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Increasing Your Fertility Chances with Acupuncture

by Christina Captain, DAOM (c), MSAOM, MSHN, MA

For some women starting a family takes almost no effort, however for others, it can be a serious challenge. Women who are having difficulties getting pregnant might increase their chances of conceiving by adding acupuncture and Chinese medicine into their reproductive treatment plans.

In this modern age, a number of women are postponing having babies for education and career unlike their mothers and grandmothers long ago. But not all women are deferring pregnancies by choice; a large number of women face infertility issues. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control states 6.7 million women have an impaired ability to become pregnant. And women who want children are seeking help from reproductive experts.

There are so many reasons why a couple might have trouble conceiving: excessive physical activity, age, work, stress, mental exhaustion and simply the times we live in… With the internet, 24/7 cable TV, texts, instant messaging and email, we are all over stimulated. We move at an incredible pace in 2016. Women especially are under great amounts of stress to be everything to everyone, at all times.

The good news - there are a number of medical procedures, as well as alternative treatments that can help. Two of those treatments are acupuncture and Chinese medicine; both have shown to be highly effective when combined with assisted reproductive techniques (ART) such as invitro, fertility medication, and artificial insemination. There are several studies out of Great Britain, Sweden and Germany showing that adding both acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be beneficial to ART therapies.

What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Acupuncture and how can it help?
Historically, Chinese Medicine or CM has had a strong grasp of women’s health issues including infertility. Now in the 21st Century Chinese medicine is becoming a much sought-after alternative infertility treatment. CM focuses on the total person: body, mind and spirit. Its fertility philosophy looks at the health of both parents at the time of conception, their energy, stress levels, and the condition of their bodies and minds.

Another way to increase your fertility chances is to increase your Qi (pronounced chee). This is the energy flowing through your body. The Chinese medicine philosophy is: if the Qi is stagnant or blocked this can lead to higher risk of infertility. Acupuncture helps your Qi flow throughout your body, and helps to relax the mind. Acupuncture combined with change in lifestyle, nutrition and herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat the causes of infertility.

Even if you are not having problems and are simply in the early stages of planning your family, preparing your body is a great way to ensure success. Chinese medicine suggests hopeful parents should take a minimum of one year to prepare the mind and body. Clean and healthy eating, abstaining from alcohol, appropriate exercise and meditation with the intention to create a life. It’s a purposeful progression that helps get both parents ready.

Where to start:

If you are interested in learning more about how acupuncture can increase your fertility chances, we are hosting a free infertility seminar on Wednesday, February 24 at 6 pm. Seating is limited; please call 941-951-1119 to reserve your spot. For more information please visit our website at familyhealingcenter.com, or call to book a complimentary one on one meet and greet.
Remember, seek out ONLY qualified practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. You can find one near you by visiting www.nccaom.org.