Do acupuncture and fertility really go hand in hand? Unfortunately, many women deal with fertility issues when deciding they are ready to get pregnant. Infertility can bring on anguish and a sense of loss. Upon discovering fertility issues, or simply not getting pregnant after a few tries, women frequently run to the doctor’s office in order to try to do everything possible to get pregnant sooner. They may turn to conventional treatments, IVF, surgeries and more, but every single one of these can be stressful which does not help the situation.
Nowadays, many women cannot even afford the available treatments to get pregnant. Insurance usually does not cover the treatments either. Those who do have the funds, go through the treatments and while many times they work, it can be a lengthy and trying experience causing a lot of added stress. Women end up feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel.
The Benefits of Acupuncture and Fertility
Slowly, alternative and holistic treatments have been gaining a greater appeal among the general public such as considering acupuncture for fertility. This is one of the treatments used in Chinese Medicine. This method has been used for thousands of years and has grown greatly over the years. Acupuncture is valued for its stress relieving and relaxing benefits, as well as being a great component for fertility treatments. Used in combination with Western Medicine it is shown to increase the chances of pregnancy by 26%.
A woman’s body has a delicate balance between the hypothalamus, pituitary and reproductive glands. Any stress can and will disrupt this balance which can prevent her from ovulating altogether. Stress can cause spasms in the fallopian tubes and uterus which can interfere with the movement and implantation of the fertilized egg. Acupuncture helps improve the ovarian and follicular functions which are affected by the imbalance.
Hormone balance is not the only thing that is disrupted by the additional cortisol created by stress. The most common issue women face is they are not ovulating properly. Ovulation is where the mature egg is released, but unfortunately for many, it does not take place. With this hormonal imbalance and not enough progesterone to release a mature egg, the egg is unable to become fertilized and implant itself in the uterus.
Acupuncture for fertility reduces the stress which can increase the chances of conceiving. This is true for both women and men as cortisol is released in the brain which alters its neurochemical balance. Cortisol disrupts the balance of hormones which is a significant factor in the reproductive cycle.
Acupuncture also increases the blood flow to the reproductive organs and balances the endocrine system according to several studies and medical research. The goal of infertility treatment from a Chinese Medicine perspective is not just to get pregnant, but to stay pregnant and have a healthy baby. This increased blood flow (among other benefits) to the uterus and ovaries creates a stronger chance that an egg will be carried and nourished to term.
How is Acupuncture for Fertility Done
Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion of and stimulation of thin, disposable sterile needles at points near the surface of the body. There are over 2,000 points and 14 major pathways. Chinese Medicine practitioners believe that the major pathways conduct Qi or energy between the surface of the body and internal organs. The Qi is what regulates mental, spiritual, emotional and physical balance within the body. Qi flow can become disrupted through poor health and/or habits. Acupuncture unblocks the channels through which the QI travels keeping the pathways cleared and increasing the chances of a woman conceiving. This blood flow goes to the endometrium helping facilitate a thick, rich lining.
Acupuncture for fertility can also aid in the thyroid function. If it is under functioning or over functioning, this can cause infertility. Acupuncture helps normalize the function of the thyroid and aids in conception. Although acupuncture for fertility is amazing, it cannot help certain fertility issues such as Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Endometriosis.
Acupuncture for fertility produces very few or no side effects while performing the same functions as conventional drugs. It is also generally safe for anyone, regardless of their medical history. Acupuncture stimulates the hypothalamus and effectively balances the endocrine system and hormones, as well as gets to the root cause of why there is an issue conceiving.
Acupuncture and fertility go hand in hand and is a great alternative for women who need help in getting pregnant. Not only does it get to the root cause for each individual, but it is not adding extra synthetic hormones or chemicals into the body like conventional medicine. It’s a great choice for those wanting to conceive and is also shown to prevent the chances of miscarriage when done weekly or bi-weekly throughout the first 12 weeks. Acupuncture is a must try as there is absolutely nothing to lose!
WANT TO READ MORE?
Check out this article on 10 TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING YOUR FERTILITY.
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Sources: How Does Acupuncture for Fertility Work? Increase Chance of Conception without Side Effects
