Many couples have been disappointed again and again in their hopes of conceiving; one month goes by, another, a third month, and still no pregnancy. In many cases partners or spouses have no idea why their efforts are failing. In others, there may be issues contributing to infertility such as endometriosis, PCOS, hormone imbalance, low sperm count, or countless other problems. Could fertility acupuncture help you finally realize your dream of a healthy pregnancy? Perhaps so.
No doctor or traditional Chinese medicine practitioner can guarantee you’ll conceive, however, many women have found acupuncture effective for improving fertility. Whether you want to conceive the natural way or there are circumstances that make IVF (in-vitro fertilization) or IUI (intrauterine insemination) a better option, fertility acupuncture has been shown to improve pregnancy rates and support a higher success rate with IVF and IUI procedures.
How does acupuncture help fertility? Because it is relaxing and meditative, acupuncture is effective for reducing stress as it works to calm the sympathetic nervous system. Nearly any couple who has tried repeatedly to conceive has been told by their health practitioner or friends and family that they just need to “relax” and not worry about it. Focusing too hard on becoming pregnant can indeed stress you out, and stress is often the biggest factor with many health issues.
Tiny, thin needles inserted at various acupuncture points couldn’t possibly treat infertility, could it? Actually, it does. In alternative medicine such as TCM, it is believed that there are meridians or channels of energy (Qi) that run through the body. If these meridians become “blocked” energy cannot flow, so tissues and cells in the body aren’t nourished. The Qi must be able to flow freely in order to enjoy the best physical and emotional health.
Acupuncture increases the “feel good” hormones in the body, beta-endorphins that reduce pain; it also stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal itself. This is important for those with endometriosis, PCOS or other conditions to understand, as natural or holistic medicine focuses on uncovering the underlying cause of infertility when possible.
Fertility acupuncture helps by improving the endometrial lining through increased uterine blood flow, reducing anxiety, regulating hormones that impact ovulation regularity, and for men, improving sperm count and quality. Women who undergo IVF or IUI treatment often find pregnancy rates are significantly improved.
Could acupuncture help boost fertility? Many women and men would tell you “yes,” however every person is unique. Learn how to empower your fertility by working with Dr. Marc Sklar.
