Acupuncture treatment for infertility has been around for many years. While success with this form of treatment has been reported by a great number of women, the reports have been, for the most part, anecdotal. Here’s an overview of the relationship between acupuncture and fertility as it is known so far, and from there you can decide if acupuncture is a natural fertility treatment you’d like to try.
What Is Acupuncture Exactly?
Acupuncture has been used in Asia since biblical times, and is now a very common and popular form of Chinese medicine in North America and Europe. Basically, the view is that your body has channels of energy, called meridians, that run through it. These channels can become blocked, and these blocks cause energy to build up in some places while other areas of your body end up with very little. Using small, hair-thin needles in certain areas unblocks these channels to let the energy flow naturally.
In modern terms, acupuncture needles are thought to stimulate your nervous system and release chemicals from your brain, spinal cord and muscles that help your body heal itself.
How Does Acupuncture Affect Fertility?
Acupuncture fertility treatment affects your reproductive system in the following ways:
- promotes blood circulation in your pelvic cavity
- improves the function of your ovaries
- promotes the production of follicles
- enhances the flow of blood in your uterus
- improves the thickness of your uterine lining
- improves the overall status of your health, and helps prepare your body for pregnancy
The best way to approach acupuncture infertility treatment is as an overall health booster, rather than a cure for infertility. Acupuncture can influence the hormonal regulation centers in your brain and nervous system and over time, improve the status of your hormones. It also promotes relaxation, better sleep, improved digestion and so on… all of which can increase your chances of conceiving. A good acupuncturist will approach your treatment holistically, and focus not just on your fertility but on the state of your health as a whole.
When Should I Have Acupuncture Fertility Treatment?
There is no specific time that acupuncture fertility treatment needs to be done, although during specific times of your cycle different protocols may be used. But all in all, you should undergo treatment during all stages of your menstrual cycle. Acupuncture works best as a cumulative treatment… that is, the effects are seen over time rather than after one or two treatments.
If you are undergoing other fertility treatments, such as IVF, you can still use acupuncture to enhance the treatment. Acupuncture is extremely gentle and non-invasive, and will not interfere. That said, do let your doctor know if you are considering acupuncture, and also let your acupuncturist know what other treatments, drugs, hormones etc you may be using.
How Do I Know If Acupuncture Fertility Treatment Is Right For Me?
Acupuncture and fertility are best linked when your fertility issues are not structural… meaning, you don’t have an actual problem with your reproductive system such as damaged fallopian tubes. If you are basically healthy and just having trouble getting pregnant, or want to get pregnant faster, then acupuncture can be of most use to you. You’ll probably know after 10 or so treatments if you are receiving any benefit, but remember it is not an instant fix… as with other natural fertility treatments, you need to be patient and let your body respond in its own time.