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How
Chinese Medicine Helps with Fertility Issues
The treatment of infertility with acupuncture and Chinese
medicine dates back 2,000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques
improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking
unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.
A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility
found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming
pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques.
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies
and concluded that acupuncture helps to:
- increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves
the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
- reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are
secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease
fertility
- normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate
ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
- positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian
axis, which plays a key role in fertility
- regulate menstrual cycle
In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal 3,
an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture
treatments. The study found blood flow increases during treatment. According
to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, “When acupuncture needles are placed correctly,
it can affect the nervous system. The idea is that if you stimulate
the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to
flow.” Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for
the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for
women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and
blood. When Qi (also called Life Energy) and blood are circulating freely
throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished
and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility
are increased.
According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility
is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the
Organ Systems. (Please keep in mind that the Organs described below
reflect Eastern medical theories and philosophies)
Kidney Organ System - The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys.
The Kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi, which is required
in order to have a healthy body, mind, and pregnancy. If an imbalance
exists within the Kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility
may be a result. Chinese herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, can
nourish and support Jing Qi and overall Kidney health.
Spleen Organ System - An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman’s
body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a
healthy pregnancy. A disharmony within the Spleen can result in an inadequate
supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build
and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the
uterus.
Liver Organ System - In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy,
it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body.
The Liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood.
When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required
supply of Qi and blood. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety,
stress and increase infertility.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide a safe, effective, drug-free,
and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy
pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Chinese Medicine:
- An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and
signs, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential
by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
- Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are completely natural.
No drugs are ever used. In the Western treatment of infertility, undesired
side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and
drug therapies may occur.
- Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to strengthen,
support, and balance overall health and well-being, so other fertility
procedures are more effective.
- The practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine
is over 3,000 years old, and has helped millions of people become
well and stay healthy.
- It works!
- Paulus W, et. al., Influence of acupuncture on the
pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy.
Fertility and Sterility, volume 77, April 2002, 721-724.
- 5 Ways Acupuncture Can Boost Fertility. Prevention.com,
2002.
- Human Reproduction Journal, Volume 11, Number 6,
1996.
- Fertility and Sterility, volume 78, December 2002,
1149-1153.
- Pins & Needles. Could acupuncture help promote
pregnancy? ABCNews.com, April 16, 2002.
- Acupuncture: Review and analysis of reports on controlled
clinical trials, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2002. www.who.int/medicines
- A manual of acupuncture. Page 326. Peter Deadman
& Mazin Al-Khafaji
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