Traditional Chinese Medicine: Acupuncture and Fertility
Acupuncture has a long history of benefiting fertility in many ways. Specific acupuncture protocols vary from patient to patient because each person has different needs. Treatment is completely designed for you as an individual, dependent on your personal health and goals.
Benefits of Acupuncture Include:
· Improves Function of Ovaries
· Improved Uterine Lining
· Increased Blood Flow to the Uterus
· Regulation of Hormones
· Strengthens the Immune System
· Reduction of Stress Associated with Fertility Problems
· For Men, Improves Semen Quality and Quantity
A recent study demonstrated improvement of sperm quality and motility after the men received acupuncture treatments. The men treated experienced increased sperm motility levels, increased the number and percentage of healthy sperm, and significant improvements in sperm structure and quality, as compared to a control group.
An important German study that received notable attention in the American press showed that acupuncture significantly increased the effectiveness of IVF success. Impressively, pregnancies were documented in 34 out of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group as compared to 21 out of 80 patients (26.3%) in the control group.
The Treatment Protocol
It is advisable to begin acupuncture 3 months before attempting to get pregnant, although most women wait until they are actively trying to conceive. If a woman is undergoing IVF, treatment is preferred on the day of the transfer, as well as the day before and after, or as close as possible. Ideally, treatments are twice a week until a positive pregnancy test result, then weekly for the first trimester, to decrease the risk of miscarriage.
The main goal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is to keep the body in balance, or to restore balance. This is one reason why TCM is so effective with fertility, which is dependent on a balanced body.