A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility  found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques, such as invitro-fertilization (IVF). Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed the studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
• reduces anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility

• regulate menstrual cycle
  

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and Blood.  When Qi (also called Life Energy) and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well.  When this occurs, a woman's health and fertility are increased.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more Organ Systems. (Please keep in mind that the Organs described below reflect the Eastern medical theories and philosophies) 

Kidney Organ System - The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys.  The Kidneys also created a substance called Jing Qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind and pregnancy.  If an imbalance exists within the Kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility may result.  Chinese herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, can nourish and support Jing Qi and overall Kidney health.

Spleen Organ System - An adequate supply of blood is required by a woman's body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy.  A disharmony within the Spleen can result in inadequate supply and imbalance of blood.  Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.

Liver Organ System - In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have  a free flow of Qi and Blood throughout the body.  The Liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and Blood.  When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and Blood.  This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress and increase infertility.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy.  Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Chinese medicine: 

1. An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body's natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
2. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are completely natural.  No drugs are ever used.  In the Western treatment of infertility, undesired side effects are accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapies may occur.
   
3. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, so other fertility procedures are more effective.
4. It works!      

Acupuncture can also help once a woman has become pregnant.
It may improve these and many other conditions:

• morning sickness

• high blood pressure

• back ache

• correction of breech  birth presentation

• labor induction

 Along with acupuncture, a diet high in nutrition is a must!