Straight From the Source

Acupuncture and Infertility : Qi is the Key to Creating Life

It has long been known that stress, among other factors, can decrease a couple's ability to conceive.  Anecdotal evidence of babies conceived on vacations can attest to that fact. However, recent scientific research is proving how acupuncture for infertility works to balance a woman's physical and emotional well being so that the miracle of life can unfold.

Acupuncture for Infertility Increases Conception Rates

One of the most exciting things about acupuncture and infertility is that it works with western medicine to improve fertility from the inside out.  In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a widely accepted practice for assisting women in becoming pregnant. However, stress and depression are common side effects in women participating in IVF treatments. The medications and procedures required to stimulate and collect viable eggs, and then transfer viable embryos, can cause physical and emotional discomfort.

Recent studies in Germany, Denmark, Canada and the United States have demonstrated a significant increase in conception rates for women who used acupuncture for infertility, preceding and throughout their IVF treatments. Impressive statistics include:

• Germany: Women using acupuncture and IVF had a 42.5% conception rate, compared with the 26.3% conception rate for women who did not.
  
• Denmark: A study concluded that acupuncture for infertility on the day of embryo transfer increased pregnancy rates - 39% versus 26%.
  
• Germany: Of 225 women, 116 received luteal phase acupuncture (after the ovulation phase) while 109 received placebo acupuncture.  The women who received luteal acupuncture had conception rates of 33.6% while the placebo group had conception rates of 15.3%.
  
• British Columbia: Acupuncture increased IVF live birth rates from 10-15%.
• Ectopic pregnancies were reduced in IVF cases with the addition of acupuncture.

• Relaxation
• Return to healthy sleep patterns
• Reduced inflammation
• Peace of mind
• Increased circulation, especially to the ovaries and uterus
• Healthy hormonal balance

Once a woman's body are receiving a healthy blood supply, balanced hormones, and no longer experiencing the harmful side effects of stress or an unhealthy lifestyle, successful conception is much more likely to occur.