Success Rate of Treating Infertility with Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been popular for years; it is known for treating pain and helping with addictive behavior illnesses. Recent?studies show that it may also?help couples achieve success for infertility problems.

The philosophy of acupuncture and the Chinese is that the body has ?Life Energy? and ?Qi? flows that pass through each area of the body in channels (meridians). There is the belief that there are 20 different major pathways where this energy may travel.?If the energy or ?Qi? is not flowing smoothly and consistently as it should, then illness may result. With acupuncture infertility treatments, the ?Qi? flow is encouraged and the body's energy is realigned to flow readily,?balancing the body's hormonal balance to promote ovulation and fertility.

Success Rates and Statistics for Acupuncture Infertility Cases

At present, there are no standardized guidelines to accurately calculate the success rates for acupuncture infertility cases. Statistics and success rates can vary depending on circumstances such as age and pre-existing medical conditions. Another variance may be that some patients may have undergone the acupuncture therapy for infertility singularly with no other assistance or herbal supplementation, and others may have used prescribed medications or herbs. Others, may?possibly even had IVF (in vitro fertilization) treatments, that could also vary the statistics.

Success Rates of Acupuncture Infertility Treatments with IVF

In 2002, a German study showed a success rate of 42.5 percent with?acupuncture infertility treatments with IVF, and only 6.3 percent without the acupuncture.

Recent medical studies indicate a success rate of 51 percent with the acupuncture infertility treatments with IVF, and only 36 percent without.

Improving Success Rates

There are ways that both men and women may?achieve better success rates with acupuncture infertility treatments. Successful studies and many experts recommend different methods?to help.

A Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

A good healthy diet?of plenty of protein, with lots of fruits and vegetables may help. Also, foods containing Omega 3 such as walnuts, almonds and sardines are good. Some individuals believe that dairy products may help conception.

Although there is no evidence to show that stress causes infertility, many physicians believe that increased stress plays a factor with conception. Having a healthy lifestyle with more relaxation?and quality sleep,?may?minimize stress?and help to improve the odds.

Supplementation to Assist with Success

Several experts believe that supplementation may assist with ovulation and fertility. Some believe that added supplements of Omega may extend the cycle, and that Vitamin B 6 may correct the timing to increase chances for fertility. Vitamin supplements of C and E may increase ovulation. Others feel that herbs such as Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal formula) formulations may assist with the process.

Some physicians believe that tight undergarments or underwear may inhibit the blood flow to the reproductive organs, having an impact on fertility.

Important Notes to Remember

Always only seek acupuncture from a highly trained and experienced acupuncturist.

Women who are or may be pregnant should advise the acupuncturist, as certain pressure points may cause the uterus to contract causing a miscarriage.

People with bleeding disorders or who are on blood thinners should not consider acupuncture or acupuncture infertility treatments.

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