Acupuncture and Infertility

Many individuals undergoing infertility treatments turn to Integrative Medicine to support their efforts. In recent years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular among infertility patients.

 

Acupuncture has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 2,500 years. The theory behind this treatment is that our bodies contain energy, or qi. Illness and stress can affect the balance and flow of this energy through the channels (meridians) in our bodies.

 

Acupuncturists place needles about the thickness of a strand of hair, through the skin near "acupoints." The needles improve the balance and flow of energy in those centers.

 

Decreased stress, pain relief and improved function in the body are the results.

 

It has been found that certain acupoints may enhance blood flow to the uterus. This may help thicken the lining. It may also help with implantation. The treatment may increase blood flow to the ovaries as well. This may improve the quality of the eggs produced. There have been other studies that have had similar results.

 

Some patients feel the use of these treatments along with the treatments their doctors suggest can be of great value.

 

 

In addition to acupuncture, there are many other practices that may help individuals manage stress, relax and improve their well being while they are undergoing fertility treatments, including: