Acupuncture for Fertility: Appropriate for You?
Acupuncture & Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old. 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. Recent research findings show that acupuncture is beneficial to couples experiencing infertility.
How The West Sees It
Although acupuncture is widely popular, there still are some Westerners who doubt it is effective. The shortage of scientific proof about how this ancient medicinal practice works prevents many people from trusting it and giving it a try. But many researchers are already investigating the issue, according to the National Institutes of Health in the United States.
Health Risks
Acupuncture is generally painless when it is done by a highly-trained professional. Adverse effects have been observed in only very few people. Organ puncturing, the spead of infection, or forgotten/broken needles are some of the risks that come with acupuncture. These can be done away with by having an experienced practitioner perform therapy. However, acupuncture must not be performed on people who have bleeding disorders and those who use blood thinning agents.
A Solo or Complementary Procedure
Acupuncture may be used as a single procedure to complement fertility treatments. It is also viewed as greatly complementary to modern fertility procedures. Acupuncture perhaps provides better results for couples experiencing functional problems, particularly when used by itself. When applied alone, it might not be as effective to treat structural problems, like a sperm duct blockage.
Some acupuncture practitioners recommend that Chinese herbs be used alongside acupuncture procedures and treatments. Individuals undergoing medical treatments should consult their doctor if they are taking or intend to take herbs. Some herbs may prevent fertility drugs and procedures from working properly.
Acupuncture for Fertility - Effectiveness Factor?
How acupuncture works as a infertility cure is still debatable. However, practitioners emphasize this age-old treatment’s ability to normalize the body’s functions. It boosts the flow of blood into reproductive organs and helps stabilize hormonal functions. Ovarian function is boosted and sperm production is enhanced, as a result.
Acupuncture positively affects women who use it together with other procedures that aim to boost fertility. Acupuncture has been found to help women relax while undergoing fertility procedures. Recent researches show that a woman undergoing in vitro fertilization has a higher chance of conception if acupuncture is introduced into therapy.
Choosing the Right Practitioner
Doctors looking to enter the field of acupuncture will need to complete around 300 training hours to receive a certification. Anybody who would like to enter the field of acupuncture professionally must first go through 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board examination.
There are many people who practice acupuncture, and the number continues to rise. There are a few things to consider before seeking the services of practitioners. Patients must first look into the background of the acupuncture therapist before undergoing a 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.
Before jumping into the procedure, patients should always ask about the possible total costs to be prepared. A lot of people are thankful that certain insurance plans also cover acupuncture treatments.
Things You Should Expect
One has to go through several acupuncture sessions in order to attain the best results. To maximize the benefits of acupuncture, the entire procedure would take some weeks to several months. Usual visits to the acupuncturist take around an hour, to allow for discussions over the present situation, as well as entertain questions on the procedure.