Science and technology are bringing new life into the world, literally making dreams happen. In 2012 the Society for Assisted Reproductive Therapy (SART) representing 90 percent of the Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART) clinics in the United States reported 165,172 ART procedures, including IVF. 165,740 babies in the US were born as a result of these treatments.
Science and technology have made such reproductive wonders a planned, regulated affair. Therefore, the world of fertility treatments can be all consuming. Creating schedules, treatment plans, and protocols are necessary for insuring the highest success rates. While these rates continue to increase, there are still many unanswered questions to fertility obstacles, even with the best doctors, research and development.
Astounding research shows that acupuncture can double IVF success rates. A German study of 160 women undergoing IVF split them into two groups. One group had acupuncture with IVF, and the second group did not. The group that had the IVF along with acupuncture had a 50 percent higher success rate. (You can read more here.) In 2008 the “British Medical Journal” cited a study of women undergoing IVF who used acupuncture, too, and these patients experienced a 65 percent higher embryo transfer rate than those who had a “sham acupuncture” version of treatment or no acupuncture at all. (You can read more here.)
Patients regularly come to Element Natural Health Arts to help increase the success of IVF treatments. Rounds of medication, early morning doctor visits, rigid scheduling and the overall stress can be overwhelming. We offer a relaxing environment in which to unwind and help promote successful IVF.
As an acupuncturist, my goal is maximize the potential for fertility, encourage follicle and egg growth, increase circulation to the uterus and ovaries, help the uterine lining thicken, encourage implantation, balance the immune system (so the body does not see this new entity as an unwanted invader), discourage unnecessary miscarriages and reduce stress.
Specific acupuncture points are chosen based on the individual and her IVF cycle. We recommend weekly acupuncture treatments (or, in some cases, more often), and we suggest starting acupuncture three months before commencing an IVF protocol. I believe that an acupuncture treatment 12 to 24 hours prior to an IVF transfer (when fertilized eggs are transferred into the uterus after three or five days of growth outside the uterus) and within 12 hours post-transfer can tremendously improve the chance of implantation. I also add a “take-away” ear treatment, including acupuncture press needles or ear seeds for patients to press and hold prior to and post IVF, to optimize success.
For those struggling with infertility, acupuncture can help on many levels: emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. Acupuncture can be effective whether or not a patient is going through assisted reproductive therapies. Spread the word and help make someone’s dream come true!
– Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. She is an acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal therapy practitioner, and reflexologist