When discussing infertility the most common question is, “Can acupuncture treat this (PCOS, Low AMH, high FSH, etc…)?” While these conditions contribute greatly to the big picture it is not the big picture in its entirety. There is no magical diet, herb, drug, or procedure that will change these conditions fundamentally.
A holistic approach means that we work our way to getting your body to do what it needs to do with as little intervention as possible. As you have probably read, acupuncture needles are thin, solid (not hollow), and unmedicated. What we do is stimulate the body to encourage regular, physiological process.
In relation to fertility support, this means we work on a long term strategy to get menstrual cycles and ovulation times within the normal limits of Chinese Medicine. These limits are 26 – 30 days between periods, and 4 – 5 days of flow. Also, we strive to get ovulation to occur as close to cycle day 14 as possible.
When this is accomplished, it helps fertility on the whole. Whether you decide to go the “natural route” without any assisted reproductive therapies (ARTs) such as In Utero Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), or if you do decide to use the ARTs it is helpful. For those who are in the midst of an IVF cycle, acupuncture is also helpful for mitigating the side effects of those medications as well.
All this is accomplished by using acupuncture and herbs along with lifestyle modifications which may include meditation, mindfulness, easy movement such as Tai Chi and/or Qi Gong, and some diet modifications. The final goal of all of this is to ensure that you become a healthier, more vibrant version of yourself such that your child is healthy and vibrant also.
Infertility is one of my specialties and I’m grateful to have helped many women get pregnant with the help of Chinese Medicine. If you want to learn more about infertility and Chinese Medicine, or to see if you’re a good candidate for treatment, please contact our office. We’re happy to help you start the next chapter in your life.