Acupuncture & Fertility

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• increase blood flow to the uterus, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting in the uterine wall
• reduces anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, specifically in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
• positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility
• regulate menstrual cycle

In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal, an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. The study found the blood flow increases during treatment. According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, “When acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system. The idea is that if you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to flow.” Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implantation of an embryo within the uterine lining.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (also called Life Energy) and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

According to the theories of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, infertility is caused by an imbalance of Qi and blood affecting one or more of the organ systems. (Please keep in mind that the organs described below reflect Eastern theories and philosophies)

Kidney Organ System

The release of an ovum is controlled by the Kidneys. The Kidneys also create a substance called Jing Qi, which is required in order to have a healthy body, mind, and pregnancy. If an imbalance exists within the Kidneys, Jing Qi may be inadequate in supply and infertility may be a result. Chinese Herbal medicine, along with acupuncture, can nourish and support Jing Qi and overall Kidney health.

Spleen Organ System

An adequate supply of blood is required by a women’s body to sustain a normal menstrual cycle, a growing fetus, and a healthy pregnancy. A disharmony within the Spleen can result in an inadequate supply and imbalance of blood. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can build and nourish blood, in order to promote a healthy flow of blood to the uterus.

Liver Organ System

In order to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy, it is important to have a free flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. The Liver is in charge of facilitating the smooth flow of Qi and blood. When it is out of balance, areas of the body will not receive the required supply of Qi and Blood. This imbalance can lead to depression, anxiety, stress, and increase infertility.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. Here are a few reasons to try acupuncture and Chinese medicine:

• An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
• Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are completely natural. No drugs are ever used. In the Western treatment of infertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapies may occur.
• Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, so other fertility procedures are more effective.
• The practice of acupuncture and Chinese medicine is over 3,000 years old, and has helped millions of people become well and stay healthy.
• It works!!!

Please call today to schedule an appointment for acupuncture services. You will meet with Douglas R. Briggs, D.C., Dipl. Ac. (IAMA). We offer 6-visit packages for both infertility and IVF patients.

Dr. Briggs is the senior associate of First State Health and Wellness in Delaware.  His undergraduate degree is in biology and natural science from Messiah College, and he attended Palmer College of Chiropractic for his graduate training. While at Palmer he worked as a teaching assistant in the diagnosis department and the student clinic. He has written and contributed to several articles and books on the topics of chiropractic, acupuncture, and natural healing – including the chapter on chiropractic and acupuncture in the legal nursing text “Medical Legal Aspects of Medical Records.”

Dr. Douglas Briggs has earned diplomate certification through the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. He is also credentialed as a diplomate in pain management through the American Academy of Pain Management. In his spare time he works as an instructor at the Korean Martial Arts Institute. He was recognized by the Delaware Chiropractic Society as 2010 Chiropractor of the Year. He now serves on the Delaware Health Care Advisory Panel for Workers Compensation, as the president of the Delaware Chiropractic Society, and as the Delaware Delegate for the American Chiropractic Association. He has had the honor of his patients voting him one of the “Best of Delaware” over the last few years.