Infertility is an increasing western condition. Currently 1 in 7 couples have difficulty conceiving. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for several thousand of years to treat issues of infertility. Since the aim of TCM is to "normalize," "harmonize," and "to bring into balance," these ideas are brought to bear on the problems associated with male and female infertility.
Optimum nutrition is also a vital element of reproductive health for both men and women. A nutritional therapist not only works to improve the diet, but also addresses other important factors such as how efficiently the body digests, absorbs and utilises nutrients, to ensure the diet is of maximum benefit.
Boosting fertility naturally
Acupuncture and nutritional therapy can be used to prepare for pregnancy, address issues that may contribute to infertility and be of benefit during pregnancy. They also complement other forms of fertility treatments, including IVF. Specifically, these two therapies may be beneficial by helping to:
1- Reduce stress hormones that interfere with ovulation
2- Regulate hormones- better egg quality
3- Improve ovarian blood flow- increases ovarian response
4- Improve ovarian function- more follicles
5- Strengthen the immune system- overall health and wellbeing
6- Increase blood flow to the uterus- improving endometrial lining (implantation)
7- Improve sperm count, motility and morphology
8- Reduce side effects from hormonal treatments
9- Increase birth rate (reduces chance of miscarriage)- study links sperm quality to miscarriage
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine is the oldest, continually practiced, professional and literate medicine in the world. The written literature of this medical system stretches back 2500 years. Currently, one quarter of the world's population makes use of it; therefore one can say that modern Western medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are the two dominant medical systems in the world today.
How does Chinese Medicine work?
The basis of Chinese Medicine is the re-establishment of balance and harmony within the body. This balance is re-established by supporting the body's healthy energy and attacking any unhealthy energy.
What methods are used to re-establish balance within one's body?
The main professionally applied methods of re-establishing balance are Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture. Chinese herbal medicine may be prescribed for internal use or applied externally. Acupuncture seeks to regulate the flow of Qi, or natural healing energy, and blood within the body. In addition, Chinese medical practitioners may use Chinese massage and prescribe some remedial or preventive exercises, and they frequently counsel their patients on diet and lifestyle.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of a hair-fine needle into specific points on the body called acupoints to stimulate the flow of Qi. It has been practised in China for thousands of years. In essence, acupuncture therapy aims at the improvement of the overall wellbeing of the patient rather than the isolated treatment of specific symptoms. Sometimes, instead of inserting a needle into an acupoint, a TCM doctor or an acupuncturist may choose to apply heat to the point, or stimulate it with very low voltage electricity (no more than is generated by a flashlight battery). These techniques are called Moxibustion and Electro-Stimulation. They can be regarded as variations of acupuncture and may be used to further stimulate the natural healing power of the body.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture needles used in the UK are all sterile and disposable. They come in sterile packets, are used once, and then disposed of. Acupuncture treatment is drug-free, and avoids side effects and dependency. However, you should always give information about all pre-existing conditions, the names of all medications you are taking, whether you are or could be pregnant, and if you have a cardiac pacemaker or cosmetic implants. The TCM doctor will then be able to evaluate your specific situation to ensure the best results for your treatment.
Does acupuncture hurt?
We hardly notice when a mosquito bites us. This is because mosquitoes have a very thin sucking tube. Similarly, an acupuncture needle is very thin and it hardly hurts when the needle is inserted into the acupoints. It takes ten to fifteen acupuncture needles to fit into one conventional hypodermic needle. In addition, an experienced TCM doctor can attain a high level of skill in gently inserting these tiny needles into the skin with minimum discomfort to patients.
Can acupuncture be effective when other treatments have failed?
Absolutely! Each medical system has its own areas of greatest effectiveness. Acupuncture excels in those areas in which conventional Western medicine comes up short. For example the treatment of chronic diseases, pain control, and the treatment of stress-related disorders are three areas in which acupuncture is most effective.
How many treatments will be needed?
This depends on the duration, severity and nature of the complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of 5-10 treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require multiple treatments, dietary modifications, specific exercise regimes, relaxation techniques, self-massage, perhaps in combination with Chinese herbal medicines, all of which may help to increase the effectiveness of acupuncture.
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