Infertility takes a physical and emotional toll on the couple trying to conceive. Some people may not be able to afford IVF or other western treatments. These treatments are often expensive and risky with nasty side effects.
Some couples experiencing infertility may turn to complementary or alternative treatments to help them conceive. One such treatment is acupuncture, which is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture involves the insertion of tiny sterile needles (do not worry, they barely hurt) into specific body parts (acupoints) to stimulate optimal body function.
Read on for more on acupuncture treatment for infertility offered at Centre of Balance Hamilton.
Here’s How Acupuncture for Infertility Works
The first thing you need to know is that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) restore organ function rather than replacing the body function. The treatment places emphasis on harmonising the body and restoring balance. The idea is to make you and your partner’s bodies as welcoming for a baby as possible.
Acupuncture treatment is based on several TCM theories that have been observed for thousands of years. They include:
- Theory of the Five Zhang Organs: This theory states that all organs in a person are connected. Acupuncture treatment targets acupoints that are directly related to the affected organ. For example, the Kidney 9, Liver 3, Ren 3/4, and Zi Gong acupoints are often targeted for fertility.
- Syndrome Differentiation: Imbalances in TCM are as a result of deficiencies or excesses in heat, cold, yin, or yang. Therefore, treatment aims to either nourish deficiencies or purge excesses.
- Blood and Qi (life energy) are Connected: According to TCM, blockages and disruptions in blood circulation flow or Qi energy cause infertility. Treatment attempts to restore harmony by removing these blockages. There are 14 major Qi pathways (meridians) that are accessible via over 2,000 acupuncture points on different parts of the body.
- Fertility Diet: The portion, temperature, and kind of food you eat has a very important role in Traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. You must care for your body and nourish it. Practitioners at Centre of Balance Hamilton, recommend eating seasonal vegetables and fruits – i.e., when they are fresh and not preserved from previous seasons.
Scientifically, acupuncture improves the chances of pregnancy by reducing stress, restoring hormonal balance, strengthening the immune system, and stimulating effective blood flow in the reproductive organs. Acupuncture has also been shown to improve ovulation and menstruation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome, which may cause infertility.
In addition to the benefits of restoring organ function, acupuncture for infertility treatment is safe with little-to-no side effects. Some patients may report slight skin irritation but it wears off quickly.
Practitioners at Centre of Balance Hamilton are experienced in treating fertility patients. All treatments plans are individualised to your unique needs after a comprehensive initial exam.
Call us today at 07 846 7956 or visit one of our clinics for more information on how we can help you conceive.
References
- Zhu, J., Arsovska, B., & Kozovska, K. (2018). Acupuncture treatment for fertility. Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences, 6(9), 1685.
- Jo, J., Lee, Y. J., & Lee, H. (2017). Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 96(23).