How can acupuncture help infertility?
Acupuncture allows practitioners of TCM to tap in to the energy
system that enlivens the body. Based on the archaeological evidence,
it is believed that the earliest precedents of acupuncture dated as
far back as 1000 BC.
Acupuncture takes the form of inserting very fine needles into the
body's energy lines, or meridians. There are 14 major meridians in
the human body, 12 of which are dominated by the major Organs. Each
of these links energy points across the whole
body, which are all related.
The needles are inserted at special points on the meridians, where
the energy can be regulated. It may be helpful to think of this in
terms of the electricity supply to a room. The meridians are the
wiring, the acupuncture points are the light switches, dimmers and
fuses, and the Organs are the electrical appliances. Practitioners
will choose a combination of points to achieve the desired effect.
The choice is guided by long-standing formulae, modified to suit
each individual and problem.
Needles come in different lengths, which are chosen according to
where they go and what they are treating. They are always
sterilized and often disposable, and so
perfectly safe. The practitioner may use from five to 20 needles,
leaving them in place for just a few minutes or for up to
half-an-hour. When the needles are inserted correctly, they cause a
sensation known as 'de qi', which is a
slight tingling, heaviness or numbness at or around the needles.
This is a sign that the needle is working on the energy channel and
that the Organ is being properly stimulated. Acupuncture should not
be painful, however. Indeed, the experience can produce a deep sense
of relaxation that promotes a general feeling of wellbeing.
Acupuncture for reproductive medicine is complex as the diagnosed
condition may involve more than one organ system. This means that
acupuncture points relating to different organ systems will need to
be carefully chosen collectively to address the imbalances of energy
flow in these systems. Generally speaking however, there are a set
of points which relate to the reproductive system as a whole. In
addition, there
exists a good number of points that are known to be effective
for the tonifying of specific organ
systems. Based on diagnosis made on an individual basis, a group of
points will be carefully chosen to target the condition found in the
patient. As the patient improves, so is his/her condition. The
points chosen may therefore need to vary accordingly to achieve the
optimal effect at any one time.
Modern research have found acupuncture
can enhance the chances of IVF and increase blood flow in uterus.
Links..
Articles / Case Studies
Acupuncture In Pregnancy
Acupuncture in IVF
Visible Embryo
