EZ Acupuncture & Herbs Dr. Chul H. Han, DA, L.Ac., MSOMPhone: (860) 502-9462 E-mail: info@ezacupuncture.com
Acupuncture Fertility Treatments
The goal of Oriental Medicine in the treatment of infertility is not only to achieve pregnancy, but also a health baby delivered at full time. While acupuncture is a complementary therapy which is often used together with in vitro fertilization, practitioners of Oriental Medicine believe that the body must be treated as a whole without the toxic side effects of such invasive procedures.Infertility may be caused by a number of biological and external factors, such as organ imbalance, weak constitution, and dietary habits in one or both partners. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are administered together in order to resolve these issues, increase fertility, and also improve the general state of health in each patient. Timing and consistency of treatment (for both male and female infertility) are important to achieve pregnancy. For this reason, a detailed consultation with both partners is required for treatment. Lifestyle changes and dietary recommendations are also part of the treatment process.
Women's Health: A Fertile Garden
To achieve and sustain pregnancy, a woman needs "fertile garden": a healthy uterine environment for her fetus to grow. Acupuncture and herbs are very effective for treating a number of underlying conditions which affect fertility, such as irregular menstrual cycles, hormonal imbalances, pelvic infections, and stress. Restoring Qi and balance to the mother's body is essential for achieving pregnancy. Improving the mother's general state of health also increases the chances of delivery a health baby at full term.Acupuncture is a holistic therapy that works by promoting ovulation, increasing the quality of eggs & uterine living, regulating hormones to produce more follicles, strengthening the immune system to prevent miscarriage, and reducing stress. It can correct breech presentation in fetuses, helping women avoid the potential risks and complications of caesarian births. This therapy also aids post-partum recovery.
Restoring Jing for Healthy Seed
Jing is part of a man's essential energy. It is responsible for all growth and development in the body, including sexual development, production of semen, and providing the primitive material needed for embryo development.An abundance of Jing is essential to forming a healthy seed. Poor sleep, overwork, physical trauma, emotional disburbance, stress, and other irregularity or excess in life functions deplete Jing. Decline in Jing can lead to sexual dysfunction (including low libido, impotence, erectile dysfunction, and premature ejaculation) and also infertility. The best way to conserve Jing and provide a healthy seed is to seek balance in all of life's activities. This means practicing moderation in diet, work, rest, as well as sexual activity.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine restores Jing and treats male health issues which are often overlooked by Western Medicine doctors (especially in IVF). This therapy increases the quantity and quality of sperm & semen, aids sperm motility, and treats ED without the use of drugs.
Seasonal timing affects fertility. Yin and Yang (representing female and male energies) rise and fall throughout the year. Female energy is highest in the fall and winter, and women are generally more fertile in the cooler months. Male energy reaches its peak in the spring and summer.
Please consult an acupuncturist to discuss the best time to try conceiving. Most people require a series of ongoing treatments for several weeks to several months to prepare for conception.
Reduce Stress
Stress can lead to infertility by effecting hormones & reproductive organs. Failure to conceive creates further stress, leading to a vicious cycle.
Consultations include recommendations for future treatments, herbal prescription, as well as advice for dietary and lifestyle changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I receive acupuncture if I am already doing IVF?
Yes, it may be beneficial to receive acupuncture treatments several months prior to receiving IVF. While IVF plants the seed, acupuncture creates a fertile garden in which the seed can grow. A fertile garden and a healthy seed produce the best chances to conceive and deliver a healthy baby at full term.
Should both partners seek acupuncture treatment?
Healthy eggs and healthy sperm is required for natural conception. Statistics suggest that 35-40% of infertility is caused by male conditions, another 35-40% by female conditions, and the remaining 20-30% by a combination of the two. Anxiety and stress can affect also fertility in couples, even if they are otherwise healthy. Depending on each couple's health and conditions, we may or may not recommend that both partners seek the advice of a qualified acupuncturist to determine the appropriate course of treatment for you and/or your partner.
How many treatments do I need?
Acupuncture is not an overnight cure, but rather a gradual process for improving health and boosting fertility. Good health in both parents provides the best chances of conceiving and delivery a healthy baby at full term. We counsel most women or couples to begin a course of acupuncture treatment at least a few months prior to trying to conceive. It usually takes at least three or four cycles for women to achieve regular, healthy menstruation and for men to generate new, healthy sperm.
Do I need to take herbal medicine?
Herbal medicine is an integral part of therapy.
Do I need acupuncture after I conceive?
Most women do not require continued treatment after conception. However, acupuncture can be administered to turn breech babies, induce birth, and assist post-partum recovery.
