Acupuncture and Infertility - Needle or Needless Therapy?
Acupuncture & Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old. Some medical practitioners in the West accept this treatment as a valid way of addressing several types of ailments. It can remedy muscle tension, improve skin condition and get rid of smoking, to name a few. Studies show that acupuncture benefits couple who have fertility problems.
How The West Sees It
Although acupuncture is widely popular, there still are some Westerners who doubt it is effective. 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 Risks
Acupuncture performed by a trained professional is generally painless. Very few patients experience adverse effects. Organ puncturing, the spead of infection, or forgotten/broken needles are some of the risks that come with acupuncture. These are virtually eliminated when an experienced practitioner does the treatment. However, acupuncture should not be applied to individuals with bleeding disorders and people using blood thinners.
Solo Versus Complementary
Acupuncture may be used as an alternative to fertility issues, especially when used as a single treatment. It is also seen as therapy that can complement modern fertility treatments. Acupuncture perhaps provides better results for couples experiencing functional problems, particularly when used by itself. Taken alone, it may not work as well in addressing structural issues, like a blockage in the sperm duct.
Some acupuncture experts encourage the use of Chinese herbs to complement acupuncture treatments. If you are taking prescription drugs, check with your doctor before starting any program of herb therapy. Some herbal medications prevent the proper functioning of some fertility drugs and processes.
Acupuncture and Fertility - Does It Truly Work?
How acupuncture works as a infertility cure is still debatable. However, many acupuncturists stress that even this age-old therapy can aid in normalizing the body’s functions. It boosts the flow of blood into reproductive organs and helps stabilize hormonal functions. The result is improved ovarian function in women and increased sperm production in males.
Acupuncture positively affects women who use it together with other procedures that aim to boost fertility. Acupuncture has been found to help women relax while undergoing fertility procedures. Studies show that acupuncture helps raise a woman’s chance of conception when acupuncture is applied with in vitro fertilization.
Choosing the Right Practitioner
In order to practice acupuncture, doctors are required to complete more or less 300 hours of special training before they are awarded a certification. Anybody who would like to enter the field of acupuncture professionally must first go through 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board examination.
A lot of people are into acupuncture nowadays, and this number is rising by the day. There are few things one must consider to make sure patients land in good hands. Patients must first look into the background of the acupuncture therapist before undergoing a procedure. A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice. Good friends and relatives are excellent recommendation and feedback sources regarding potential acupuncturists.
Future patients must ask for a ballpark figure of cost to be financially prepared for the treatment. A lot of people are thankful that certain insurance plans also cover acupuncture treatments.
Know What to Expect
To get the best results, one has to undergo more than one acupuncture treatment. Frequent visits, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, must be done to maximize its benefits. Patients should expect each visit to their acupuncturist to be at least an hour long, with time for discussion of lifestyle and present health condition, as well as thoughts and queries about the process.
