Acupuncture and IVF

IVF and what? Yes, you read it right, acupuncture and IVF. At last old meets new and east meets west with incredible success in a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and conventional medicine.

Okay, so you might be thinking, “Isn’t acupuncture the thing with the needles? You want me to have more needles pricked in me on top of the hormone injections that I need to prepare for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)? I’m going to be like a pincushion with all these needles.”

First let’s briefly explain what acupuncture is and then how it can help the success of your IVF treatment. After that we’ll go back to the pincushion question and you can decide for yourself if it’s worth a try.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture, which originated in China two thousand years ago, places very thin needles and heat in very specific points on the body in order to help move what the Chinese call Qi (pronounced Chee), or vital energy, and Xue (or blood) throughout the body. To westerners who are largely unfamiliar with these concepts acupuncture is believed to work by way of enhancing blood circulation, facilitating the release of specific hormones, and relaxing muscle tissue.

Acupuncture and IVF-How does it help?

Patients, doctors, and researchers are all beginning to see the wonderful effects of acupuncture in the conception process, especially when used in conjunction with IVF and embryo transfer. The woman undergoing an IVF treatment is bombarded with hormones and consequently overloaded with tremendous stress, both physically and emotionally.

Acupuncture can alleviate and relieve stress as well as aid in creating overall hormonal balance for the woman. It creates an environment that is more receptive for receiving, nourishing, and holding onto a fertilized egg. Traditional Chinese Medicine looks at the person as a whole and realizes that you are not just a body, but a body which houses a soul.

Let’s face it; performing any fertility treatment is not fun. Tears are shed, hopes are high, and hearts are invested, but combing acupuncture with IVF has not only proven to increase the chances of success, but it makes the treatment more pleasurable. Instead of depleted, you’ll feel reenergized, instead of hormonal you’ll feel more stable.

Combining acupuncture and IVF really gives you the best of both worlds. Conventional medicine will prepare your eggs and aide in fertilization while TCM prepares your womb and body to receive and nourish the embryo.

And yes, you might feel like a pincushion, but I think you’ll be surprised to find that you’ll actually like it! Even if you are doing ivf overseas, complimenting your treatment with acupuncture for IVF will prove beneficial.

Please be aware that because acupuncture is a licensed profession, it is important to seek out a qualified licensed acupuncturist who has experience working in the area of fertility.

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