What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is part of the traditional Chinese approach to medicine, and has gained popularity in western medicine due to it's success in treatment.

It involves the use of fine needles in order to stimulate "qi" (energy). The goal is to restore balance, remove stagnation, or blockages, and relieve pain.

I recommend acupuncture in my clinic as a great way to focus on relaxation, stress-relief, and increasing awareness of mental and physical health. 

 

When should I begin my acupuncture treatments? 

When working with fertility, it is best to start treatments 3 months prior to conception. 

This helps with preparing the body for pregnancy, regulating hormones, reducing stress, and improving balance in all organ systems. 

Treatments are recommended once weekly is possible, or at least pre- and post- ovulation. 

 

Acupuncture is also recommended for male reproductive health and timing depends on the concern that needs to be addressed. For general health promotion, treatments are recommended 2-4x/month. 

 

It typically takes 6 sessions for patients to see beneficial results, and acupuncture is best when included in a holistic treatment approach. 

 

If you are planning or scheduled for your procedure in less than 3 months - do not fret! Acupuncture is still indicated and can be beneficial. 

 

 

 

Timing of acupuncture around your fertility treatment 

When you are aware of the date of your embryo transfer or IUI appointment, I recommend treatments as close to the procedure as possible. Day-of appointments are recommended. 

IUI and transfer days can be very stressful and acupuncture can be beneficial in reducing that stress. 

 

 

Acupuncture and cycle monitoring

 

Acupuncture is beneficial for all fertility aspects. We can work together to support follicle development and ovulation, improve endometrial receptivity, reduce stress, and prepare your body for pregnancy. 

Timing for acupuncture can be once weekly, or pre-and post-ovulation, depending on your situation.

 

Acupuncture improves outcomes!

Acupuncture helps by:

• Increasing blood flow to the uterus
• Improving endometrial lining and receptivity
• Promoting implantation of the embryo
• Reducing stress levels 
• Improving ovarian reserve function 

 

References:

Lin J, Ma H, Li H, Han J, Guo T, Qin Z, Jia L, Zhang Y. The Treatment of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Female Infertility Caused by Endometrial Factors. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022 Sep 7;2022:4624311. doi: 10.1155/2022/4624311. PMID: 36118081; PMCID: PMC9473886.

 

Zhou L, Xia Y, Ma X, Tang L, Lu J, Tang Q, Wang Y. [Effects of "menstrual cycle-based acupuncture therapy" on IVF-ET in patients with decline in ovarian reserve]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2016 Jan;36(1):25-8. Chinese. PMID: 26946729.

 

Zhong Y, Zeng F, Liu W, Ma J, Guan Y, Song Y. Acupuncture in improving endometrial receptivity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019 Mar 13;19(1):61. doi: 10.1186/s12906-019-2472-1. PMID: 30866920; PMCID: PMC6417024.

 

 Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, Haramati A, Langenberg P, Berman BM, Bouter LM. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. Bmj. 2008 Mar 6;336(7643):545-9.

 

 Balk J, Catov J, Horn B, Gecsi K, Wakim A. The relationship between perceived stress, acupuncture, and pregnancy rates among IVF patients: a pilot study. Complementary therapies in clinical practice. 2010 Aug 31;16(3):154