Fertility Acupuncture Treatments

Acupuncture, an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been utilized for centuries to address various health conditions, including infertility. This practice involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body known as acupoints, which are located along meridians—pathways believed to conduct energy, or Qi, throughout the body. The therapeutic effects of acupuncture are attributed to the regulation of these energy flows and the restoration of balance within the body’s systems.

Mechanisms of Action

1. Hormonal Regulation: Acupuncture can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is crucial for reproductive hormone regulation. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture modulates the release of neurochemical substances like endorphins, which affect the secretion of gonadotropins (FSH and LH) from the pituitary gland. This process helps regulate menstrual cycles and promotes ovulation, which are essential for fertility​ (Welcome)​​ (Frontiers)​.
2. Blood Flow Enhancement: Improved blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries is another critical mechanism by which acupuncture supports fertility. Enhanced blood flow can create a more favorable environment for embryo implantation and fetal development. Studies using Doppler ultrasound have demonstrated that acupuncture can increase blood flow to these reproductive organs​ (PLOS)​​ (BioMed Central)​.
3. Stress Reduction: Stress and anxiety can negatively impact fertility. Acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce stress and anxiety levels, promoting a more favorable environment for conception. The reduction in stress is partly due to the release of endogenous opioids during acupuncture, which have calming effects on the nervous system​ (BioMed Central)​.
4. Endocrine Function Modulation: Acupuncture helps in modulating endocrine function, particularly beneficial for conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). By improving insulin sensitivity and reducing hyperandrogenism, acupuncture can enhance ovulation rates and improve the chances of conception for women with PCOS​ (PLOS)​.

Clinical Evidence

Numerous clinical trials and systematic reviews support the efficacy of acupuncture in fertility treatments:

• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Acupuncture has been shown to enhance the outcomes of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies (ART). A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer significantly increased clinical pregnancy rates. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced uterine receptivity and increased blood flow to the reproductive organs​ (Welcome)​​ (Frontiers)​.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): For women with PCOS, acupuncture has been effective in regulating menstrual cycles and promoting ovulation. Studies indicate that acupuncture can modulate the endocrine system, improving hormonal balance and increasing the likelihood of ovulation and conception​ (PLOS)​.
• General Fertility Improvement: Acupuncture has been associated with improving various parameters of fertility, including sperm quality in men. This holistic approach addresses both male and female factors contributing to infertility, providing a comprehensive treatment option​ (BioMed Central)​.

What to Expect from Fertility Acupuncture Treatments at Remedy Clinic:

Patients seeking treatment for fertility should plan on coming in for treatment once per week for at least 3-6 months; treatment is not necessary while on your period though if you have symptoms associated with menstruation, you may continue treatment if desired. Herbal formulas and supplements are recommended as they support treatment by: removing unwanted hormones from the body and restoring receptor site sensitivity, increasing blood flow to the uterus, and correcting the ovarian-pituitary feedback loop dysfunction that can be caused by long-term birth control use. We encourage patients to chart their basal body temperature (BBT) and cervical fluid changed throughout their cycle. We also encourage male partners to receive treatment as sperm motility, quality, and count are all important components of conception that can be addressed with acupuncture and supplements.