acupuncture treatmentAcupuncture is a holistic approach to medicine where thin needles are inserted into meridians and channels of the body. These meridians and channels are believed to correspond with the different organs and parts of the body. According to acupuncturists, needling these points will make the body function differently. In terms of infertility, acupuncture has been shown to bring pregnancy to couples that have trouble conceiving. Acupuncture has been known to increase blood flow to the endometrium to create a strong and thick lining in the uterus.

Acupuncture Is A Holistic Medicinal Approach

Before of the acupuncture procedure, you need to make sure that your acupuncture therapist has been certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists. Also, look for an acupuncture therapist who is involved with a major medical center. This should ensure that he is up to date with the most recent developments in acupuncture. Before you start the treatment, ask that surgical stainless steel needles are used to reduce infection. If your acupuncturist is certified, he will be required to use this kind of needle regardless.

Acupuncture Has Shown To Help Infertility

Prior to going through acupuncture to treat infertility, it is important to take a pregnancy test first. This is because if you are unknowingly pregnant, the wrong kind of treatment can harm the baby. Also, you should not take any kind of herbs during the span of acupuncture therapy as there are certain herbs that can harm your baby and your ability to conceive. Ask your acupuncturist what these herbs are, or browse through reputable books and websites to get some idea on what herbs are helpful and harmful on the particular situation that you are in.

You should start acupuncture three to four months before you go through fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF), insemination or egg transfers from donors. If you are to get pregnant during that time, acupuncture can be used through week 12 of your pregnancy as most miscarriages occur during the first three months. You need to make sure that you disclose to your acupuncturist any fertility treatments that you are current undergoing. If you have had an insemination or transfer, no needles should be placed in the abdomino-pelvic region. If pregnant, or pregnancy is a possibility, there are certain points that should be avoided, like the gallbladder, stomach, large intestine, bladder and spleen.

Choose The Right Acupuncturist

Even if the risks of going through acupuncture to treat fertility are low, know that they do exist. If you are unknowingly pregnant when the treatment starts, there is a chance of a miscarriage if the wrong points are used. There are certain acupuncture points that need to be avoided when a woman is pregnant, which is why it is important that you take a pregnancy test before the treatment. It is for this reason that it is highly recommended that you see an acupuncturist that specializes in fertility treatments. Choosing an acupuncture therapist is the same with choosing any other medical practitioner; you want someone with whom you feel comfortable entrusting your health.