Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles into specific points on the body. These points reside on channels called meridians which run throughout the exterior and interior of your body.
Studies on acupuncture during IVF have shown that it might increase implantation and pregnancy rates. But more double-blind RCTs with larger samples and better methodology are needed. Visit Website to learn more.
For females, fertility acupuncture helps balance reproductive hormones and increase blood flow to the uterus. In fact, a few studies show that acupuncture significantly increases the thickness of the endometrial lining (the uterus’s inner layer that receives and nourishes an embryo), a crucial first step in pregnancy. These benefits are achieved by stimulating specific acupuncture points that increase the secretion of neurotransmitters, which regulate the body’s internal chemical signals.
Acupuncture has also been shown to increase the number of healthy sperm and improve their motility, count and vitality. In addition, acupuncture can help reduce the side effects of fertility treatments and other medications.
A growing body of evidence suggests that acupuncture can greatly improve IVF conception rates, particularly when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan with individualized herbal and nutritional guidance. Some studies have even compared the outcomes of patients receiving real acupuncture to those who received sham needles and found that real acupuncture produces superior results.
Research has shown that acupuncture can enhance the effectiveness of IVF cycles by increasing ovarian function and improving uterine blood flow, as well as reducing stress levels. Acupuncture can also help prevent ovulation disorders and uterine fibroids. It can also help treat male infertility issues by regulating testosterone and other essential reproductive hormones, enhancing sperm quality and motility, and improving semen analysis.
Studies have also indicated that acupuncture can enhance the effectiveness of the IVF process by increasing embryo implantation rates. Embryo implantation is dependent on several factors, including a good supply of blood to the uterus just prior to egg retrieval. One study that compared real to sham acupuncture showed that the women who received real acupuncture experienced higher clinical pregnancy rates, although it is important to note that only 2 real acupuncture treatments were performed before and after egg transfer.
Acupuncture works to restore the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), which ancient Chinese medicine says must flow unobstructed from head to toe 24/7 in order for the body to thrive. When this energy is blocked or depleted, illness and dysfunction occur. Acupuncture stimulates and moves Qi, which has a powerful calming effect that reduces stress levels, and promotes restorative sleep.
Acupuncture for Men
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for men struggling with fertility issues. Studies have shown that acupuncture enhances sperm count and quality, helps with anemia, and improves embryo implantation rates. It also reduces stress and anxiety levels, which can have a negative impact on fertility. Additionally, acupuncture reduces the side effects of many medications used in fertility treatments, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), high FSH levels and irregular periods.
Acupuncturists use regular acupuncture points throughout the body to increase blood flow, regulate hormones and other bodily functions, and keep the testicles healthy. The testicles produce and release sperm, so they need enough blood to nourish them properly. In one study, a group of men who had low sperm counts received acupuncture twice a week over an eight-week period. This group showed a 61% improvement in sperm concentration and motility, making it easier for them to fertilise eggs.
Another problem that can affect male fertility is a low testosterone level. Acupuncture can help regulate testosterone levels, which may improve fertility. It can also decrease erectile dysfunction, low libido, and premature ejaculation.
Several studies have found that acupuncture can improve prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Acupuncture can also treat underlying health problems that can interfere with fertility, such as high cholesterol and acid reflux.
A small 2005 study compared the results of a group that received acupuncture and moxibustion twice a week to a control group. The acupuncture group showed a significant improvement in semen analysis, including an increase of normal-form sperm.
It is important to remember that acupuncture doesn’t fix infertility right away, but it can be an excellent complementary treatment for fertility and overall wellness. Acupuncture can also be used to relieve common male health issues, such as bloating, indigestion, and urinary tract infections. It can even improve urination in cases of prostate conditions. Men who struggle with fertility issues should speak with their doctor about acupuncture as it can greatly improve their chances of success in their IVF or IUI cycle. Men should also be aware that a consistent treatment regimen is necessary for successful results.
Acupuncture for Women
In many cases, acupuncture can be used alongside fertility treatment. However, it is important to make sure your reproductive endocrinologist is aware of your acupuncture plan. It is also a good idea to let your acupuncturist know what medications you are taking, including herbs (it’s important that you discuss this with your reproductive endocrinologist). If possible, try to stick with the same herbs throughout the course of your treatments.
Acupuncture works on the principle that blocked energy flow leads to imbalance along zones of the body known as meridians. To address this, a trained acupuncturist inserts needles into specific acupressure points on the body. The sensations evoked by the needles are believed to stimulate the release of natural substances that promote healthy functioning. For example, Western researchers have found that the insertion of acupuncture needles causes a release of B-endorphin and serotonin. This assists function of the sympathetic nervous system throughout the body and helps relieve blockages in energy flow.
Many women struggling with fertility problems have multiple health issues that need to be addressed simultaneously. Acupuncture can help relieve these issues and improve a woman’s overall quality of life. It can also enhance the effects of the many different fertility treatments that are available.
For example, studies show that women who undergo acupuncture before in vitro fertilization have higher success rates than those who do not. This is likely due to the fact that acupuncture reduces stress, which is a common cause of infertility in women.
Acupuncture can also increase a woman’s chances of conceiving by improving her uterine blood flow and regulating her hormones. This is because a recent major review of research concluded that acupuncture positively alters how the reproductive hormones are secreted. This, in turn, can increase the effectiveness of ovarian stimulation medication and help produce healthier eggs during assisted fertility treatments. Moreover, acupuncture is known to increase blood flow to the ovaries and the uterus by relaxing the walls of the blood vessels. This is thought to aid in the production of follicles that can produce healthy eggs and prevent ovulation complications like polycystic ovary syndrome.
Acupuncture for Infertility
Acupuncture is an important component of fertility treatment, balancing the nervous system to promote relaxation and improving blood flow. Studies have shown that acupuncture can help reduce stress, increase the quality of eggs and sperm, and improve the chances of conception. It also can help alleviate side effects of fertility treatments.
Acupunture can treat many of the conditions that cause infertility, such as PCOS, hypothyroidism, and ovulation issues. It can also help relieve the side effects of fertility drugs, such as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Studies have shown that acupuncture can increase the number and size of follicles, enhance uterine lining thickness, and improve pregnancy outcomes with assisted reproductive technologies.
Some studies have also found that acupuncture improves the quality of eggs, reducing their tendency to miscarry. It can also improve sperm motility and morphology.
It is not clear how acupuncture works, but it is believed that it stimulates the central nervous system to release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These changes are thought to alter hormone production, promoting better health and fertility.
Acupuncture can help improve your chance of conceiving through in vitro fertilization (IVF) by calming the nerves, boosting the immune system, and enhancing blood flow to the ovaries. It can also help with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), which is often caused by high levels of stimulation hormones from the fertility doctor.
In a recent randomised controlled trial, women who received acupuncture before and during IVF had more mature eggs than those who received sham acupuncture. The researchers attribute this to a greater increase in blood flow to the ovaries, which allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the eggs.
Acupuncture can also help reduce anxiety at the time of embryo transfer. This can help you feel more comfortable during the procedure, allowing you to relax and be more open to a positive outcome. Before your acupuncture treatment, talk to your doctor about the medications and supplements you are taking, as some can interact with acupuncture. Your acupuncturist can guide you on potential interactions and adjust your treatment accordingly.