To provide an alternative solution to medically-based fertility programs, Balancing Point Center for Wellness launched its Natural Fertility Support Program in 2009. To date, the program has been tested and proven effective on over 20 women who have experienced difficulty conceiving, some of whom have attempted traditional hormone therapies without success. In order to test, identify and document the efficacy of Acupuncture in increasing fertility levels of women, Balancing Point is currently conducting a Fertility Study in the Chicagoland area. Information for the 2011 study will be posted soon.

FAQ’s for Acupuncture and Fertility

What is infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (6 months for a woman over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth. The diagnosis is usually given to couples who have had unsuccessful attempts in conceiving for at least one year. Conception and pregnancy are complicated processes that depend on many factors:

• Production of healthy sperm by the man
• Production of healthy eggs by the woman
• Healthy, unblocked fallopian tubes that allow the sperm to reach the egg
• The sperms ability to fertilize the egg when they meet
• The ability of the fertilized egg to become implanted in the woman’s uterus
• Sufficient embryo quality

When just one of these factors is impaired, issues arise with fertility. For the pregnancy to continue to full term, the embryo must be healthy, and the woman’s hormonal environment must be adequate for its development.

What causes infertility in women?

The most common cause in women is ovulation disorder. Some other causes include: blocked fallopian tubes, congenital anomalies, and aging. There are certain health problems that can increase the risk of infertility. Women should talk to their doctors if they have:

• Irregular or no menstrual period
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
• Fibroids
• Unabated emotional stress

Can acupuncture help if I’m over 40?

Acupuncture therapy assists in regulating the menstrual cycle and enhances the function of the whole body. This “whole body” approach may unlock the unlimited potential in healing that our bodies are capable of. This is especially appropriate for couples over the age of 40 as it stimulates overall health to effect reproductive health.

What cause infertility in men?

The most common cause in men include: azoospermia (no sperm production) and oligospermia (too few sperm production).

What is Acupuncture for fertility?

Acupuncture is a form of medicine that began in China over 4,000 years ago. Very thin, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on the body. The insertion of the needle stimulates and manipulates the flow of energy to bring our bodies to a much needed balance. When our bodies are in balance, we function optimally: our sleep is restful, we are resistant to sickness, recovery to injury are quicker, and in the case of fertility, reproductive capacity is most functional. The balance can be disturbed for any amount of reasons, and the imbalance gives rise to symptoms. Acupuncture is a treatment that intends to correct the imbalances thus eliminating any or all symptoms that the imbalanced may have caused. Acupuncture for fertility can improve your fertility and increase your chances of success when you are trying to conceive.

How does it work?

The Modern Science Approach to acupuncture states that the body has a biochemical defense mechanism. The microscopic prick of the acupuncture needle creates a site of injury at the cellular level. The body responds by releasing chemicals vital to cellular repair. The acupuncture needle fools the body into thinking that it has been invaded by a foreign object, and both tissue and cellular biochemical mechanisms are initiated. This helps to reduce pain and local inflammation. Acupuncture also releases endorphins which are also known as, “anti-stress hormones.” Another theory is the Gate Control theory. This states that pain is transmitted from the periphery to the brain via the spinal cord. The insertion of the thin needle can close this gate, thus lessening the sensation of pain.

How can Acupuncture help with fertility?

Acupuncture can help with all stages of fertility, from conception to delivery. Some benefits of acupuncture incorporate:

• Regulate the menses and increase the blood flow to the uterus
• Relieving Stress
• Balancing hormones to increase ovarian response function
• Reduce the side effects of IVF hormone treatments
• Improve the success rate of IVF
• Increase and strengthen the immune system
• Decrease the chances of miscarriage and increase the rate of live birth

How exactly does acupuncture influence the female reproductive system?

Acupuncture has been reported to:
• Promote the circulation of blood to and in the pelvic cavity
• Improve ovarian function
• Encourage follicle production
• Enhance uterine blood flow
• Improve uterine lining thickness

Where are you going to place the needles?

The location of points will vary from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment. Some of the more well known points traditionally used to influence the function of female reproductive organs are located on the lower back, lower abdomen, and legs.

When during my cycle should I get acupuncture done? Should I come just before ovulation?

Treatments should be done on a regular basis throughout your cycle. Receiving treatments only around ovulation time may only have limited effects. The immediate effects of acupuncture are very subtle in general. However, the cumulative effect from regular acupuncture treatments can produce considerably longer lasting benefits.

How long will it take for me to get pregnant with acupuncture?

Most patients (men and women) usually will need a minimum of 3 months of treatment. For women, consistent treatment is important. Missing a week of treatment may lose an important opportunity to heal particular segments of the menstrual cycle. A minimum of three consecutive cycles begins to regulate a woman’s system back into balance.

How does acupuncture support IVF?

Acupuncture is used to balance and strengthen one’s general health. It affects the autonomic nervous system, which controls the muscles and glands. Treatment could lead to relaxation of the uterus, increasing the uterine blood flow, thus making the lining of the uterus more receptive to receiving an embryo.

Please Contact Us by phone or email for more information.