Can Acupuncture Treatment Lead to Pregnancy?
The research is showing some promising results. A review of recent medical research suggests that acupuncture treatment may help improve your odds of fertility. It is estimated that infertility affects 1 in 10 or 10% of the population. Acupuncture is now being touted as a safe alternative to help improve the odds of conception. Acupuncture treatment research reveals that it helps relieve stress, regulate ovulation, and increase blood circulation to the reproductive tissues.
Acupuncture is thought to stimulate certain areas of the brain (e.g. hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis) that are responsible for proper ovualtion. Also, it is reported that acupuncture nourishes the endometrium, the interior lining of the uterus. This makes the embryo more likely to become implated in the uterus wall after conception.
Acupuncture has been shown in controlled scientific studies to be effective in helping treat male and female infertility problems. Here are some studies for further investigation and reading. Auricular acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility.
Following a complete gynecologic-endocrinologic workup, 45 infertile women suffering from oligoamenorrhea (n = 27) or luteal insufficiency (n = 18) were treated with auricular acupuncture. Based on the author’s data, auricular acupuncture seems to offer a valuable alternative therapy for female infertility due to hormone disorders.
Acupuncture for Low Sperm Count?
Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? It is concluded that acupuncture may be a useful, nontraumatic treatment for males with very poor sperm density, especially those with a history of genital tract inflammation.
Reference: Andrologia, 32(1): 31-9 2000
Acupuncture for Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy?
Use of acupuncture for managing chronic pelvic pain in pregnancy. This case demonstrates the benefit of combined allopathic with alternative forms of medicine. With the use of acupuncture, narcotic use was limited in this gravida while adding to her quality of life by allowing her to maintain normal activity.
Reference: JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE , 45(11):944-946 2000Chang, R et al: Role of acupuncture in the treatment of female fertility. Fertil Steril 78(6):1149-1153 December 2002