Infertility is a common occurrence in the Western world. While it can be caused by specific conditions such as malformed reproductive organs or endocrine system damage, it can also be the result of factors like improper diet, lifestyle or poor stress management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, 12 percent of U.S. women struggle with getting and remaining pregnant. Fifty percent of men with infertility have it too, as a result of low sperm count. While those numbers may be daunting, help is readily available.

Fertility in Chinese medicine is about making the patient healthy enough to support a pregnancy, and acupuncture has been well researched as a possible intervention in its treatment. Through the use of acupuncture to modulate the nervous system, acupuncture works to help the body muster and coordinate the resources required to reduce the load of stress on the reproductive system, as well as harmonizing the hormonal balances required to promote a fertile environment for conception.

Along with lifestyle and diet recommendations, a qualified, licensed acupuncturist can be a powerful ally on the journey of fertility. Clinical observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine and traditional allopathic (Western) medicine.

Along with acupuncture, it is important to maintain a balanced lifestyle to make sure that there are no confounding factors impeding fertility that can be easily addressed. A solid tactic for support, whether a woman is seeking help with fertility or not, is rising at the same time each morning, including weekends. This harmonizes the circadian rhythms properly so that the body can restore itself during the night. Also avoid processed foods, especially those loaded with simple sugars, preservatives and artificial colors.

Receiving acupuncture on a regular basis should be accompanied by the appropriate lifestyle and dietary/nutrition modifications prescribed by a licensed acupuncturist.

 

Paula Kearney, LAc, is Women’s Health and Fertility Specialist at Two Trees Acupuncture located at 1318-A3 Central Ave., in Charlotte. For appointments and more information, call 704-770-1318 or visit TwoTreesAcupuncture.com.