Acupuncture and Infertility
Learning about Acupuncture.
Acupuncture is an age-old traditional Chinese medicine that was first introduced and integrated into medicinal practices thousands of years ago. It is widely performed in the Orient, and was later on introduced to the West, specifically the Americas at a later time. It has been proven to promote health and wellness, alleviate suffering and pain and cure different ailments experienced by man.
Acupuncture is founded upon the principles and concepts of “vital energy”, “mind and body balance” and “energy balance”. This is done by inserting small and sterile, very thin needles onto pressure points or commonly referred to as “acupoints’. This practice aims to help the body heal itself by infusing and bringing back revitalized energy.
Understanding Infertility.
Infertility is a condition affecting both men and women. It is the inability to conceive even after one year of intercourse without the use of contraceptive pills. It may also be the woman’s inability to carry a baby to full term, resulting to miscarriage. A number of causes have been pointed out as factors resulting in infertility, including a woman’s age, menstrual cycle, ovulation difficulties, man’s low sperm count, erectile dysfunction and sexually transmitted infections, tubal blockage, and even stress.
A leading cause of infertility among women is PCOS or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. PCOS is a hormonal disorder, which disrupts the normal ovulation cycle of a woman. This hormonal imbalance results to the growth of multiple cysts in the ovary and lessens the possibility of a woman to carry a pregnancy to its full term.
Can acupuncture help treat infertility?
The other factors affecting infertility are outside the biological make up of both partners. It can be external factors like lifestyle, habits and environment. These can be excessive alcohol intake, heavy smoking, stress and extreme pressure. A thorough understanding on the ovulation process of a woman and reduction of the stress level will help a couple increase their chances in conception.
For couples who are undergoing IVF, traditional medicinal practice of acupuncture is given strong recommendations. Though the idea of acupuncture treating infertility is still debatable, the statistics show that it is an alternative medicine that is preferred as a complementary therapy to modern fertility treatment.
As acupuncture focuses on the body’s totality by helping it recover its energy balance. Acupuncture regulates the body’s system, encourages proper blood flow to reproductive organs and regulates the hormonal levels for both men and women.
Recent studies have indicated that women who adhere to the practice of acupuncture at least half an hour before and after embryo transfer has increased chances in conception. This is thoroughly explained by the increase blood flow to the uterine, which indicatively relaxes the muscles of the uterus, making it susceptible for embryo growth. Additionally, acupuncture promotes overall relaxation that directly reduces the physical and emotional stress the woman undergoes during IVFs.
Alternative Medicine practice believes that the emotional well-being of a person plays a vital role in one’s physical health and fitness.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
Acupuncture is a safe procedure, with no known history of side effects and contraindications. When you decide to go through alternative medicine in treating infertility by adhering to acupuncture practice, it is important to note the following:
- Find a licensed acupuncturist so as to ensure the safety of the procedure. You must know that only a licensed acupuncturist can identify correctly the median points or “acupoints.” They use sterile needles so as to avoid infections and other complications.
- Speak with your fertility specialist about complementing your medical procedure with acupuncture. It is important to know the basics of your treatment so as to prevent encountering of grey areas.
- Read and learn about acupuncture. Do not be afraid to research and ask questions about alternative medicine. It is for your own benefit that you study any procedure you and your partner will be undergoing to help you conceive.
- Remember to relax during acupuncture therapy. The goal of this procedure is to regulate your body’s energy and blood circulation naturally and painlessly. Acupuncture will further help you relax and forget about the upcoming major procedures like IVFs.
