INFERTILITY

Scientific studies have shown that acupuncture and Chinese medicine affect fertility in the following ways:

  • Improve ovarian function yielding higher quality eggs
  • Regulate hormones for increased production of follicles
  • Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining
  • Prevent uterine contraction post IVF embryo transfer
  • Reduce the side-effects of IVF medications
  • Improve sperm count, motility, morphology and reduce sperm DNA fragmentation
  • Increase chance of conceiving
  • Decrease chance of miscarriage
  • Relax and de-stress

At Family Acupuncture & Herbs, we provide services to three groups of patients who seek fertility treatments.

  1. Those seeking to enhance the effectiveness of their ART, IVF, and IUI treatments. Several studies published in western medical journals within the last few years have demonstrated that acupuncture can increase the success rate of IVF treatments significantly. Given the high financial and emotional costs associated with these treatments, many patients come to us seeking to maximize their chances. For these patients we are happy to work with their western fertility team and to design a treatment plan customized to suit their western treatment schedule. For patients who are currently undergoing cycles of fertility drugs, we choose to only treat with acupuncture to prevent any potential interactions between the western and herbal medicines.
  2. Those wishing to enhance their fertility without the use of western treatment. Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal medicine have been effectively used in this way for more than two millennia. Modern scientific research into the detailed inner-workings of the reproductive cycle and the pivotal role of the endocrine system, as well as a new understanding for the specific effects that TCM treatments have on these systems have greatly increased the modern TCM practitioner's ability to enhance their patients' fertility using only these natural interventions.
  3. Those who have been told that there are no other options. Many patients are drawn to Chinese medical treatments for fertility after hearing stories of its success that seem almost miraculous. Certainly not everyone who undergoes treatment will have success. Yet by using a truly holistic approach of treating the whole person (and in many cases, the whole couple) and employing strategies to gradually change the delicate environment where conception and gestation occur, Chinese medicine is often able to yield successful results for couples who have failed with other methods. At Family Acupuncture & Herbs we use a special treatment protocol for couples who have failed with IUI and IVF that employs acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications.

We find that all three of these types of patients benefit greatly by taking time to prepare the woman's body prior to attempting conception. By addressing the pattern of imbalance indicated by a Chinese medical diagnosis, complaints such as irregular and painful periods, PMS, and endometriosis often improve dramatically. These reductions in symptoms are often accompanied by noticeable changes in the quality of the period itself, quantifiable changes in hormonal levels, and improvements in the quantity and quality of viable eggs harvested during IVF.  Our patients regularly report significantly reduced levels of anxiety and stress, and enhanced feelings of overall well-being.

We are always happy to schedule a free consultation for those couples with questions about how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can enhance their fertility.

Prenatal Acupuncture and Labor Induction

Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and has been shown to be extremely effective in the treatment of pregnancy-related symptoms including:

  • Morning Sickness
  • Anxiety
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Sciatica
  • Breech Baby
  • Emotional Changes
  • Constipation
  • Back Pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Minor Leg Swelling

Acupuncture also can be an effective method for inducing labor in a woman who is nearing or past her due date. The treatment provides greater body relaxation, allowing for progression of effacement and dilation. Specific points in the ears and shoulders are used to also stimulate the uterus and encourage a downward movement of energy. Most women will feel increased fetal activity during the treatment and may even experience contractions. Typically, labor can start 12-72 hours after treatment. If a woman knows ahead of time that her doctors will want to induce her by a certain date, she may consider acupuncture as much as a week in advance to allow time for the treatment to take effect or for follow-up treatment if necessary.

Fertility Massage

Unfortunately, one in six couples has difficulty conceiving; for most couples this is a deeply stressful and emotional situation. Many studies have demonstrated that anxiety and stress can hinder fertilization. Thus a vicious cycle begins. A relaxing massage that melts muscles and allows time for simply being and breathing can help break this cycle.

Deep and specific abdominal and low-back work is one of the only ways to increase circulation to the uterus and ovaries. Increased circulation can help rid the area of toxins and wastes while also improving the quality of the uterine lining. Because the ovaries recieve all their nutrition, oxygen, and hormonal signals via the blood, improved circulation can also affect the quality of follicles and eggs.

These specialized abdominal massage techniques can help treat fibroids, endometriosis, scar tissue and adhesions, all of which are known impediments to fertility.