Fertility: Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine
With rapid economic development, lifestyle changes, daily stress, hormone disruptors, and increased environmental pollution, the incidence of infertility has gained increased worldwide attention.
In vitro fertilization–embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is the most successful infertility treatment, and for many people, it provides the last possibility for pregnancy. However, the average IVF delivery rate per single initiated cycle using fresh nondonor oocytes is still only 33%. Studies have found that using acupuncture with IVF achieves a 42% + clinical pregnancy rate. When acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used in conjunction with IVF, clinical studies suggest the pregnancy rate can be raised to at least 60%.
The primary modalities used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat infertility and/or to enhance fertility are acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Chinese nutrition, lifestyle adjustments and bodywork are also integrated into the treatment plan to ensure greater success.
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can help:
Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs
Regulate hormones to produce a larger number of viable follicles
Increase blood flow to the uterus and improve the thickness of the uterine lining
Relax the patient and decrease stress
Prevent uterine contractions
Lessen the side effects of conventional hormone drugs used during IVF
Regulate immunity & natural killer (NK) cell activity, improve circulation
Decrease inflammation and promote lymphatic drainage
Improve male semen (count, motility, and morphology) to create better quality and quantity of embryos
Reduce the chance of miscarriage
Here are some of our Tribalance Wellness Top Fertility Tips for couples trying to conceive, regardless of how!
Take a top quality pre-natal vitamin, NAC, CoQ10 & Omega-3s (see your acupuncturists for dosage details)
Eliminate alcohol, coffee, gluten & dairy (cow) products from your diet (visit your acupuncturists to learn why)
Consume a diet that is whole food based, diverse and colorful (high in flavonoids and antioxidants)
Utilize bloodwork to assess hormone status, vitamin levels, thyroid function and red blood cell count to further aid your doctor and/or acupuncturist in recommending the appropriate treatment plan
Eat pomegranates! They are an ancient symbol of fertility and prosperity worldwide and in Chinese Medicine this fruit helps build blood, tonify yin and clear heat. A pomegranate cut in half resembles the ovaries and in turn are excellent for their health
Practice yoga, meditation or any preferred way to relax daily
Women - get “premom” app and strips to monitor LH surge for ovulation and HCG elevation for pregnancy all month long
Women - keep your feet warm and avoid spicy foods after ovulation (come see your acupuncturists to find out more)
Men - avoid overheating your body, especially at conception time, with saunas, hot tubs & electric blankets; avoid electronics in front pockets & on lap
Men- discontinue taking any hair growth supplements/products (ask your acupuncturist why)
Check out the books:
The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies
Fertility Wisdom: How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Overcome Infertility
Visit us at Tribalance Wellness for so much more!
References:
Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Cui Hong Zheng, M.D., Ph.D.,a Guang Ying Huang, M.D., Ph.D.,a Ming Min Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.,b and Wei Wang,
M.D., Ph.D.c a Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Department of Integrated
Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, and Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College,
Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, Peoples Republic of China
