Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old. In the West, many people in the field of medicine consider it a valid procedure for treating an array of ailments. It can remedy muscle tension, improve skin condition and get rid of smoking, to name a few. Recent research findings show that using acupuncture for fertility purposes can be effective.
The Western View
Despite its popularity, a lot of Westerners still doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture. The shortage of scientific proof about how this ancient medicinal practice works prevents many people from trusting it and giving it a try. But many researchers are already investigating the issue, according to the National Institutes of Health in the United States.
Health Hazards
Acupuncture, when done by a trained acupuncturist, is normally painless. Very few patients experience adverse effects. Puncturing of organs, spreading of infectious diseases, forgotten or broken needles and minimal bleeding are the most usual risks associated with this practice. These are virtually eliminated when an experienced practitioner does the treatment. However, acupuncture should not be applied to individuals with bleeding disorders and people using blood thinners.
A Solo or Complementary Procedure
Acupuncture, when used as a solo treatment, is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns. It is also seen as therapy that can complement modern fertility treatments. When used on its own, acupuncture probably offers more positive results for couples who have functional problems like irregular ovulation. By itself, this practice may not work as effectively in fixing structural problems such as blockage of sperm ducts.
Some acupuncturists urge patients to use Chinese herbs in addition to acupuncture treatments and other procedures. Individuals undergoing medical treatments should consult their doctor if they are taking or intend to take herbs. Some herbs may prevent fertility drugs and procedures from working properly.
Does It Work?
How acupuncture remedies infertility problems is still debatable. However, many practicing acupuncturists assert that this ancient treatment normalizes the body’s system. It improves the flow of blood to reproductive organs and steadies hormone levels. As a result, ovarian function is improved among females and sperm production is increased among males.
Acupuncture positively affects women who use it together with other procedures that aim to boost fertility. There are people who believe that acupuncture relaxes women when they undergo stressful fertility procedures. Findings of recent studies show acupuncture’s ability to increase the conception rate in women who opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Choosing the Right Practitioner
Doctors in the field of medicine who wish to practice acupuncture have to take nearly 300 hours of training before becoming certified. Professionals in other fields who would like to specialize solely in acupuncture have to train for 2,000 to 3,000 hours and complete board examinations to qualify as acupuncturists.
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. People who are thinking of undergoing acupuncture must do a background check on a potential acupuncturist. 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.Fertility acupuncture
Future patients must ask for a ballpark figure of costs to be financially prepared for the treatment. Many individuals are relieved that some insurance plans cover charges for acupuncture treatments.
What to Expect
More than one acupuncture treatment is needed to get desired results. To get the most out of acupuncture, patients usually go through a series of visits that can run from several weeks to a few months. Patients should expect each visit to their acupuncturist to be at least an hour long, with time for discussion of lifestyle and present health condition, as well as thoughts and queries about the process.