Is Acupuncture A Safe Option For Treating Infertility?

Hey there…

Mike here from B Method.

Today we’re taking a look at acupuncture and whether or not it’s a safe and viable treatment for infertility.

If you’re like me, whenever you think of acupuncture, you probably think of needles getting stuck every which way into your skin.

Not quite the relaxing and welcoming image that would make anyone want to consider it when it comes to using it as a potential form of treatment for infertility.

There’s plenty of research and studies that support the use of acupuncture to improve the chances of child birth.

Acupuncture can increase fertility by reducing stress, increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and balancing the endocrine system, according to several studies and medical research.

It’s common for fertility doctors to recommend acupuncture for their patients to help them with lowering their overall stress levels as well since stress hormones can lower fertility hormones.

We often talk about the importance of regular exercise here at the B Method, one of the reasons being to decrease stress which can definitely play a role in infertility.

How does stress play a role in infertility?

What happens when you’re under stress, a hormone called cortisol gets released in your brain.

When this happens, it alters the brain’s neurochemical balance, which causes changes in your hormone levels and disrupts the pituitary balance, which plays a key role in the reproductive cycle.

It’s because of acupuncture’s ability to help reduce stress that it’s often considered to be a reliable method for treating infertility.

While my thoughts of acupuncture may be that it’s just needles being stuck in you randomly, it’s actually a very methodical process.

Acupuncture is defined as the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. These points, when needled, can regulate the way in which the body functions.

Depending on where the needles go, a person may feel calmer, sleepy, or more energized, or may experience subtle physical changes, like a drop or rise in certain hormones or increased blood flow to certain areas of the body, like the pelvis.

From a fertility standpoint, acupuncture helps by addressing problems that affect fertility such as an under-functioning or over-functioning thyroid.

While the idea of having needles inserted into specific points on your body may seem and sound scary, you can rest assure knowing that there are virtually no negative side effects associated with acupuncture, aside from occasional mild bruising.

As with any type of infertility treatment, I would advise that you first get a medical evaluation by your physician and get their approval to give acupuncture a try.

Another think to consider when it comes to acupuncture and getting approval from your physician, ask your doctor for a referral to an acupuncturist who treats infertility since not all acupuncturists are trained in that area.

To find a licensed and Board certified acupuncturist in your area, visit www.nccaom.org

Is acupuncture a safe and viable option to consider when it comes to treating infertility?

Research suggests it is and from what I gather, I would have to agree.

Be fit, be fertile.

Cheers!

Mike