Acupuncture and Infertility – Tracing Its Roots

Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old.  Many people in the Western medical practice see it as an effective procedure to address a wide range of health problems.  It has the ability to relieve muscle tension, help a person quit smoking, and improve skin quality, among many other benefits.  Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.

The West’s Point Of View

Despite its popularity, a lot of Westerners still doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture.  No scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture and, as a result, many healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it.  Studies are currently being conducted on the matter, says the National Insitutes of Health based in the United States.

Health Risks

The procedure is painless when performed by a trained practitioner.  Very few patients experience adverse effects.  Common risks associated with the practice of acupuncture are organ puncturing, forgotten needles, some bleeding (although very minimal), and the spreading of infection.  These are virtually eliminated when an experienced practitioner does the treatment.    However, acupuncture should not be applied to individuals with bleeding disorders and people using blood thinners.

A Solitary or Complementary Process

Acupuncture may be used as an alternative to fertility issues, especially when used as a single treatment.  It may also be considered a reliable add-on to the modern fertility programs we have today.  When used on its own, acupuncture probably offers more positive results for couples who have functional problems like irregular ovulation.  By itself, effectiveness in treating structural problems, as with sperm duck blockage, could be weak.

Some acupuncture practitioners say that acupuncture treatments are best complemented by the use of Chinese herbs.  If you are under medication, check your doctor before taking herbs.  Some herbal medications prevent the proper functioning of some fertility drugs and processes.

Acupuncture and Fertility - Is It Truly Effective?

How acupuncture works as a infertility cure is still debatable.  However, many practicing acupuncturists assert that this ancient treatment normalizes the body’s system.  It boosts the flow of blood into reproductive organs and helps stabilize hormonal functions.  As a result, ovarian function is improved among females and sperm production is increased among males.

Acupuncture benefits women positively, particularly those who are undergoing fertility boosting therapies.   There are people who believe that acupuncture relaxes women when they undergo stressful fertility procedures.  Recent researches show that a woman undergoing in vitro fertilization has a higher chance of conception if acupuncture is introduced into therapy.

Selecting The Best Practitioner

Healthcare professionals who want to add acupuncture to their roster of services are required to have around 300 hours of specialized training to be certified.  Professionals looking to branch out to acupuncture need to pass the board exam first and complete between 2000 and 3000 hours of training to be licensed in this field.

More and more people are seeing the benefits and are now practicing acupuncture.  There are few things one must consider to make sure patients land in good hands.  Prior to undergoing acupuncture, patients must first check the background of the chosen therapist.  A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice.  Good friends and relatives are excellent recommendation and feedback sources regarding potential acupuncturists.

Before jumping into the procedure, patients should always ask about the possible total costs to be prepared.  It’s great to know that some insurance providers will pay for acupuncture treatments.

Things You Should Expect

Several acupuncture treatments have to be undergone before one gets the best results.  To get the best out of acupuncture, regular visits must me made to the chosen practitioner, which can run between a few weeks to a few months.  A visit to the acupuncturist normally goes on for an hour or so, as this time will be used to discuss your present health condition and entertain any question about the entire procedure.