Acupuncture And Infertility

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been used for centuries to successfully address the sensitive ncomplexities of infertility by restoring balance and creating an environment in which new life can flourish. Any ndifficulty in conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy is evidence of an imbalance that needs to be addressed and nis often accompanied by other symptoms that may seem completely unrelated to infertility. Since our goal as
Chinese medicine practitioners is not only to enable pregnancy, but to create an ideal environment to produce a nnew life, we seek to establish a complete health profile. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of each nindividual from a holistic perspective, it is possible to successfully treat infertility and improve oneís overall nhealth.

Although acupuncture is based on ancient medical theory, a modern and scientific neuroendocrine perspective nhas also begun to confirm its efficacy. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can enhance fertility in a number of nways:

• Regulating the menstrual cycle
• Regulating hormone levels
• Increasing blood flow to the uterus
• Improving the function of the ovaries
• Improving sperm numbers, quality and motility
• Increasing libido
• Reversing ejaculatory defects and erectile dysfunction
• Treating blocked fallopian tubes
• Enhancing response to IVF and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures
• Relaxing the patient and alleviating stress
• Preventing miscarriage

Infertility can be due to a variety of factors. Some of the leading causes of infertility are advanced age, heredity, npoor diet, overwork, insufficient rest, illness, poor menstrual health and stress. Very often, modern diagnostic ntechniques may not recognize any laboratory abnormality or functional cause for infertility, but readily resort to nfertility drugs and medically assisted reproduction technologies when they are not necessary. A Chinese nmedicine practitioner can detect the subtle disharmonies within each individual that are responsible for impairing nthe reproductive process. Acupuncture and herbal therapies are a gentle and effective way of reversing some nof these disharmonies without the physical and emotional angst that is associated with modern medical nintervention.

From a Chinese medicine perspective, there are two primary patterns for infertility:

1) Stagnation: the blockage of qi and/or blood flow anywhere in the body that can manifest as symptoms nsuch as PMS, painful periods, irritability, fibroid tumors, cysts, endometriosis and blocked tubes. Stress nis frequently a factor in these instances.
2) Deficiency: a broad term used to describe a condition in which there is insufficient qi, blood, yin or yang nto properly nourish the body and its reproductive capacity. Deficient conditions often manifest as nweakness and fatigue, inadequate hormone levels, low sperm count or poor motility, hereditary nailments, and threatened miscarriage.

A Chinese medicine practitioner uses a variety of diagnostic techniques, including a detailed pulse and tongue nevaluation, to determine the root imbalance that is responsible for hampering the reproductive process. Once nthis is established, he or she develops a treatment plan that incorporates acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine nand nutrition and lifestyle counseling. In this way, a practitioner is able to treat symptoms that occur on a variety nof levels all at once. Since treatments and lifestyle modifications are geared towards restoring balance, patients nfrequently report experiencing beneficial ̀side effects', such as improved sleep and digestion as well as reduced nstress levels. Women will generally observe fewer symptoms and more regularity in their menstrual cycles as nbalance is restored.

Since each new life relies on his or her parents for health and a strong constitution, we advise our patients to nconsider their overall health as they begin to consider conceiving a child. Take the time to get healthy and nstrong so that you can pass that health along to your child. n
OTHER WAYS TO ENHANCE YOUR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
• Eliminate nicotine, caffeine, drugs and alcohol.
• Replace refined, processed foods with whole, fresh foods free of hormones, refined sugars or synthetic nsweeteners.
• Eat sufficient green vegetables, which can provide omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, magnesium and chlorophyll nfor a healthy pregnancy.
• Incorporate moderate exercise, outdoors if possible, in sunlight and fresh air.
• Avoid over-consumption of cold or raw foods (including cold drinks), particularly during menstruation
• Moderate sexual activity and get proper rest n
FOODS TO ENHANCE FERTILITY n nasparagus: eases menstrual difficulty and promotes fertility nwalnuts: nourishes kidneys and adrenals and enriches sperm nlycium fruit, sesame seeds: strengthens Liver and Kidneys; promotes fertility nchestnut: strengthens the Kidneys, warms the uterus nblack beans : tonifies Kidneys and reproductive function ncoconut: increases semen, builds yin fluids
BERRIES, ESPECIALLY RASPBERRIES, BLACKBERRIES AND BLUEBERRIES
• Most nuts, seeds and berries are believed to enhance reproductive function. nn