For some women, acupuncture is not only a way to relieve stress. When trying to conceive, it has shown promise for increasing fertility.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture works by stimulating nerve endings deep below the surface of the skin. By manipulating the needles in conjunction with gentle electrical stimulation (a practice known as electropuncture), your nerves are activated, helping your body release substances called endorphins. This can have positive effects on fertility, including relieving stress that may be weighing you down.
What are the benefits of trying acupuncture for fertility?
Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce depression, which can be a problem for women struggling with infertility. It can also decrease stress and anxiety that can contribute to fertility problems. What’s more, high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) have been shown to increase the risk of miscarriage in women once they become pregnant.
What to expect at an acupuncture appointment
Your initial visit should include an in-depth consultation. Questions may not immediately seem to be related to infertility but are important for the practitioner to determine the ideal therapy for you.
After the consultation, the acupuncturist will use a variety of points in an effort to enhance fertility or blood flow to certain organs.
Needles are left in for around 20 to 25 minutes while you relax in a room. Follow-up visits are shorter and usually don’t include a consultation.
Fertility acupuncture services at West End Women’s Health
Our trained acupuncturists offer ferility and IVF acupuncture which are timed to your. They provide guidance on diet, nutrition and lifestyle counseling for a complete approach to your fertility needs.