Acupuncture and Fertility

The popularity of using acupuncture to treat infertility is growing in the west, particularly as scientific studies demonstrate it's efficacy. Recent scientific studies support the utilization of acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine for infertility and other reproductive disorders (PCOS, menopause). This growing body of evidence demonstrates that Professional Chinese Medicine can improve fertility rates by enhancing physiological processes related to the menstrual cycle.

"The following three therapies have contributed to healthy pregnancies:

INCREASED BLOOD FLOW.Acupuncture: Certain acupuncture techniques are known to improve blood flow to the ovaries. Better circulation to any organ improves its function and this is especially true of the ovaries.

BETTER NOURISHMENT.Nutrition: Dietary supplements like wheat-grass, blue-green algae and royal jelly are know to affect the state of follicular health. Avoiding sugar, refined carbs and coffee also help.

HORMONAL BALANCING USING HERBHeHHS.Herbal Medicines Properly-prescribed herbal formulas which address underlying patterns of imbalance can restore natural, balanced hormonal function. " Randine Lewis, The Fertile Soul.

AAcupuncture may help:

• Acupuncture may: Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs by improving ovarian function
  
  
• Regulate hormones to produce a larger number of follicles
  
  
• Regulate the menstrual cycle, blood flow circulation
  
  
• Relax the patient and decrease stress
  
  
• Lessen the side effects of drugs used in IVF
  
  
• Improve semen quality and number of normal sperm
  

Gynecology and Chinese Medicine

Gynecology in Chinese Medicine has always emphasized the need for women to take extra care of themselves during their menstrual cycle. The reason for this is that the uterus is open and discharging blood. A very famous Qing dynasty text states, “When the period arrives…it is important to avoid cold and damp…During the period, the lower body is open…too much cooling foods and environments can lead to infertility…”

The main etiologies discussed in this text for gynecological disorders and infertility are: exterior pathogenic factors like exposure to environmental cold (not as common in the USA) and dampness (very common in the USA), emotional stressors like grief, excessive thought and worry, explosive anger (unfulfilled desires) and fear and fright, dietary deficiencies include the consumption of too much cold and raw foods (salads and fruits) and greasy, fried foods or very unregulated and erratic eating, excessive exercise (prolonged and too draining to the system) and overwork (could be physical or overthinking) and modern texts add to this list the effects of surgery (scar tissue) and long term birth control use.

Of all of these factors, Chinese Medicine puts emphasis on the effects of emotional stress in gynecology. Because of this, Chinese medical practitioners who specialize in gynecology recommend what Bob Flaws, a famous Chinese Medical practitioner , states as The Three Free Therapies. Good diet, plenty of physical exercise (more restorative forms, like yoga and tai chi) and daily deep relaxation. (20 minutes a day of deep breathing)

Good diet is a very generic phrase. However, this diet emphasizes warm and cooked foods that are high in protein and greens. Avoiding raw and cold foods especially during the period.

Restorative exercise is low intensity to help move the circulation and qi (chi) of the body, while ridding excess damp and strengthening the GI system.

Daily deep relaxation quiets the mind and soothes the heart while it moves blood and qi throughout the system.