Fertility Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine is an eastern system of medicine which works to balance the energy flow, or Qi, in the body. This is achieved through acupuncture, acupressure, diet, massage, herbs and nutritional therapy.  Acupuncture can also be applied locally for musculoskeletal concerns.

About Fertility Acupuncture

Starting acupuncture early on your path to conception is beneficial for gently balancing the body, calming the mind, and creating the optimal environment for conception. Acupuncture has been proven to increase fertility, aid conception, decrease rates of miscarriage, and enhance the effectiveness of other fertility treatments. Incorporating acupuncture, with dietary and lifestyle advice often garners better results by improving overall wellness for conception.

Acupuncture helps by improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, reducing inflammation, reducing stress, improving sleep, and calming the mind. Acupuncture can also address specific concerns related to fertility like PCOS, endometriosis, and anovulation, among others. In cases of high FSH due to ovarian insufficiency, acupuncture is often considered a good option as treatment.

Who Should Consider Acupuncture for Fertility?

In esence, fertility acupuncture can be an integrative part of most women’s preconcpetion plan and is best started 2 to 3 months prior to conception. When used as a treatment for infertility, proponents of acupuncture say it can help by boosting blood flow to reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and relieving stress. In a study of 160 women, published April 2002 in the reproductive journal Fertility and Sterility, a group of German researchers found that adding acupuncture to the traditional IVF treatment protocols substantially increased pregnancy success.

In this study one group of 80 patients received two, 25-minute acupuncture treatments — one prior to having fertilized embryos transferred into their uterus, and one directly afterwards. The second group of 80, who also underwent embryo transfer, received no acupuncture treatments.

The result: While women in both groups got pregnant, the rate was significantly higher in the acupuncture group — 34 pregnancies, compared with 21 in the women who received IVF alone.

What does Acupuncture do?

Acupuncture benefits your mind, body and soul. Influenced by ancient Chinese philosophy, culture, science and technology, Chinese medicine uses the concept of yin and yang, as well as the theory of Wu Xing, to explain exactly how the function of the body is balanced. From a neuro physical perspective, the stimulation of the meridians and acupuncture points increases blood flow and contributes to healthy nervous system functions. The needles stimulate the muscles, enabling them to both fire and relax. During the acupuncture session, your flow of qi becomes regulated, which restores health to the mind and body.

How Fertility Acupuncture Can Improve Outcomes

IUI and IVF Cycles

A report released in 2008 by a team of doctors from the University of Maryland and the University of Amsterdam reviewing seven different studies since 2002 (involving 1,366 women) concluded that women who had acupuncture while undergoing IVF were 65% more likely to have a successful embryo transfer, compared to those that had no treatment

Pre and Post Embryo Transfer

Research supports the use of acupuncture before and after embryo transfer. In a well known study, acupuncture done before and after embryo transfer resulted in higher rates of pregnancy (42.5% in the acupuncture group versus 26.3 in the control group).

Pre Birth

Pre-birth Acupuncture refers to weekly treatments beginning at 36 weeks’ gestation to prepare women for childbirth. Pre-birth Acupuncture has positive effects on a Woman’s preparation for the smoothest labour possible by preparing the woman’s body for birth with emphasis on the cervix and pelvis.

Breech Baby

Acording to research, the success of acupuncture and moxa to help turn a breech baby is about 75%. The best time to turn a breech baby is at 34 weeks however acupuncture can be used in late pregnancy as well.

Labour Induction

Acupuncture can be very effective option for women past their due dates or those with a planned medical induction. Acupuncture has been shown to be a safe, non-invasive and drug free method in preparing the body for labour as well as inducing labour. During the appointment you will be taught self-administered acupressure to continue to encourage the induction process.

 

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