer.
Acupuncture for fertility is often combined with herbal medicine and nutritional therapy as part of a holistic approach to treating infertility. It is important to note, however, that any herbal or nutritional therapies should be discussed with your reproductive endocrinologist to ensure they are safe for you and the baby. Likewise, you should never stop seeking medical care for any symptoms that might indicate a potential problem with your pregnancy.