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 | Oct 31, 2016 | Acupuncture Nashville TN, Health & Wellness
How Alternative Medicine Like Acupuncture Alleviates Menstrual Pain
Researchers find acupuncture combined with moxibustion more effective for the treatment of painful menstruation than ibuprofen. Across three independent studies, researchers made several important findings. Acupuncture plus moxibustion produces superior treatment outcomes to oral intake of ibuprofen. Acupuncture plus moxibustion is superior to using only acupuncture as a standalone therapy. Acupuncture improves blood circulation and hemorheological characteristics for patients with dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). Let’s take a look at the results.
Hubei University of Medicine researchers (Jiao et al.) conducted a controlled clinical trial and confirm that the combination protocol of acupuncture plus moxibustion produces superior outcomes to using ibuprofen capsules to control menstruation cramping and pain. Jiao et al. conclude that acupuncture plus moxibustion has a 96.8% total treatment effective rate for the treatment of dysmenorrhea. Ibuprofen sustained time release capsules achieved a 58.1% total treatment effective rate. Acupuncture plus moxibustion outperformed ibuprofen by 38.7%. This is consistent with the independent research of Zhao et al. finding acupuncture effective for improving blood hemorheological characteristics, regulating blood viscosity, and enhancing the microcirculation of blood in the uterus for patients with dysmenorrhea.
Jiao et al. had a sample size of 62 human female patients and conducted a clinical trial at the Acupuncture Division of Hubei University of Medicine. Patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, with 31 patients in each group. The acupuncture group received a combination of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy and the medication group received ibuprofen sustained time release capsules. The primary acupoints selected for all patients were the following:
Guanyuan (CV4)
Zhongji (CV3)
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Additional acupoints were selected on an individual symptomatic basis. Acupoints selection was based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) system of differential diagnosis by pattern differentiation. For qi and blood stasis, the following acupoints were added:
Taichong (LV3)
Xuehai (SP10)
For depressed liver qi with dampness and heat, the following acupoints were added:
Xingjian (LV2)
Yinlingquan (SP9)
For liver and kidney deficiency, the following acupoints were added:
Shenshu (BL23)
Mingmen (GV4)
For poor qi and blood circulation, the following acupoints were added:
Qihai (CV6)
Zusanli (ST36)
Treatment commenced with patients in a supine position. After disinfection of the acupoint sites, a 0.30 mm x 40 mm disposable filiform needle was inserted into each acupoint with a high needle entry speed. Manual acupuncture stimulation techniques for obtaining deqi including lifting, thrusting, and rotating. Once a deqi sensation was obtained, the needles were retained and moxibustion was conducted on the same acupoints.
Moxa cigar cuttings, each 2 cm long, were attached to each needle handle and ignited. Moxa was left in place to self-extinguish. One acupuncture session was conducted daily for 3 – 4 consecutive days during menstruation. Treatment was also conducted on the 2 days prior to the next menstrual cycle. The entire course of treatment comprised 3 menstrual cycles. Patients were also advised to avoid getting chilled and to keep warm during activities of daily living.
For the ibuprofen group, patients received 300 mg of ibuprofen sustained time release capsules starting 1 – 2 days prior to menstruation. Capsules were orally administered twice per day for 2 – 3 days until the symptoms were mitigated, for a total of 3 menstrual cycles. Vitamin B was administered additionally for patients who also experienced stomach discomfort. The results tabulated, the acupuncture plus moxibustion protocol provided greater pain relief than the ibuprofen protocol.
In an independent research trial, Lu Ying (Xianning Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine) investigated the treatment efficacy of triple acupuncture and mild moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea patients. Lu Ying determined that triple acupuncture with mild moxibustion yielded better treatment results than conventional acupuncture. For primary dysmenorrhea, triple acupuncture plus mild moxibustion therapy achieved a 96.7% total treatment effective rate. Conventional acupuncture achieved a 90% total treatment effective rate.
A total of 60 patients were treated and evaluated in the study. They were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 30 patients in each group. The treatment group underwent triple acupuncture with mild moxibustion therapy while the control group received conventional acupuncture therapy. The primary acupoints selected for the treatment group were the following:
Zhongji (CV3)
Sanyinjiao (SP6)
Diji (SP8)
Shiqizhuixia (M-BW-35)
Additional acupoints were selected based on individual symptoms. For poor blood and qi circulation, the following acupoints were added:
Xuehai (SP10)
Pishu (BL20)
Zusanli (ST36)
For poor blood and qi circulation with blood stasis, the following acupoints were added:
Hegu (LI4)
Taichong (LV3)
Ciliao (BL32)
For chills and dampness, the following acupoint received moxibustion but needling was not applied:
Shuidao (ST28)
For dampness and heat in liver, the following acupoint was needled bilaterally:
Yanglingquan (GB34)
Patients were instructed to urinate prior to treatment and subsequently rested in a supine position. Upon disinfection of the acupoint sites, a 0.30 mm x 50 mm filiform acupuncture needle was inserted into the acupoints. For Zhongji, the needle was inserted toward Qugu (CV2) with a high entry speed at an entry angle of 45°, to a depth of 5 mm, and until the needle stimulated a deqi response at the midpoint of the upper edge of the pubic bone.
Subsequently, two acupoints located 3 mm laterally to Zhongji were swiftly pierced to a depth of 5 mm and were then inserted to become parallel to the needle at Zhongji. The same deqi response was stimulated at these points, as was in the case of Zhongji. This is the triple acupuncture technique applied to Zhongji.
The remaining acupoints were pierced perpendicularly until a deqi sensation was achieved. The deqi sensation was defined as the patient feeling soreness, numbness, swelling, or aching towards the bottom part of the perineum or a slight electrical sensation. A needle retention time of 30 minutes was observed. During needle retention, the needles were each manipulated every 10 minutes with manual acupuncture techniques. Additionally, during needle retention, mild moxibustion was conducted at Zhongji, until the skin was flushed and moxibustion heat was transmitted downward into the skin.
For the control group, selected acupoints were identical to those of the treatment group. Primary and additional acupoints were perpendicularly pierced with a 0.30 mm x 50 mm filiform acupuncture needle. Needle manipulation techniques varied based on individual body conditions. The triple acupuncture threading technique was not applied, only perpendicular insertion was used. For poor blood and qi circulation, blood clotting, or chills and dampness, the Xie (attenuating) manipulation technique was applied. For poor liver health, heat, and dampness, the Ping Bu Ping Xie (attenuating and tonifying) manipulation technique was applied. For poor blood and qi circulation, the Bu (tonifying) manipulation technique was applied. A needle retention time of 30 minutes was observed. During needle retention, the needles were each manipulated every 10 minutes.
Both groups of patients received their respective treatments 5 days prior to menstruation. For one treatment cycle, treatment was conducted once daily for 5 consecutive days. Treatment was ceased during menstruation. The entire treatment course comprised 4 menstrual cycles. In addition, patients were advised to maintain a positive emotional state and avoid exhaustion and becoming chilled. The clinical results demonstrate that triple acupuncture and mild moxibustion produce greater therapeutic effects than conventional acupuncture in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
The average rate of dysmenorrhea in China is approximately 30% – 40%. During puberty, the rate is approximately 50%. Among all cases of dysmenorrhea, 10% – 20% are severe. The researchers provide a brief synopsis of the Traditional Chinese Medicine understanding of primary dysmenorrhea. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, primary dysmenorrhea falls under the Jing Xing Fu Tong class of disorders. TCM classifies primary dysmenorrhea into two major types based on the overall TCM pathology: deficiency and excess. Deficient primary dysmenorrhea is caused by weak qi and blood circulation, deficiency of the liver and kidneys, or qi and blood deficiency. Excess-type primary dysmenorrhea is exacerbated by emotional pressures, depressed liver qi, blood stasis, or poor qi circulation. Consuming cold drinks during menstruation also contributes to excess-type primary dysmenorrhea.
The researchers also provide some insight into TCM principles relative to the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. Regulating the Chong and Ren meridians improves blood and qi circulation to produce healthy, well regulated, and trouble-free menstruation. The Guanyuan acupoint significantly restores yuan (source) qi, improves blood and qi circulation, eliminates blood stasis, and relieves pain for patients with dysmenorrhea. Administering moxibustion at Guanyuan warms the meridians, expels chills, and regulates the Chong and Ren meridians. Guanyuan, Qihai, and Zhongji are acupoints which benefit yang and regulate the Chong and Ren meridians. Sanyinjiao is a central acupoint for the maintenance of liver, spleen, and kidney health and is therefore beneficial to patients with dysmenorrhea.
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References:
Jiao FL, Liang YC & He M. (2014). Therapeutic Observation of Acupuncture-moxibustion for Primary Dysmenorrhea. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 33(5).
Lu Y. (2014). Therapeutic Observation of Triple Acupuncture at Zhongji (CV 3) plus Mild Moxibustion for Primary Dysmenorrhea. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. 33(7).
Zhao NX, Guo RL, Ren QY et al. (2007). Acupuncture therapy in treating primary dysmenorrhea, treatment efficacy and hemorheology study. Zhejiang University of TCM Journal. 31(3): 364-365, 367
http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/1687-acupuncture-beats-drugs-for-menstrual-pain-relief
