Ohio Natural Fertility Center

How can acupuncture help infertility?

• Acupuncture can help regulate menses, making it easier to predict when ovulation will occur.
• Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help regulate the flow of energy throughout the body and increase blood circulation. When blood circulation is increased to the uterus, the thickness of the endometrial lining is increased increasing the chance of implantation.
• For men, acupuncture can increase sperm count, improve sperm mobility, and increase the amount of sperm within a single ejaculation.
• In addition, acupuncture can help relieve stress; a study done by the University of California Los Angeles showed that acupuncture greatly reduced increased blood pressure brought on by stressful situations. (http://www.cewm.med.ucla.edu/sources/R1462.pdf) Also, a study done by the University of California San Diego concluded that high stress can impair a woman’s fertility by upwards of 93%.

What if you are already using ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology such as, IUI, IVF, donor egg, etc), how can acupuncture help?

• Acupuncture can help improve the success rate of IVF treatments. A study done by Ph.D. researchers in Germany concluded that use of acupuncture while undergoing ART treatments significantly increased the likelihood of successful pregnancy. The results of the study showed that clinical pregnancies were documented in 34 of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group, whereas pregnancy rate was only 26.3% (21 out of 80 patients) in the control group. (http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282%2801%2903273-3/abstract)
• Help regulate hormones while reducing the side effects of hormone treatments.
• Acupuncture can also help increase the ovarian response and function, therefore increasing the number of follicles and quality of eggs produced.
• May help decrease the change of miscarriage and increase the rate of live birth.

When should I begin and stop acupuncture treatments?

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• Acupuncture is a process oriented method of intervention, and it is better to do more than less.
• Acupuncture may be started at any time before receiving IUI or IVF treatments to prepare and balance the patient’s energy flow. However, acupuncture should begin at least three to four months before an insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer.
• A study done by Department of Obstetrics from the University of Gothenburg suggests that women receive acupuncture treatments pre and post embryo transfer.
• Clinical observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions.
• Statistically most miscarriages occur within the first three months of pregnancy; therefore treatment is suggested to last up to at least week twelve.
• After pregnancy, acupuncture can help with morning sickness, back pain, and position of baby in the womb.
• Acupuncture along with moxibustion can also be used to naturally induce late pregnancies.
• Acupuncture can be continued after the baby is born in order to help support lactation and post partum depression.

(http://www.americanpregnancy.org/infertility/acupuncture.htm)

Massage and Infertility

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.

Massage therapy can be a beneficial treatment to aid in promoting fertility. One of the main benefits from massage therapy is stress relief and relaxation. Couples trying to conceive often experience a great deal of stress while under going fertility treatments. This stress can actually make it even more difficult to conceive. Massage is an excellent way to help relax and work on any tight muscles or aches and pains one might have. In addition, abdominal massage can have many benefits as well.

Abdominal massage can help diminish old adhesions from invasive treatments to the pelvic and abdominal area, including fibroid tumors and endometriosis. It can also improve blood flow to the pelvic organs and improve uterine lining, help with painful menstruation, aid in digestion, as well as help urinary and bladder problems.

Cranial Sacral therapy is a type of massage that uses a very soft touch which works to enhance the function of the nervous system. CST has been found useful to minimize soft tissue irriation and discomfort; aiding in a successful pregnancy and birth.

Reflexology is helpful for relieving stress and promoting relaxation.

Many couples under stress from daily life often have trouble being able to conceive. Reflexology can help create a healthier balanced environment for conception. After becoming pregnant reflexology may help with the discomfort and stress of being pregnant. Many pregnant women have chosen reflexology to help reduce discomfort and increase circulation for an all over feeling of wellness.

Reflexology practitioners have also reported that many women experience a shortened labor after receiving reflexology treatments. Postpartum reflexology is safe in helping to reduce swelling, relieve pain and encourage sleep. It has also been seen to help with milk production.

Since ancient times people have benefited from the effects of reflexology.