by William Alexander | Jan 7, 2025 | Acupuncture for Women's Health, Acupuncture Nashville TN, Health & Wellness
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely utilized assisted reproductive technology that offers hope to individuals and couples facing infertility. Despite its advancements, IVF often presents significant physical and emotional challenges, with success rates influenced by various factors, including maternal age, ovarian reserve, and lifestyle choices. Consequently, many patients seek adjunct therapies to enhance their chances of conception. One such complementary treatment is acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine but increasingly examined through the lens of Western medical science.
Understanding Acupuncture in Western Medical Terms
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body. From a Western medical perspective, this practice is believed to stimulate the nervous system, leading to the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that modulate pain and influence various physiological functions. Research suggests that acupuncture may enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. NCCIH
Acupuncture’s Role in IVF Treatment
The integration of acupuncture into IVF protocols has been explored to determine its potential benefits in improving reproductive outcomes. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain how acupuncture may support individuals undergoing IVF:
- Enhancement of Ovarian Function: Acupuncture may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, thereby regulating hormone levels essential for follicle development and ovulation. By modulating this endocrine pathway, acupuncture could improve the quality and quantity of oocytes retrieved during IVF cycles.
- Improvement of Uterine Blood Flow: Adequate blood flow to the uterus is crucial for endometrial receptivity and successful embryo implantation. Studies have indicated that acupuncture can increase uterine blood flow, potentially creating a more favorable environment for embryo implantation.
- Reduction of Stress and Anxiety: The psychological stress associated with infertility and IVF treatments can negatively impact reproductive outcomes. Acupuncture has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels, which may indirectly enhance IVF success rates.
Ohio State Health
- Regulation of Neuroendocrine Factors: Acupuncture’s effect on neurotransmitters and neurohormones may play a role in modulating reproductive hormones, thereby supporting the hormonal milieu necessary for successful IVF outcomes.
Scientific Evidence Supporting Acupuncture in IVF
The scientific community has conducted various studies to assess the efficacy of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF treatment. While findings have been mixed, some research suggests potential benefits:
- Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses: A 2013 systematic review and meta-analysis examined randomized controlled trials assessing acupuncture’s effect on IVF outcomes. The analysis found no overall benefit; however, an apparent benefit detected in a subset of published trials where the control group experienced a lower than average rate of pregnancy requires further study, due to the possibility of publication bias and other factors.
Wikipedia
- Clinical Trials: Some clinical trials have reported improved pregnancy rates among women receiving acupuncture during IVF cycles, suggesting a potential positive effect. However, other studies have found no significant difference, highlighting the need for further research to establish definitive conclusions.
Considerations and Recommendations
While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by qualified practitioners, individuals considering this therapy during IVF should take the following into account:
- Consultation with Healthcare Providers: It’s essential to discuss the incorporation of acupuncture into IVF treatment with both fertility specialists and licensed acupuncturists to ensure coordinated and safe care.
- Selection of Qualified Practitioners: Choosing a licensed acupuncturist with experience in reproductive health can enhance the safety and potential efficacy of the treatment.
- Realistic Expectations: While some studies suggest potential benefits, acupuncture should be viewed as a complementary therapy rather than a guaranteed method to improve IVF success rates.
Conclusion
Acupuncture presents a promising complementary approach for individuals undergoing IVF treatment, with potential benefits including enhanced ovarian function, improved uterine blood flow, stress reduction, and neuroendocrine regulation. Although scientific evidence offers varying conclusions, the integration of acupuncture into IVF protocols remains an area of active research. Patients interested in this adjunct therapy should engage in open discussions with their healthcare providers to make informed decisions tailored to their specific medical circumstances.
Take the Next Step Toward IVF Success
If you’re considering ways to enhance your IVF treatment and improve your chances of a successful pregnancy, acupuncture may be the supportive solution you need. Our experienced practitioners specialize in helping individuals through their fertility journey with personalized care plans tailored to your unique needs.
Interested? Call us at 615-939-2787 to schedule your consultation today, or visit www.affinityacupuncture.com to learn more. Let us be your partner in creating a path to parenthood!
by William Alexander | Aug 12, 2020 | Acupuncture for Women's Health
Having children is one of life’s greatest joys. Many couples place this as one of the most important aspects of their lives.
But what happens when it comes time to conceive and it just doesn’t happen? Infertility is generally defined as a failure to conceive after trying for a full calendar year.
This requires a lot of very specific processes within our bodies to line up perfectly. The inability to successfully complete this process and get the desired result on a pregnancy test can leave people feeling incomplete.
There is an entire industry devoted to treating this. There is a long list of prescribed medications all the way up to in vitro fertilization (IVF) available to people combating infertility.
However, many people either don’t have the necessary funds to afford these expensive treatments, or don’t want to explore unnatural means of achieving a pregnancy.
So what other options are available?
Acupuncture has been used to treat fertility issues for a very long time. But does it work?
Impact of Acupuncture on Fertility
There are a variety of reasons a couple might be unable to conceive. It could be everything from a hormonal imbalance to physical damage of the areas of the body that support pregnancy. Acupuncture has been shown to be very beneficial to supporting a hospitable environment for a pregnancy.
However, there are limitations to this. Acupuncture will not be able to fix physical damage to certain areas of the body — scarred ovaries, for instance.
These situations are frequently unable to be helped with any other form of fertility treatments, as well.
Acupuncture can be very beneficial to others having trouble conceiving due to factors outside of physical damage.
Tel Aviv University’s medical school conducted a test combining acupuncture and intrauterine insemination (IUI):
“When combining IUI with TCM treatments, 65.5 percent of the test group was able to conceive, compared with 39.4% of the control group, who received no herbal or acupuncture therapy. In the test group, 41.4% delivered healthy babies, compared with 26.9% of the control group.”
Acupuncture has shown the capacity of providing a list of benefits to couples throughout the pregnancy process. Initial conception is assisted (with or without the extra help of IUI as featured in the previously-mentioned study). Nausea and other physical discomfort during the pregnancy can be reduced. Acupuncture also has the ability to induce contractions in pregnancies that have lasted beyond their initial due date.
How Does it Help?
Reduces Stress
Stress in both the male and the female can have negative effects on their ability to conceive. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help lower levels of stress. This capability can put both individuals in a better place to procreate.
Feelings of stress and depression are experienced by both individuals that find themselves unable to conceive, which only makes the problem worse. Acupuncture has been shown to have a positive impact on these conditions.
Cortisol is the hormone released when the body is experiencing stress. This has been shown to increase the risk of a pregnant woman having a miscarriage. The ability to mitigate this stress will not only help a couple to become pregnant, it can also help the pregnancy remain healthy as time goes on.
Increases Blood Flow
Proper and unimpeded blood flow is important for both the male and the female when trying to conceive. First, the male needs proper blood flow to his reproductive organs to properly perform the necessary bodily functions. Second, the woman’s reproductive organs also need strong blood flow in order to facilitate the conception.
Correctly-placed acupuncture needles can spur blood flow in areas of the body which can assist conception.
This advantage of acupuncture is beneficial in all patients, but it can directly assist couples seeking acupuncture for fertility issues.
Balances Hormones
According to Live Science:
“The endocrine system is the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things.”
Acupuncture can directly affect the success of the endocrine system through targeting specific meridians within the body. This creates a healthy balance of released hormones which can have a positive impact on the ability to conceive.
Where Can You Find Acupuncture for Fertility in Nashville, TN?
Acupuncture for fertility issues is a specialized practice. Luckily for people in Nashville and the surrounding middle Tennessee area, Affinity Acupuncture has experience treating fertility issues along with other women’s health issues.
Acupuncture can address a variety of women’s health issues including:
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Female urethral syndrome
- Hypo-ovarianism
- And much more
Contact Affinity Acupuncture today for Nashville Acupuncture treatments and appointments!
by William Alexander | Apr 18, 2017 | Acupuncture for Women's Health
Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Researchers find acupuncture effective for normalizing hormone levels and improving the overall health of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Scientific data demonstrates that acupuncture produces significant improvements in menstrual regularity, restores ovulation pattern regularity, increases pregnancy rates, regulates hormonal secretions, normalizes basal body temperature patterns, and increases embryo survival rates. Fertility enhancements provided by acupuncture apply to both natural conception and IVF (in vitro fertilization) patients.
Research published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion entitled Advances In Clinical Research On Acupuncture Moxibustion Treatment For Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome cites several clinical studies. Let’s take a look at the finings. Chen et al. applied stimulation with acupuncture at sacral plexus acupoints and paraspinal acupoints. Acupuncture treatment sessions were regularly administered over the course of three menstruation cycles. Upon completion of all acupuncture therapy, follow-up examinations (including ultrasound imaging) demonstrated significant improvements in menstrual regularity, ovulation frequency, and cervical mucus consistency. In addition, the pregnancy rate of patients in the study increased significantly.
The research published in the Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture reviewed the work of Wang et al. That study demonstrated an 80.8% total effective rate for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome with acupuncture. The acupuncture points used in the study included the following acupoints:
Geshu, BL17
Shenshu, BL23
Ganshu, BL18
Zhongwan, CV12
Qihai, CV6
Guanyuan, CV4
Zigong, extra
Guilai, ST29
Xuehai, SP10
Zusanli, ST36
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Dahe, KD12
Two additional acupuncture points were added, based on symptomatic presentations and differential diagnostic considerations: Taichong (LV3), Fenglong (ST40). In another investigation, Huang et al. combined moxibustion with traditional Chinese medicine massage (Tui Na) and medications. The controlled investigation demonstrated the ability of traditional Chinese medicine to regulate ovulation and secretion of sex hormones to normal levels when compared with the control group that received only drug therapy. Moxibustion was applied to the following: Sanyinjiao, Guanyuan, Zigong. The researchers conclude that moxa and Chinese massage enhance the efficacy of drug therapy for the treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Xie et al. combined traditional Chinese herbal medicine with acupuncture and achieved significant clinical results. Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome had an 80% total treatment effective rate using the combined therapy protocol. An herbal pill (Zi Shen Yu Tai) was administered to nourish the kidneys and reinforce fertility. On the fifth day following menstruation, acupuncture was applied to the following acupoints:
Guanyuan, CV4
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Taixi, KD3
Taichong, LV3
Zigong, extra
The pattern of basal body temperatures significantly normalized using the herbal medicine combined with acupuncture therapy approach to patient care. In addition, hormone levels significantly normalized, including the following hormones: LH (luteinizing hormone), testosterone, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone). The work of Xie et al. was published in the Guiding Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Qiu and Xu administered electroacupuncture to patients that had a combination of polycystic ovarian syndrome with obesity. Electroacupuncture was applied to body style acupuncture points. In addition, auricular (ear) acupuncture was added. Important clinical improvements were documented by the researchers. Patients had significant improvements in the reduction of polycystic ovarian syndrome symptoms, including improved menstruation regularity. In addition, many patients experienced a healthy reduction a bodily fat. The total treatment affective rate was 89.7%.The auricular acupuncture points used in the study were as follows: Zigong, Neifenmi, Pizhixia, Pi, Shen, Luanchao. Body style acupuncture points used in the study were as follows:
Zhigou, TB6
Siman, KD14
Guanyuan, CV4
Daimai, GB26
Xuehai, SP10
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Taixi, KD3
Li et al. administered acupuncture therapy to determine whether or not it is successful for the improvement of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo survival rates. Inclusion criteria for the study predetermined that all patients were of kidney deficiency type (according to Chinese medicine principles) and had a confirmed diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome. The results demonstrate significant clinical improvements, including higher embryo survival rates. The following acupuncture points used in the study were as follows:
Guanyuan, CV4
Zhongji, CV3
Sanyinjiao, SP6
Zigong, extra
Taixi, KD3
In related research, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers investigated ovulation and pregnancy rates for patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome. The study involved two groups. Group one received acupuncture, herbs, and therapeutic exercises. Group two received drug therapy (cyproterone acetate / ethinylestradiol tablets and metformin). The acupuncture, herbs, and exercise group slightly outperformed the drug group.
The combination of acupuncture, herbs, and therapeutic exercises produced higher rates of ovulation and pregnancies in PCOS patients, producing a 46.92% ovulation rate and a 32.16% pregnancy rate. The drug therapy protocol produced a 40.61% ovulation rate and a 30.16% pregnancy rate. The researchers concluded that drug therapy and Chinese medicine produce similar positive patient outcomes for patients with PCOS.
Contact Affinity Acupuncture today for Nashville Acupuncture treatments and appointments!
References
Zheng HM, Lv GY, Wang YJ, Hou WG, Chen YL, Zeng YJ. (2013). Advances in Clinical Research on Acupuncture moxibustion Treatment for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 32(9).
Wang XY, Zhang YJ, Wu FD, Lu Y & Huang GQ. (2007). Acupuncture Treatment for 26 Cases of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Journal of acupuncture, moxibustion & Tuina. (05).
Chen D, Chen SR, Shi XL, Guo FL, Zhu YK, Li Z, Cai MX, Deng LH & Xu H. (2007). Needle pricking therapy in treating polycystic ovary syndrome. China Journal of Acupuncture & Moxibustion. (02).
Huang M, Lai H, Lv FB & Pan BQ. (2007). Moxibustion in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome. Massage methodology. (01).
Qiu HN & Xu J. (2006). Acupuncture, moxibustion and auricular point sticking in treating obese polycystic ovarian syndrome. Chinese Community Doctors. 8(14): 86-87.
Li J, Cui W, Sun W. (2009). Electroacupuncture in treating patients with kidney deficiency type of PCOS and receive IVF-ET. China Journal of Sexual Science. (07).
Bai, S. L., Jiang, X. H., Li, Y. L., Huang, W. Q., Wang, L. & Liu, X. Z. (2014). The effect of weight-loss herbal decoction combined with acupuncture and exercise on endocrine markers and pregnancy outcomes in non-obesity patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Chinese Journal of Family Planning. 22(8).
Diamanti-Kandarakis E, Papavassiliou AG. Molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance in polycystic ovary syndrome. Trends Mol Med JT – Trends in molecular medicine, 2006, 12(7):324.
Sun, J., J. M. Zhao, R. Ji, H. R. Liu, Y. Shi, and C. L. Jin. “[Effects of electroacupuncture of” Guanyuan”(CV 4)-” Zhongji”(CV 3) on ovarian P450 arom and P450c 17alpha expression and relevant sex hormone levels in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome].” Zhen ci yan jiu= Acupuncture research/[Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan Yi xue qing bao yan jiu suo bian ji] 38, no. 6 (2013): 465-472.
Article Originated at
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1725-acupuncture-regulates-hormones-boosts-fertility
by William Alexander | Feb 9, 2017 | Acupuncture for Women's Health
Researchers find acupuncture combined with clomiphene more effective than clomiphene plus supplementary hormonal pharmaceuticals for the treatment of infertility. The combination of acupuncture plus clomiphene produces significantly higher pregnancy rates for women with anovulatory infertility than clomiphene plus estradiol cypionate and dydrogesterone. The data was published in the report entitled Effects of Acupuncture on the Endometrium in Anovulatory Cases Treated by Clomiphene: A Clinical Observation.
The addition of acupuncture to clomiphene therapy increased pregnancy rates, lowered the resistance and pulsatility indices of the uterine arteries, and reduced the adverse effects caused by clomiphene. The increase in positive patient outcomes combined with reductions of adverse effects supports the research team’s (Taian Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital) conclusion, “TCM [Traditional Chinese Medicine] can be either applied alone or combined with Western medicine to up pregnancy rates and treat infertility. With the help of TCM [i.e., acupuncture], treatment for infertility can be more effective while producing much less adverse effects.” [1]
Clomiphene triggers the pituitary gland to produce hormones that stimulate ovulation. The upside of this medication is that it stimulates the release of eggs from the ovaries. The downside is that it may produce adverse effects and it is contraindicated for patients with endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Notably, it may increase the incidence of having twins or triplets. The researchers conclude that the addition of acupuncture to the clomiphene treatment regimen mitigates the drug’s adverse effects and ups the pregnancy rate. Moreover, the acupuncture protocol outperforms the clomiphene plus estradiol cypionate and dydrogesterone protocol. Estradiol cypionate is an estrogen hormone and is often used for the treatment of low estrogen levels. Estradiol cypionate may increase the rate of developing blood clots, melasma (dark skin patches on the face), and may cause other adverse effects. Dydrogesterone is a steroidal progestin used in many countries for the treatment of infertility and threatened miscarriages.
The clinical study was conducted with a semi-protocolized approach to acupuncture point selection. Identical primary acupuncture points were assigned to all patients and secondary acupuncture points were prescribed based upon differential diagnostics. As a variable control, secondary acupuncture point prescriptions were limited to one of three acupuncture point groupings: liver qi stagnation, phlegm-dampness, blood stasis. Patients were not divided into treatment and control groups based upon the diagnostic groups. Instead, they were randomly divided into three groups and then diagnostic decisions were made for the addition of secondary acupuncture points for the TCM treatment group.
A total of 43 patients were randomly distributed into three groups. Group 1 received only clomiphene. Group 2 received clomiphene plus estradiol cypionate and dydrogesterone. Group 3 received clomiphene plus acupuncture and moxibustion. The number of patients in each group was 15, 14, and 14 respectively. Patients ranged from ages 21–39. The preexisting duration of anovulatory infertility ranged from 1–8 years.
Groups 1 and 2 received 50–100 mg of clomiphene, once per day. Group 2 also received 1 mg of estradiol cypionate and 10 mg of dydrogesterone. Group 3 received clomiphene plus acupuncture and moxibustion. The administration of care for all groups started on the 5th day of menstruation and lasted for 5 consecutive days. One treatment course consisted of three menstrual cycles. In total, 1–2 courses of treatment were applied. The TCM acupuncture treatment protocol was as follows. Patients rested in a supine position. Upon disinfection, a 0.30 mm x 40 mm filiform needle was inserted into the following acupoints:
CV4 (Guanyuan)
CV3 (Zhongji)
Zigong
ST29 (Guilai)
SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
ST36 (Zusanli)
CV4, CV3, Zigong, and ST29 were inserted transverse-obliquely (15° angle) to a depth of 1–1.2 cm. SP6 and ST36 were needled perpendicularly and manipulated with the Ping Bu Ping Xie (tonify and sedate) technique. Additional acupoints were administered based on differential diagnostic patterns. For liver qi stagnation, the following acupoint was added:
BL18 (Ganshu)
For phlegm and dampness, the following acupoint was added:
ST40 (Fenglong)
For blood stasis, the following acupoints were added:
SP10 (Xuehai)
LV2 (Xingjian)
Moxibustion sessions lasted 30 minutes and were applied at a heat intensity level until the skin became flushed. Sessions were conducted once per day. Moxibustion was not applied until 10 days passed after ovulation. Moxibustion was applied at the following acupoints:
Zigong
CV3 (Zhongji)
CV4 (Guanyuan)
ST29 (Guilai)
Additional research confirms that acupuncture combined with moxibustion is effective for the treatment of infertility. Researchers conclude that acupuncture acts on the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and ovaries and regulates hormone levels in the body. [2, 3] Yu et al. conclude that electroacupuncture can increase gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) levels and increases sensitivity of the ovaries to gonadotropin. The study documents that electroacupuncture is effective for the treatment of infertility in anovulatory cases with low levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH).
In a related study, Xu et.al conclude that acupuncture combined with moxibustion increases ovulation rates. [5] The treatment protocol was as follows. First, acupuncture was applied to the following acupoints:
Zigong
CV3 (Zhongji)
CV4 (Guanyuan)
ST36 (Zusanli)
SP6 (Sanyinjiao)
LV3 (Taichong)
Additional acupoints were added based upon diagnostic patterns. For liver qi stagnation, BL18 was added; for phlegm and dampness, ST40 was added; for blood stasis, SP10 and LV2 were added. Next, moxibustion was applied to Zigong, CV3, CV4, and ST36. Subsequently, an electroacupuncture device was connected to the acupoints. The treatment was applied daily for 3–7 consecutive days. The results of B-scan ultrasonography conducted during the study documents that ovulation rates increase when acupuncture combined with moxibustion is applied.
In another study, acupuncture has been found effective for increasing infertility rates for women receiving IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatments. This highlights the role of acupuncture in an integrative medicine environment. University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers conclude that acupuncture increases pregnancy rates for women receiving IVF. In a study of 16 high quality clinical trials consisting of 4,021 subjects, acupuncture significantly raised pregnancy rates for women receiving IVF where otherwise pregnancy rates would have been low.
Strong evidence indicates that acupuncture increases pregnancy rates for women with anovulatory infertility and other forms of infertility. Acupuncture has been proven an effective complementary therapy to drug therapy and IVF protocols. Research indicates that acupuncture provides an additional benefit; it reduces the adverse effect rates of infertility medications. Based on the findings of modern research, the use of acupuncture is an appropriate, safe, and effective complementary therapy for the treatment of infertility.
Contact Affinity Acupuncture today for Nashville Acupuncture treatments and appointments!
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References
1. Effects of Acupuncture on the Endometrium in Anovulatory Cases Treated by Clomiphene: A Clinical Observation. Journal of Taishan Medical College. 2016, 37(9):1029-1031.
2. Yu J, Zheng HM, Bing SM. Changes in sSrum FSH, LH and Ovarian Follicular Growth During Electroacupuncture for Induction of Ovulation [J]. Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine. 1989, 9(4):199-202.
3. Sha GE, Huang WC, Ma RH. Acupuncture for Infertility: A Clinical Observation Based on 84 cases [J]. Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 1998, 14(1):16-18.
5. Xu XF, Gu Y, Gu Ling, Zhu YP. Investigating Advantages of TCM Intervention for Inducting Ovulation in Infertile Women [J]. Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2012, 30(3):467-468.
6. Cao ZY. Obstetrics and Gynecology [M]. Beijing: People’s Military Medical Publisher. 1999: 2474.
7. Manheimer, Eric, Daniëlle van der Windt, Ke Cheng, Kristen Stafford, Jianping Liu, Jayne Tierney, Lixing Lao, Brian M. Berman, Patricia Langenberg, and Lex M. Bouter. “The effects of acupuncture on rates of clinical pregnancy among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Human reproduction update (2013). University of Maryland.
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1716-acupuncture-outperforms-drugs-for-infertility-promotes-pregnancy
by William Alexander | May 4, 2016 | Acupuncture for Women's Health
When used in conjunction with Western fertility treatments, acupuncture increases conception rates by 26%. A recent study from Tel Aviv University reports, ““When combining IUI with TCM treatments, 65.5 percent of the test group were able to conceive, compared with 39.4 percent of the control group, who received no herbal or acupuncture therapy.” For the 4.5 million couples experiencing infertility each year, acupuncture may be just what the doctor ordered.
Acupuncture can increase fertility by reducing stress, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing the endocrine system, according to several studies and medical research. “The goal of an infertility treatment from a Chinese Medicine perspective is not just to get pregnant, but to stay pregnant and to have a healthy baby,” says Deb Davies, LAc, a Pacific College alumnus who practices at Herbin Acupuncture and Wellness in San Diego. Among many other benefits, acupuncture can provide better blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, creating a stronger chance for an egg to be nourished and carried to term.
Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of thin, disposable sterile needles at strategic points near the surface of the body. Over 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with 14 major pathways, called meridians. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that these meridians conduct qi , or energy, between the surface of the body and internal organs. It is qi that regulates spiritual, emotional, mental and physical balance. When the flow of qi is disrupted through poor health habits or other circumstances, pain and/or disease can result. Acupuncture helps to keep the normal flow of this energy unblocked, thereby increasing a couple’s chances of conceiving.
Acupuncture infertility treatment can improve almost every cause of this obstacle. While 40 percent of infertility is caused by problems in the female, another 40 percent is caused by problems in the male, such as low sperm count or motility. The cause of female infertility stems from problems such as anovulation and endometriosis. The remaining 20 percent is caused by unknown factors.
One of the ways acupuncture infertility treatment increases fertility is by reducing stress, which is often a key factor in the fertility of both men and women. When people are under stress, the hormone cortizol is released in the brain. This alters the brain’s neurochemical balance, thus changing hormone levels and disrupting the pituitary balance that is key to the reproductive cycle. “Chinese medicine can help support a woman through this important time in her life—whether that is emotionally or physically, acupuncture can help with much more than just conception. It can help with morning sicknesss, nausea, aches and pains (low back pain, for example), anxiety preparation for birth, and insomnia, among many others,” explains Davies.
Because of the delicate balance between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and reproductive glands, stress is capable of preventing a woman from ovulating entirely. This can contribute to the cause of female infertility. Stress can also create spasms in both the fallopian tubes and the uterus, which can interfere with movement and implantation of a fertilized egg. In men, stress can alter sperm counts, motility, and cause impotence. Acupuncture infertility treatment counters the effects of stress and cortizol by releasing endorphins in the brain. An herbal impotence cure is also an option for men and can reduce stress.
Hormonal balance does not have to be disrupted by cortizol to cause infertility. The most common cause of female infertility is an ovulation disorder, in which the release of a mature egg from the ovary is prevented, usually because of a hormonal imbalance. Without enough progesterone, for example, the fetus is unable to attach to the uterus. High levels of prolactin, the hormone that stimulates the production of breast milk, can also prevent ovulation.
An imbalance in reproductive hormones can also negatively affect male reproductive function, such as sperm motility and production. However, the fertility drugs that stimulate ovulation in women by regulating the hypothalamus and pituitary, the glands that control reproductive hormones, don’t perform nearly as well for men (success rates are about a third of those for women), nor have they been approved for men by the FDA. Male infertility treatment must take another track. An herbal impotence cure — if impotence is a factor in a couple’s infertility — causes no side effects and has a reported success rate when taken in conjunction with male infertility treatment.
While the fertility drugs commonly prescribed for women can produce a 20 to 60 percent pregnancy rate, they also commonly include such side effects as abdominal tenderness, bloating, fluid retention, weight gain, and nausea. Some studies show that they may also cause breast cancer.
Acupuncture infertility treatment, by contrast, produces few or no side effects while performing the same function as the drugs do: stimulating the hypothalamus to effectively balance the endocrine system and its hormones and to get to the root cause of female infertility as well as male infertility.
SOURCES
Tel Aviv University study http://www.aftau.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&;id=15808 –
Article found at: http://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2015/04/17/how-does-acupuncture-fertility-work-increase-chance-conception-without-side#sthash.yOaIAQJy.dpuf
