ACUPUNCTURE fOR FERTILITY

The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine dates back approximately 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing, and childbearing.

Acupuncture can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance, and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (pronounced “chee”)—or vital energy—and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility found that acupuncture significantly improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used with other, assisted reproductive techniques. The study concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall;
• reduce anxiety, stress and hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can drastically decrease fertility;
• normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome;
• positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility; and
• regulate the menstrual cycle.

In a different study published in Human Reproductive Journal (volume 11, number 6, 1996), an ultrasound was used to evaluate the amount of blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. When acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system, which in turn can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to flow. Relaxing the uterus and increasing the blood flow allows for successful implantation of an embryo within the uterine lining. The study concluded that acupuncture can be offered as a significant, clinically relevant adjunct to in vitro fertilization.

According to theories of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the Organ Systems.

Kidney Organ System – The release of an ovum is controlled by the kidneys, which create a substance called Jing Qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind and pregnancy. If an imbalance exists within the kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply, and infertility may be a result.

Spleen Organ System – An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman’s body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. Disharmony within the spleen organ system can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood.

Liver Organ System – In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. The liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood. When this system is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and blood, which can lead to depression and anxiety and may decrease fertility.

Acupuncture provides a safe, effective, drug-free and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture:

1. Acupuncture doesn’t just treat the signs and symptoms, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have led to the problem or disease.
2. Acupuncture is completely natural, whereas in the Western treatment of infertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapies may occur.
3. Acupuncture can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, supporting and promoting other fertility procedures to be more effective.
4. Acupuncture is over 3,000 years old, and has helped millions of people become well and stay healthy.
5. Acupuncture works!

You may also want to consider acupuncture during your pregnancy. According the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been found useful for relieving labour pain, nausea, vomiting, breech birth and reducing the duration of labor.

Questions?

Read our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us.