Acupuncture for Fertility: Treating Infertility Through Acupuncture Therapy

Even with the fast progress of modern science, many couples still find it inadequate to get solution to their infertility problems. Some of them resort to age old treatments which had proven successful long before the birth of medical science itself. Acupuncture is one of those alternative therapies that has proved successful for many couples who had infertility issues. It is not rare to find the doctors themselves working with the acupuncturist to get better results for their patients. However, remember that acupuncture is not a quick remedy as it takes several sessions lasting about 30 minutes per week, before the effects are to be seen.

How Does It Work?

An acupuncturist helps in regulating the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical balance in a person, by inserting needles at pre-determined strategic points on the body. There are 400 different points on our body which are linked to the pathways through which the energy ‘chi’ flows. The painless procedure is known to stimulate energy points which could improve the chances of pregnancy in a woman.

It has been proven through tests that acupuncture makes significant changes in the central nervous system, in addition to regulating blood circulation and pressure. During the sessions, there is increased release of neurotransmitters, endorphins and hormones which help the body heal.

Thus it is understood that acupuncture increases the blood flow to reproductive organs, improves their functioning and also balances the hormone level in the body. The ovaries respond to acupuncture by showing stability in ovulation thus increasing the chances of pregnancy. In men, it increases the production of sperm, in addition to boosting virility. Acupuncturists claim that the therapy can increase egg production equaling the rate of drugs like Clomid, as it directly impacts the number of egg follicles available in the ovaries for fertilization.

Doctors who were baffled at the success of acupuncture have now found that the effects of acupuncture elicit response from endogenous opiod peptides present in the CNS, consequently increasing the secretion of beta endorphin hormone which is natural pain killer of the body. The neruropeptides are highly responsible of hormone gonadotropin which in turn regulates the menstrual cycle for women.

IVF and Acupuncture

Acupuncture increases the chances of pregnancy in women opting for In Vitro Fertilization. The chances of pregnancy are high for women who undergo acupuncture within a day of the embryo transfer through IVF. During the transfer, acupuncture relaxes the uterus which can prevent contractions that expels the IVF embryos. It also reduces the chances of miscarriage and brings down levels of FSH, thus increasing chances of healthy child birth. Moreover, acupuncture reduces the chances of ectopic pregnancies which are at high risk in IVF.

As Adjuvant and Complimentary Treatment

In absence of other medicines, acupuncture was administered on its own to heal various ailments. But later on, it was administered along with various herbs to get optimal benefits from the treatment. At present it is used along with medical treatment to cure fertility. Though acupuncture is effective in finding solution to functional problems like irregularity of ovulation, weakening of reproductive organs and lesser sperm count, it cannot heal the structural problem where there are blockages in ducts which may require surgery. Therefore, the best results can be got when doctors and acupuncturists work hand in hand for the betterment of their clients.