| The Chinese art of acupuncture has been used for | | | | 21), Bladder (point 67), Bladder (point 60), Large |
| centuries to help the body heal. Acupuncture itself is | | | | Intestine (point 4), Stomach (point 12), Spleen (point |
| the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles, which vary | | | | 6). You should also avoid any points on the lower |
| in length. There are specific points on the body that | | | | abdomen. A risk of miscarriage does exist if an |
| are relevant to the function of different organs. | | | | incorrect point is used while a woman is pregnant. |
| These points are the channels or meridians from the | | | | Always use an acupuncturist who specializes in |
| external body to the internal body. The insertion of | | | | treating fertility disorders. Check with the board |
| the needle is used to either block or unblock a | | | | certification authority in your state. Here is a website |
| specific channel to control a body function that is | | | | that may help you find a licensed acupuncturist in |
| either over or under functioning. The Thyroid Gland is | | | | your area: nccaom.org |
| a perfect example. When the Thyroid Gland is | | | | Acupuncture can be used through week twelve. |
| under-functioning it is called hypothyroidism and when | | | | Miscarriages usually occur within the first trimester of |
| it is over-functioning it is called hyperthyroidism. The | | | | pregnancy. Treatments can continue through week |
| use of acupuncture in overcoming infertility has been | | | | twelve. |
| very successful. Especially when used in conjunction | | | | There are a number of OB/GYN studies that show |
| with herbal medicine and traditional medical | | | | effective fertility treatments involving acupuncture. |
| interventions. | | | | There have been studies done in Europe as well as |
| Acupuncture is a process-oriented therapy that | | | | the United states that show that over 50% of |
| requires treatments over a period of time, usually | | | | women treated with acupuncture were successful |
| three to four months. After these treatments have | | | | with their IVF treatment and got pregnant. The |
| been completed then it is possible for different forms | | | | study also shows that there were fewer |
| of insemination to be used, which have been | | | | miscarriages in the group of women who used |
| extremely successful. | | | | acupuncture. |
| Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine improves | | | | What does this mean for you? Well, many medical |
| ovarian and follicular function. This type of therapy | | | | doctors are utilizing acupuncture in their everyday |
| helps increase blood flow to the endometrium, which | | | | practice. They are being trained with hundreds of |
| helps in facilitating a thick rich lining. Once the | | | | hours in the proper use of acupuncture and there are |
| endometrium is ready then IVF (in vitro fertilization) | | | | many professionals who specialize in just acupuncture. |
| or donor-egg transfer can become therapeutically | | | | It is quite apparent that acupuncture is becoming an |
| effective. | | | | acceptable option for the treatment of infertility. This |
| Caution: Although there is minimal risk of using | | | | option is one that should be completely explored and |
| acupuncture for fertility treatment there are a | | | | considered for those of you who are considering IVF. |
| number of areas to be avoided once a patient | | | | Always consult your physician on any treatments |
| becomes pregnant. They are the Gallbladder (point | | | | concerning your attempt to become pregnant. |