Can Acupuncture Help To Treat Infertility?

By Li Zheng and David Israch

INFERTILITY AND ITS CAUSES

Medical professionals define infertility as a state when the couple is unable to conceive for a period of one year. It can be caused by multiple factors — such as troubles with ovulation — which can be as a result of hormonal disorders such as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). Infertility can also be caused by blocked fallopian tubes, uterine or cervical abnormalities, Endometriosis, or premature ovarian failure. Do you know allergies and imbalanced immune function can be a potential cause of infertility because your own antibodies can attack the embryo if your immune system is out of balance? When all tests show normal results, only stress itself can change the energy flow leading to infertility. The hyperactive nervous system can lead to infertility simply because your ovaries and uterus do not have enough blood flow to nourish these two important organs. That is why acupuncture becomes so popular for any kind of infertility. Stress can make your immune system out of balance, reducing stress is the most important way to help treat infertility and other medical conditions such as anxiety, depression, insomnia and even Covid-19.

ACUPUNCTURE AND INFERTILITY

Boston Chinese Acupuncture clinic has been treating patients with infertility for over 27 years. Our acupuncturist has helped the couple to choose the right diet and herbs to improve their egg and sperm quality (https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/li-zheng/acupuncture-infertility/paperback/product-19e74rwy.html?page=1&pageSize=4). Especially Electro-Acupuncture would result in a greater blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, increasing the chances of fertilization. These therapies also improve the function of pituitary and hypothalamus and assist in curing hormonal imbalance. If you have no organic problems, acupuncture therapies can be a good option because it helps release endorphins, serotonin and GABA in your brain and helps you feel more relaxed. Acupuncture treatments reduce your stress and anxiety levels and assist in improving your mental health in general. If you are less anxious or depressed, your chances to get pregnant would rise.

RESEARCH

According to a paper titled, ‘Positive Effect of Acupuncture and Cupping in Infertility Treatment’, published in Medical Acupuncture in 2018 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29682150/), a 39-year-old Mexican woman with right side fallopian-tube obstruction and work stress was able to conceive after 26 acupuncture treatments. During the acupuncture treatments, she had improved sleep quality with less anxiety, which helped her ovaries release healthy eggs. This study indicated that sufficient acupuncture treatment can improve ovarian and uterus function.