Acupuncture for Fertility: Appropriate for You?
Acupuncture and Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncture originated in China over 1,000 years ago. Many people in the Western medical practice see it as an effective procedure to address a wide range of health problems. It has the ability to relieve muscle tension, help a person quit smoking, and improve skin quality, among many other benefits. Recent research findings show that acupuncture is beneficial to couples experiencing infertility.
The Western View
Despite its popularity, a lot of Westerners still doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture. Very little scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture. As a result, many people shy away from using it. Studies are currently being conducted on the matter, says the National Insitutes of Health based in the United States.
Health Risks
Acupuncture is generally painless when it is done by a highly-trained professional. Very few patients experience adverse effects. Puncturing of organs, spreading of infectious diseases, forgotten or broken needles and minimal bleeding are the usual risks infrequently associated with acupuncture. These can be eliminated by having the treatment peformed by an experienced professional. However, acupuncture must not be performed on people who have bleeding disorders and those who use blood thinning agents.
A Single or Complementary Process
Acupuncture, when used as a solo treatment, is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns. It may also be considered a reliable add-on to the modern fertility programs we have today. Used as a single method, acupuncture brings positive results to people who have functional reproductive problems, like intermittent ovulation. Taken alone, it may not work as well in addressing structural issues, like a blockage in the sperm duct.
Some acupuncture practitioners say that acupuncture treatments are best complemented by the use of Chinese herbs. Persons under medical care should check with their doctor before taking herbs. There are some herbs that interfere with the correct mechanism of certain fertility medications and procedures.
Acupuncture & Fertility - Effectiveness Factor?
How acupuncture works as a cure for infertility is still debatable. Many practicing experts say that this ancient therapeutic procedure can help regulate the body’s system. It boosts the flow of blood into reproductive organs and helps stabilize hormonal functions. The general outcome is enhanced ovarian function in females and a higher sperm count in males.
Acupuncture has been found to benefit women who are using it in conjunction with therapies that aim to increase fertility. Acupuncture has been found to help women relax while undergoing fertility procedures. Findings of recent studies show acupuncture’s ability to increase the conception rate in women who opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
How To Choose the Best Practitioner
Healthcare professionals who want to add acupuncture to their roster of services are required to have around 300 hours of specialized training to be certified. Anybody who would like to enter the field of acupuncture professionally must first go through 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board examination.
There are many people who practice acupuncture, and the number continues to rise. To ensure that potential patients land in the hands of good practitioners, a few things must be considered. A background check on the selected acupuncture expert must be done prior to agreeing to any procedure. A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice. Good friends and relatives are excellent recommendation and feedback sources regarding potential acupuncturists.
Patients must always ask about the general cost total so they know how much needs to be set aside for the procedure. A lot of people are thankful that certain insurance plans also cover acupuncture treatments.
What To Watch Out For
More than one acupuncture treatment is needed to get desired results. To maximize the benefits of acupuncture, the entire procedure would take some weeks to several months. Usual visits to the acupuncturist take around an hour, to allow for discussions over the present situation, as well as entertain questions on the procedure.