How does Acupuncture for fertility work?

What to expect from Fertility Acupuncture

If you’re new to Fertility Acupuncture, or just thinking about it - Welcome to Embrace Acupuncture!

Let's be honest—there's no journey quite as exciting, emotional, and sometimes frustrating as the quest for parenthood.

Whether you're just starting or have been trying for a while, the desire to bring a new life into this world is a deeply personal and profound one. Either naturally or alongside IVF, many individuals and couples are exploring alternative approaches to boost their fertility. One such approach that's gaining attention is Acupuncture.

Let us introduce you to the world of Acupuncture for fertility, discussing how this ancient practice might be the missing piece in your baby-making puzzle.

How does Acupuncture help fertility?

A question we commonly get is, ‘how does Acupuncture help with my fertility?’

Great question. Here’s how.

1. Better Pelvic Blood Flow: Acupuncture can get your blood moving in all the right places. Improved blood flow to your ovaries and uterus can create a more welcoming environment for conception and a cozy spot for that embryo to implant.

2. Hormone Regulation: Hormones play a starring role in the reproductive drama. Acupuncture may help keep them in line, ensuring that ovulation and the whole fertility process happen as its meant to. It's all about balancing the stars of the show, like estrogen and progesterone, FSH and LH.

3. Stress Reduction: You've probably heard/know that stress can be a real mood-killer when it comes to fertility. Acupuncture comes to the rescue here by releasing feel-good endorphins, dialling down stress hormones like cortisol, and generally helping you chill out. After all, making a baby shouldn't feel like a high-stakes game of chance. The lower your stress hormones are, the more easily the body can make Oestrogen, Progesterone and Testosterone for men.

4. Improve Egg and Sperm quality: Acupuncture can provide some tender loving care for your eggs and sperm by improving your overall health and addressing any underlying issues. This is particularly valuable for couples exploring natural fertility AND those doing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

5. Tackling Underlying Issues: Sometimes, fertility struggles are rooted in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, wonky menstrual cycles or autoimmunity/inflammatory causes. Sometimes it’s stress, insomnia or gut health issues that are the root cause. Acupuncture can be a complementary therapy, improving overall health and helping create a more fertile ground.

Fertility Acupuncture Research

1. IVF Support: Some studies suggest that Acupuncture can be an excellent accompaniment for IVF. A review of the current studies found ‘benefit of Acupuncture for IVF outcomes in women with a history of unsuccessful IVF attempt, and number of Acupuncture treatments is a potential influential factor.’
Think of it as a good luck charm for your embryo, backed by science!

2. Menstrual Magic: For those wrestling with unpredictable menstrual cycles, Acupuncture might bring some relief. It can help regulate your cycle and ease those cramps, making the baby-making process aka timing sex in the fertile window, more predictable.

3. Stress Buster: Stress is often public enemy number one for fertility. Research indicates that Acupuncture can be your secret weapon in the battle against stress. It's like a relaxing spa day for your body and mind!

Healing takes time

While more high-quality research is needed, the latest review of the scientific studies shows the ‘benefit of Acupuncture for outcomes in women with infertility, and the number of Acupuncture treatments is a potential influential factor.’

But here's the deal—Acupuncture isn't a silver bullet.

As magical as Acupuncture is, healing the body & getting it working as it should takes time (after years of it not working at its best)

• Eggs takes 3-4 cycles to mature the new (better quality) ones coming through.

• Sperm takes about 90 days for new & improved ones to be mature and be ready to roll.

This is why the best outcomes for Chinese Med is weekly for at least 3 cycles vs a couple of sessions in the middle of an IVF cycle.

That said, as we can work with the body in all stages of the cycle including in the 2 week wait - you can do Acupuncture at whichever stage you're up to.

Acupuncture is most effective when combined with a comprehensive approach to reproductive health. That means embracing a healthy lifestyle, eating balanced meals, and, of course, consulting with medical experts who can provide tailored guidance.

That’s what we also address in our sessions.

What’s ‘healthy & necessary’ for one person, isn’t for another. We customise our treatments to suit your body & your specific needs. It’s like having your own personal fertility coach who chills you out with Acupuncture - happy days!

What to expect in your first Fertility Acupuncture session

Okay, so you're curious about giving Acupuncture a go. Awesome! Here's a sneak peek into what happens during an Acupuncture session:

1. Friendly Chat: You'll start with a casual chat with your Chinese Medicine Practitioner. They'll want to know everything about you, from your health history, to your baby-making aspirations, and any specific concerns you might have. It's like catching up with an old friend.

2. Personalized Plan: Based on your chat, your Chinese Medicine Practitioner will whip up a personalized treatment plan just for you. It's like having a tailor make a custom suit but for your health.

3. Needle Time: Now, here's the part you've been wondering about—needles. Or as we like to call them, pins. We will gently insert super-thin (0.2mm), sterile needles into specific Acupuncture points on your body. Yes, it involves needles or pins but most people find it surprisingly mellow - some even fall asleep during their sessions! You might feel a little pinch, but it's not a horror movie scene, we promise.

4. Zen Time: After the pins are in, it's time to chill. You'll typically lie still for about 20 minutes. Many people find this part to be ultra-relaxing. It's like hitting pause on the hustle and bustle of life, ultimate you time.

5. Repeat: Acupuncture isn't a one-and-done deal. It usually involves a series of sessions, with the frequency and duration decided by your Chinese Medicine Practitioner and your unique needs.

Here’s more about us, and more on Fertility Acupuncture.

While there are no guarantees in the world of parenthood, Acupuncture might just be that calming, supportive friend you need on your journey.

Remember, though, it's not a stand-alone solution. Think of it as one piece of the puzzle that includes lifestyle changes, balanced eating, and expert advice from medical professionals.

Healing takes time.

Your path to parenthood is as unique as your fingerprint. What works for one person may not work for another, and that's perfectly fine. So, if you're considering Acupuncture, take a deep breath, relax, and know that you're taking another positive step toward realizing your dream of becoming a parent. And hey, those tiny Acupuncture pins might just be the key to unlocking that dream!

Let us help you on your journey 🌟