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Find how our Acupuncture is helpful for both Mommy & Baby
Acupuncture and traditional Asian herbal medicine comprise the oldest medical system in the world. Evidence suggests that acupuncture has been in use since as early as 300 B.C. Literally thousands of years of research and development have gone into the system we currently have in acupuncture fertility care. Over the last twenty years or so there has been an increasing interest by Western doctors in acupuncture for the treatment of many disorders, including, but not limited to, both female and male infertility. Many fertility clinics have begun to incorporate acupuncture care into their IVF and IUI treatment protocols. Modern, western style (double-blind, placebo controlled) studies have indicated the effectiveness of acupuncture in increasing IVF success. In fact recent research studies leave no doubt in the effectiveness of acupuncture in supporting pregnancy.
A German study done in 2002 showed that of the 80 women who underwent IVF and received acupuncture, 34 women got pregnant, a success rate of 42.5%. Of the 80 women involved in the study who received IVF without any acupuncture treatments, only 21 women (26.3%) became pregnant. More recently, an American study involving 114 women showed that 51% of the women who had acupuncture and IVF treatments became pregnant versus only 36% of the women who had IVF alone. Deeper analysis of this study revealed that, while 8% of the women in the acupuncture group miscarried, the rate of miscarriage in the IVF-only group was 20%. Furthermore, women who received acupuncture also had lower rates of ectopic pregnancies.
In the same way that acupuncture effects female infertility, it is frequently used in the treatment of male infertility as well. While the anatomy of the male is obviously different from the female, the energetic function of the male is quite similar and the treatment principles remain intact. Acupuncture has been shown to affect all parameters of sperm analysis, as well as male sexual function.
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range infertility, pregnancy, and post-partum issues. Research has shown that infertility acupuncture regulates menstrual cycles, reduces stress and anxiety, balances hormonal systems, and increases blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of implantation. Infertility acupuncture is gaining acceptance in Western medical practice, and a growing number of practitioners use acupuncture as an integral part of IVF protocols. Men also benefit from infertility acupuncture; research has shown acupuncture can increase sperm count, quality, and motility.
Pregnancy acupuncture focuses primarily on keeping the mother-to-be comfortable, free of stress, and in balance. Common pregnancy issues such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, and back pain can be treated by acupuncture. Gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and PUPPs may also respond to acupuncture treatments. Moxibustion acupuncture is very successful at correcting breech presentations, with recent studies showing a 75-92.5% success rate. Acupuncture can be used to induce labor, and during labor aids with relaxation, uterine contractions, cervical dilation, and pain relief.
After the baby is born, post-partum acupuncture can help restore the body to a balanced state and alleviate post-partum depression. Lactation problems, mastitis, prolonged bleeding and abdominal pain can be treated with post-partum acupuncture. Acupuncture also relieves the stress and fatigue that go hand-in-hand with a new baby.
Local OB/GYN and nationally recognized expert Gloria Hakkarainen explains, “Pregnancy, Infertility and abnormal menstrual cycles can definitely benefit from acupuncture. Most modern infertility clinics utilize the best of Eastern and Western medicine, combining cutting edge methods with traditional techniques to help patients conceive and carry a baby. Acupuncture or acusage can work on meridian systems in the body to quiet the uterus for implantation and provide mother with the calm and fortitude she needs. I have seen acupuncture work modern miracles… and a baby is definitely one of Mother Nature’s best examples!”
Whether you are trying to conceive, support a healthy and comfortable pregnancy and birth, or support your and baby’s health upon delivery acupuncture will help you and baby along your path. For more information contact Meng’s Acupuncture Medical Center at 561-656-0717.
Acupuncture
For Enhancing Fertility and Infertility:
• “unexplained” infertility
• hormonal imbalances
• habitual or threatened miscarriage
• PCOS
• small fibroids
• anxiety, and depression
For Pregnancy:
• breech position
• habitual or threatened miscarriage
• nausea and morning sickness
• hormonal imbalances
• edema
• anxiety
• fatigue
• labor induction
For Pain Conditions:
• back pain
• sciatica
• abdominal pain
• plantar fasciitis
• carpal tunnel syndrome
For Post-Partum:
• anxiety
• depression
• fatigue
• insomnia
• carpal tunnel
