Acupuncture for Fertility: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re trying to conceive, you may be considering acupuncture as a treatment option from the City Acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for infertility in both men and women. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of fertility acupuncture and everything you need to know before starting treatment.
1: What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that uses thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body. By accessing and stimulating these points, acupuncture helps increase blood flow, promote relaxation, and balance energy in the body.
There are many different factors that can influence fertility, including hormonal imbalances, stress and anxiety levels, lifestyle choices, genetics, and more. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) views all of these factors holistically, viewing them as interconnected systems within the body that need to be balanced and harmonized in order for conception to occur.
2: What are the benefits of fertility acupuncture?
There is a large body of research showing that acupuncture can help improve fertility in both men and women. Some of the benefits of acupuncture for fertility include:
-Reduced stress and anxiety levels. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation, which can help ease emotional stress and promote a healthy pregnancy.
-Improved blood flow to reproductive organs. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture improves circulation and helps optimize hormone production, both of which are important for fertility.
-Balanced energy levels. TCM views energy imbalances as one of the main causes of infertility, particularly in women who have issues with their menstrual cycle or ovulation. Through acupuncture treatment, these energy imbalances can be addressed and corrected, helping to restore fertility.
3: What should you look for when choosing an acupuncturist for fertility treatment?
There are many different factors to consider when choosing an acupuncturist for fertility treatment, including the practitioner’s training and experience, their approach to infertility treatment, and whether they have specialized in reproductive medicine.
Some questions to ask potential providers include:
-What is your training and experience with treating fertility issues?
-How do you approach infertility treatment from a holistic perspective? Are there any lifestyle changes or other treatments that you recommend alongside acupuncture?
-Do you specialize in reproductive medicine or do you work primarily with general health concerns? Do you have experience working with couples trying to conceive?
4: What should you expect from a fertility acupuncture treatment session?
Most fertility acupuncture sessions will include a combination of traditional needle acupuncture and other forms of stimulation, such as electrical stimulation or acupressure. The number and frequency of treatments will vary depending on your specific situation, but most providers recommend at least 10-20 sessions, typically starting with weekly or twice-weekly visits in the beginning stages.
During each session, you can expect to lie down comfortably while the practitioner places needles at different points on your body. The needles may be left in place for 5-30 minutes, during which time you can relax and let go of any tension or stress that you are holding in your body.