How Does Fertility Acupuncture Work?

4/14/2022

Getting pregnant is not the same for everyone. For some people it happens completely by surprise. For others it happens on the very first try. And for some people the journey to conception can be a longer one.

Traditional Chinese Medicine {TCM} views fertility concerns as symptoms of an underlying imbalance within the body. Our bodies have many interconnected faculties that work together to keep us healthy and whole, and it can get challenging trying to keep them all in perfect harmony. The ultimate goal of TCM concerning fertility is to rebalance the body so it is able to conceive on its own.
Acupuncture, together with TCM has been used to enhance fertility for thousands of years, and is a service used by hundreds of people who visit our clinic.
But how does Fertility Acupuncture work? What is it about acupuncture that increases our chances of getting pregnant?

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, a woman’s womb is like a garden.
A garden needs consistent care, good soil, water, and sunlight in order to produce food and flowers. Similarly a woman’s body needs the support of nutrients, hormonal balance, and increased blood flow to assist in the process of becoming pregnant. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific meridians on the body in order to redirect the flow of energy and heal it. When performed by a Registered Acupuncturist, acupuncture needles can help boost your blood flow.

But what exactly does blood flow have to do with fertility?

Blood circulation is the movement of blood throughout the body and plays a critical role in your overall health and well-being. Blood carries many essential elements for the body, including oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and antibodies. When blood flow is poor, or obstructed, these elements are not properly transported to where they need to go.

When you boost your blood flow, especially when you're trying to get pregnant you are helping your body deliver more nutrients to your reproductive organs. Increased blood flow in the pelvic region can help nourish your ovaries and create a thick uterine lining that is able to support a growing embryo.

Your reproductive system also depends on a delicate balance of hormones (estrogen, and progesterone) to get pregnant. When we miss periods or struggle with fertility it's closely tied to hormonal imbalance. This is why it's so important to keep a close eye on our hormonal health. Like all functions of the body, hormones benefit greatly from increased blood flow, and many studies support that acupuncture aids in rebalancing your hormones, which help increase your chances of pregnancy.

Holding Space

When was the last time you gave yourself an hour or two to unplug and relax? If it's been a while, you should consider putting this higher on your priority list. An appointment with your Registered Acupuncturist creates an opportunity in your schedule to find peace and unwind, which is an often neglected but essential piece of the fertility puzzle.

Acupuncture helps your body release endorphins, which are the feel-good neurotransmitters produced by your brain. Many people who have trouble getting pregnant experience high levels of stress and anxiety—all of which contribute to lower levels of endorphins. By stimulating certain points on your body, we can encourage the release of endorphins, allowing you to feel calmer which help increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

"When I walk out of an acupuncture treatment I feel like my patience has been restored. I leave the room ready to be a better person, a better friend, a better partner." - Yoga Mamas Client

Lifting Libido

The road to pregnancy brings lot of ups and downs. Some days you feel great, other days you feel discouraged. It's normal, and all part of the process.
This fluctuation of emotions can have negative impacts on your sexual function, making the path to getting pregnant less enjoyable for you and your partner.
If you've noticed that your sexual desire has decreased, acupuncture's blood boosting, stress relieving effects can help lift your libido naturally. By improving circulation and increasing blood flow acupuncture helps bring more energy to your reproductive organs which in turn can rejuvenate your sex drive.

Common FAQ's about Fertility Acupuncture

When should I start getting Acupuncture treatments for fertility?
You can start acupuncture treatments when you are preparing to conceive or are already trying to conceive. Acupuncture not only helps boost fertility, but it also helps prepare your body for an overall smoother pregnancy and a healthier baby.

Should my partner join me in my Fertility Acupuncture treatments?
Yes. Fertility Acupuncture not only helps prepare a woman's body for pregnancy, it also helps nourish a male's body for better sperm quality (improve motility, morphology and count).

How often should I get Fertility Acupuncture treatments?
If you're planning to get pregnant, we recommend 1-2 treatments a week for three months at least. We know that everyone's lifestyle is different and coming 1-2x a week might not fit with your schedule. Your Registered Acupuncturist will help to design a personalized schedule for you that works best for you.

Is it safe to get Fertility Acupuncture if I am receiving IVF/IUI/Transfer?
Fertility Acupuncture is safe and many fertility clinics recommend it. There are various acupuncture protocols to follow if you are undergoing IVF, IUI or preparing for a transfer. Your Registered Acupuncturist will design a schedule around your fertility treatments to best support them.

A Message from Jamie Kalynuik, Owner of Yoga Mamas

Dear Mamas, Mamas-To-Be, and Mamas-In-Waiting,

Next week is Canadian Infertility Awareness Week.
Did you know that roughly 1 in 6 Canadians are working through infertility?

For these people who dream of becoming parents, this can be a very difficult journey.
One of our goals at Yoga Mamas is to support you at every stage of motherhood and that very much includes those who are overcoming fertility concerns. Our hope is to continue to offer a diverse range of services that support your mind and body along the way.
We also strive to be a trusted resource, sharing the knowledge of our seasoned maternal health experts on our blog, so that you can always turn to it for reliable information.
This year, in honour of Canadian Infertility Week, it's my pleasure to share that we are a clinical partner and sponsor of Fertility Matters. Fertility Matters is the national organization that empowers Canadians to help reach their reproductive health goals by providing support, awareness, information and education; and promoting equal access to fertility treatments.

For more information on Fertility Matters, click here