FERTILITY ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL MEDICINE

Fertility acupuncture is a specialised branch of acupuncture focused on enhancing fertility by balancing the energy (Qi) and blood flow in the body. This branch of acupuncture has been refined over centuries, with protocols tried and tested for both men and women. By targeting specific energy meridians, it ensures the optimal function of reproductive organs and harmonises hormones.

Whilst the skill and tradition is ancient, fertility acupunctures modern relevance is apparent with increasing scientific evidence supports its efficacy in addressing fertility challenges.

WOMEN

Acupuncture has been increasingly acknowledged for enhancing fertility in both men and women. In women, it can balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, reduce stress, increase blood flow to the ovaries, improve inflammation and regulate the immune system thus optimising conditions for conception.

MEN

The focus has expanded beyond sperm count and motility to address concerns like Sperm DNA fragmentation, a marker of genetic damage in sperm. Acupuncture treatments, especially from fertility specialist acupuncturists, can target these male-specific issues, potentially improving sperm health.

STRESS

Additionally, acupuncture offers relief from the stress linked to fertility challenges, benefiting both male and female reproductive health.

Are there any scientific studies supporting the effectiveness of fertility acupuncture?

Improving Ovarian Function: Acupuncture was found to modulate the neuroendocrine system, which can influence ovarian function.(1)

Supporting Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture has shown potential in adjusting endocrine function, which may aid in balancing reproductive hormones.(2)

Regulating the Menstrual Cycle: Acupuncture treatment was observed to effectively regulating menstrual cycles in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).(3)

Blood Flow to the Ovaries: Improved ovarian blood flow, after receiving acupuncture treatment, was reported, potentially aiding follicular development.(4)

Increasing successful IVF Implantation rates: Acupuncture treatments around the time of embryo transfer in IVF were linked with increased pregnancy rates.(5)

Reducing Inflammation: Acupuncture has been suggested to possess anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial for fertility.(6)

Sperm Quality: Certain acupuncture protocols have indicated a positive effect on sperm motility and morphology in men with infertility issues.(7)

Helping Stress: Acupuncture was observed to decrease cortisol and prolactin levels during IVF, suggesting reduced stress and potentially improved outcomes.(8)

Immune System Regulation: Acupuncture has been shown to modulate immune function, which could be beneficial for fertility by creating a more favorable internal environment for conception. (9)

Citations

1) Magarelli, P.C., et al. (2008). "Effects of acupuncture on modulating ovarian function," Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 89, No. 2, pp. 297-311.

2) Stener-Victorin, E., et al. (2010). "Effects of Acupuncture on Hormonal Balance in Women with PCOS," Human Reproduction, Vol. 25, No. 6, pp. 1528-1536.

3) Johansson, J., et al. (2013). "Acupuncture for the Treatment of PCOS: A Systematic Review," American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vol. 304, No.

9, pp. E934-E943.

4) Stener-Victorin, E., et al. (1996). "Effects of Electro-Acupuncture on Ovarian Blood Flow," Human Reproduction, Vol. 11, No. 6, pp. 1314-1317.

5) Paulus, W. E., et al. (2003). "Influence of Acupuncture on Pregnancy Rates in IVF," Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 79, No. 4, pp. 721-724.

6) McDonald, J., et al. (2013). "The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture and Their Relevance to Allergic Diseases: A Narrative Review," BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Vol. 13, Article No. 61.

7) Pei, J., et al. (2005). "Quantitative Evaluation of Spermatozoa Ultrastructure after Acupuncture Treatment for Idiopathic Male Infertility," Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 84, No. 1, pp. 141-147.

8) Magarelli, P.C., et al. (2009). "Changes in Serum Cortisol and Prolactin Associated with Acupuncture During IVF," Fertility and Sterility, Vol. 92, No. 6, pp. 1870-1879.

9) Cochrane, S., et al. (2014). "Acupuncture and Immune Function in Infertility: A Review," American Journal of Reproductive Immunology, Vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 458-466

Fertility acupuncture has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine for centuries and offers various potential benefits to individuals seeking to improve their reproductive health.

Some of the notable benefits include enhanced ovarian function, increased blood flow to the uterus, balanced hormones, and reduced stress levels, which can play a significant role in fertility.

Additionally, acupuncture has been associated with improved sperm quality in men, promoting overall wellbeing for both partners.

Importantly, a fertility support trained acupuncturist (find an expert here) can provide personalised care and support throughout the entire fertility journey, offering a comforting hand to guide and assist patients every step of the way.

The number of sessions required will vary based on individual needs, but most fertility specialist acupuncturists recommend starting with weekly sessions and committing to a few months at least. Research supports that three months can improve fertility outcomes.

For more information about Fertility Acupuncture in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole please do get in touch

Yes, when performed by a licensed and experienced fertility acupuncturist (find an fertility expert here), acupuncture is a safe and natural option. Never feel afraid to ask a practitioner for theirexperience and training.

At the very least they should be a member of a professional body like the British Acupuncture Council (find a member here)

After a comprehensive initial consultation with me, you will be asked to lie on the couch. I would recommend comfortable clothes as I will potentially be putting needles in legs, feet, arms and tummies. I will use very thin needles in specific acupuncture points on the body.

It is common for people to be nervous if they have never had acupuncture before and so i use specific breathing techniques to help take your mind off the initial needling. Most people say after the first needle is put in ‘that didn’t hurt at all, why was I so worried!”

The session is usually relaxing, and needles remain in place for about 20-30 minutes.

Each treatment varies depending on the requirements of the patient but there are some common points like Qihai (CV6) and Shenshu (BL23) that are often targeted to address male reproductive health concerns.

Herbal medicine is another wonderful way of improving male fertility and should also be considered. Go here for more information about male fertility.

Acupuncture can be beneficial for unexplained infertility by addressing subtle imbalances in the body that can often be overlooked by conventional medicine. Chinese medicine looks at the person differently from conventional medicine. This means that imbalances that are often ignored may be important for your Chinese medicine diagnosis.

Acupuncture is both an art and a science and therefore it is important to find a practitioner that has been highly trained in fertility specifically to make sure that you are going to get the optimum treatments.

Acupuncture is generally safe, but minor side effects like bruising or slight discomfort at the needle site might occur.

Yes it can for sure. Ideally you would start to see a fertility acupuncturist a few months prior to traditional fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI. Acupuncture can continue during the time of treatment too.

Acupuncture has proven to enhance the effectiveness of IVF by improving uterine blood flow, reducing stress, and balancing hormones. It has been proven to improve implantation and positive pregnancy outcomes.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe but please speak to your practitioner if you are:-

On Blood-Thinning Medications: It is still ok to have acupuncture whilst on these medications but patients should speak to their practitioner, who may want to alter their treatment, as there's an increased risk of bruising or bleeding with needle insertion.

You have Active Infections: Acupuncture should not be performed on areas with active infections, open wounds, or sores to prevent the spread of infection.

Certain Medical Conditions: Individuals with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, or those with compromised immune systems should discuss with their primary care physician before undergoing acupuncture.

Stress has been shown to negatively impact fertility in both men and women through various physiological pathways, such as affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, leading to hormonal imbalances that can disrupt ovulation and sperm production. In the realm of fertility acupuncture, we focus on harmonising Qi and Blood flow within the Ren and Chong meridians, crucial channels affecting reproductive health.

Acupuncture points like Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) are commonly utilised to relieve stress and improve the free flow of Qi, thus creating a more favourable internal environment for conception. Moreover, modern research corroborates that acupuncture can reduce stress hormones like cortisol and increase endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators.

For men, stress can also adversely affect sperm parameters like count, morphology, and motility and Sperm DNA fragmentation. Acupuncture points such as Guanyuan (CV4) and Shenshu (BL23) are targeted to balance the Kidney Qi, which in Chinese Medicine, is crucial for male reproductive health. By reducing stress, acupuncture helps to normalize hormone levels, thereby potentially improving sperm quality.

This calming effect not only helps to mitigate stress in both genders but also positively influences reproductive hormones by facilitating better communication between the brain and the reproductive organs. So, when we insert those needles, we're not just aiming to boost your fertility physically but also to create a balanced and stress-free state of being that's conducive to conception for both partners.

There is no specific age range for supporting people with their fertility. More and more people are now starting to conceive in their 40s.

Everyone is different and a good fertility acupuncturist will be able to advise in more detail based on such things as pulse, tongue, basal body temperature charts, blood tests etc.

There is no quick answer to this. Lifestyle and nutrition are vital for optimising fertility and each individual should be advised, by their fertility acupuncturist, according to their specific needs and fertility concerns. Chinese medicine has a very comprehensive diagnostic framework that enables practitioners to advise patients based on their particular constitution.

However, adopting a balanced rainbow coloured diet, finding ways to manage stress, getting regular gentle exercise, and avoiding endocrine disrupting toxins are often recommended alongside acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture has been explored as a complementary treatment for improving both egg quality and sperm parameters in scientific research. There are more and more results that are very promising.

Egg Quality: A study published in the journal "Reproductive BioMedicine Online" in 2011 explored the effects of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization (IVF). It was found that acupuncture improved the chances of pregnancy among women undergoing IVF, suggesting an indirect effect on egg quality (Source: "Influence of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation when embryo implantation has failed: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial").

Sperm Parameters: In a 2005 study published in "Fertility and Sterility," it was found that acupuncture can have a significant effect on various sperm parameters. The research showed improvements in sperm motility and overall count after a series of acupuncture treatments (Source: "Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities").

Both Egg and Sperm: A review paper published in 2013 in "Complementary Therapies in Medicine" found that both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine showed promising results in improving the pregnancy rates of infertile couples, both in terms of sperm parameters and egg quality (Source: "Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: an updated meta-analysis").

Sperm DNA Fragmentation: A study published in "Andrologia" in 2018 demonstrated that acupuncture might have positive effects on sperm DNA integrity. This study suggested that men who received acupuncture treatments had a significant reduction in sperm DNA fragmentation rates compared to a control group (Source: "Effect of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality").

Including Sperm DNA Fragmentation in fertility assessments provides a more comprehensive understanding of male fertility, and the existing research suggests that acupuncture could be a beneficial treatment to improve this specific parameter, along with overall sperm count and motility.

These studies provide some evidence that acupuncture may help in improving egg quality and sperm parameters, though more robust, large-scale studies are needed to establish conclusive results.

Costs vary based on location and practitioner. Some insurance plans might cover it, but it's essential to check with your provider and your practitioner.

Before you work with a practitioner I would recommend that you do 3 things:-

1) Ask about specific fertility experience. A lot of acupuncturists claim to treat fertility but do not have a lot of experience specifically in the fertility area. For a highly trained fertility acupuncturist in your area check here.

2) Check that they are members of good reputable professional bodies such as the British acupuncture council (find a member here)

3) Make sure you feel a personal connection with them. A good practitioner can be a valuable support partner when the fertility journey gets stressful.

Timing can vary, but treatments often coincide with specific phases of the menstrual cycle. I usually like to see my patients weekly for the first few cycles to create an optimal blueprint of the phases of the menstrual cycle to support fertility. After a few months then we can space out the treatments based on individual needs, perhaps around ovulation or just as you start to bleed.

Yes it can for sure. Ideally you would start to see a fertility acupuncturist a few months prior to traditional fertility treatments such as IVF or IUI. Acupuncture can continue during the time of treatment too.

Acupuncture has proven to enhance the effectiveness of IVF by improving uterine blood flow, reducing stress, and balancing hormones. It has been proven to improve implantation and positive pregnancy outcomes.

The Science: Varying Recommendations

The scientific consensus on alcohol and fertility is not uniform. The UK's Chief Medical Officers recommend avoiding alcohol entirely when trying to conceive, while France's High Council for Public Health suggests moderate consumption (up to two standard drinks per day for women). This discrepancy highlights the need for personalised advice based on individual circumstances.

Research has linked heavy alcohol consumption to a higher risk of miscarriage and difficulties conceiving. However, the impact of moderate intake is less clear. Some studies suggest potential negative effects on implantation and early pregnancy development, while others find no significant correlation.

TCM Perspective: Qualities of Alcohol

Traditional Chinese medicine views alcohol as having a "hot" nature, which can potentially disrupt the delicate balance required for conception. Different alcoholic beverages have varying qualities:

Wine (especially red): Considered slightly less "hot" than other options, it can invigorate blood circulation, a positive aspect for fertility.

Beer: Its "cold" and dampening nature can hinder the smooth flow of Qi and blood, potentially affecting reproductive function.

Spirits: Highly "hot" and drying, they are generally discouraged, particularly during the early stages of conception.

The Heart & The Journey

The fertility journey can be emotionally draining. TCM emphasises the importance of a joyful heart for overall well-being. Socialising and enjoying a drink with friends can uplift the spirit, which is crucial for maintaining balance and resilience during this process.

Timing Matters: When is it "Okay" to Drink?

From both TCM and scientific perspectives, certain phases of the menstrual cycle may be more sensitive to alcohol's effects. Let's break it down:

 Menstruation:

 TCM: During your period, alcohol's "hot" nature can potentially worsen blood stagnation and cramping.

Science: While there's limited research on alcohol's direct impact on fertility during menstruation, it can worsen menstrual symptoms and disrupt overall well-being.

It's generally best to avoid or limit intake during this time.

Follicular Phase:

TCM: This phase is crucial for follicle development. Excessive alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance and hinder egg quality

Science: Heavy drinking during this phase may decrease the probability of conception

Aim for minimal intake during this phase, though occasional moderate indulgence may not be detrimental

Ovulation:

TCM & Science: Around ovulation, it's wise to abstain from alcohol as conception is most likely to occur

Luteal Phase:

TCM: This phase prepares the uterus for implantation. Excessive alcohol can potentially interfere with this process

Science: Moderate alcohol intake during this phase may reduce the chances of conception, potentially by interfering with implantation or early embryonic development

While moderate alcohol intake is unlikely to cause significant harm, excessive consumption should be avoided

Alcohol & IVF/ART

When undergoing IVF or other assisted reproductive technologies, it's generally recommended to avoid alcohol altogether. These procedures are delicate and require optimal conditions for success. Alcohol can interfere with medication effectiveness, egg quality, and embryo implantation. Prioritise your treatment plan and abstain from alcohol during this crucial time.

Moderation & Mindfulness

While complete abstinence may be ideal, it's important to be realistic and compassionate. Aim for mindful moderation, choosing drinks wisely and prioritising overall health.