.png)
If you have been struggling to conceive, by the time you have reached the stage of IVF you may feel overwhelmed and confused. At Acupuncture Health we discuss your past journey and how we can help you moving forward.
Increase the chances of successful IVF conception using Acupuncture and the other modalities of Chinese medicine, a proven way of assisting chances of conception.
There have been a number of studies carried out that show acupuncture before and during IVF can increase the chances of a successful conception. There are a variety of ways that acupuncture assists with this. Optimise your chances of success with your IVF treatment using this non-invasive, gentle therapy with proven results.
Acupuncture Fertility, IVF, IUI, ICSI
There is increasing evidence to show that Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can:
Rejuvenate some oocyte (immature ovum or egg) characteristics by improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing egg.
Enhance cells capacity to produce energy (ATP), therefore increasing the probability of making viable embryo’s.
Promote growth of new blood vessels to the ovaries.
Decrease the effects of PCOS and endometriosis on the ovaries and surrounding fluid.
Decrease anxiety and promote greater resilience to levels of stress.
Be useful for increasing the thickness and quality of the uterus lining Promote corpus luteal function which affects progesterone levels.
Rejuvenate some oocyte (immature ovum or egg) characteristics by improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the developing egg.
Enhance cells capacity to produce energy (ATP), therefore increasing the probability of making viable embryo’s.
Promote growth of new blood vessels to the ovaries.
Decrease the effects of PCOS and endometriosis on the ovaries and surrounding fluid.
Decrease anxiety and promote greater resilience to levels of stress.
Be useful for increasing the thickness and quality of the uterus lining Promote corpus luteal function which affects progesterone levels.
How does it work?
The intention of acupuncture is to produce well nourished eggs in a balanced hormonal environment that is more responsive to stimulation by FSH produced the pituitary gland after administration of IVF drugs. Angelique and many fertility specialists have recognized that this can take 6-9 months (Jane Lyttleton, BSc, MPhil, Dip TCM)In my opinion, Looking at temperature charts, I have seen good changes in hormonal balance after 3 months of weekly treatments, but that is the bare minimum. Of course, if you don’t have the luxury of time…. any treatments you can do will help, if not at a cellular level at least relieving the increased stress that comes with IVF. There are protocols for women who just want before and after transfer treatment, that Angelique offers to patients of IVF though this is the least effective option. Acupuncture was not designed to be effective as a one off treatment in any scenario, though some patients insist this can happen e.g relief of a headache.
There is poor evidence that acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can
- Unblock Fallopian tubes
- Increase the number of eggs
- Change integrity of chromosomes
Why does acupuncture help with successful IVF?
A protocol just for you!
Angelique has designed protocols based on research and other experts in the field of fertility to enhance the general health of the patient and therefore their fertility healthThis includes looking at:
Acupuncture, electro acupuncture, moxa, primo moxa 10 pen, cupping, herbsBlood test resultsPotential vectors of pollutants that can affect fertilityImproving diet and adding supplements to nourish the eggsProviding space and time to listen to the patient
Other studies mirror these results, showing that acupuncture on the day of embryo implantation significantly improved the chances of successfully falling pregnant. This 2005 study showed that luteal phase acupuncture increased the chances of a successful pregnancy arising from IVF treatment. ( sometimes known as the Paulus Protocol )
A study from Homerton University in London tested 160 couples suffering from fertility problems. Half of them received acupuncture. A year afterwards, 46.2% of those who underwent acupuncture had become pregnant. Only 21.7% of those that had not had acupuncture were pregnant.
With the increased blood flow, there are increased chances of the uterus developing the all-important, highly fertile triple-layer endometrial lining. This improves uterine receptivity. Use of acupuncture makes the woman far more likely to fall pregnant.
Decreased stress
Stress can have some very negative effects on the likelihood of falling pregnant. If you are stressed, you may not conceive, which gets you more stressed. Acupuncture is widely understood to help alleviate stress, which not only helps with conception rates, but also helps to ensure the baby is healthy. Stress during pregnancy results in preterm birth and lower weight babies. Acupuncture has also been shown to be a promising treatment for depression before and during pregnancy.
Hormone management
The regulation of hormones is incredibly important for women intending to get pregnant. Studies are showing that acupuncture may regulate the immune system, and promote positive cell immunity. It also likely affects the natural killer cells, regulating leukocyte functions. This may improve implantation rates by improving the receptive state of the endometrium by promoting Th2 cytokines secretion and inhibiting Th1 cytokines.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is non-invasive, gentle and very safe. Some users report bruising or swelling at the needle site, but that is almost the only side effect. On the day of treatment, some users report a feeling of light-headedness or dizziness, sleepiness or even slight euphoria.
Ongoing benefits throughout pregnancy
Further studies in the US have shown that acupuncture increased live birth rates, making this a treatment that should be continued throughout pregnancy to ensure the best outcomes for the child (and mother). Acupuncture assists with morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum, helping to control rising HCG levels in the pregnant woman.
There are a variety of complaints arising from the weight of carrying the baby. The increased pressure on the hips can tilt them forward, and the extra weight places the spine under extra stress. This in turn can lead to headaches, pubic or sacroiliac pain. Acupuncture, using the mechanisms of natural pain relief, can help to address this extra pain.
Later on in the pregnancy, you may find that your baby is in the breech, transverse, oblique or posterior position. This typically requires medical intervention. Acupuncture can help to turn the baby without any conventional treatments or assistance. This needs to be addressed in the 32nd/ 33rd week of pregnancy.
How do you find a good acupuncturist?
Take your time and find a good practitioner that you trust and feel comfortable with. they should be registered with the Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand as required by the HPCA ACT (s149) They might also be a member of Acupuncture NZ, the longest and largest registry of acupuncturists with a minimum of 4 year study of any other regulatory body.
The therapist should spend time with you, covering any medical issues and what you expect from the treatment. They will outline a course of treatment, advising you when you should start and how long the treatments will continue for. Everyone is different and as a result, every treatment should be different- there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach in acupuncture. Your treatment should be created for you, in conjunction with you, for the symptoms you are experiencing and tailored towards the outcome you want.
Part of acupuncture is the holistic nature of the treatment. Your therapist may recommend complementary therapies or dietary/ exercise changes. This is designed to get optimal results and to prepare your body.
Make sure you leave plenty of time for treatments before your implantation date, usually about three months before the IVF process starts. Your acupuncturist may recommend a series of treatments in the lead up to the IVF to help increase chances of conception. If possible, start treatments up to a few months before, to help lowering stress, making the uterine lining more receptive, and readying the body for conception and carrying the baby.
This little miracle would not have been possible without your advice and support. Mita
References
1. Bhal PS, Pugh ND, Gregory L, et al. Perifollicular vascularity as a potential variable affecting outcome in stimulated IUI treatment cycles. Hum Reprod 2001; 16:1682-9 2. Lonergan T, Bavister B, Brenner C. Mitochondria in stem cells. Mitochondrion 2007:7 (5):289-963. Stener-Victorin E, Kobayashi R, Kurosawa M, Ovarian blood flow responses to electroacupuncture stimulation at different frequencies and intensities in anaesthized rats. Auton Neurosci 2003;108:50-64. De Lacey S, Smith C, Paterson C. Building resilience: An exploration of women's perceptions of the use of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF. BMJ Complement Altern Med 2009;9:505. Zhang R, Feng XJ, Guan Q, et al. Increase of success rate for women undergoing embryo transfer by transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation: a prospective randomised placebo- controlled study. Fertil Stertil 2011;96(4);912-6
Contact Angelique today to find out when you should start treatments, and if acupuncture is the right treatment for you.
Bachelor of Health Science (BHSc) includes a 4 yr full-time degree in Chinese Medicine
Hours
Closed weekends and Public Holidays
To see available times please click the booking link above.
Phone:
Email:
Address:
182 Mt Albert Rd, Sandringham, Auckland 1025
* Indicates required field