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Acupuncture is a gentle and safe way to improve fertility. The practice is becoming more mainstream as study after study shows benefits to fertility, without drugs and side effects.
Effective and safe for fertility.
Pharmaceuticals and modern drugs are not the only answer. Approach your fertility holistically and treat your entire body to create the outcomes you desire. Used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle changes including diet and exercise, acupuncture is successful in treating a range of fertility-related problems.
PCOS, infertility caused by stress, endometriosis, uterine fibroids and scar tissue build up can all reduce your chances of falling pregnant.
Acupuncture and Homeostasis: Physiological, Physical (postural) and Psychological
The increased hormone regulation, better blood flow, and decreased cortisol levels make acupuncture an extremely effective fertility treatment.
Acupuncture brings the body back to a balanced way of being. This is called homeostasis. The lack of side effects and gentle therapeutic nature of acupuncture makes it the ideal non-invasive way for any woman planning on becoming a mother, to increase her chances. Come and speak to us as soon as possible before IVF or when struggling to conceive and discuss how we can help.
How do we create a treatment plan?
All treatment plans are individualised, to get best results. Our acupuncturist will have an in-depth discussion with you. We will talk about any medical diagnoses you’ve had, your reproductive health history, your menstrual cycle and any specific concerns you have. Based on this, we can devise a treatment plan designed to offer relief from specific symptoms or problems. This will be based on youre Chinese Diagnosis and your Medical Diagnosis. If you have undiagnosed problems or unexplained fertility, we will start with our Chinese diagnosis and then fine tune the sessions as treatment continues, always working with your medical specialists as new information comes to light.
The individualisation of our plans is important in addressing the specific concerns and treating the problems you are facing. Not everyone will receive optimum results by acupuncture alone. We may recommend dietary and lifestyle changes or introduction of some beneficial herbs, cupping or moxa.
Our goal is to increase chances of conception as quickly as possible and we will work with you and your medical practitioner to help this happen.
Why Acupuncture?
In the past, acupuncture has been a last resort, when all other conventional methods have failed. However as the efficacy and acceptance of acupuncture as a reputable therapy has increased, more women are turning to acupuncture as a first-time treatment.
This is due to the gentleness, non-invasive, cost-effectiveness and lack of side effects. Acupuncture may help you conceive naturally, before resorting to more expensive and invasive therapies.
How does it work?
While the Chinese believed that acupuncture balanced the yin and yang of the Qi, unblocking pathways in ‘meridian’ channels in a body, modern science has a different point of view. It’s theorised that needles trigger endorphins and naturally-occurring painkillers. These relieve pain, ease stress which reduces cortisol, and lowers anxiety. The needles also stimulate areas which encourages blood flow equilibrium and blood vessel dilation. This helps to remove swelling, inflammation, and creates better uterine blood flow.
Possible benefits of acupuncture for fertility:
- The increased blood flow can increase the likelihood of the fertile triple-layer endometrial lining which improves receptivity to pregnancy.
- Increases uterine receptivity, particularly regulating HOXA10 protein
- Regulates sugar levels, important for diabetic and PCOS sufferers
- Normalises ovarian volume AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) in women with PCOS
PCOS and acupuncture
10% of women suffer from PCOS. The excess of male hormones creates an imbalance which affects the ability to menstruate and therefore conception is affected. There is a genetic component for this disease but there is not one exact cause. There is often an over-active sympathetic nervous system which increases levels of inflammation.
Acupuncture can help to restore regular ovulation, balance hormones, decreases androgen levels, regulate ovarian blood flow and adjust the HPG axis functions. It does this by increasing blood flow to the area and changing the way the body reacts to certain hormones and body chemicals.
Acupuncture for endometriosis
One in ten women suffer from endometriosis. It’s a progressive condition which may have a genetic basis. It’s basically when endometrial cells grow in places they shouldn’t- often pelvic organs. Not only does this condition result in painful periods, bloating and moodiness, but it also creates difficulties in falling pregnant.
Acupuncture helps by increasing blood flow to the area, decreasing inflammation and quickening healing. While surgery is often required to remove the excess cells, acupuncture assists with and can help to reduce the risk of adhesions developing and recover faster from surgery.
Acupuncture and IVF
In particular, chances of conception are increased when using acupuncture in conjunction with IVF. A 2002 study measured successful conceptions after a course of IVF. The results showed that IVF on its own resulted in pregnancy 26.3% of the time. IVF used in conjunction with acupuncture had a conception rate of 42.5%. The functions behind the increased success are not fully understood but the results are very encouraging for women trying to conceive.
Stress, depression, fertility and acupuncture
Cortisol is the chemical your body releases when you’re stressed. Cortisol has negative effects on the body, lessening chances of successful reproduction. Acupuncture has been shown to help control release of cortisol. The lower amount of stress hormones means an increased chance of pregnancy, a better pregnancy with a healthier baby, and reduced stress in labour.
Depression and anxiety can also decrease chances of conception. Use of SSRI’s during pregnancy may not be safe, yet you need to be mentally safe and stable throughout your pregnancy- especially when all the hormones are creating a swirl of emotions. Depression also can cause insomnia, appetite problems and a lack of energy. This is at a time when your body needs to be operating at an optimal level. Acupuncture offers relief from symptoms of depression and anxiety, allowing you freedom from illness that may impact fertility.
Thank-you so much Angelique, for all your help getting me healthy enough to conceive Emily Rose.
Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) includes a 4 yr full-time degree in Chinese Medicine
Hours
Closed weekends and Public Holidays. Exceptions made for IVF transfers.
To see available times please click the booking link above.
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Address:
182 Mt Albert Rd, Sandringham, Auckland 1025
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