If you are having trouble trying to conceive, you may be daunted by the sheer number of options available for women who have difficulties getting pregnant—as well as, by the cost of many of your options. If this sounds familiar, you may want to consider Chinese herbal medicine and/or acupuncture for fertility treatments.
Chinese Herbal Medicine to Promote Fertility
For more than 2,500 years, certain herbs have been used within Chinese medicine to boost fertility. According to the American Pregnancy Association, these herbs are generally safe to use, although you should always let your doctor know about any supplements you are taking. In most cases, couples can positive effects from the use of herbs between 60 and 120 days with appropriate use. While a variety of different herbs are used for infertility treatment, common options include Alchemilla Vulgaris – Lady’s Mantle, Achillea Millefolium – Yarrow, Capsella Bursa-Pastoris – Shepherd’s Purse, Glycyrrhiza Glabra – Licorice Root, Oenothera Biennis – Evening Primrose Oil. An Chinese herbal medicine practitioner can recommend a combination that’s right for you and fits your particular needs. If you decide to supplement traditional procedures such as in vitro fertilization, always talk with your doctor about how these treatments may complement each other and work together.
Acupuncture for Fertility
Along with Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture it has also been shown to be an effective fertility treatment and may often times be used in conjunction with herbal medicines. A study published in the medical journal Fertility and Sterility showed that 36 percent of women who combined acupuncture treatments during IVF treatments got pregnant, compared to 22 percent who did not. In women, acupuncture can be useful to improve blood supply to reproductive organs, stimulate hormones, regulate ovulation, and decrease stress, all of which can increase your chances to become pregnant.
Acupuncture has also been shown to help men with fertility issues by regulating sperm quality, quantity, and flow. In most cases, regular sessions are necessary to get the full benefits of this type of treatment and are used in combination with herbal therapy.
While there are few formal studies of these therapies on fertility, anecdotal evidence suggests that they are effective in many instances. It’s best to take a holistic approach to your fertility treatments that may include Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture but may include relaxation techniques, yoga, hypnosis, and proper diet. Since these approaches are safe, with few side effects, it makes sense for many infertile couples to consider this route that not only may aid in your fertility but also provide benefits to your overall well being and state of mind.
To find out more about Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture for fertility visit the America Pregnancy Association.
