ACUPUNCTURE FOR FERTILITY TREATMENT

In 2002, "Fertility and Sterility," a journal published by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, stated that "acupuncture could help women undergoing fertility treatment conceive." Researchers investigated the effects women undergoing in vitro fertilization, or IVF, experienced with acupuncture. Acupuncture helps relax the uterus and improve blood circulation to the reproductive organs. It also promotes relaxation and promotes a sense of well-being, which also enhance fertility.

Acupuncture Improves Fertility

Acupuncture treats a number of fertility issues, including irregular menstruation, ovulatory dysfunction, hormonal imbalances, habitual miscarriage, unexplained infertility, luteal phase defect, uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Acupuncture balances the endocrine and central nervous systems, which promotes regular ovulation and menstrual periods. It also promotes blood flow to the reproductive organs, which improves the endometrial lining and creates a healthy environment for implantation to take place.

Acupuncture and Fertility Treatments

Many women use acupuncture in conjunction with modern fertility treatments. Acupuncture helps keep you relaxed while you are undergoing stressful fertility treatments. It also reduces the unpleasant side effects of fertility medications. A German study conducted in 2002 showed that the success rate of women undergoing IVF treatments who received acupuncture was almost 20 percent higher than women who did not receive acupuncture. The women who had acupuncture also experienced a lower miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy rate.

When to Get Acupuncture

Start receiving acupuncture at least three to four months prior to attempting conception. This is the optimal amount of time to balance the body and influence the growth of a healthy uterine lining and good eggs. Fertility acupuncturists recommend weekly treatments and may prescribe Chinese herbs to supplement acupuncture. If you are going through IVF, receiving acupuncture just prior to and right after the embryo transfer improves pregnancy success rates. You may consider continuing acupuncture treatments through your first trimester since acupuncture also reduces the chance of miscarriage.

Acupuncture Points for Fertility

Your fertility acupuncturist places fine, sterile acupuncture needles in a number of different points to enhance your fertility. Certain points are contraindicated during pregnancy, so you should avoid stimulating them after ovulation or if you are, or think you might be, pregnant. Some of the acupuncture points that enhance fertility include Zigong (Palace of the Child), Ren 4 (Origin of the Source of the Conception Meridian), ST 30 (Rushing Qi) and SP 6 (Joining of the Three Yin).
Zigong is located 4 inches below the navel and 3 inches outward towards the hips. It treats infertility and menstrual issues and stimulates the ovaries and uterus.
Ren 4 is located on the midline of the body, 4 inches below the navel. It nourishes the uterus and kidneys and assists conception. Do not stimulate this point if you are, or think you might be, pregnant.
ST 30 is located on the lower abdomen, 5 inches below the navel and 2 inches outward. This point affects the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus and treats menstrual disorders and fertility issues. 
SP 6 is located 3 inches above the inner ankle bone in the depression just behind the calf bone. This point regulates menstruation, harmonizes reproductive disorders, encourages ovulation and treats menstrual pain. Do not stimulate this point if you are, or think you might be, pregnant.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/132208-acupuncture-fertility-treatment/#ixzz1mSjGsurO