Acupuncture & Infertility – Tracing Its Roots

Acupuncture originated in China over 1,000 years ago.  Many people in the Western medical practice see it as an effective procedure to address a wide range of health problems.  It can remedy muscle tension, improve skin condition and get rid of smoking, to name a few.  Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.

 

The Western View

Acupuncture may be popular, but some Westerners still doubt its effectiveness.  No scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture and, as a result, many healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it.  But many researchers are already investigating the issue, according to the National Institutes of Health in the United States.

Health Hazards

Acupuncture, when done by a trained acupuncturist, is normally painless.  Only a small few have reported adverse outcomes.  Some of the usual risks linked with acupuncture include minimal bleeding, organ puncturing, broken or forgotten needles, and the spread of infection.  You can do away with these if a professional practitioner does the job.  However, people who have bleeding disorders and those who use blood thinning agents should not use acupuncture.

A Single or Complementary Process

Acupuncture, when used as a solo treatment, is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns.  It may also be considered a reliable add-on to the modern fertility programs we have today.  When used by itself, acupuncture benefits those who have functional problems, like intermittent ovulation, better.  By itself, effectiveness in treating structural problems, as with sperm duck blockage, could be weak.

Some acupuncture practitioners say that acupuncture treatments are best complemented by the use of Chinese herbs.  Individuals undergoing medical treatments should consult their doctor if they are taking or intend to take herbs.  Some herbal medications prevent the proper functioning of some fertility drugs and processes.

Acupuncture and Fertility - Effectiveness Factor?

How acupuncture works as a cure for infertility is still debatable.  However, practitioners emphasize this age-old treatment's ability to normalize the body's functions.  It boosts the flow of blood into reproductive organs and helps stabilize hormonal functions.  As a result, ovarian function is improved among females and sperm production is increased among males.

Acupuncture has a positive effect on women who use it in combination with fertility boosting procedures.   Some say that the stress that comes with fertility procedures can also be lessened with acupuncture.  Women undergoing IVF, or in vitro fertilization, boost their conception rate with the introduction of acupuncture into the program.

The Selection Process

In order to practice acupuncture, doctors are required to complete more or less 300 hours of special training before they are awarded a certification.  Professionals looking to branch out to acupuncture need to pass the board exam first and complete between 2000 and 3000 hours of training to be licensed in this field.

More and more people are seeing the benefits and are now practicing acupuncture.  There are a few things to consider before seeking the services of practitioners.  A background check on the selected acupuncture expert must be done prior to agreeing to any procedure.  A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice.Reliable recommendations for acupuncture services would be family and friends who've benefited from the them.

 

Would-be patients should first inquire about ballpark total expenses just to be prepared with the costs early on.  Many individuals are relieved that some insurance plans cover charges for acupuncture treatments.

What To Watch Out For

One has to go through several acupuncture sessions in order to attain the best results.  To get the best out of acupuncture, regular visits must me made to the chosen practitioner, which can run between a few weeks to a few months.  A visit to the acupuncturist normally goes on for an hour or so, as this time will be used to discuss your present health condition and entertain any question about the entire procedure.

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