Unexplained infertility can be soul crushing. Whether it’s months, or years, of attempts to conceive without success, the mental and emotional (not to mention physical) exhaustion can be debilitating. Many women turn to reproductive endocrinologists for guidance and assistance. Between the rounds of medication, early morning doctor visits, and rigid scheduling, the overall stress can be overwhelming.
Acupuncture is an additional modality many women use alone or in conjunction with fertility treatments. At Element, we offer a relaxing environment to unwind and help encourage the body’s natural potential. As an acupuncturist, my goal is to maximize the body’s fertile capability, to 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 view this new entity as an unwanted invader), discourage miscarriages, and reduce stress. Specific acupuncture points are chosen based on the individual and a possible fertility protocol scheduled by the reproductive endocrinologist.
I typically recommend weekly acupuncture treatments for fertility. The number of sessions can vary from person to person. Once pregnant, the first trimester is considered the most fraught, so some women continue with weekly treatments and then, after the first trimester, monthly acupuncture treatments are recommended (unless the patient experiences any unforeseen aches, pains, or issues during the pregnancy) until the last month. At the end of the pregnancy, I recommend weekly sessions to prep and prime the body for delivery.
If an IVF protocol is planned, I suggest starting acupuncture three months before that begins. An acupuncture treatment 12-24 hours prior to an IVF transfer (when fertilized eggs are transferred into the uterus after 3 or 5 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 a patient is going through assisted reproductive therapies, or not. Spread the word and help make someone’s dream come true!
Contributor
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.