Four Tips for Improving Your Fertility With Acupuncture

by Yasmin Devji, RAc North Vancouver Acupuncturist

With infertility rates rising, it’s no surprise that women everywhere are turning to alternative treatments like acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of ultra-thin needles into specific meridian points on the body. The ‘needling’ of these points help regulate how the body functions and can assist in treating various health challenges, like infertility.

By placing needles in key points relating to the reproductive organs, acupuncture can increase and move the flow of qi from areas where it might be too abundant to areas where it may be deficient.  The more efficient the blood flow is to areas like the uterus and ovaries, the more likely an embryo is to implant. Here are a few tips to help maximize the benefits of acupuncture:

Tip 1: Choose the right acupuncturist.  Many doctors are licensed to practice acupuncture, but may not have the experience or schooling as a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncturist. Even if you are choosing a TCM acupuncturist, be sure that they have a background in specifically treating infertility.

Tip 2: Understand your diagnosis first.  There are many reasons for infertility. Some are structural, some may be hormonal. In other words, just because you are investing in an alternative treatment doesn’t mean you should avoid getting a scientific diagnosis first. The more your acupuncturist understands your condition, the easier it is to map out a treatment plan.

Tip 3: Be patient.  Everyone responds differently to acupuncture. Some people many respond within a few treatments, while others may take substantial treatments and sometimes several months, before the effects can be seen. Be patient and focus on the journey, not the destination.

Tip 4: Be open. A  good acupuncturist will ask a lot of questions, some which may feel bizarre or silly — like asking to see your tongue. Don’t be alarmed. This is just one way the acupuncturist decides on which areas of your body need help and attention.

Consider combining acupuncture with other treatments. Many women benefit from combining acupuncture with mainstream fertility treatments like IVF, while others incorporate other alternative treatments like ingesting Chinese herbs with it.