You’ve heard women swear they got pregnant after acupuncture sessions, but is there any truth to it? Could this traditional Chinese medicine based on stimulation (needles, electricity, cupping, etc.) really help you conceive? It’s not a myth, depending on the cause of infertility, acupuncture could indeed be beneficial for your fertility.
What are the negative effects on hormones?
Stress has a great influence on the conception process in a couple. It is therefore important to be in serenity with one’s body and mind before starting a pregnancy, which is a very demanding period. Numerous researches have shown that acupuncture allows the reduction of the stress level in the patient. Stress is a factor that could play an important role in infertility problems. Indeed, stress affects fertility hormones in a negative way. Therefore, decreasing it could increase your chances of getting pregnant.
Why should you consider treatment as a couple?
When possible, treatment is done as a duo for the couple who wants to conceive. The child is made with two parents and so, the treatments are also made with both parents. Acupuncture has an effect on the reproductive system in both the woman and the man and by treating both partners, the chances of success are increased.
Acupuncture can also help treat thyroid problems that contribute to infertility such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
What should I know about the acupuncture method for women?
If you are considering using acupuncture in hopes of curing endometriosis or PID (pelvic inflammatory disease), it certainly won’t help you much. Acupuncture can, however, have beneficial effects in improving ovarian function and increasing blood flow to the pelvic area.
If you are considering acupuncture for pregnancy, please consult your doctor first. He or she may be able to advise you on the best time to begin treatments. Some reproductive specialists may ask you to start before in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
What are the benefits of acupuncture for men?
In men, there are sometimes abnormal or deformed spermatozoa, which decreases the chances of fertilizing the egg. Acupuncture can increase the quality and number of sperm, thus maximizing the chances of fertilization.
What are the benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy?
Acupuncture is one of the only medicines that has no contraindications during pregnancy. Luckily, because it can be of great help during these 9 long months, and even at the time of delivery. Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy allows for the following :
- relief of nausea, vomiting and anxiety ;
- treatment of nosebleeds, constipation, sinusitis and carpal tunnel of pregnancy;
- treatment of circulation disorders, swelling and heaviness of the legs;
- relief of lumbar, abdominal, pelvic and sciatic pain;
treatment of oligohydramnios (insufficient amniotic fluid); - modification of the fetal position in specific cases.
Is acupuncture during childbirth possible?
The little known practice of acupuncture during childbirth also has several benefits :
- reducing labor time;
- alleviate posterior, anterior and lateral pain;
- stimulating fetal descent;
- treating slowed labor;
- promote the relaxation of the perineum;
- reduce the risk of caesarean section and thus the associated suffering;
- reduce medication (epidural in particular) – treat placental retention.
For more information about our acupuncture services and to make an appointment with one of our Procrea fertility specialists, please click here.