The benefits of acupuncture and how it can be used to increase your fertility

Studies have shown that when acupuncture is used concurrently with IVF treatment, pregnancy rates tend to increase. While theories vary, here's how acupuncture is believed to assist with fertility.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine used to balance the body's meridian system. Small, sterile needles are inserted to activate and balance key meridians in the body that might have become blocked or unbalanced.

The body has at least 12 main meridians and channels that run throughout the torso, organs and limbs. According to Chinese healing principles, chi (life force energy) is continually coursing through these meridians and channels, animating our organs, cells and systems.

When one or more of these meridians becomes blocked or unbalanced, it can cause stale chi and health problems.

A skilled acupuncturist can diagnose which meridians related to fertility (or any other health issue) are out of balance and use acupuncture to restore the optimal flow of chi.

In Eastern medicine, the insertion of acupuncture needles into specific acupoints is believed to cause the release of a positive cascade of hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters.

This release helps to restore the ideal bodily conditions and environment for improved odds of fertility. Specifically, acupuncture seems to help:

• Improve ovulation
• Increase the flow of blood to a woman's uterus
• Improve the lining of the uterus
• Reduce levels of general anxiety
• Improve male sperm quality and count

There is no guarantee that acupuncture will improve fertility. However, with so many success stories and general health benefits, it's hard not to consider its efficacy. The good news is that acupuncture can’t hurt; even if it doesn’t lead to pregnancy, the treatment can reduce stress levels and assist in coping with the prospect of not having a child.

Acupuncture has been proven beneficial for a range of health problems and is one of the most promising alternative treatments for fertility issues.

If you decide to try acupuncture for fertility treatment, consider working with an acupuncturist that specializes in this area.