For most Americans, Traditional Western Medicine is all they have ever known. Naturally, when experiencing infertility, they turn to the possible solutions offered by western medicine. However, western medicine is not the only approach available as more and more western medical practitioners open the door to alternative therapies that are widely accepted and relied upon outside of the United States.
Most times, when we think of fertility treatments, we think of the many advances that modern medicine has brought to fertility treatment centers and their patients. However, fertility treatments were not invented or popularized in the west. The benefits of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as treatment for infertility can be found in literature dating back to 11AD, and western medicine is only recently recognizing the benefits.
What is Acupuncture?
The ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture involves the placement of thin needles at particular points and intervals on the body to direct and stimulate the body’s vital energy (qi). In TCM, a disruption in the energy patterns is thought to cause disharmony in the body which causes it to not function properly. It is painless and has no harmful side effects.
How Does Acupuncture Affect Infertility?
Exactly why acupuncture affects infertility has failed to be understood or scientifically explained by western medicine, but many studies show that it clearly does – positively. Although the practice continues to be considered alternative medicine, many studies are being done, and the subject is gaining widespread attention. Some possible reasons for acupuncture’s favorable influence on fertility include:
• The stimulation of the central nervous system which causes an increase in neurohormones and neurotransmitters
• Changes in the nervous system which regulate body temperature
• Changes in blood pressure, regulating blood flow to reproductive organs
• The releasing of endorphins
• Stimulating egg production
• Stimulating sperm health
What Do Studies Show?
In 2002, a study conducted in Germany followed 80 women who either received both acupuncture and IVF or IVF alone. It is reported that 42% of the women receiving both treatments became pregnant, while only 26% of those receiving IVF treatments alone became pregnant. An even more recent study conducted in the U.S. followed 114 Women. The study showed some compelling results:
• 51% of the women receiving both treatments became pregnant
• 36% of the women receiving IVF alone became pregnant
• 8% of the women receiving acupuncture experienced miscarriage
• 20% of those receiving IVF alone experienced miscarriage
• The group receiving acupuncture also experienced fewer ectopic pregnancies
Western Medicine Embracing Possibilities
Although, undoubtedly, much research will continue in the area, western medicine is embracing the possibilities that acupuncture offers. In fact, many acupuncturists are seeing an increase in referrals from primary care physicians and fertility treatment center endocrinologists. Additionally, many progressive fertility treatment centers now have acupuncturists on staff.
How or why acupuncture affects the ability to become pregnant remains elusive to modern science. However, the positive impacts for many are undeniable. Many find the possible benefits, coupled with no adverse impact, make acupuncture worth investigating.
