While many couples, unfortunately, struggle to get pregnant, you may be surprised to find out about the benefits of acupuncture for fertility. Between all the different treatments available for infertility, one of the biggest positives about acupuncture for fertility is that there is little to no risk involved. It’s a wonderful, safe option to try and increase your chances of conceiving. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about acupuncture for fertility. We have a wonderful Tampa acupuncture clinic that would be happy to discuss treatment options with you if you would like to add acupuncture for fertility to your efforts for expanding your family.
Book an appointment online or call (813) 444-3946
What is Acupuncture?
Many people have heard of acupuncture and wince at the thought of needles, but do you actually know what acupuncture consists of beyond the fact that it involves needles? Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment for treating pain and health conditions through the use of needles.
Acupuncture needles are thin, disposable, and sterile needles that are placed at specific points on the skin, close to the surface. There are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with 14 major pathways also called meridians. Acupuncture needles create a tiny injury in the skin that typically produces little to no pain, but is enough to signal to the body to react. The body reacts by stimulating the immune system, circulation, wound healing, and more.
How can acupuncture help with fertility?
In one study done on a couple who was dealing with infertility where both the male and the female were given treatments over the course of three months. In that study, it was concluded that “acupuncture can be considered as successful treatment in restoring fertility in the patients, by improving the sperm quality and ovaries function and balancing the endocrine system and hormones.”
But exactly how does acupuncture work to enhance fertility? One way is by providing better blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. By making sure there is optimal blood flow you can create a better environment for implantation.
If you’ve heard that you need to reduce your stress to give yourself a better chance at conceiving, acupuncture can help with that too. Reducing stress isn’t just about the stress itself. When you’re under stress cortisol is released in the brain which can alter the brain’s neurochemical balance. This can lead to a change in hormone levels which are a main part of reproduction.
In addition, high cortisol levels have been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage so continuing with acupuncture after conceiving can also be helpful in getting your pregnancy to term.
At Wholistic Medical Group our Tampa acupuncture clinic would be honored to work with you through your fertility and pregnancy journey. Call our office to make an appointment to discuss treatment plans. (813) 444-3946
Are there any risks with using acupuncture for fertility?
The risks of using acupuncture for fertility are minimal. Although acupuncture is pretty safe for most people regardless of medical history, it’s still important to be careful when you’re working with the delicacies of fertility and pregnancy. There are certain acupuncture points that can increase the chance of miscarriage so your best option is to make sure that you select an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility and pregnancy so that if you continue acupuncture during pregnancy your acupuncturist can do so as safely as possible.
When should you start acupuncture for fertility?
Since there aren’t many risks to acupuncture, it’s best to start it as soon as you feel like you need to. Even if you’re still at the point where you’re trying to conceive naturally, you can definitely benefit from acupuncture. Since it is a process and not a one-time “fix”, if you’re going to be doing any infertility treatments such as IVF it’s important to start seeing your acupuncturist at least a few months before you start your infertility treatment.
In addition, it’s often recommended to continue acupuncture treatments after you’ve conceived. Many of the benefits for fertility can also help in pregnancy such as the reduction of stress.
Tampa Acupuncture Treatments
If you’re looking for acupuncture in Tampa, our own Dr. Duke at Wholistic Medical Group is knowledgeable and skilled with acupuncture for fertility. Book an appointment to visit our acupuncture clinic and Dr. Duke will go over your fertility concerns and discuss a treatment plan to help promote fertility.