Fertility Acupuncture – How Does It Work?

• Tension and Migraine Headaches
• Neck and Back Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Respiratory disorders, etc.

Utilizing acupuncture to help infertility has also become increasingly popular.

The main reason is simply that modern science has caught up to the ancient practice. As more studies have been done, more objective proof has surfaced that acupuncture can have a positive effect on infertility.

For example, back in 2002, a study titled, “Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy” found that incredibly:

“Clinical pregnancies were documented in 34 of 80 patients (42.5%) in the acupuncture group, whereas pregnancy rate was only 26.3% (21 out of 80 patients) in the control group.”

A more recent study done in 2018 that looked at “acupuncture treatment for fertility” concluded that “Acupuncture as a treatment for infertility shows great results.”

There are many reasons acupuncture may help with infertility. Most notably, it seems to positively influence ovarian and follicular function. Acupuncture may also help to increase blood flow to the endometrium, which in turn could improve its lining.

Interestingly, acupuncture’s effectiveness at reducing anxiety may also go a long way toward helping women become pregnant. Given how stressful pregnancy can be for every woman – even those not struggling with infertility – it makes sense that so many are turning to acupuncture simply to help relax.

However, the psychologically beneficial effects of acupuncture on women with infertility are especially compelling. One study examined how acupuncture influenced “self-efficacy for women seeking fertility support.” The researchers concluded that:

“We have preliminary data suggesting that acupuncture improves self-efficacy and psychological coping for women experiencing delays with falling pregnant.”

As you can see, acupuncture doesn’t just help women overcome infertility, it also helps them cope with the stress and duress that often comes with it.

Acupuncture and IUI

Another method some women consider when they’re facing infertility is Intrauterine Insemination (IUI). During this process, sperm is placed into a woman’s uterus while she is ovulating.

Once again, it seems as though acupuncture is extremely effective at increasing the success rate of this procedure.

For example, during one study that looked at IUI and TCM – which included the use of acupuncture – Dr. Lev-Ari observed the progress of 29 females as they used both methods to try to get pregnant. The women – who were between 40 and 45 years of age – had their results compared to a control group of 94 who were between 28 and 46 years of age and only relying on IUI.

Out of the 29 women who were receiving acupuncture once a week, 65.5% conceived compared to just 39.4% in the control group.

Furthermore, 41.4% of the women receiving acupuncture delivered healthy babies, compared to only 26.9% of the control group.

Again, acupuncture is extremely affordable when compared to the much higher cost of IUI, making it an easy solution for improving your chances of conception.

Does Acupuncture for Fertility Have Side Effects?

One of the many reasons acupuncture has survived as a methodology for so many centuries is because of how safe it is.

When a 2006 study examined 66,229 acupuncture treatments that took place between 1998 and 2000, the researchers found that:

“The risks associated with acupuncture can be classified as negligible, and acupuncture is a very safe treatment in the hands of competent practitioners.”

More recently, a 2017 study looked at whether or not acupuncture could be used in intensive care units (ICUs) to help relieve patients of their pain and nausea symptoms. Not only did the majority of patients report that the practice helped, but the study also concluded that:

“Acupuncture is feasible, safe, and acceptable in an ICU setting by patients from diverse backgrounds.”

With that being said, you could experience very minor side effects if you use acupuncture to help with infertility. The most common side effects of acupuncture are soreness, bruising, or bleeding at the point of the needle’s insertion.

However, as long as you’re seeking treatment from a licensed practitioner who is using sterile needles, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Here in California, local regulations govern acupuncture practices, which requires that among other things:

• The acupuncturist’s hands must be “brush-scrubbed with soap” before examining a patient
• “All instruments shall be sterilized before and between uses”
• Any points where a needle will be inserted must first be “cleaned with an appropriate antiseptic.”

In short, as long as you see a licensed acupuncturist, the likelihood of suffering any adverse side effects is minimal.

Finally, you will be cleared to experience your first procedure. Expect that this first one will be one of many. You could need anywhere between three and six months of procedures to help your body prepare for becoming pregnant. Your doctor will be able to tell you how long the process should take after your initial consultation, though.

Don’t give up on the incredible experience of becoming pregnant and giving birth. If you’ve been struggling with infertility, I would love to help. As a licensed naturopathic doctor who was raised in a family that appreciated the power of acupuncture, I can help to increase your chances of becoming pregnant.

Contact us today and I will be more than happy to go into greater detail about how I use acupuncture and other modalities to overcome infertility. It would be an absolute honor to help you with the amazing experience of becoming pregnant.

“I started seeing Dr. Kim after being diagnosed with premature ovarian failure, ovarian cysts, and fibroids at the age of 32. I went through two rounds of injectable fertility drugs and, inter-uterine insemination. Both failed. I was told that I was a “poor responder” and I should consider in-vitro fertilization with donated eggs. I was heartbroken. My instincts told me that there was a more natural way to improve my odds. I began to eliminate environmental toxins from the products I used and the food I ate. I started ordering supplements and became very overwhelmed with all the information I was researching. I really didn’t know if what I was doing on my own was effective. It was at that point that I decided it was time to seek help from a professional outside of traditional western medicine. Dr. Kim was recommended to me by my mother. I was nervous at my first visit, but Dr. Kim’s optimistic outlook on my ability to conceive was refreshing. He started by treatment with acupuncture and a close evaluation of my diet and nutritional needs. My treatment then ramped up as the months passed. He recommended specific supplements and created a custom herbal tincture for me. After 4 months of treatment, I felt a renewed vitality and physically felt great. But, I started to doubt that my body was capable of creating a viable pregnancy. I was ready to just give up. I expressed my doubts to Dr. Kim and he maintained his confidence in the process and treatment. I can’t say how much it meant to have someone in my corner encouraging me and giving me hope. I continued for another two months and I found out I was pregnant! After almost 3 years of struggling and riding a roller coaster of emotions the impossible happened. The 6 months of treatment and care I received from Dr. Kim were by far the most effective. Not to mention the positive influence on my overall health and well-being, not just fertility. I can’t say enough how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Min Kim. I would recommend his expertise to anyone looking for a natural and effective path of healing.”

  – L. R.  La Mesa, CA

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