For fertility issues, acupuncture can be very effective as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments. Acupuncture can help with fertility through several mechanisms:
- Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture may help regulate hormones related to fertility, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol.
- Improving Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs: By improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, acupuncture may create a better environment for ovarian follicles and uterine lining development.
- Reducing Stress: Stress can have a negative impact on fertility. Acupuncture is thought to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which may enhance fertility. Reducing stress and anxiety is very important when trying to conceive as it can negatively affect so many things in the body.
- Balancing the Endocrine System: Acupuncture may influence the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in regulating reproductive hormones.
- Supporting Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART): Some research suggests that acupuncture may improve outcomes for individuals undergoing procedures such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).
While acupuncture has promising results with conceiving, its effectiveness can vary with different individuals. Often dietary changes can help conception also. There are foods that support the female organs while others can negatively affect them.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture for fertility, it is important that you see a “licensed acupuncturist,” fully trained in acupuncture that has experience working with fertility issues. They can provide personalized advice based on your specific situation and health history.
Here is a link to read more about how acupuncture works for fertility issues.