Acupuncture and Infertility – Needle or Needless Therapy?
Posted on Saturday, February 6th, 2010 at 12:49 pm
Acupuncture for Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice dating back over a thousand years. Many people in the Western medical practice see it as an effective procedure to address a wide range of health problems. It can address problems with muscle tension, the skin and even help one quit smoking, among others. Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.
The Western View
Despite its popularity, a lot of Westerners still doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture. Very little scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture. As a result, many people shy away from using it. The National Institutes of Health in the US says that researches are currently being conducted on the issue.
Risks To Health
Acupuncture performed by a trained professional is generally painless. Only a few suffer ill effects. Organ puncturing, the spead of infection, or forgotten/broken needles are some of the risks that come with acupuncture. 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.
Solo Versus Complementary
Acupuncture, when used as a solo treatment, is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns. It is also seen as therapy that can complement modern fertility treatments. Used as a single method, acupuncture brings positive results to people who have functional reproductive problems, like intermittent ovulation. By itself, effectiveness in treating structural problems, as with sperm duck blockage, could be weak.
Some acupuncture practitioners recommend that Chinese herbs be used alongside acupuncture procedures and treatments. Persons under medical care should check with their doctor before taking herbs. There are certain herbs that may inhibit the action of fertility procedures and drugs.
Acupuncture and Fertility - Does It Truly Work?
How acupuncture works as a cure for infertility is still debatable. However, many practicing acupuncturists assert that this ancient treatment normalizes the body’s system. 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.
Selecting The Best Practitioner
Doctors looking to enter the field of acupuncture will need to complete around 300 training hours to receive 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.
A lot of people are into acupuncture nowadays, and this number is rising by the day. To make sure patients land in good hands, here are some things that must be taken into account. A background check on the selected acupuncture expert must be done prior to agreeing to any procedure. Any practitioner must be licensed in the state or town where he or she is providing services.Great recommendation sources for acupuncturists would be friends and family members who have tried the procedure.
Patients must always ask about the general cost total so they know how much needs to be set aside for the procedure. Many individuals are relieved that some insurance plans cover charges for acupuncture treatments.
What To Watch Out For
Several acupuncture treatments have to be undergone before one gets 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. 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.
Acupuncture has been known in China for ages, my mom introduced me to acupunture and i am since been amazed how it can reduce my migraine.