You may be sitting there asking yourself, “Should I try acupuncture? Will it really help improve my chances of having a baby?”
Quite simply the answer is YES!*
The secret behind acupuncture’s success lies in its ability to get the blood flowing.* You see, what most people don’t understand is that proper circulation is key to optimum health and maximizing your fertility.
The Chinese have long believed that a way to slow down, and even reverse the aging process is through improving circulation.* A good example can be seen with people who exercise regularly. They tend to age much more gracefully than those who live a sedentary lifestyle.
So how does blood flow affect infertility?
Firstly, improving blood flow will allow your reproductive organs to be bathed in proper supplies of oxygen, hormones and nutrients. * Oxygen is the life-blood of all cells. When cells lack adequate supplies of oxygen, they begin to fail and die.
Secondly, getting the blood moving helps remove the waste products of metabolism, thereby reducing elevated levels of toxins that accumulate in our bodies.*
Thirdly, increased circulation assists in improving energy, mood and immunity.*
Specifically, when you improve blood flow to the ovaries, they will function better and yield higher quality and quantities of follicles.*
More responsive ovaries will lead to enhanced estradiol (estrogen) production and decreased FSH levels. Increased estradiol levels will also help with cervical mucus production and vaginal lubrication.*
Improving uterine blood flow will help thicken the uterine lining, thereby promoting a plush environment for implantation.*
So who will benefit from improved circulation?
If you fall into any of the following categories, you should seriously consider trying acupuncture: advanced maternal age, elevated FSH, poor ovarian response, poor egg quality, low estradiol, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and multiple failed IVF or IUI cycles.
Promising Research
A 1995 study measured the effect of electro-acupuncture on blood flow to the reproductive organs.** (Electro-acupuncture involves sending a gentle, low intensity electro-current to an inserted acupuncture needle by attaching electrodes to the needle.) In the study, a small group of patients received electro-acupuncture treatments twice a week for 4 weeks. After these treatments, the patients were found to have less resistance in the blood flow going to their reproductive organs. Even 10 to 14 days after their last treatment, these individuals had still maintained their positive results.*
While additional research is needed, this study supports the finding that acupuncture has a positive effect on improving blood flow to the reproductive organs.* In my practice, I frequently use electro-acupuncture to help stimulate the nerves that innervate the reproductive system.* I also often recommend other methods of increasing blood flow to my patients, such as herbal medicine, yoga, qi gong and abdominal massage.
If you found this post to be helpful and would like more information about my practice, please visit www.readingacupuncture.com for more information.
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*Disclaimer: Specific results are not guaranteed. Results may vary from person to person.
** Stener-Victorin, E., et al., “Reduction of Blood Flow Impedance in the Uterine Arteries of Infertile Women with Electro-Acupuncture,” European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (received on June 27, 1995; accepted on March 2, 1996).