Acupuncture and Infertility - Needle or Needless Therapy?

Acupuncture & Infertility – Tracing Its Roots

Acupuncture originated in China over 1,000 years ago.  In the West, many people in the field of medicine consider it a valid procedure for treating an array of ailments.  It can help improve the skin, relieve muscle stress, and eliminate smoking habits, among many others.  Studies show that acupuncture benefits couple who have fertility problems.

 

The Western View

Although acupuncture is widely popular, there still are some Westerners who doubt it is effective.  No scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture and, as a result, many healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it.  The National Institutes of Health in the US says that researches are currently being conducted on the issue.

Health Risks

Acupuncture is generally painless when it is done by a highly-trained professional.  Only a few suffer ill effects.  Organ puncturing, the spead of infection, or forgotten/broken needles are some of the risks that come with acupuncture.  These are virtually eliminated when an experienced practitioner does the treatment.  However, acupuncture must not be performed on people who have bleeding disorders and those who use blood thinning agents.

A Single or Complementary Process

Acupuncture may be used as a single procedure to complement fertility treatments.  It may also be seen as a procedure that can enhance the effects of modern fertility therapies.  Used as a single method, acupuncture brings positive results to people who have functional reproductive problems, like intermittent ovulation.  When applied alone, it might not be as effective to treat structural problems, like a sperm duct blockage.

Some acupuncture practitioners recommend that Chinese herbs be used alongside acupuncture procedures and treatments.  If you are under medication, check your doctor before taking herbs.  There are certain herbs that may inhibit the action of fertility procedures and drugs.

Acupuncture for Fertility - Is It Truly Effective?

How acupuncture works as a cure for infertility is still debatable.  However, many acupuncturists stress that even this age-old therapy can aid in normalizing the body’s functions.  It improves the flow of blood to reproductive organs and steadies hormone levels.  Ovarian function is boosted and sperm production is enhanced, as a result.

Acupuncture has a positive effect on women who use it in combination with fertility boosting procedures.   Some say that the stress that comes with fertility procedures can also be lessened with acupuncture.  Recent researches show that a woman undergoing in vitro fertilization has a higher chance of conception if acupuncture is introduced into therapy.

How To Choose the Best Practitioner

Healthcare professionals who want to add acupuncture to their roster of services are required to have around 300 hours of specialized training to be certified.  Professionals looking to branch out to acupuncture need to pass the board exam first and complete between 2000 and 3000 hours of training to be licensed in this field.

A lot of people are into acupuncture nowadays, and this number is rising by the day.  There are few things one must consider to make sure patients land in good hands.  A background check on the selected acupuncture expert must be done prior to agreeing to any procedure.  A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice.Great recommendation sources for acupuncturists would be friends and family members who have tried the procedure.

 

Future patients must ask for a ballpark figure of cost to be financially prepared for the treatment.  It’s great to know that some insurance providers will pay for acupuncture treatments.

Things You Should Expect

Several acupuncture treatments have to be undergone before one gets the best results.  Frequent visits, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, must be done to maximize its benefits.  Expect every visit to the acupuncturist to last about an hour, as the practitioner will be discussing your current health status in detail and entertain whatever queries you might have on the process.