How does Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Help Fertility?

Because acupuncture and herbal medicine influence the endocrine, reproductive, immune, circulatory and nervous systems, a wide variety of complaints can be addressed. Even cases of “unexplained infertility” can be treated with the principles of Chinese Medicine. We work to vitalize all four phases of the menstrual cycle to increase the chances of a successful implantation.

While some are looking to enhance their fertility naturally, others are interested in enhancing the effects of their Western treatment.  Chinese Medicine is extremely helpful in either case.

Male Factor

It is estimated that up to a third of all infertility cases in couples is due to the male. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are helpful in improving sperm motility, morphology, and count. The spermatogenisis cycle (process in which sperm is made) is roughly 3 months.

Therefore, issues pertaining to male factor are best addressed in the 3 months before an active cycle.

Acupuncture used alone or in conjunction with herbs has been shown to:

• Increase blood flow to the uterus

• Improve ovarian function

• Regulate hormones

• Prevent uterine contraction

• Lessen side effects from drugs

• Regulate the immune system

• Decrease the chances of miscarriage

• Reduce physical and emotional stress.

• Improve Egg and Sperm Quality

The path to pregnancy can also take an emotional toll. Stress relief, emotional balancing and nervous system regulation are key to help you through the process and will be addressed during treatment.

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, we will be examine dietary and lifestyle modifications you may employ to maximize your fertility.

Preparing for your cycle:

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have the most influence over fertility when we see you in the 3 months leading up to your active cycle.

This is because the eggs are “brewing” in the ovary for a few months (3-6) before they are recruited for an active cycle. Bringing blood flow and nutrition to them during this time can help to improve their vitality. This is not to say that the DNA of the eggs can be altered. That is still up for debate. (With some promising evidence!) But, the vitality of the follicles as they develop and the ovary’s capacity to respond to medication can be positively influenced.

IVF

While prepping for an IVF cycle, we would typically see you twice per week in the 3 months leading up to your active cycle.  Sometimes herbal formulas are appropriate during this period.  We will be working to balance hormones, improve uterine blood flow and address constitutional deficiencies during this time. We will be working with acupuncture, food and/or herbs to give your body the nutritional building blocks it needs to respond well to your ART protocol.

During the active cycle, we will see you twice weekly while you are on your stimulating medications, and time treatments around the transfer as well.  Herbs are not recommended while you are on multiple stimulating medications.

After your transfer, we will typically see you for one follow up treatment before your pregnancy test.

IUI

When you are undergoing IUI’s, we will be working to promote all 4 phases of the cycle, very similarly to when you are doing natural cycles. Some people are doing “Natural” IUI’s (without medications) while other’s are including some kind of medication in their cycles.

Depending on your protocol, we will determine if acupuncture alone, or combined with herbs will be right for you.

Acupuncture treatment 1-2 times per week is recommended to encourage all 4 phases of the cycle. Some opt to include an extra session around the time of the IUI.

Donor Egg Transfer

If you will be using a donor egg during your IVF protocol, there is less emphasis placed on ovarian response, of course. Instead, we are looking to balance hormones, improve circulation and prepare the uterus for implantation, as well as balance the constitution and regulate the nervous system.

We work weekly for 1-3 months beforehand, depending on your case and see you twice weekly in the few weeks leading up to transfer. There is one follow up treatment between the transfer and the pregnancy test.

A positive pregnancy test is just the first step on the path to parenthood. Our goal here at Ren Wellness is to see you through a healthy pregnancy to delivery.  We offer support during all phases of pregnancy to deal with the many discomforts and issues that may arise.  During this time when many are trying to steer clear of medications, acupuncture offers a safe and effective alternative for symptomatic relief.  We also work in the weeks leading up to delivery to prepare you for a healthy and efficient labor.

Acupressure for Labor

Acupressure can be a very useful tool in the weeks leading up to delivery and during labor as well.  Debra Betts, an expert in the field of acupuncture during pregnancy and labor, offers an acupressure guide that is available for download.

To access the booklet, click HERE

Common conditions that we treat during pregnancy:

• Nausea

• Threatened Miscarriage

• Heartburn

• Headaches

• Back Pain

• Rib Pain

• Hip Pain

• Constipation

• Swelling

• Breech Presentation

• Labor Preparation

• Labor Induction

• Anxiety

• Postpartum Care