Acupuncture & Infertility
- Posted on: Dec 28 2018
Acupuncture can increase the chance of conception by 40-60% in women undergoing IVF (in vitro fertilization). It can also help someone conceive naturally when all else fails. How it does this is by: (1) increasing the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries which improves the condition of these organs for fertilization; (2) regulating the menstrual cycle; (3) reducing stress / anxiety which decreases the release of hormones like adrenaline which have an effect on the arteries feeding the reproductive organs; and (4) normalizing the endocrine and hormone systems that regulate ovulation – good for women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. It also helps men with fertility issues: namely quality of sperm – helping with motility and structure of.
In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) 3 yin organs are involved with successful fertility. They are the Kidney, Spleen, and Liver organs. The kidneys supply essence or jing (energy derived from your parents conception of yourself) which is necessary for a healthy body. The spleen helps to control the blood in your body necessary for a normal menstrual cycle and supplying a fetus for a healthy pregnancy. The liver controls the free flow of Qi (chee) and blood in your body which if not balanced can lead to stress / anxiety / depression and hence reduce the chances for conception.
Acupuncture needles are placed in the abdomen below the navel and above the pubic bone, in the arms, hands, legs, and feet. Needles are left in place for 20-30 minutes while the patient is lying recumbent on a comfortable table listening to relaxing music.
Anyone considering fertility treatments should commit to a period of at least 3 months to get their bodies ready and as healthy as possible before beginning IVF or any type of Western medical infertility treatment. There are no side effects and people who have no success with IVF, had multiple miscarriages, etc should consider acupuncture before giving up.
Acupuncture can also help with the unpleasant symptoms of pregnancy, such as: morning sickness, back pain, carpal tunnel, spotting, and premature contractions. It can even help with a smoother delivery when the time comes.
Posted in: Acupuncture
