TCM and fertility

TCM for infertility

Further information available on TCM and fertility: TCM for fertility diet

Infertility primarily refers to the biological inability of a person to contribute to conception. Infertility may also refer to the state of a woman who is unable to carry a pregnancy to full term. There are many biological causes of infertility, some which may be bypassed with holistic intervention, including Acupuncture, which is a complementary modern treatment that cures infertility problems in both men and women. Acupuncture for infertility is most effective for those people who are suffering from problems like irregular ovulation, or blockage in the sperm ducts.

Acupuncture fertility works in this way. These obstructed movements cause swelling up of energy in some parts of reproductive organs while others get deprived from such energy conjures.

Acupuncture can increase blood flow in the pelvic region, because it improves the blood supply to the reproductive organs, improving the quality of the uterine lining and nourishing the developing follicle. Acupuncture seems to relax the blood vessels in the pelvis leading to increased blood flow, which in turn leads to eggs that are better nourished and a thicker endometrial lining. Dr. Susan Emmons, a Professor of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Oregon Health Sciences University was able to use acupuncture to increase the number of follicles in women undergoing IVF.

In general, women who are fertile experience a natural period of fertility before and during ovulation, and they are naturally infertile during the rest of the menstrual cycle. Fertility awareness methods are used to discern when these changes occur by tracking changes in cervical mucus or basal body temperature. In a 2006 similar study conducted by The University of South Australia, the acupuncture group's odds (although not statistically significant) were 1.5 higher than the control group.

Other complementary and alternative treatments for female infertility, which have been scientifically tested with results published in peer-reviewed medical journals are:

1. The two intervention groups-a support group and a cognitive behavior group-had statistically significant higher pregnancy rates than the control group.
2. Manual physical therapy: The Wurn Technique, a manual manipulative physical therapy treatment, was shown in peer reviewed publications to improve natural and IVF pregnancy rates in infertile women in a 2004 study, and to open and return function to blocked fallopian tubes in a 2008 study. The therapy was designed to address adhesions restricting function and mobility of the reproductive organs.

Further information about TCM for infertility are available on TCM for fertility: How Acupuncture Enhances Fertility - A Look at Current Research