printAcupuncture and Female Fertility Acupuncture is an ancient yet very effective holistic healthcare system based on the flow of Qi (Chee) energy through the body. Qi is also known as life force, and since the total absence of Qi is death, obviously one’s good health depends on its balanced distribution. Qi influences the organs as well as the bodily systems: skeletal, muscular, endocrine, circulatory, digestive, respiratory, nervous, urinary and reproductive. When Qi flows smoothly and harmoniously each bodily system functions correctly. Oriental medicine, as a holistic therapy, views the whole person. When fertility is the primary concern your acupuncturist will consider all aspects of you and your lifestyle to determine where imbalances may lie. In addition to receiving regular acupuncture treatment you will be educated in changes you can make to improve your fertility. Your treatment will focus on promoting self healing and inner balance. Oriental medicine is effective both as primary treatment for infertility and when used in conjunction with ART. However it is suggested that, when available, couples start treatment with Oriental medicine before beginning assisted reproductive therapies and medications. Acupuncture will help the body be more receptive to fertility medications, produce better quality follicles, increase uterine blood flow, resolve any environmental or emotional stressors and prepare the uterus and body for pregnancy. For couples that have unexplained infertility, acupuncture and herbs are very effective with high success rates. A root imbalance can be detected from a holistic point of view and thereby treated successfully. Acupuncture, together with herbal medicine can help regulate the menstrual cycle, invigorate the sperm and resolve any underlying imbalances which may be affecting fertility. The endocrine system is very delicate and affected by many things. Environmental and emotional stress can create imbalance. Acupuncture can aid in relaxation and rebalancing, which creates an environment where conception occurs more readily. Research has shown that acupuncture directly affects hormone balance and uterine blood flow, enhancing fertility and improving the chances for conception. Acupuncture and herbal medicine offers a safe, cost effective and noninvasive approach to conception and can treat the following conditions:
| Advanced Maternal Age | Luteal Phase Defect |
| Amenorrhea | Male Factor Infertility (except sterility) |
| Anovulation | Polycystic Ovaries |
| Endometriosis | Recurrent Miscarriage |
| High FSH Levels | Tubal Obstruction |
| Hormonal Imbalances | Unexplained Infertility |
| Immunologic Infertility | Uterine Fibroids |
Note: Oriental medicine may not be able to treat infertility due to some physical or functional abnormalities. A consultation is recommended. When assisted reproductive therapies (ART) such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or Intra Uterine Injections (IUI) are needed, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help prepare the body to function optimally so that the best possible outcome is achieved. It does this by assisting the ovaries in producing more follicles and eggs raising the chances of conception, and preparing the uterus and body for pregnancy. Also, recent clinical studies conclude that Acupuncture performed in conjunction with an IVF transfer increases the chances of pregnancy by about 50%.
Acupuncture and Male Fertility An estimated 10% of men are infertile, and the male partner is a factor in up to 50% of infertile couples. In many cases the cause of the infertility is unknown.
Sperm count, quality, motility, morphology, liquefaction and sexual function are all concerns when a couple is trying to conceive. At times the couple will resign to ART procedures to bypass male factor infertility. Acupuncture is effective as primary treatment and when used in conjunction with ART. Recent studies have concluded acupuncture is safe and effective in improving sperm production, motility and structural health (July 05’ Fertility and Sterility). Researcher analyzed sperm samples after a course of treatment and found significant improvement when compared to the control group. Acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects and an increase in the number of normal sperm in ejaculate. In any case an improvement in sperm quality will create healthier embryos and more successful pregnancy.
Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can provide a safe natural alternative to helping men with these disorders. The practitioner makes a diagnosis based on Chinese medical theory, and then determines whether acupuncture or herbal medicine or a combination of both would be the best means of treatment. When you think of erectile dysfunction, acupuncture is usually not the first thing that comes to mind. Many assume it would be a painful alternative to traditional treatments. Quite the contrary, acupuncture is not used locally to treat this particular disorder. Because the energy pathways run all along your entire body, acupuncture points on the extremities, abdomen and back are used to successfully relieve this problem.
Note: Oriental medicine may not be able to treat infertility due to some physical or functional abnormalities. A consultation is recommended.
