Infertility Treatment
Infertility Acupuncture at Naturopath Osteopath Clinic
Infertility Acupuncture Treatment at Naturopath Osteopath Clinic is considered alternative, safe and complementary treatments to help conceive. Infertility is defined as the inability to produce offspring in a woman who has been trying to conceive for 2 years with unprotected sexual intercourse. Infertility affects about 10 to 15% of the population in North America.
According to Chinese medicine, infertility arises from factors like constitutional weakness, overwork, sexual activity at too early an age, irregular diet or poor lifestyle. Kidneys, Heart and the Uterus are the key organs for fertility. The health of these organs is central to conception.
- A kidney deficiency is often the underlying cause of being unable to conceive. It is implicated in male and female infertility alike. Poor kidneys will affect the menstrual cycle in women and sperm count in men. Kidneys affect the libido and sexual function as well.
- The heart encompasses the mind, the hypothalamus, and pituitary gland. Those are the glands that control and balance the hormones. The heart also houses the spirit, which contributes to the mental emotional aspect of reproduction.
- A stagnation of qi or blood in the uterus or the pelvic cavity can block the blood flow in the area and cause difficulties with implantation.
Infertility Treatment
Infertility treatment can be a trying time for couples, but there are many natural treatments available to help them. Naturopathic doctors specialize in treating infertility using natural therapies such as acupuncture and herbal remedies. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice believed to help improve the body’s energy flow, which can help regulate hormones associated with fertility. Natural treatments like acupuncture can also reduce stress and anxiety, which can be a major factor in infertility.
Additionally, naturopathic doctors may use supplements or lifestyle changes to improve fertility. With the help of a naturopathic doctor and natural treatments, couples can have hope that their dreams of parenthood will come true.
In order to treat infertility, TCM seeks to harmonize the body by:
- Regulating the adrenals and correcting hormone imbalances
- Strengthening the uterine area
- Helping in reducing anxiety and stress in general
- Improving the outcome of assisted reproductive methods
- Helping with not just conception but sustaining a healthy pregnancy
Success rates of assisted reproductive methods have somewhat improved over the years. Studies have shown that an integrative approach is even more successful – Infertility Acupuncture alongside IVF increases outcomes by an average of 20%. Aside from improved outcomes, acupuncture can also help reduce the side effects of medications.
Fertility Acupuncture: Helping Patients conceive with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been used for centuries to treat various conditions. Acupuncture for fertility is believed to help improve blood flow and circulation to the reproductive organs, which can help increase fertility. Some studies have also shown that acupuncture may help regulate hormone levels and improve ovulation.
Acupuncture and TCM for infertility may complement medical procedures including in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and intrauterine insemination (IUI) . Strong data supports the use of acupuncture for fertility at Naturopath Osteopath Clinic, and its popularity continues to grow among both the public and the scientific community. Fertility acupuncture, when administered by an experienced practitioner, has a minimal risk of side effects and has a solid safety profile.
How Does Fertility Acupuncture Help with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI), and Natural Cycles?
- Follicle development is bolstered by acupuncture, which has been demonstrated to aid in the utilisation of certain protocols during fertility treatments. Acupuncture increases beta endorphins in the central nervous system, prompting a positive feedback loop that improves FSH production in the brain.
- Increases the flow of blood to the uterus and ovaries, allowing for better elimination of metabolic waste and delivery of more oxygen and nutrients to these organs. Furthermore, the increased blood flow aids in maintaining a healthy uterine lining.
- Fertility acupuncture relieves uterine spasms because it relaxes smooth muscle, including the uterine smooth muscle. Reducing uterine spasms may provide conditions favourable to implantation and lessen the likelihood of a viable embryo being expelled.
- Improves Estrogen and Progesterone Production from the Ovary Acupuncture has been shown to enhance the body’s natural hormone balance by increasing the production of particular hormones from the brain. This aids in promoting uterine lining health, follicle growth, embryo implantation, and decreased cortisol (stress hormone).
Treatment for IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) and IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
Acupuncture for infertility seems to be most effective throughout four distinct stages of assisted conception therapy.
- Acupuncture before initiating in vitro fertilisation (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), or a natural cycle may assist maintain healthy hormone levels.
- The COH phase involves the use of medicines, often administered through subcutaneous injection, to encourage the development of follicles in order to harvest eggs that are both large and numerous. Supporting follicle growth and development, lowering stress hormones, easing tension, and increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries are all benefits of acupuncture at this time.
- Transfer Day: Fertility acupuncture on the transfer day helps to calm uterine muscle spasms and increase blood flow to the uterus, creating a favourable setting for embryo implantation.
- Fertility acupuncture administered during the implantation period (often twice in the 10 days following embryo transfer) helps to calm uterine contractions, increase blood flow to the uterus, and provide a conducive setting for embryo implantation.
Trying to conceive can be frustrating and daunting – it does not need to be so. In my opinion, it is more of a journey than a struggle.
Naturopath Osteopath Clinic Acupuncture Services
Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal pain can range from mild to severe pain. There are many benefits of acupuncture including decreased pain, reduced inflammation, and improved function.
Obstetrics, Gynecological Conditions
Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has been used in obstetrics and gynecology to relieve pain and other symptoms such as labor pain, menopause, menstrual cramps, and infertility. It also helps with insomnia and other painful conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.
Cardiovascular Disorder
Cardiovascular disorders affect the heart and the circulation of blood. They can be classified as either congenital or acquired and can also include cardiomyopathies.
Respiratory Conditions
Acupuncture works to complement Western Medicine and can be a successful treatment for respiratory conditions. Acupuncture for respiratory conditions have been found to improve the quality of life for patients with asthma and COPD.
Digestive Disorders
Digestive disorders include many different conditions that can cause pain or discomfort in the stomach, intestines and other parts of the digestive tract. Acupuncture has been found to provide relief for gastrointestinal disorders.
Psychological Conditions
Psychological conditions can be used both to prevent or stop anxiety, depression, PTSD, addiction, and other emotional problems. It has shown to be effective in treating both physical and psychological conditions.
Neurological Conditions
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in conditions ranging from minor pain to deadly cancer and neurological disorders. Scientific research has shown that electroacupuncture promotes the release of neurotransmitters in the brain which can help ease symptoms associated with anxiety and depression.
Pregnancy Care
Acupuncture services for pregnancy can be a great way to provide relief and support during the journey. Acupuncture helps to regulate hormones and can help with issues such as morning sickness, back pain, fatigue, and more.