Most couples are willing to try anything to boost their chances of conception. In recent times, acupuncture has become a complementary treatment used to enhance fertility. But how does acupuncture work for fertility? Is it effective? Are there any potential risks or side effects? This post sheds light on the physiological mechanisms behind fertility acupuncture and what you can expect from these treatments.

How Does Acupuncture Work for Fertility?

Understanding Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles through the skin at specific locations on the body. These pressure points stimulate the central nervous system. They correspond to numerous organs such as the brain, heart, and ovaries.

In Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it is believed that when an acupuncturist inserts a needle into specific acupuncture points on the body, it helps balance the flow of Qi. (Qi is pronounced chee)

This is the vital life energy passing through the body’s meridians.

The Science of Acupuncture for Fertility

Hormonal Balance

In acupuncture, balancing hormones within the body boosts fertility by manipulating estrogen production.

Acupuncture practitioners can control hormone signaling and secretion by targeting specific points on the body. Proper acupuncture techniques improve the release of gonadotropins to boost fertility and regulate ovulation.

Circulation

One of the beneficial effects of acupuncture is increased blood circulation. In fertility, it means enhanced circulation of blood to the reproductive organs, especially the uterus and ovaries.

Therefore, creating the optimal environment for egg maturation. The technique thickens the lining of the uterus, increasing the chance of successful implantation of the embryo.

Stress Release

Stress is a factor influencing fertility. Abnormally high-stress levels can affect the function of the pituitary gland. In turn, it affects the ovaries and their ability to produce eggs.

A benefit of acupuncture is the release of endorphins. The body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators help in stress reduction and relaxation.

What Does the Science Say About Acupuncture for Fertility?

There’s mixed research on whether acupuncture can actually help with fertility. Therefore, healthcare providers usually recommend it as a supplemental therapy to traditional treatments.

Studies show that acupuncture, in addition to regular fertility treatments such as IVF, can enhance the possibility of getting pregnant.

Receiving acupuncture can help:

• Improves the quality of eggs
• Relieves stress
• Reduce chronic pain
• Increases blood flow
• Restores a regular menstrual cycle
• Boosting the efficacy and success of IVF
• Can be used to help dilate the cervix before embryo transfer

However, these conclusions are cautiously optimistic since the effects of acupuncture are specific to the individual. Experts recommend personalizing acupuncture treatments to address a person’s health issues and fertility problems.

Preparing for Fertility Acupuncture

If you’re considering acupuncture for your fertility journey, here are a few tips to help you begin.

Always work with a qualified, licensed acupuncturist. They must have board certification by a national, recognized body, such as NCCAOM in the US.

Tell the acupuncture therapist your medical history and the previous fertility treatments you’ve used. This information lets the therapist customize your acupuncture session to suit your personal situation.

It may take several acupuncture sessions to see results. Therapists usually give multiple treatments. This ensures the best chance of success.

Your practitioner can walk you through the process and give you information if you are wondering how acupuncture works for fertility. They will recommend a regimen suiting your individual circumstances, typically once or twice per week.

Southlake Natural Family Wellness

Our mission is to support the health and well-being of our patients.

We offer individualized, comprehensive holistic care including acupuncture, herbal recommendations, customized nutritional counseling, allergy elimination (NAET), whole food supplements, lifestyle suggestions, moxibustion, and cupping. As well as helping couples get pregnant and STAY pregnant by supporting all the paths to conception.

About Farrah Hamraie

Farrah Hamraie, L.Ac, MOM, Dipl.OM (NCCAOM), is licensed and board-certified in Acupuncture and Herbal medicine in the State of Texas with a Masters of Oriental Medicine from the Dallas College of Oriental Medicine.

She is also a Diplomat of NCCAOM (the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), a Board Certified Acupuncturist, a Chinese Herbalist, and a member of the American Association of Oriental Medicine.