Treating Infertility with Acupuncture and Herbs

Can acupuncture be used to treat infertility?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can help restore the body's natural hormonal cycle. Our typical infertility patient is in their mid 30's to 40 years old, and naturally, is in a hurry to conceive. The hormonal balance may be upset by miscarriage, stress, body weight or certain life styles. Restoring normal menstruation, flow of qi and blood, and removing lifestyle obstacles (toxicity from smoking, poor nutrition, stress reduction) are a main focus in Acupuncture-based infertility treatment.

When should acupuncture treatment begin?

Acupuncture treatments should be started as soon as a woman notices an infertility problem. It is better to do more than less. Acupuncture and Herbs can be tried as a standalone treatment for infertility, given the patient has a proper medical diagnosis. Conception does sometimes occur when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used without medical interventions.

Can Acupuncture be used in combination with modern infertility treatments?

Patients are commonly treated for three to four months before an insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer. This period of treatment seems has a therapeutic effect.

In a study by Stener-Victorin et al from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology Fertility Centre, Scandinavia and University of Gothenburg, women are encouraged to receive acupuncture treatments pre and post embryo transfer. Clinical observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medical interventions.

Are the acupuncture points different after an insemination, IVF, or donor-egg transfer than before?

After conception - natural, insemination or transfer, certain acupuncture points become contra-indicated. These are mostly in the abdominal area and low back, but there are also strictly forbidden points after pregnancy has occurred.

Are there risks in using acupuncture?

Acupuncture is not contraindicated for anyone regardless of their pathology or what medications they are taking. There are minimal risks when using acupuncture for fertility treatment. Acupuncturists at Artemesia have special infertility training, and we will strictly avoid contra-indicated acupuncture points during pregnancy.