Fertility and Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers much to the woman as a gynecological art, and can be very useful for increasing a couple's fertility.

We begin with an assessment of the woman's constitutional health in terms of qi, blood, yin and yang. We also assess the menstrual cycle in these terms. As a partnership a treatment plan is put together to balance the body.

As a rule of thumb, one session per week for three menstrual cycles is suggested. We should see changes within about six sessions. For advanced maternal age or other issues like preparation for an IVF, we may meet more frequently.

Top Five Helpful Hints for Fertility

Things you can do for yourself to increase your chances of having a baby:

  1. A traditional Chinese saying goes "Warmth is necessary for conception." Stay warm and protected from the wind and cold. Eat warm foods; avoid ice or foods directly from the refrigerator.
     
  2. Moxibustion, a warming herb, is used on specific acupuncture points to increase blood flow and qi flow to the uterus and ovaries. You do the moxa daily at home in the first part of your fertility cycle. This method is particularly useful for deficient qi, cases of cold in the uterus or yang deficiency. It is a powerful tool.
     
  3. Acupuncture helps to open the meridians and balance the body. Chinese herbs are useful but are not recommended for the woman undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies, like IVF, IUI or Clomid cycles. You can do some Acupressure at home. I like to show acupuncture points on the feet you can do at home to open stagnation.
     
  4. Moderate exercise like walking is helpful especially in cases of stagnation of qi.
     
  5. Relaxation plays a big part in conceiving. Breathing or meditating can help. There are resources like yoga for fertility, specialty relaxation tapes for conceiving with Assisted Reproductive Technologies. And support groups or a good therapist can be immensely helpful.

Male Factor Infertility

Please call Kathleen for information on increasing male fertility, necessary in 25% of all infertility cases.

Menstruation

Using acupuncture and herbs can be effective for regulating menstruation.

Short or long cycles, pain and PMS are often treatable with Traditional Chinese Medicine. In addition, the medicine assists in improving fertility, maintaining pregnancy, preparing for labor and delivery, and caring for the mother and child postpartum.

Menopause

Studies show improved fertility with acupuncture. Menopausal women also benefit form the regulating aspects of acupuncture and herbs.

 

A Fertility Patient Interview

How did acupuncture contribute towards your fertility? “I had a very irregular cycle and no ovulation at all. I got pregnant after only three months of acupuncture.”

Did you think the moxabustion helped? "Yes" Did you notice being warmer after the moxa treatments? "Yes"

Was Kathleen helpful as a practitioner? “Yes. She always was very optimistic and very positive about my situation.”

How long did you do acupuncture? “Three months”

How many times per week? "1x"

How old are you? "37"

How long had you been trying to become pregnant before starting acupuncture? “Two years.”

Do you intend to continue receiving acupuncture through your pregnancy and delivery? "Yes"

— Claudia H., 37, patient