Couples often turn to mainstream fertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization and injections. The discomfort and pain due to side effects and the risks of the procedures alone are reasons why those struggling to get pregnant should consider all of their optoions. Failed treatments lead to further devastation and at times, serious financial burden. Unfortunately, there is no magic pregnancy pill. It is all about increasing your chances of conceiving.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest fertility treatments and has been practiced for thousands of years.
It is still around today because it works. In fact, it's becoming increasingly common for Western reproductive specialists to refer patients to acupuncture practitioners. You might be cringing at the thought of needles, but it's virtually painless. The hair-thin, flexible needles are inserted shallowly into the skin and most patients find the experience relaxing.
Many women are disheartened when they are ushered into a specialist's office and given a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. This is where acupuncture differs.
The process of conception is multi-tiered and complex. Issues at any step in the process can disrupt the ability to conceive or carry a healthy pregnancy to term. In many cases, Western medical doctors treat one specific factor. A licensed acupuncturist focuses on remedying the root cause of the issues, which could be anything from high FSH to ovarian cysts, and and considers each woman as a whole, accounting for the body, mind, and spirit.
Diagnosis is based on every aspect of health, from the coating on your tongue to the flow and color of menstrual blood. An acupuncturist takes the time to listen to you and keeps in mink the laundry list of potential causes of infertility.
Infertility can stem from a mixture of factors, including biological, genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and physical elements.
This allows for an individualized treatment targeted to you and you alone. Acupuncture brings the body, emotions, and spirit into balance. Appointments are more in depth, and will broach many possible reasons for infertility that aren't typically addressed by Western medicine.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is thought that imbalances anywhere in the body lead to illness and health problems.
Acupuncture targets certain points along the body's energetic organ pathways (meridians) by stimulating them with needles. These points are associated with different organs and organ systems, conditions, and body functions. Balance is achieved by correcting conditions of excess and deficiency. In addition, acupuncture has a soothing and restorative effect, which helps the body to accept an embryo.
From a Western perspective, studies have found that acupuncture releases endorphins and other hormones that play a role in conception adn regulating the menstrual cycle. There are also neuroendocrine effects, and the two areas of the brain and the ovaries that form the network that dictates egg production and ovulation are impacted. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs adn stimulate the ovaries with increased hormones. The uterus is often strengthened, which makes it more capable of absorbing the hormones and nutrients that are necessary to secure an embryo.
Does Acupuncture for infertility work?
There are no 100% effective treatments, as everyone is different. Acupuncture isn't a one-time deal either. It takes a course of treatement to reap the benefits. But acupuncture can significantly enhance your chances at conception and a healthy pregnancy by addressing underlying causes of infertility and creating a healthy reproductive environment.
Acupuncture stimulates egg function without the use of fertility drugs. When you compare the pregnancy rates for an egg producing drug such as Clomid to acupuncture alone, the rates are equal: 50% chance of pregnancy in 3 months for general patients. The advantage is that acupuncture does not pose side effects.
Depending upon the study and type of infertility issues, the success rate for acupuncture alone is estimated to be more than 50% (I always add herbal medicine and dietary therapy to a treatment plan).
Acupuncture and IVF
A study conducted in Denmark assessed women who received acupuncutre on the day embryos were implanted. It was found that certain neurotransmitters may be released during acupuncture that affect pituitary gonadotropin secretion, ovarian follicular growth, fertility, and ovulation.
What this means is that acupuncture administered on the day of embyro transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in women undergoing IVF. The rates of positive pregnancy tests, clinical pregnancies, an dongoing pregnancy or delivery were all significantly higher than those in the control group.
I always welcome the opportunity to consult with a couple regarding help in conceiving, and I look forward to serving you.
Kathy E Thomas
Lake Premier Wellness Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
2430 South Bay Street, Eustis, FL 32726
352-323-0795
