| The increasing use of acupuncture as a | | | | When acupuncture and infertility therapies both work |
| complementary therapy for infertility calls into | | | | together to accomplish one outcome, as they can in |
| question its true beneficial effects. Can this | | | | the case of thyroid imbalance, the results can go |
| alternative therapy offer the elusive cure couples in | | | | beyond mere complement. In these situations |
| need are seeking, or could it just be a waste of time, | | | | acupuncture is not simply a tool to bring the body |
| money and emotional energy? | | | | into its best possible condition to receive treatment; |
| When considering the combination of acupuncture | | | | in this case acupuncture functions as one of the |
| and infertility therapies, the first thing to realize is | | | | direct therapies addressing the core problem itself. |
| that acupuncture is in fact not considered a primary | | | | A number of care providers choose to prescribe |
| therapy for most forms of infertility. | | | | acupuncture as part of the standard preparation for |
| Acupuncture is able to address a small number of | | | | fertility treatments. A patient can expect to receive |
| hormonal imbalances, most notably hyper-and | | | | regular appointments for three to five months before |
| hypothyroidism. However, acupuncture cannot | | | | fertility treatments are expected to begin. The |
| address forms of infertility with a clear basis in | | | | intention is to ensure by as many means as possible |
| structural dysfunction, nor has it be shown to | | | | that the patient is in optimal health prior to the |
| address most of the wide array of hormonal | | | | commencement of any medical procedures. By |
| disorders. | | | | increasing well-being and comfort, and by improving |
| As a result there are probably only two | | | | blood flow and the building of a rich endometrial lining |
| circumstances in which medical professionals are likely | | | | in the womb, the care providers hope to give the |
| to suggest acupuncture for fertility issues. The first, | | | | prospective mother the greatest chance of |
| clearly, is in instances were imbalanced thyroid | | | | successful egg production, fertilization and |
| function is a major contributing factor in infertility. | | | | implantation. |
| Acupuncture specialists are able to focus on those | | | | While acupuncture is still considered a non-traditional |
| nerve centers which have an impact on thyroid | | | | or alternative therapy in many forms of medical |
| production - primarily the thyroid and parathyroid | | | | practice, it is becoming increasingly commonplace in |
| organs. The second is in situations where acupuncture | | | | the field of fertility treatments. As more and more |
| can provide supplementary supporting therapy that | | | | professionals discover that acupuncture and infertility |
| will complement the actions of a primary therapy. | | | | therapies used in combination provide a higher rate of |
| For example, several forms of infertility can cause | | | | successful pregnancies, there is a growing tendency |
| severe menstrual pain, and many of the traditional | | | | to ensure patients have automatic access to the two |
| treatments for infertility can also cause menstrual | | | | approaches. Success may be hard to explain, but it is |
| pain. Acupuncture, which is best known for its | | | | always easy to justify. |
| reported ability to reduce or even eliminate pain, can | | | | As a result there is no reason to be surprised or |
| provide a supportive or complementing therapy in | | | | disturbed by professionals who offer acupuncture for |
| these instances. A patient receiving acupuncture in | | | | infertility issues. In this setting the alternative method |
| this situation is more comfortable, happier, and under | | | | is just one normal component of an array of |
| less stress. Such improvements can actually increase | | | | therapies that work in concert to ensure the highest |
| the success rate of the associated primary therapy. | | | | rate of pregnancy for those in need of assistance. |