Women's Health and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. It is believed that acupuncture can help with infertility by improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulating hormone levels, reducing stress, and improving the function of the nervous system.

Research has shown that acupuncture may be a useful complementary therapy for infertility treatment in women. Here are some ways in which acupuncture may help with infertility:

1. Regulating menstrual cycles: Acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles.
2. Increasing blood flow to the uterus: Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus, which can improve the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
3. Reducing stress: Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a negative impact on fertility.
4. Improving sperm quality: Acupuncture can also help improve sperm quality and quantity in men.
5. Improving the success of assisted reproductive technology (ART): Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with ART, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), to improve the chances of success.

 Here are some useful links for acupuncture and infertility

1. American Pregnancy Association: Acupuncture for fertility https://americanpregnancy.org/getting-pregnant/acupuncture-for-fertility/
2. Click here for Summary of Acupuncture Studies, complied by Diane Cridennda
3. Click here for Summary of Chinese Herbal medicine Studies, complied by Ray Rubio
4. Click here for videos related to Acupuncture and Infertility

Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative therapy that can help improve fertility in both men and women. For couples who are struggling to conceive, acupuncture can be a natural and holistic approach to help improve their chances of becoming pregnant.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points on the body to improve the flow of energy and blood circulation. It also helps to reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and decrease stress levels. All of these factors can have a positive impact on fertility.

For women, acupuncture can help regulate the menstrual cycle, improve ovarian function, and increase blood flow to the uterus. For men, acupuncture can help improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. Acupuncture can also help reduce inflammation in the reproductive organs and improve the overall quality of semen. During acupuncture treatments for fertility, our acupuncturist Cathy Cai will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs. Treatment frequency can vary, but typically, patients will receive acupuncture once or twice a week leading up to ovulation, once a week after ovulation.

If you are considering acupuncture for fertility, it is important to find a licensed acupuncturist who specializes in treating infertility.  With years of experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of fertility, our acupuncturist Cathy Cai is dedicated to helping you achieve optimal reproductive health and increase your chances of conceiving naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.  We will work with you to create personalized treatments and provide guidance and support throughout the fertility journey. Acupuncture has been used as a complementary therapy to help improve fertility and increase the chances of natural conception for thousand of years.

Here are some ways in which acupuncture may help with natural conception:

1. Improving ovarian function: Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the ovaries, which can improve ovarian function and increase the chances of ovulation.
2. Regulating hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels, which can improve menstrual cycles and ovulation.
3. Reducing stress: Acupuncture can help reduce stress, which can have a negative impact on hormone levels and fertility.
4. Improving sperm quality: Acupuncture may help improve sperm quality and quantity in men.
5. Enhancing the effects of assisted reproductive technology (ART): Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with ART to improve the chances of success.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of health conditions. In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as a complementary therapy for individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Acupuncture has been used to help improve pregnancy rates, reduce the occurrence of side effects, and ease stress and anxiety associated with the treatments.

IVF and IUI are two common fertility treatments that can help individuals who are struggling to conceive. IVF involves fertilizing an egg with sperm in a laboratory dish and then transferring the resulting embryo(s) to the uterus. IUI, on the other hand, involves placing sperm directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation. Both treatments can be expensive and emotionally taxing, and success rates can vary depending on a number of factors. Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy to support in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI). Here are some ways in which acupuncture can support IVF and IUI:

1. Improving blood flow to the uterus: Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the uterus, which can increase the chances of successful embryo implantation.
2. Regulating hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels, which can improve the response to fertility drugs and increase the chances of successful ovulation.
3. Reducing stress: Acupuncture can help reduce stress, which can have a negative impact on hormone levels and fertility.
4. Reducing side effects of fertility drugs: Acupuncture can help alleviate the side effects of fertility drugs, such as nausea, headaches, and hot flashes.
5. Improving the quality of the eggs and sperm: Acupuncture can help improve the quality of the eggs and sperm, which can increase the chances of a successful IVF or IUI treatment.
6. Reducing the risk of miscarriage: Acupuncture can help reduce the risk of miscarriage by improving blood flow to the uterus and helping to regulate hormone levels.

Acupuncture treatments are typically tailored to the specific needs of the patient and can be done before and after embryo transfer. The treatment involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles at specific points on the body, and the patient may feel a sensation of warmth or pressure. Many patients report feeling relaxed and calm during the treatment, which can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

Studies have also shown that acupuncture may help increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, which may help to improve the environment of the uterus and improve the chances of implantation. Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce stress and improve overall emotional well-being, which may have a positive impact on fertility. Several studies have demonstrated that infertility acupuncture can significantly improve the success rates of ART. One such study, published in the April 2002 issue of Fertility and Sterility, showed that using acupuncture on the same day as IVF embryo transfer, both before and after the transfer, increased the success rate by 16.2% compared to the group not receiving acupuncture. Similarly, a more recent Danish study conducted in 2006 evaluated the effect of infertility acupuncture on patients undergoing IVF with ICSI. The group receiving fertility acupuncture on the same day as embryo transfer, both before and after the transfer, had a 39% conception and ongoing pregnancy rate, compared to 26% for the group that did not receive fertility acupuncture. These results are particularly noteworthy considering the relatively low success rates of ART back then, which ranged from 5-33% depending on the age of the woman. 

Our approach is based on years of research and experience, we are proud to offer a personalized acupuncture treatment plan that can significantly improve IVF outcomes. Over the past 20 years, Acupuncturist Dr. Diane Cridennda and Reproductive Endocrinologist Dr. Paul Magarelli have conducted extensive research on the impact of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. Click here for Summary of Acupuncture Studies-complied by Diane Cridennda. Their studies have shown that the "9+2" acupuncture protocol can result in up to 26% higher clinical pregnancies, 6% fewer ectopic pregnancies, and 10% fewer multiple births. As a result, this protocol is the basis for our IVF patient care. We personalize the acupuncture treatment and also create custom herbal formulas for our patients. The protocol includes 11 treatments, with 9 before egg retrieval at twice per week for 4-5 weeks, 1 treatment the evening before or morning of embryo transfer, and 1 treatment after the embryo transfer. 

Combining acupuncture with your IVF care program can result in improved pregnancy rates, reduced miscarriage rates, multiple births, and ectopic pregnancies, and ultimately more take-home babies. Chinese medicine is a wonderful and highly effective complement to infertility treatments. Acupuncture reduces the stress associated with assisted reproductive technologies (ART), which reduces the negative effects that stress has on the hormones related to reproduction. Acupuncture also strengthens and supports your body, making your fertility treatments more effective. Through years of experience working with patients undergoing IUI and IVF, our acupuncturist Cathy Cai have developed a deep understanding of the complex emotional and physical challenges that come with fertility treatments. With acupuncture, we can help support your body and mind throughout the process, optimizing your chances of success and promoting relaxation, balance, and well-being. If you are preparing for IUI or IVF, we invite you to experience the benefits of acupuncture and see how it can enhance your fertility journey.

We understand that fertility treatments can be stressful and overwhelming. Our goal is to support you throughout your journey and provide you with the best possible care. Please don't hesitate to contact us to learn more about our personalized acupuncture treatments and how they can complement your fertility treatments.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy during pregnancy to help alleviate a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

Here are some ways in which acupuncture may help during pregnancy:

1. Alleviating morning sickness: Acupuncture can help alleviate nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, which is commonly known as morning sickness.
2. Reducing stress and anxiety: Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy, which can have a positive impact on both the mother and the baby.
3. Relieving pain: Acupuncture can help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as back pain, sciatica, and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
4. Turning a breech baby: Acupuncture may be used to turn a breech baby to the correct position for delivery.
5. Preparing for labor: Acupuncture may be used to prepare for labor by helping to ripen the cervix and promote relaxation.

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy to help alleviate morning sickness, which is a common symptom during early pregnancy.

Here are some ways in which acupuncture may help alleviate morning sickness:

1. Regulating hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate hormone levels, which can alleviate the symptoms of morning sickness.
2. Reducing stress: Acupuncture can help reduce stress, which can have a negative impact on hormone levels and exacerbate morning sickness.
3. Improving digestion: Acupuncture can help improve digestion, which can alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with morning sickness.
4. Promoting relaxation: Acupuncture can promote relaxation, which can help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness.
5. Reducing inflammation: Acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, which may be a contributing factor to morning sickness.

Acupuncture and moxibustion have been used for thousands of years to help turn breech babies into the normal head-down position for birth. Breech presentation occurs in 3-4% of all pregnancies and can increase the risk of complications during labor and delivery. Acupuncture and moxa stimulate specific acupuncture point BL67 on the body to help relax the uterus and promote the baby's movement towards the proper position. This technique is safe and non-invasive, making it an good option for new moms looking to avoid invasive procedures. At Wellness Acupuncture Smyrna, we have helped many pregnant women with breech presentation using this gentle and effective approach. 

Here are some ways in which acupuncture may help turning breech baby: 

1. Increases the likelihood of turning the baby: Moxibustion combined with acupuncture has been shown to increase the success rate of turning a breech baby to a head-down position, especially when used during the 33rd to 35th weeks of pregnancy. This can help reduce the need for medical interventions such as a C-section.
2. Safe and non-invasive: Acupuncture and moxibustion are safe and non-invasive techniques that can be used during pregnancy without any adverse effects on the mother or the baby.
3. Promotes relaxation and reduces stress: Pregnancy can be a stressful time, and acupuncture and moxibustion have been shown to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. This can help improve the overall well-being of the mother and baby.
4. Helps with other pregnancy-related symptoms: Acupuncture and moxibustion can also be used to relieve other pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, back pain, and fatigue.
5. Improves overall health: Acupuncture and moxibustion help promote overall health by improving the flow of Qi (life force energy) throughout the body. By balancing the body's energy, acupuncture and moxibustion can help strengthen the mother's immune system and improve her overall health, which can benefit both the mother and the baby.

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy to help prepare for labor and delivery. 

Here are some ways in which acupuncture may help prepare for labor:

1. Ripening the cervix: Acupuncture can help ripen the cervix, which might help prepare the body for labor.
2. Promoting relaxation: Acupuncture can promote relaxation, which can help prepare the body for labor and alleviate anxiety and stress associated with labor.
3. Stimulating contractions: Acupuncture can stimulate contractions, which might help induce labor or speed up the labor process.
4. Reducing pain: Acupuncture can help alleviate pain associated with labor and delivery, such as back pain and contractions.
5. Improving circulation: Acupuncture can help improve circulation, which can help promote healing and reduce recovery time after delivery.

Acupuncture may be used as a complementary therapy to help alleviate postpartum symptoms and promote recovery after childbirth.

Here are some ways in which acupuncture may help during the postpartum period:

1. Alleviating postpartum depression and anxiety: Acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety, which are common after childbirth.
2. Promoting lactation: Acupuncture can help promote lactation and milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
3. Reducing pain and discomfort: Acupuncture can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with childbirth and postpartum recovery, such as perineal pain and breast engorgement.
4. Regulating hormones: Acupuncture can help regulate hormones, which can alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and night sweats.
5. Boosting energy and immunity: Acupuncture can help boost energy levels and improve immunity, which can help new mothers cope with the demands of caring for a newborn.