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Acupuncture for fertilityAcupuncture and IVF why?The intent of acupuncture therapy is to promote health and alleviate pain and suffering. The method by which this is accomplished, though it may seem strange and mysterious to many, has been time tested over thousands of years and continues to be validated today. The perspective from which an acupuncturist views health and sickness hinges on concepts of "vital energy," "energetic balance" and "energetic imbalance." Just as the Western medical doctor monitors the blood flowing through blood vessels and the messages traveling via the nervous system, the acupuncturist assesses the flow and distribution of this "vital energy" within its pathways, known as "meridians and channels". Through a unique collaboration between the Reproductive Science Center of NJ and Community Acupuncture we will offer you the most comprehensive IVF and acupuncture combined treatment available.
What can I expect from my acupuncture treatments?Most people who have had acupuncture would describe it as virtually painless or far less painful than plucking out a hair. The sensations that follow range from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness/achiness, to electrical pulsations in areas distant from the site of insertion. All these sensations usually subside once the needles are removed. The needles used for acupuncture are much smaller than the standard hypodermic needle, do not draw blood and are solid, not hollow. After treatment most patients would say, "relaxing." Usually patients leave in less discomfort and are more functional than when they walked in.
How does acupuncture help fertility?People have been using acupuncture for fertility therapy for centuries. Acupuncture Has Been Shown To:
Acupuncture works best when combined with IVF treatments, acupuncture can significantly increase your chance of conception.
When will you need to schedule your acupuncture?The most important treatments are immediately following your egg retrieval and transfer appointments. This is why your acupuncturist is available on site during these processes. It has also been shown that the number of eggs produced at retrieval time can be increased when you have been treated with acupuncture 1–2 weekly for at least three weeks prior to your egg retrieval.
Where do the needles get placed?The exact location of acupuncture points will vary from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment. Some of the most well-known acupuncture points, traditionally used to influence the function of the female reproductive organs, are located on the lower back, lower abdomen, and legs. The points on the lumbar, sacrum, and low abdominal regions are particularly important in consideration of female anatomy and the related nerve segmental innervations. The points on head, neck, upper back and arms are used in order to stimulate the autonomic nervous system and further induce the relaxation response.
Steven Lassen, Certified Acupuncturist |
