Acupuncture For Fertility - A Great Way To Increase Your Chances Of Getting Pregnant
If you have fertility problems or are struggling to get pregnant then acupuncture for fertility is worth considering.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method of inserting long, thin needles into specific pressure points in the body to influence and promote the well-being of body organs. It has been used for centuries to treat illnesses. It is believed that there are pathways that carry energy flow throughout our body.
Acupuncture works by stimulating these pathways and prevent the blockage or stagnation of blood flow due to illnesses or improperly functioning immune system. By stimulating these pressure points, balance is restored and natural healing process can begin.
How does acupuncture for fertility work?
Acupuncture has been reported to improve blood flow in the pelvic cavity and ovarian function. Likewise, it influences the production of follicle stimulating hormones, enhancing uterine circulation and improving uterine lining thickness which is needed to maintain pregnancy.
Although acupuncture has a lot to offer for the female reproductive system, it can be noted that acupuncture is not a direct cure or treatment for fertility. The process however, may influence the activities of hormones that contribute to fertility, thereby enhancing the overall uterine environment and making it capable for conception. Acupuncture is said to influence the hormonal regulation centers in our brains, leading to improvement in hormonal status over time.
How does acupuncture work and where will the needles be placed? How is acupuncture done in order to be most effective?
Although acupuncture points may vary from each patient and their type of treatment, there are a number of well-known acupuncture points that influence the function of female organs. These are located on the lower back, lower abdomen and legs.
Those that are important in the overall female anatomy as well as the innervations of nerve segments include points on the lumbar, sacrum and low abdominal regions. In order to stimulate the autonomic nervous system, the points on the head, neck, upper back and arms are used. They also further induce relaxation response. Proper balance of both branches of the ANS (parasympathetic and sympathetic) is crucial for the most effective method in doing acupuncture.
The physiological response to acupuncture varies greatly on the depth of the needle, intensity and the technique employed in insertion. The depth of the needle and the respiratory phase during stimulation are vital in inducing a favourable response to this treatment.
Chinese herbs are used in tandem with acupuncture treatments. These herbs are believed to also contribute to improved fertility.
Moxibustion is another technique used in conjunction with acupuncture. This works by inducing gentle heat on the pressure points in order to increase blood circulation.
When should I start using acupuncture for fertility?
The effects of acupuncture do not come immediately, as with other fertility enhancing drugs. The effects only start to be visible after a cumulative series of treatments that should ideally begin 2-3 months prior to start trying to conceive. Sessions may be done 1-2 times a week. You should not worry about the appropriate time to have these sessions, as acupuncture utilizes different techniques of needle insertion depending on the phase of your menstrual cycle. Acupuncture is designed to be administered at any phase of the menstrual cycle in order to achieve the most optimal cumulative effect.
What are the risks of using acupuncture for infertility?
Acupuncture is generally safe and risks are minimal. However, applying acupuncture to the wrong pressure points, and undergoing this treatment when you are pregnant can pose harm to you and your baby. It is important to seek a licensed and well trained acupuncturist before you begin therapy.
What types of fertility patients benefit most from acupuncture?
Anyone, with or without any underlying medical condition can benefit from acupuncture because generally, this promotes overall health and well-being. Those with spasmed or blocked tubes, repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained fertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia, polycyctic ovarian syndrome and elevated follicle stimulating hormones can be treated with acupuncture. It has also been proven to be most useful for couples who decide to go for in vitro fertilization of IVF.
Again, this is mainly due to its influence on the hormonal balance in the same way that hormonal drugs do when used before and during an IVF procedure. Many hormonal drugs have a much more powerful and direct effect on the hormones, and may even disrupt the normal balance. Since acupuncture provides an indirect, subtle way of doing this, more and more patients and specialists consider this to be their option of choice. Using Acupuncture IVF is certainly worth testing if you have fertility problems.
What is the success rate for using acupuncture to improve fertility?
Infertility is caused by a variety of factors, whether age related or co-existing due to a medical condition. Acupuncture provides an avenue to improve one’s general health. It is not a direct treatment for infertility. Although a number of studies have shown that those who used assisted reproductive technology have much higher pregnancy rates, this does not mean that it is the absolute treatment for infertility.
What else should I do in order to maximize the effects of acupuncture?
Continuous wearing of tight-fitting clothes has a negative effect on the blood flow of your reproductive organs. Clothes that allow free movement is best used in this case.
Getting enough rest and sleep is equally important. When a person’s biological clock is disrupted, problems within the body systems may arise. Stress and relaxation techniques can be done.
Proper diet and exercise are also very vital and should not be overlooked. Acupuncture for fertility is certainly worth trying.
