Increasingly, acupuncture is being used as an infertility treatment by men and women alike. Despite its growth, there are many myths that are easily confused with facts surrounding acupuncture infertility treatments.
Myth: Acupuncture Cures Infertility
Fact: Acupuncture does not cure infertility. While treatments may enhance the body's ability to get pregnant, they will not resolve structural problems. Those individuals with functional problems, such as irregular ovulation or a thin uterine wall respond best to treatments. Acupuncture practitioners claim that treatments relax the body, making it more amenable to becoming pregnant or producing sperm. However, the problems that caused infertility will not be resolved.
Myth: Acupuncture Treatments Are Not Dangerous
Fact: Studies have shown that if done improperly, acupuncture could induce miscarriage or early delivery. During an acupuncture treatment, very thin needles are inserted into specific body points. Treatments are often combined with ingesting medicinal herbs, heating portions or all of the body, or massages. These medications could inhibit or even counteract other medications, including prescribed fertility drugs. Consult your physician prior to choosing to undergo acupuncture or ingesting herbs.
Myth: All Acupuncturists Are the Same
Fact: Acupuncturists are licensed professionals governed by the state. An unlicensed professional at best could make the procedure painful or counterproductive to your other treatments. Prior to agreeing to work with a specific acupuncturist, you should ask to see the practitioner's license to make sure it is valid and current. Your physician may know names of acupuncturists with good reputations and those to stay away from.
Myth: Acupuncture Works on Its Own
Fact: Acupuncture works best when combined with other fertility treatments. The purpose of acupuncture is to open the patient's body to better functioning, thereby enhancing the ability to become pregnant or produce better quality sperm. While you must be careful if you choose to include ingesting herbs or massages into your routine, if done by a properly trained acupuncturist, the treatment alone has few side effects.
Myth: Acupuncture Does Not Affect the Entire Body
Fact: Acupuncture notably affects a patient's entire body. While claims of acupuncture curing infertility are unsubstantiated, treatments have been shown to relax and detoxify the patient's body as well as regulate blood flow and increase the body's natural hormones. The mental aspects of acupuncture, though, are what most patients point to as the most beneficial. By undergoing treatments, many patients feel as though they are taking control over their infertility, thereby reducing stress and anxiety. Rather than merely waiting to see if other medical procedures have been successful, by actively undergoing acupuncture patients feel as though they are being proactive in resolving their medical problems.
Myth: Acupuncture Is Painful
Fact: Almost all acupuncture patients state that if done properly acupuncture treatments are painless. The idea of inserting needles into precise trigger points might make you squeamish. However, as it is painless, this might be a pleasant change from other invasive or painful procedures commonly undergone for infertility. Note, however, that not every treatment will have the same results for everyone.
Infertility is a frustrating and personal issue that many individuals face. Including acupuncture infertility treatments in your routine could assist you in becoming pregnant. Make sure to thoroughly research practitioners and speak with your physician prior to undergoing treatments.
