Acupuncture and Treating Infertility

It may seem like fertility treatment is a by-product of our modern, technologically advanced world. The very frontiers of high-tech science are pushed by the challenges of fertility treatment: hormones injections and IVF. And as wonderful as the advances are in helping couples to achieve their dream, the success rate is far from perfect, leaving many turning back to much older technology – the ancient Chinese art of Acupuncture.

Acupuncture is gaining acceptance as a complementary therapy to other fertility treatments, where it has proven to be especially beneficial. Studies have shown that acupuncture definitely increases the rate of pregnancy in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

A well-known German study done in 2002 followed 160 women who underwent IVF, 80 of them received acupuncture as well and 34 of those women got pregnant: a success rate of 42.5%. Of the other 80 women, those who received IVF without any acupuncture treatments, only 21 women (26.3%) became pregnant.

Another study, American, of 114 women showed that 51% of the women who had acupuncture and IVF treatments became pregnant compared to 36% of women who had IVF alone. Further analysis of the data revealed a much lower rate of miscarriage for the women who had acupuncture as well as IVF.

No one can agree on how or why this therapy works. The traditional Chinese practitioner’s explanation involves concepts such as ‘Qi’, imbalance and a restoration of harmony to the body, but according to Western medicine, the explanation is more likely to lie in brain chemistry.

However, a slightly more Western way of looking at the effects points less to the mystical Qi and more towards the solid science of brain chemistry. It has been noted that acupuncture increases production of endorphins, the body's natural "feel good" brain chemical that also plays a role in regulating the menstrual cycle, egg production and possibly ovulation.

It has also been found that acupuncture treatment for infertility increases blood supply and flow to the reproductive organs, leading to speculation about increased egg follicles and elevated hormone levels around the ovaries.

It is also possible that acupuncture could help when the lining of the uterus is too weak to maintain a pregnancy - a problem associated with miscarriage. Increased blood flow may lead to a stronger lining in the uterus better able to sustain an implanted embryo.

Unfortunately, acupuncture will not help everyone. Good candidates have functional rather than structural reasons for infertility. Where there is a structural problem - such as a blocked fallopian tube or a fibroid tumour - acupuncture is not likely to help. And, past a certain age, acupuncture has little chance of being effective.

If you are looking at acupuncture as a first or complementary treatment, make sure you find a respected practitioner, preferably one known to and in contact with your fertility doctor. Be aware that treatments can vary dramatically in length and method, as can the costs. And be sure to check that you are covered for acupuncture by examining your insurance policy carefully.

Michael Russell

Infertility Treatment - Acupuncture Can Work Wonders If You Show Faith

Acupuncture is actually a Chinese infertility medicine or some also say it Chinese acupuncture medicine that involves nonstop pains from pricking of needles. However, the perception made on acupuncture for its "not-so-effective" and painful nature is not correct, as it offers absolute relaxation and even cures from unexplained infertility.

Acupuncture seeks its origin from China, and is based on the belief of Chinese people and their methods. The Chinese people immensely believe in energy concept and its relation with body, and assume a balanced flow of energy all through the body to remain healthy. They also believe that any obstacle in the flow of that energy leads to inflammations, and it consequently paves way to ruthless pains and numerous types of diseases in the body.

It's believed that energy stream through the meridian points, thus acupuncture puts in needles in diverse parts of the body for smooth flow of energy. Inserting needles this way unblocks the energy points, and offers comfort from particular type of disease.

The infertility treatment of this nature tends to give different results for individuals and depends from person to person. For not being the natural fertility remedy, people have some misconceptions for infertility acupuncture. It is always suggested to know the right acupuncture fertility treatment and ways of acupuncture pregnancy by visiting an acupuncture clinic.

To solve infertility problem of any nature, like male infertility, female infertility or even unexplained infertility, you should visit the doctor for having the acupuncture method meant to treat you in the best possible way. Acupuncture can give you relief from all your problems like low sperm count, bad quality egg, miscarriage et al. Acupuncture brings fine results for those who have tried lots of infertility drugs with no any effective results. The therapy also goes down well with those not willing to be treated by infertility specialists at high-end cost.

Auricular, electrified or manual treatments are there in acupuncture for infertility treatment. Electrified uses electric needles while the auricular treatment makes use of needles' pricking in the ears and earlobes for female infertility. One of the herbal medicines from China, Hachimijiogan also works wonder as an acupuncture infertility treatment. The herb lessens serum prolactin level and leads to normal ovulatory cycle and pregnancy.

Overall, acupuncture infertility is a secure, simple, trustworthy and unproblematic method with almost no pains that also assures fast relief from infertility. The remedy involves the same inserting of needles in the eyebrows, earlobes, ears, eyelids and tips of the fingers. After the treatment, a relaxation period for 30 to 45 minutes follows, and such 3-4 regular sessions do wonder to your infertility problem.

Smit Mathur