Acupuncture for Fertility
If you’re experiencing infertility issues, male or female, as an alternative treatment try acupuncture for fertility. Infertility is an all-too-common problem among couples looking to conceive. According to Resolve, the National Infertility Association, approximately 1 in 8 couples struggle to get and stay pregnant. Couples in this scenario often resort to spending tens of thousands of dollars on expensive fertility medicine and treatment that yields no tangible results. However, a more effective solution may come from the ancient practice of acupuncture.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that involves the placement of thin needles in specific points of the body. While the exact methods have evolved since the practice was first used during the Shang Dynasty (1600–1100 BCE), the underlying principle remains the same: to stimulate the body’s functional life force (Qi) by correcting blockages.
Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with other forms of TCM such as herbal medicine, moxibustion and cupping. Incorporating these practices into acupuncture strengthens its ability to stimulate the body.
The human body contains a total of 12 meridians through which Qi flows. Normally, it travels through these meridians unrestricted. There are times, however, when a blockage prevents Qi from flowing, at which point it grows stagnant and begins to adversely affect our organs and vital systems. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the idea that restoring the body’s proper Qi flow can alleviate various symptoms and diseases.
How Acupuncture Can Help Couples Conceive
So, can acupuncture increase your chances of conceiving? It really depends on what exactly is causing your infertility. However, acupuncture – when performed by a licensed acupuncturist – can rejuvenate your body’s functional life force and potentially correct problems associated with infertility.
Fertility clinic researchers recently performed a study to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture as a fertility treatment. 160 patients who were undergoing assisted reproduction therapy were split into two groups: one group received embryo transfer with acupuncture, while the second group received embryo transfer without acupuncture. Of the 80 patients in group one who received acupuncture, 34 became pregnant (42.5%). In the second group, just 21 patients became pregnant (26.3%).
This is just one of many studies attesting to the power of acupuncture for couples looking to conceive. If you’re struggling with infertility, schedule an appointment with a licensed acupuncturist to see if it works for you. Who knows, this centuries-old practice could be the missing element to your new family.
Give me a call today to learn how you can get back on track to better health!
6 Ways To Boost Your Fertility
#1) Manage Your Weight
Being either underweight or overweight can significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant. One study involving the analysis of 2,112 female participants found that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-39 required twice the length of time to become pregnant as women with a healthy BMI of less than 19.
#2) Eat More Liver
Some people might turn their head at the thought of eating liver, but it’s actually a delicious dish that can prove helpful in boosting your fertility. In fact, a report published by the Weston A. Price Foundation found liver to contain more nutrients, gram for gram, than any other food. Whether it’s beef or chicken, liver contains vitamin A, vitamin B, protein, folic acid, iron, purines (precursors for DNA) and more.
#3) Eat More Seafood
Seafood – fish, oysters, clams, mussels, lobster, crabs, etc. – are an excellent food for boosting your fertility. They contain large amounts of zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin D, omega fatty acids (the good type of fat), and other essential nutrients, many of which are directly linked to the body’s reproductive system. When choosing seafood, however, it’s recommended that you opt for smaller-sized fish to minimize your consumption of mercury. Because of its large size, tuna carries a heavy dose of the toxic chemical mercury, and therefore should be consumed sparingly.
#4) Acupuncture
You might be surprised to learn that acupuncture can improve your chances of conceiving. Back in 2002, a team of German researchers performed a study to determine the effects of acupuncture on fertility. Researchers split 160 women who were trying to conceive into two groups: one group received acupuncture, while the second group did not it. They concluded that 42% of the women who received acupuncture got pregnant, whereas only 26% of the control group got pregnant. Does this mean acupuncture will guarantee a pregnancy? Not necessarily, but this form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is proven to help couples conceive in less time.
#5) Cut Back on Processed Foods
Many women who struggle to conceive eat far too many processed foods. While a fast food burger and fries may seem appetizing, it forces heavy amounts of saturated fat, sodium and even sugar into your body while offering little-to-no real nutritional value. Fertility experts say women should focus on a more natural diet if they want to conceive.
#6) Avoid sugar
Excess sugar can unbalance the endocrine system (TCM-Kidney system) which is responsible for hormone production. If you experience fatigue, sugar cravings or struggle with weight gain, sugar and foods like bread, pasta, cereals, and white potato which break down into sugar can really challenge any gains you try to make in improving your health. Artificial sweeteners are even worse and can be toxic to the body. You’ll need to seek advice on best practices in nutrition and proper dieting to reverse the adverse effects sugar can cause to your health.
Give me a call today to learn how you can get started on a better path to maximize your health.
Photo credits:iStock.com/AtnoYdur
