Acupuncture For Treating Infertility
Acupuncture originated in ancient China and has been in use for many centuries. It is a technique of inserting and manipulating fine needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and to help a number of physical conditions. Acupuncture is thought to regulate blood pressure by stimulating the central nervous system. It releases endorphins that inhibits pain and gives the body the feeling of wellness and also releases neurotransmitters and neurohormones that help the body to heal.
Acupuncture can be used in combination with infertility treatments for dealing with issues like hormonal imbalances. Since it helps regulate the body’s system, blood flow is increased to the vital organs and hormone levels are effectively regulated. It also improves ovarian and follicular function. It can increase blood flow to the endometrium, helping to facilitate a thick, rich lining. In addition, acupuncture may improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF). An increasing number of fertility specialists and centers offer it as a part of their IVF treatments. The embryo transfer process in IVF has been shown to have significant improvements resulting more often in a pregnancy when acupuncture is used as part of the treatment.
Acupuncture can also be used to treat fertility problems like spasms in the fallopian tubes. Although blocked tubes will not respond to acupuncture, spasms in the tubes may be controlled with acupuncture. It is often combined with herbs to treat elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained (idiopathic) infertility, luteal phase defect, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with irregular cycles, and male factors including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.
Acupuncture is a process that helps the body to heal itself over time. It is a remarkable way to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. There are so many ways that acupuncture can have a positive effect on infertility treatments, so it makes sense for a couple that is struggling with infertility to try every safe option available. Women can be treated for three to four months before an insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer. Although few medical specialists recommend acupuncture to patients involved with IVF or donor-egg transfer, it is not known to ever have caused harm.
Women should seriously consider receiving acupuncture treatments pre and post embryo transfer. Having acupuncture for several months before a fertility treatment seems to also have a therapeutic effect. Going through fertility treatments can be extremely stressful for the couple and for the woman in particular. It is worth repeating – acupuncture is a great way to reduce stress.
There are very few risks when using acupuncture with infertility treatments. The only known risk is that a miscarriage that may be caused if incorrect acupuncture points are used when a woman is pregnant. That is why it is strongly recommended that only an acupuncturist who specializes in treating fertility disorders be consulted. This is extremely important for women who wish to include acupuncture as part of their treatment to improve fertility. If an acupuncturist is recommended by your doctor or a friend, do not assume they specialize in treating infertility – ask.
Research suggests that a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions provide the most effective fertility treatment. There is no clear evidence, based on scientific studies, that acupuncture and herbal medicines are effective in increasing rates of conception on their own when traditional medical interventions are not used, although strong proponents of acupuncture and herbal medicines may make claims to that effect.
Yes acupuncture can be used very effectively in overcoming infertility. It is my personal opinion that the most important result of acupuncture is the control of stress. It is so important that no chemical need pass the lips of a woman who wishes to become pregnant. The simple removal of the stress component of a lifestyle can make a major difference in how well the body functions. When combined with other relaxation techniques, acupuncture is an extremely valuable tool in overcoming infertility.
Judi Jones is a research scientist, mentor and teacher. One of her newest books “Overcoming Infertility” helps couples achieve the joys of having children by showing them the straightforward methods of becoming fertile. You can order the book or sign up for a free short course on fertility at Judi’s web site http://www.infertilityovercome.com, it has more techniques that might help your body heal and restore your hormonal system so you can conceive. Why not check it out right now?
