Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs for Infertility
In recent years the number of women seeking acupuncture to help with fertility issues is increasing at a substantial pace. This may be indicative of a growing awareness that acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine are very effective in helping women conceive, and that they significantly raise the chances of positive results both in women who want to get pregnant naturally and for women using assisted reproductive technology. The number of women wanting to get pregnant in their mid-thirties to mid-forties is also on the rise. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may be used as the primary intervention or as an important adjunct to other methods such as IUI or IVF.
What causes infertility?
Infertility may be stemming from many different causes such as: low level of certain hormones or imbalances in the hormonal activity, amenorrhea or an irregular menstrual cycle, ovarian cysts or PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, fibroids, low egg reserve, poor egg quality, or a combination of these issues. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can also affect a woman’s ability to conceive, but for many women infertility is from no known cause.
There is an underlying energetic process that drives all physiological processes in the body, including reproductive physiology. Acupuncture at its core is energy medicine and is very effective in regulating and harmonizing the body’s energetics to bring it to a place of balance, creating an internal environment more conducive to a woman becoming pregnant.
How to treat infertility
Herbal formulas and supplements are usually prescribed if you are trying for a natural pregnancy, as well as for any known causes of infertility. At our clinic at Acupuncture Atlanta, and online at www.acuatlanta.net, we carry a full line of high quality herbal formulas and supplements which easily meet or exceed established good manufacturing practices. If you are doing IUI/IVF we keep herbs or other supplements to a minimum. Most reproductive endocrinologists will prescribe various supplements they would like you to take.
The treatment plans are very individualized for the set of issues a woman presents with. Typically, you would come for treatment once a week, but two or more treatments may be needed in certain weeks depending on your menstrual cycle or IUI/IVF cycle. While some women get pregnant sooner, we ask that you allow 6 months to year of regular weekly treatments for a natural pregnancy. If you are preparing for an IUI or IVF we like to start seeing you two to three months prior to the retrieval procedure. If you are starting acupuncture later in your IUI/IVF cycle we may ask you to come twice a week or more as needed.
Acupuncture for pregnancy
Regular acupuncture helps a woman manage various issues such as morning sickness, anxiety, aches and pains, digestive and urinary irregularity, headaches, or restless sleep during pregnancy. It is also used very effectively to prevent a miscarriage and help maintain blood pressure and blood sugar at normal levels during your pregnancy. Acupuncture can be done through out pregnancy and is also used for promoting a healthy labor and delivery. You may also use acupuncture postpartum to regulate lactation and ensure quick and full recovery after childbirth.
Book Appointment
If you would like to schedule an appointment please schedule here: First Visit. You may also give us a call at 404-233-5080 ext 106, and speak to a qualified healthcare professional to determine which approach is best for your individual needs.
