Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine has been used for fertility issues for thousands of years. Now, with new research performed in the west showing acupuncture’s effectiveness, its use is becoming an important aspect in fertility both alone and alongside IVF treatments. In fact, recent studies have shown a significant increase in pregnancies and birth rates when acupuncture has been used as an adjunct treatment before and after IVF embryo transfers.

Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the uterus and has a regulating effect on the hormonal systems via its ability to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-axis, an essential aspect in the development of conception and healthy pregnancy.

These days, stress plays a distinct role in the deregulation of this hormonal feedback mechanism and is responsible for rising cortisol levels (secreted by the adrenal glands under times of stress) in the body. High cortisol levels will initiate the body’s innate defense mechanism of “fight or flight” and hence cause a decreased flow of blood to the non-survival organs, such as the uterus. Clearly, this flow needs to be restored for a healthy reproductive system. Acupuncture can place the body into a more relaxed state.

When diagnosing and performing treatment, we take a holistic approach, looking at each aspect of your well being. We place emphasis on the entirety of the menstrual cycle to ensure that each phase will be functioning adequately to initiate the necessary hormonal changes to instigate the following phase.

As you may well know, from a Traditional point of view, acupuncture aims at regulating the two interdependent forces of Yin and Yang. Here you can see how this applies to the menstrual cycle. Each must be in balance for the next process to occur effectively. You will notice that as these processes return to balance, your overall wellbeing will be greatly enhanced.

Vicki Ball has been using acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine for fertility over the years to enhance healthy reproduction and to help women with hormonal irregularities such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome and fibroids. She holds a Masters Degree in the use of Acupuncture and Chinese herbs for Women’s Health and stress disorders and regularly treats women undergoing fertility treatment. This includes IVF cycles and transfers, so you can feel assured that you are receiving safe and effective treatment which is continually being checked and updated with the latest research.  As with many modalities of health care, if we can work together, we can bring about a greater level of change towards health.