If you are open to receiving fertility treatments or if you are concerned about your ability to conceive, you might want to consider including a natural, complementary practice that has been around for thousands of years: acupuncture.
If you are going to look at it from an Eastern perspective, acupuncture is believed to help the body get back to a balanced state to prepare for conception. From a Western perspective, however, the reason why it works is unsure, but the results are evident.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into different locations on the body. In traditional Chinese medicine, the energy force of ‘chi’ or ‘qi’ is believed to flow through pathways in the body called ‘meridians’.
Acupuncture is believed to help balance the chi. There are several scientific theories explaining chi energy and meridians, but none have been scientifically proven. Nevertheless, acupuncture has been established as a practice beneficial for many people.
Researchers were able to determine some of the underlying mechanism of how acupuncture works. It was found to stimulate the release of endorphins. Endorphins reduce pain and also produce a sense of well-being. Acupuncture also increases blood flow to certain areas which promotes healing and improves organ functions. It also helps reducing inflammation.
How It Works with Fertility Treatments
Women who are trying different fertility methods may include acupuncture. There are women who prefer to get pregnant without intake of hormones or without undergoing invasive medical procedures. Other women, on the other hand, come for acupuncture as they also undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF).
It is recommended that women start acupuncture treatment a few months before a fertility treatment or before wanting to conceive.
About the Needles
If the thought of having needles inserted into different parts of your body scares you, don’t let it hinder you from having this treatment. The needles are small and thin – needling is only one small part of treatment.
Dealing with infertility can be quite an emotional rollercoaster ride and can have various influencing factors such as stress, nutrition, exercise and events going on a woman’s life. Having patience is essential. Acupuncture treatment has a cumulative effect, and you have to be fully willing to go through the process and you should allow your body to respond. This is also why it’s better to get an early start.
If you are interested in getting an acupuncture treatment, give us a call at 416.221.7545.
