Acupuncture is an effective compliment to assisted reproductive techniques. Acupuncture combined with IUI/IVF can increase conception up to 65%. Women receiving Chinese herbal medicine treatments were twice as likely to get pregnant within a four-month period

than those receiving conventional Western medical fertility drug treatment or IVF in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine. There are eight RCTs, 13 cohort studies, three case series and six case studies involving a total of 1851 women with infertility were included in the systematic review.The fundamentals of preconception Chinese Medicine focuses on enriching Jing essence, optimizing egg & reducing stress and addressing implantation issues, to help couples achieve their full fertility potential and conceive a healthy baby. Ideally, acupuncture is done at weekly intervals for 3 cycles to help produce quality eggs and best prepare the body for conception. A second option is to do acupuncture for one cycle, before beginning IUI/IVF injections.

For natural fertility, to see improvements, a general course of acupuncture treatment to regulate periods is three cycles. Here are four areas in which acupuncture can help regular periods.

1. Acupuncture regulates the hormones that control your period
There are several hormones which ensure the regular periods. One way acupuncture can assist with regulating periods is by regulating the feedback loop between the brain, ovaries, also known as the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian (HPO) axis. If the hormones are balanced, then the HPO axis will function properly, ovulation will occur, and menses will follow suit on a regular interval. Studies found acupuncture reduced FSH and reduced elevated levels of hormones that block ovulation.

2. Acupuncture improves ovarian and uterine blood flow
One of the ways acupuncture can support hormone regulation, and its ultimate impact on hormone balance, is by improving ovarian and uterine blood flow.

3. Acupuncture promotes ovulation
As noted above, acupuncture regulates hormones and improves blood flow to the reproductive organs, which leads to a cascade of other effects. When the hormones are balanced and blood is flowing openly to the ovaries and uterus, then ovulation can naturally occur.

4. Acupuncture addresses the whole patient, spirit/mental/body(different organ functions). Therefore, it is more than relieving stress or increasing circulation. It requires knowledge, training and experience. In regard to some specific fertility issue, how we diagnosis, differentiate, design plan on manipulation, place locations, length of time, check progress, choose methodologies, whether to include Chinese Herbs, whether to add in special foods or dietary supplement, how to incorporate test results and follow IVF/IUI into treatment plan are critical to the success of ovulation, fertilization and pregnancy.

Liver Qi and Yin deficiency

Thyroid issues: thyroid is closely tied to hormone production, any conditions involving this organ, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can prevent normal ovulation and menstruation from occurring.
Unhealthy lifestyle: To be fertile, a woman needs to lead a healthy lifestyle. Dramatic weight changes, excessive stress, over indulgence in alcohol, or smoking can contribute to infertility. Acupuncture reduces urge of addictive life styles, general life stressors, like work related stress & anxiety, as well as the stress surrounding TTC. All these can affect the level of many hormones and can cause endocrine disorders.

Blood stasis and heat

Endometriosis and fallopian tubes disorders:Up to 50 percent of women struggling with infertility suffer from this condition.

Liver Qi Stagnation and Spleen Qi Deficiency

Abnormal ovulation and menstruation: some caused by excessive exercise, increased stress, or dramatic weight loss.

Kidney Qi and Yin Deficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) or Early low ovarian reserve (LOR): Some women’s ovaries slow or quit producing and releasing eggs properly before age 40. This condition is similar to premature menopause and high FSH.

Kidney Qi and Yin Deficiency, Injury of Chong meridian

Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR): due to surgical, medical, or congenital conditions, some women’s eggs deteriorate and decline, causing infertility

Kidney Qi and Yang Deficiency

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): If a woman’s adrenal glands or ovaries become hormonally imbalanced and produce too much testosterone, small ovarian cysts can form. These can interfere with ovulation and cause infertility.

Jing deficiency

Luteal phase defects (LPD): not a thick enough lining making more difficult for fertilized eggs to implant in the uterus

• Exercise regularly, although the female partner should do only gentle physical activity. Walking one hour per day during active TTC.
• Maintain healthy weight. Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Begin taking Acupuncture and Chinese herbs with consultation to help your body get ready for pregnancy.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet. Recommend Mediterranean food or follow the diet triangle chart.
• Learn to forgive and have grateful heart.
• Acupuncture to work out the dysfunction/imbalance of your body/mind.
• Make sure you get enough sleep, ideally at least eight hours per night in total darkness. Don’t watch TV before going to bed.
• Time your cycle for your most fertile moment by taking BBT measurement and OPK.