Acupuncture and Fertility
Naturally Heal Your Fertility Issues

If you have had trouble conceiving, acupuncture for fertility may be the answer you are looking for. Heal your body naturally to achieve conception and/or improve the success of IVF and IUI.

Try the natural healing of acupuncture for fertility before moving on to such procedures. Many women have had success by contacting an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility issues. Besides, natural acupuncture is relatively less expensive and less invasive than medical fertility treatments and none of the side affects of taking fertility drugs.

Also, acupuncture and fertility procedures together have been shown to have a greater impact on the outcome of IVF, IUI, etc. for many women. And many acupuncturists will work with your RE (reproductive endocrinologist~infertility specialists that perform the medical treatments) often doing treatments just before and after IVF and other procedures. Studies show that adding acupuncture can increase IVF success.

Acupuncture and fertility~how does it work?

Acupuncture for fertility is based in the ancient practice of meditation and observation of the flow of “vital energy” inside and outside of the body. Acupuncturists believe that illnesses come from the imbalance of this energy, and they use needles and pressure points to stimulate better energy flow.

If the energy channels in your body are blocked, they can also block the chemicals and hormones that regulate your reproductive system. Acupuncture releases these energy blocks, which in turn could also release the chemicals and hormones you need for your body to function correctly.

More specifically, acupuncture for fertility has been proven to help increase blood flow to the uterus, reduce stress and anxiety in women who are trying to conceive, aid in ovulation, and regulating an irregular menstrual cycle. Acupuncture can also help men; studies show that men who receive acupuncture for fertility show an increase in sperm count.

What problems will fertility acupuncture help?

Hormonal and stress related fertility problems such as:

• irregular periods/cycles
• amenorrhea (no period)
• luteal phase defect (short luteal phase)
• anovulation (not ovulating)
• other ovulatory issues
• thin endometrium (light, scanty periods)
• PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) (ovarian cysts)
• low egg quality
• high FSH levels
• low progesterone levels
• high estrogen levels
• low quality cervical mucus
• PMS
• help prevent fibroids recurring, may reduce current fibroids
• help prevent endometriosis recurring
• unexplained infertility
• sperm count and motility
• and so on

Acupuncture may not remove endometrial scar tissue, may not help when fallopian tubes are damaged or blocked, removing stubborn uterine fibroids, or other physical type fertility problems.

Acupuncture and fertility~when to start

It is recommended that you begin your fertility acupuncture treatments three to four months before trying to conceive (TTC) and the same for before IVF procedures. Many women will continue treatment through their first trimester, when most miscarriages occur. Acupuncture can help prevent miscarriages by reducing stress and maintaining uterus health during this trimester.

Acupuncture and fertility~what to avoid when pregnant

While acupuncture is safe during your entire pregnancy, there are a few points that your acupuncturist should avoid. These points include:

• Points on your sacrum
• Points on your lower abdomen
• Points on your lower back
• Points that could trigger a contraction (such as points near the inner ankle bone and the area between the thumb and pointer finger)
• Points in your gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, spleen, bladder and lower abdomen can also trigger contractions.

Acupuncture and fertility~what to avoid

Acupuncturists should be careful to avoid needling too deep in areas on the lower back as well as the sacrum (it is recommended they avoid these areas entirely).

Also, many acupuncturists will prescribe Chinese fertility herbs during the treatments. These herbs will help increase fertility and improve your chances of conceiving. While your acupuncturist should know which herbs to avoid, here is a list of a few that could seriously harm your chances of getting pregnant or your pregnancy:

• Angelica root
• Senna leaf
• Sulphur
• Dianthi leaf
• Asari herb
• Pruni flower
• Camphora

You can also find complete lists of herbs to avoid by searching for “herbs contraindicated during pregnancy.”

Acupuncture and fertility~where to start

You should only seek fertility acupuncture treatments from a licensed and Board-certified acupuncturist. You should also find someone who specializes specifically in fertility issues. Interview your acupuncturist to find out what their treatments consist of and how long they last. Also, ask for a list of references to find out if they have treated other women successfully.

Related pages

Fertility Yoga | Fertility Massage | Fertility Aromatherapy and Essential Oils | Feng Shui Fertility | Fertility Cleanse | Fertility Herbs | Fertility Diet| Avoid Endocrine Disruptors | Weight and Fertility | Alcohol and Fertility | Smoking and Fertility | Luteal Phase Defect | Getting Pregnant After the Pill | Irregular Periods | Menstrual Cycle Length | Best Days to Get Pregnant | How Long to Get Pregnant? | Preconception Care |