Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of physical and mental ailments. But did you know that it can also be used to help with fertility issues? Recent studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment for infertility, and can even improve the success rates of IVF treatments. Let’s take a closer look.
How Acupuncture Works for Fertility
Acupuncture works by stimulating certain points in the body to promote balance in the reproductive system. The tiny needles are often placed near the ovaries or uterus, which helps to encourage blood flow and energy flow around those areas. This helps to clear up any blockages or stagnation in the reproductive system which could be preventing conception from occurring. In particular, studies have found that acupuncture may increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which helps optimize hormone balance and egg quality.
Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions related to irregular menstrual cycles, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and unexplained infertility. Additionally, many practitioners recommend combining acupuncture sessions with lifestyle changes such as diet modifications and exercise routines for maximum effectiveness.
Acupuncture is also helpful for reducing stress levels, which can be a major factor when it comes to fertility issues. Stress hormones can interfere with hormone levels and make it harder to get pregnant. By using acupuncture techniques such as deep breathing and guided meditation, pregnant women can reduce their stress levels and increase their chances of conceiving naturally.
Acupuncture & IVF Treatments
In addition to helping with natural conception, acupuncture can also be used alongside other medical interventions such as IVF treatments. Studies have shown that couples who use acupuncture treatments alongside IVF have higher success rates than those who do not receive any complementary therapies. This is because acupuncture helps prepare the body physically and emotionally for conception, improving egg quality and increasing implantation rates significantly. For example, one study found that women receiving weekly pre-embryo transfer (IVF) acupuncture treatments had 42 percent higher live birth rates than those who did not receive any complementary therapies at all!
For couples struggling with infertility, there are many treatment options available today—including traditional medical interventions like IVF as well as complementary therapies like acupuncture. While there is no guarantee that any one method will work for every person’s individual case, research suggests that couples who use both conventional medicine and complementary therapies have higher success rates than those who rely only on traditional methods. If you’re considering trying out acupuncture for your fertility issues, talking to an experienced acupuncturist may help you find the right balance between modern medicine and alternative remedies so you can find the best path forward.