Kicking Cancer: Understanding The Treatment Process

Posted on: 29 October 2014

Not everyone has it easy when it comes to conceiving a baby. While some may get pregnant their first try, others may spend months – even years – trying to conceive. Infertility is one of the reasons why a person can't conceive. Luckily, there are ways to overcome this, including eating a healthier diet and limiting alcohol and caffeine consumption. Another way of improving your fertility is with acupuncture.

What is Acupuncture?

Having originated more than 4,000 years ago in China, acupuncture is a popular form of medicine that is used today. Sterile needles that are very thin are inserted into certain points on the body. These points are known as pressure points or acupuncture points. There are more than 2,000 of them in the human body.

According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, the procedure manipulates the flow of energy through the body and regulates the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual balance of the body. It is often used to treat pain, but has proven to be helpful in improving fertility.

Does Science Back Up the Connection Between Acupuncture and Improved Fertility?

In one study, 160 women were split into two groups of 80 women each. One of these groups received acupuncture treatments while trying to conceive via IVF. Both groups conceived, but the rates were significantly higher in the group that received acupuncture treatments.

How Acupuncture Helps

Acupuncture influences a person's fertility in a number of ways, including:

• Regulates Menstrual Cycles – The most important thing when trying to get pregnant is that you have a regular menstrual cycle. Acupuncture can help to regulate the body's reproductive hormones so that a normal cycle is obtained.
• Stimulates Blood Flow – Acupuncture improves the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. This creates a much higher chance of conception and better overall health.
• Reduces Stress – Stress is a common factor in your day-to-day life and affects your ability to conceive. It affects both men and women. In women, stress can cause spasms in the uterus resulting in the movement of an already fertilized egg. In men, stress can cause impotence and negatively alter sperm counts.
• Increases Sperm Count/Quality – Acupuncture has been proven to improve a man's sperm quality. It has also been proven to be helpful in lowering the number of structural defects in a man's sperm while also increasing the amount of sperm that releases during ejaculation.

Getting pregnant should be a joyous time in your life. If you are having problems with infertility, you may want to consider the benefits of acupuncture. (For advice from a medical professional, speak to Darin L Weyhrich, an obstetrician)