Acupuncture and Improved
Fertility
by Li Hua, L. Ac. TCMD
Babies are the fruit of love and the
continuing of human beings. These little ones are a special blessing
that can bring happiness, harmony, and solidity to a couple’s
life. Children bring energy and create happy memories. They are
the hope of the world.
As life moves faster, stress is more prevalent, and more people
are having difficulty with conception. It has been estimated that
one couple out of five in the United States experiences infertility.
Infertility is often defined as the failure to conceive after a
year or more of regular sexual activity during the period of ovulation.
It may also include the inability to carry a pregnancy to term.
There are many different causes of infertility, so it is often
difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of this problem. For women,
the most common causes of infertility include ovulatory failure
or defect, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, uterine fibroids,
allergy to their partner’s sperm, Chlamydia (STD), and psychological
issues. For men, infertility is most often the result of a low
sperm count or an anatomical abnormality (such as a varicocele,
a dilated vein of the spermatic cord). The reasons leading to low
sperm count include exposure to toxins, radiation, or excessive
heat, testicular injury, endocrine disorders, alcohol consumption,
recent acute illness or prolonged fever, and testicular mumps.
Traditional Chinese medicine teaches that infertility is related
to the kidney which is in charge of storing essence and dominating
development and reproduction. Since traditional Chinese medicine
teaches that the organs communicate with each other, and their
treatment is generally is holistic. Chinese medicine doctors will
evaluate the entire system.
Meanwhile, they will review the western
medical records or history as well as family history. They check
the tongue and pulse and ask questions to determine the unbalanced
areas and make a plan for treatment. Acupuncture is the main treatment
used to improve the energy of each organ, eliminate the stagnation,
regulate the nervous system and endocrine system and stimulate
the blood circulation.
Many couples, especially, the well educated or those with a busy
career, experience infertility. Many of these use medications through
IVF to conceive. Research has shown that the results are successful
about 20% to 25% of the time. By adding acupuncture before, during
and after IVF, the success rate for IVF increases to 40% to 45%;
By adding both acupuncture and Chinese medicine before IVF and
only acupuncture during and after IVF, the success rate for IVF
rises to 80% to 85%. For men, acupuncture will gives the sperm
more energy. For women, acupuncture will help make the uterus a
comfortable home for the new life by balancing and enriching it.
It becomes a fertile field for planting. It is better to enrich
the womb first and then have IVF. When considering help for infertility,
it is important to pay attention to nutrition and maintain a balanced
diet.
Exercise must be done according to the body’s needs. Proper
rest and plenty of sleep are also required. Positive thoughts are
very helpful in bringing the dream of having a baby to a reality.
Contact
Li Hua L.Ac. TCMD at Atlanta Acupuncture Center or 404-250-9903 or
e-mail lihua@aac2000.com or surf her web site at www.aac2000.com
