Acupuncture is a very popular form of alternative medicine that is sometimes used to improve fertility and even treat certain infertility issues. Of course, if you have never had an acupuncture treatment, you are probably wondering exactly how sticking little needles into the body is supposed to help you get pregnant? If you have never had an acupuncture treatment, your biggest question is probably this: just exactly how does it work…?
There are two very different ways to answer this question. One way is to consider the Eastern perspective, looking at how traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) handles acupuncture and fertility. The other way is to consider the Western point of view, looking at what medical research suggests about acupuncture and how it helps those with infertility.
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine
According to classical Chinese philosophy, everyone has channels of “energy” called meridians that run through our bodies. These energy channels are often compared to rivers running through the body nourishing the tissues. Stagnation in the movement of these energy channels is like a dam that is backed up.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, disruption or disturbance of the flow can lead to many different types of physical and emotional illnesses, including infertility. These energy channels, or meridians, can be affected by needling specific acupuncture points. By needling the acupuncture points, the flow of the energy gets “unstuck” or released and is allowed to flow freely in a balanced way.
Acupuncture and Current Research
Western scientific explanations offer a different perspective. There are several theories, however, and the truth of the matter is that no one is sure exactly how acupuncture works.
One theory is that by needling points on the body, chemicals and hormones are activated and released. These chemicals either change the experience of pain, or they spark a current of chemicals and hormones which subsequently impact the body’s own internal regulating system. The enhanced energy flow and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal, thus improving physical and emotional well-being.
Research studies have shown that acupuncture raises the amount of beta-endorphins (hormones that can help lessen pain) streaming through the body. Strenuous exercise is also known to boost the amount of beta-endorphins in the body. A “runner’s high” comes from an increase of beta-endorphins.
Acupuncture and Infertility
The research on acupuncture and infertility is ongoing, and the topic is controversial. Several research studies have been too small to prove an absolute connection to improved pregnancy rates and some studies seem to contradict each other in their results. Other studies question whether any advantages are simply a result of the placebo effect.
According to the preliminary research, however, there are several possible benefits of acupuncture. The potential benefits include the following:
- Improved rate of conception (by as much as 26%) during IVF treatment cycles, when acupuncture takes place on the day of embryo transfer
- Reduced stress and anxiety levels
- Increased blood flow to the uterus, leading to an improved endometrial lining
- Possible improvement in sperm count and quality in men with infertility
- Possible improvement in ovulation for women with PCOS
- Potential regulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, which in turn could help regulate ovulation
So the question is this: will acupuncture infertility treatment actually help you get pregnant? At this point, it is difficult to say for sure and additional research continues. Many folks have found that acupuncture does reduce stress and anxiety, which at least may help you handle the day-to-day tension and anxiety that comes with infertility.
If acupuncture seems like something you would like to try, be sure to seek out a licensed acupuncturist. There are acupuncturists who actually specialize in fertility, and some are associated with fertility clinics. Be sure to ask your reproductive specialist for a recommendation.