ACUPUNCTURE AND FERTILITY

Infertility affects 10-15% of all couples in the United States.
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to enhance
both female and male fertility. Acupuncture benefits vital organ
function, tonifies the kidney energy where reproductive function
arises and nourishes the deeper essence to help the body
conceive.

Often herbs can be utilized to correct imbalances arising from
trauma, toxicity, genetics or illness. Modern research has
confirmed acupuncture’s benefits in the following:

• regulates the menstrual cycle
• stimulates ovulation
• increases a man’s sperm count and viability
• balances the endocrine system
• increases blood flow in the uterus
• enhances the immune system
• corrects hormonal imbalances

ACUPUNCTURE ENHANCES THE EFFECTIVENESS OF IVF

Since acupuncture can increase the uterine blood flow, it
encourages the lining of the uterus to be more receptive to an
embryo.  A German research study published in Fertility and
Sterility, April 2002 reported that acupuncture increased the
success rates of in-vitro fertilization by nearly 50%.
Acupuncture can lead to fewer cycles and a shorter wait as well
as minimize any toxicity from drug treatments.

ACUPUNCTURE AND PREGNANCY

It has been shown that acupuncture can benefit both the health
of the baby and mother, by preventing complications and
positively influencing the development of the baby. Certain
fetus organs develop at critical times during the pregnancy.  
Acupuncture can enhance the completion of such development.
It can decrease any maternal toxins resulting in fewer fevers,
illnesses and skin problems.  

Recent studies show acupuncture’s success in reducing
morning sickness, vomiting, fatigue migraines and bleeding in
the first trimester. Heartburn, hemorrhoids, stress and edema
can be reduced in the second trimester. Third trimester benefits
include relief from sciatica, backache, and joint pain. In the last
four to six weeks, the treatments optimize labor conditions.  
Acupuncture can naturally induce labor as long as the woman is
in the 39th week of pregnancy.  

Specific points are known to assist dilation of the cervix, relax
the muscles of the uterus and facilitate the progression of  
labor.  Using acupuncture to stimulate labor has an immediate
effect, with a success rate of 85% of women going into labor
within the following 26 hours of a treatment.  Acupuncture
during childbirth can assist with pain relief, ease back labor
pains and boost energy levels.  

ACUPUNCTURE AND POSTPARTUM

The postpartum time for a woman is a significant time for her
to receive acupuncture. It can be used to prevent depression
and anxiety, along with regulating the menstrual cycle,
restoring the mother’s energy levels and increasing the milk
supply.  Acupuncture can alleviate a prolapsed uterus resulting
from the birth process or help heal a cesarean section. Herbs
are extremely useful for women during the postpartum time.

Fertility & Pregnancy