Acupuncture is a 3,000 year old practice of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to promote health and balance. It is an excellent addition to fertility treatment.
Studies have shown that acupuncture increases blood flow to the ovaries. This is important as stress has been found to disrupt a critical axis that affects reproductive health.
Acupuncture involves stimulating certain points of the body to balance the energy, or Qi, within the body and promote wellness. These points are found throughout the body but are most commonly placed on the head, ears, hands, lower legs and feet, and abdomen. During a fertility treatment, acupuncture points are specifically stimulated on the stomach and reproductive organs. Acupuncturists believe that these points help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, enhances blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and improves the quality of eggs and uterine lining. Acupuncture can also reduce stress and help optimize sperm health, making it easier to conceive a healthy baby.
During the initial consultation, your acupuncturist will take your pulse and inspect your tongue to identify any imbalances that may be impeding your fertility goals. The color, texture, creases and coating of your tongue tell the acupuncturist what parts of your body are out of balance and which acupuncture points need to be treated.
After your first appointment, your acupuncturist will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses any underlying issues that may be contributing to your fertility challenges. In addition to acupuncture, your acupuncturist may also recommend Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is composed of herbs that work synergistically together to treat specific symptoms and conditions. These herbs can be taken in the form of pills, granules, or tea.
In a recent study, researchers compared the results of actual acupuncture with sham acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). They found that real acupuncture increased live birth rates by 18.3 percent, while sham acupuncture did not. This shows the effectiveness of acupuncture in promoting a successful pregnancy, even in cases where a woman’s medical history is complex or she is undergoing IVF.
Acupuncture during a fertility treatment is safe and effective regardless of your medical history, but it is important to only receive treatments from an experienced fertility acupuncturist. If incorrect acupuncture points are used during a treatment, it can increase the risk of miscarriage. To ensure safety, Houston Fertility Center only recommends acupuncturists who are trained to address fertility issues.
Pre-Transfer Treatment
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce more of its own hormones. These can increase blood flow, thicken the endometrial lining and increase the likelihood of implantation. Acupuncture is also able to balance the nervous system and reduce stress. This is very important because the more stressed a woman is, the less likely she is to conceive.
Studies have shown that fertility acupuncture significantly increases conception rates. However, there is a lot of variability in the results of different acupuncturists and in the methodologies used by researchers. For this reason, it is important to find an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility issues.
The acupuncturist will ask you about your health history and your current treatment plan, including any fertility medications or treatments that you are taking. They will then check your pulse and do a thorough inspection of your tongue. Acupuncturists use the appearance of the tongue as a map for areas of imbalance in the body. Acupuncturists can identify a problem by looking at the color, texture and coating of the tongue and the way that it creases or is lined up.
During your acupuncture sessions, the acupuncturist will insert needles in various places depending on your unique situation. They may place needles below the knees, below the elbows, in the abdominal region, on top of the head and between the eyebrows. Acupuncture is relatively painless. In contrast, many IVF patients are required to inject themselves with Gonal-F or other fertility drugs, which have large needles that are fairly painful to receive.
Acupuncture before and after embryo transfer improves IVF pregnancy rates. One study compared 80 IVF patients who received fertility acupuncture with 80 IVF patients who did not. There was a 42.5 percent clinical pregnancy rate in the group that received fertility acupuncture prior to and after their ET. The researchers attributed the improvement in pregnancy rates to a number of factors, including the ability of acupuncture to help patients relax, which can increase their chances of success. Acupuncture can also improve the quality of the uterine lining, support follicular development and improve egg implantation outcomes.
Post-Transfer Treatment
Embryo implantation is dependent upon an optimal supply of blood to the uterus. Acupuncture can successfully increase blood flow to the uterus, improve endometrium lining quality, decrease uterine contractions and regulate the immune system in preparation for embryo implantation. Acupuncture also addresses male factor components improving semen count, sperm morphology and motility.
Studies show that acupuncture reduces stress levels during IVF treatment. It has also been shown to decrease cortisol levels, the body’s major stress hormone. The reduction of stress and anxiety in patients increases their chances for success during IVF treatment.
Another way that acupuncture can improve IVF treatment is through its regulating effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, impacting ovulation and fertility hormone production. Acupuncture has been shown to affect ovulation by stimulating the production of prolactin and increasing gonadotropin secretion. It also has a central stimulating effect, increasing the production of b-endorphins, influencing ovulation through a three-way interaction with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries (5).
Acupuncture treatments before and after IVF treatment have been shown to significantly increase clinical pregnancy rates compared to those who don’t receive acupuncture. Using the Paulus Protocol, a set of acupuncture points that is specific for IVF, a study found that patients who received acupuncture about a half hour before embryo transfer and a half hour after experienced a 42.5 percent clinical pregnancy rate, compared to 26.3 percent in those who didn’t receive acupuncture (6).
The acupoints used in the Paulus protocol include those that stimulate blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. Other acupoints are known to relax the muscles in the abdominal region, helping to reduce uterine cramping and bloating during IVF treatments. In addition, acupoints known as the immune modulator points (LI-4, SP-6 and ST-36) have been shown to trigger release of certain types of cytokines that can help prevent the immune system from blocking successful implantation (7). Acupuncture can be arranged at most fertility clinics, and many have acupuncturists on staff who are experienced in treating IVF patients. Alternatively, you can find an acupuncturist who is skilled in this type of treatment on your own.
Consultation
Acupuncture is used to help balance hormone levels, improve ovulation and increase the chances of conception. It is also used to treat problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids and an over-active or under-active thyroid.
A key part of fertility acupuncture is to focus on the underlying cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Acupuncturists will often recommend dietary or lifestyle changes and herbal medicine to support the treatment plan. They will use a variety of techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can contribute to infertility.
Many patients experience a range of emotions during their fertility journey, including anxiety and depression. Acupuncture can be a great way to address these issues and reduce the overall level of stress, as well as alleviate some of the other common side effects of fertility treatments such as morning sickness and back pain.
During fertility acupuncture sessions, the acupoints selected are chosen based on your specific health concerns and imbalances. The most commonly used points are on the Ren and Du meridians, which run along the front and back midline of the body respectively. They are known to regulate the flow of Qi, as well as increase blood supply to the ovaries and uterus, which in turn can boost ovulation rates and enhance implantation rates.
In addition to these traditional acupressure points, researchers have found that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can have a positive impact on hormonal regulation and fertility. Moreover, research has shown that acupuncture influences the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective fertility treatment that can be utilized in conjunction with conventional therapies such as IVF. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, fertility acupuncture can help balance hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, decrease stress, improve ovulation and implantation rates, and increase oocyte quality. However, it is important to seek out a practitioner who specializes in fertility acupuncture to ensure the best outcomes. UH Connor Whole Health’s board-certified fertility acupuncturist works side by side with fertility specialists to provide the most comprehensive care possible.
Acupuncture is a 3,000 year old practice of inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to promote health and balance. It is an excellent addition to fertility treatment.
Studies have shown that acupuncture increases blood flow to the ovaries. This is important as stress has been found to disrupt a critical axis that affects reproductive health.
Acupuncture involves stimulating certain points of the body to balance the energy, or Qi, within the body and promote wellness. These points are found throughout the body but are most commonly placed on the head, ears, hands, lower legs and feet, and abdomen. During a fertility treatment, acupuncture points are specifically stimulated on the stomach and reproductive organs. Acupuncturists believe that these points help regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle, enhances blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and improves the quality of eggs and uterine lining. Acupuncture can also reduce stress and help optimize sperm health, making it easier to conceive a healthy baby.
During the initial consultation, your acupuncturist will take your pulse and inspect your tongue to identify any imbalances that may be impeding your fertility goals. The color, texture, creases and coating of your tongue tell the acupuncturist what parts of your body are out of balance and which acupuncture points need to be treated.
After your first appointment, your acupuncturist will create a personalized treatment plan that addresses any underlying issues that may be contributing to your fertility challenges. In addition to acupuncture, your acupuncturist may also recommend Chinese herbal medicine. Herbal medicine is composed of herbs that work synergistically together to treat specific symptoms and conditions. These herbs can be taken in the form of pills, granules, or tea.
In a recent study, researchers compared the results of actual acupuncture with sham acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). They found that real acupuncture increased live birth rates by 18.3 percent, while sham acupuncture did not. This shows the effectiveness of acupuncture in promoting a successful pregnancy, even in cases where a woman’s medical history is complex or she is undergoing IVF.
Acupuncture during a fertility treatment is safe and effective regardless of your medical history, but it is important to only receive treatments from an experienced fertility acupuncturist. If incorrect acupuncture points are used during a treatment, it can increase the risk of miscarriage. To ensure safety, Houston Fertility Center only recommends acupuncturists who are trained to address fertility issues.
Pre-Transfer Treatment
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce more of its own hormones. These can increase blood flow, thicken the endometrial lining and increase the likelihood of implantation. Acupuncture is also able to balance the nervous system and reduce stress. This is very important because the more stressed a woman is, the less likely she is to conceive.
Studies have shown that fertility acupuncture significantly increases conception rates. However, there is a lot of variability in the results of different acupuncturists and in the methodologies used by researchers. For this reason, it is important to find an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility issues.
The acupuncturist will ask you about your health history and your current treatment plan, including any fertility medications or treatments that you are taking. They will then check your pulse and do a thorough inspection of your tongue. Acupuncturists use the appearance of the tongue as a map for areas of imbalance in the body. Acupuncturists can identify a problem by looking at the color, texture and coating of the tongue and the way that it creases or is lined up.
During your acupuncture sessions, the acupuncturist will insert needles in various places depending on your unique situation. They may place needles below the knees, below the elbows, in the abdominal region, on top of the head and between the eyebrows. Acupuncture is relatively painless. In contrast, many IVF patients are required to inject themselves with Gonal-F or other fertility drugs, which have large needles that are fairly painful to receive.
Acupuncture before and after embryo transfer improves IVF pregnancy rates. One study compared 80 IVF patients who received fertility acupuncture with 80 IVF patients who did not. There was a 42.5 percent clinical pregnancy rate in the group that received fertility acupuncture prior to and after their ET. The researchers attributed the improvement in pregnancy rates to a number of factors, including the ability of acupuncture to help patients relax, which can increase their chances of success. Acupuncture can also improve the quality of the uterine lining, support follicular development and improve egg implantation outcomes.
Post-Transfer Treatment
Embryo implantation is dependent upon an optimal supply of blood to the uterus. Acupuncture can successfully increase blood flow to the uterus, improve endometrium lining quality, decrease uterine contractions and regulate the immune system in preparation for embryo implantation. Acupuncture also addresses male factor components improving semen count, sperm morphology and motility.
Studies show that acupuncture reduces stress levels during IVF treatment. It has also been shown to decrease cortisol levels, the body’s major stress hormone. The reduction of stress and anxiety in patients increases their chances for success during IVF treatment.
Another way that acupuncture can improve IVF treatment is through its regulating effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, impacting ovulation and fertility hormone production. Acupuncture has been shown to affect ovulation by stimulating the production of prolactin and increasing gonadotropin secretion. It also has a central stimulating effect, increasing the production of b-endorphins, influencing ovulation through a three-way interaction with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and ovaries (5).
Acupuncture treatments before and after IVF treatment have been shown to significantly increase clinical pregnancy rates compared to those who don’t receive acupuncture. Using the Paulus Protocol, a set of acupuncture points that is specific for IVF, a study found that patients who received acupuncture about a half hour before embryo transfer and a half hour after experienced a 42.5 percent clinical pregnancy rate, compared to 26.3 percent in those who didn’t receive acupuncture (6).
The acupoints used in the Paulus protocol include those that stimulate blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. Other acupoints are known to relax the muscles in the abdominal region, helping to reduce uterine cramping and bloating during IVF treatments. In addition, acupoints known as the immune modulator points (LI-4, SP-6 and ST-36) have been shown to trigger release of certain types of cytokines that can help prevent the immune system from blocking successful implantation (7). Acupuncture can be arranged at most fertility clinics, and many have acupuncturists on staff who are experienced in treating IVF patients. Alternatively, you can find an acupuncturist who is skilled in this type of treatment on your own.
Consultation
Acupuncture is used to help balance hormone levels, improve ovulation and increase the chances of conception. It is also used to treat problems such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, uterine fibroids and an over-active or under-active thyroid.
A key part of fertility acupuncture is to focus on the underlying cause of the problem rather than just treating the symptoms. Acupuncturists will often recommend dietary or lifestyle changes and herbal medicine to support the treatment plan. They will use a variety of techniques to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which can contribute to infertility.
Many patients experience a range of emotions during their fertility journey, including anxiety and depression. Acupuncture can be a great way to address these issues and reduce the overall level of stress, as well as alleviate some of the other common side effects of fertility treatments such as morning sickness and back pain.
During fertility acupuncture sessions, the acupoints selected are chosen based on your specific health concerns and imbalances. The most commonly used points are on the Ren and Du meridians, which run along the front and back midline of the body respectively. They are known to regulate the flow of Qi, as well as increase blood supply to the ovaries and uterus, which in turn can boost ovulation rates and enhance implantation rates.
In addition to these traditional acupressure points, researchers have found that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain, which are natural feel-good chemicals that can have a positive impact on hormonal regulation and fertility. Moreover, research has shown that acupuncture influences the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a crucial role in regulating the menstrual cycle.
Acupuncture is a safe and effective fertility treatment that can be utilized in conjunction with conventional therapies such as IVF. When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, fertility acupuncture can help balance hormones, regulate the menstrual cycle, decrease stress, improve ovulation and implantation rates, and increase oocyte quality. However, it is important to seek out a practitioner who specializes in fertility acupuncture to ensure the best outcomes. UH Connor Whole Health’s board-certified fertility acupuncturist works side by side with fertility specialists to provide the most comprehensive care possible.