Acupuncture and Fertility
Infertility is an issue that affects roughly 16% (or 1 in 6) couples in Canada. Whether the problem is traced to the man, the woman, or both, the reality of this situation can be devastating to aspiring parents.
The good news is that acupuncture is a proven method in kickstarting healthy fertility in both men and women, either as a standalone treatment or as an effective addition to standard infertility therapies. Here are a few of the ways it can help:
Acupuncture Reduces stress
Stress is a key factor in fertility. Life is stressful enough as it is, and when you add in the strain of trying to conceive, it’s easy to become even more anxious. When a woman is stressed, her body “steals” progesterone to create stress hormones. This constant demand is dangerous because progesterone is a vital hormone that not only thickens the uterine lining in preparation of the implanted fertilized egg, but also continually feeds and nourishes the uterus during pregnancy. In other words, progesterone is necessary to get pregnant and stay pregnant.
And for men, stress can alter sperm counts, motility and even cause impotence. Acupuncture counters the effects of stress by releasing endorphins in the brain. It’s a safe and effective way to boost your fertility, and you’ll also enjoy all the benefits that come with a more relaxed state of mind.
Acupuncture Increases blood flow to the reproductive organs
Special acupuncture points and techniques have been shown to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. The improved circulation thickens the endometrial lining for implantation, decreases uterine contractility and improves ovarian function to produce better quality eggs.
Studies also show that increased blood flow to male reproductive organs helps improve sperm count, motility and morphology, and also corrects some immune factors such as anti-sperm antibodies that can interfere with conception.
Acupuncture Balances the Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a complex network of hormone signals and actions that affects every aspect of our health. It’s responsible for many amazing bodily processes, and when it’s disrupted, blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to serious health problems, including infertility. Acupuncture gets to the root cause of female and male infertility and guides the body back to its natural state of balance. This results in optimum reproductive health and a proper environment for fertility.
If you’d like to meet with an acupuncturist to discuss your specific situation and learn about treatment options, you can call or email us, or stop by our office in downtown Victoria BC, or book an appointment online.