Acupuncture - Your Questions Answered........
Acupuncture for Natural Fertility & IVF Support
Acupuncture for Natural Fertility & IVF Support
Acupuncture for Natural Fertility & IVF Support
In the world of assisted reproduction, the journey to parenthood can be filled with uncertainty and stress. For many couples, in vitro fertilization (IVF) offers hope, but the process can be emotionally taxing. While traditional medical treatments play a pivotal role, alternative therapies like acupuncture have gained popularity among IVF patients. Acupuncture is believed to not only reduce stress but also improve blood flow to the uterus, potentially enhancing the chances of successful embryo implantation. Dr. Sarah Arkell a seasoned IVF acupuncturist with nearly 15 years of experience treating women and men on their fertility journey delves deeper into the world of fertility acupuncture here
The Connection Between Acupuncture and Fertility
Dr Sarah Arkell has seen women at various stages of the fertility process, including those trying to conceive naturally, those undergoing intrauterine insemination (IUI) or IVF, and even women who are already pregnant. According to Sarah, acupuncture's effectiveness in improving fertility is rooted in its focus on enhancing blood circulation, particularly to the uterus.
There are 361 acupuncture points along meridians throughout the body, but fertility acupuncture zeroes in on promoting blood flow to the reproductive system, making it suitable for women with painful periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), those undergoing fertility treatment, and women at any stage of pregnancy. Sarah even sees men for fertility acupuncture to improve sperm health and reduce stress.
The Initial Visit: What to Expect
Sarahs initial consultations are detailed and tailored to the patient's specific concerns. She asks a series of questions about menstrual regularity, digestive health, stress levels, sleep patterns, and body temperature to identify underlying issues. These questions help her pinpoint potential areas of inflammation in the body to create a personalized acupuncture plan. On average, a fertility acupuncture session uses 15-20 needles, though this number can be adjusted to address additional issues, like headaches or allergies.
During the session, the acupuncture points for fertility are typically found below the elbows, below the knees, in the abdominal region, on top of the head, and between the eyebrows. Patients lie comfortably with the needles in place for about 30 minutes. While you may feel a pulsing, dull ache, or throbbing at the needle sites, many people find acupuncture relaxing and even fall asleep during the session.
Importantly, acupuncture needles are single-use and disposed of in sharps containers. Patients are encouraged to stay still during the treatment, but some minor adjustments are allowed if necessary.
Timing Is Everything: When to Start Fertility Acupuncture
For optimal results, Sarah suggests starting acupuncture sessions about three months before your egg retrieval in the IVF process. The aim is to improve blood flow to the primordial follicles, which develop into ovulatory follicles. However, if you've already commenced fertility treatments, it's not too late to begin acupuncture. Many women start acupuncture a month before IVF or even after starting fertility medications.
Regarding IVF, Sarah recommends that patients have an acupuncture session pre transfer and within 4-8 hours of their embryo transfer. Some women even continue acupuncture during the two-week wait, a particularly stressful period in the IVF journey. Those who have successful IVF cycles may choose to continue acupuncture during pregnancy to alleviate symptoms like nausea and stress.
The Impact on IVF Success Rates
The question many IVF patients have is, does acupuncture really improve success rates? The 2002 Paulus study, a randomized controlled trial involving 160 patients, investigated the effect of acupuncture on embryo transfer success rates. One group received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer, while the other group did not. The study showed a 42.5% clinical pregnancy rate for the acupuncture group, compared to 26.3% for the non-acupuncture group.
Subsequent research, including a 2012 systematic review and meta-analysis, suggested that clinical pregnancy rates improved in patients receiving fertility acupuncture. However, not all studies used consistent control methods, making it difficult to compare results. While there's potential for a placebo effect, further studies with standardized control groups and timing are needed to confirm acupuncture's impact on IVF outcomes.
A more recent trial in 2018 found no significant difference in live birth rates or clinical pregnancy rates between acupuncture and control groups, but differences in blastocyst-stage transfers may have influenced the results.
The Psychological Benefits of Acupuncture
A 2020 research paper interviewing IVF patients in a randomized control trial found that acupuncture sessions provided emotional support, even if patients weren't sure it directly influenced their treatment outcome. Some patients felt more empowered, relaxed, and positive after sessions, giving them a sense of taking control over their fertility journey.
Dr Sarah has also produced a Fertility Affirmations CD to assist your mental health during this time.
Finding a Fertility Acupuncturist
If you're interested in fertility acupuncture, you can contact Sarah for more information . She is generous with her time and genuinely cares about your success and supporting you through the Fertility Journey.
She is in the hearts of many a mum who struggled to concieve and are now mums who attribute this to Sarah.
In conclusion, fertility acupuncture offers a holistic approach to reproductive health. It provides emotional support and relaxation during a challenging journey. Ultimately, whether you decide to incorporate acupuncture into your fertility treatment is a personal choice, but it's one that has provided comfort and relief for many in the IVF community.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
Acupuncture for Natural Fertility & IVF Support
Acupuncture for Natural Fertility & IVF Support
Our acupuncture treatments for chronic pain are designed to help manage pain Acupuncturists use a range of techniques to target pain points and help our clients find relief.
Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety
Acupuncture for Natural Fertility & IVF Support
Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Our acupuncture treatments can help reduce stress and promote relaxation, allowing you to feel calmer and more at ease.
Acupuncture for Digestive Issues
Acupuncture for Digestive Issues
Acupuncture for Stress and Anxiety
Our acupuncture treatments for digestive issues are designed to help improve digestion and reduce symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. We use a combination of acupuncture and dietary recommendations to help you feel better.
Acupuncture for Women's Health
Acupuncture for Digestive Issues
Acupuncture for Women's Health
Our acupuncture treatments for women's health can help with a range of issues, including menstrual cramps, PMS, menopause symptoms, and fertility. Our acupuncturists are trained to provide personalized care that targets your specific needs.
Acupuncture for Pregnancy
Acupuncture for Digestive Issues
Acupuncture for Women's Health
If you're struggling with insomnia, our acupuncture treatments can help. We use a combination of techniques to help you relax and fall asleep more easily, without the need for medication.
