for fertility treatment
Why does acupuncture work for fertility treatment?
Acupuncture is based in the Chinese belief that a balance in the energy flow (known as qi and chi) through the body is needed in order to stay healthy. When a blockage or imbalance occurs in that flow, your health is negatively impacted. There are 20 major pathways that qi is believed to travel along. These pathways, or meridians, are accessible through 400 different acupuncture points. Based on the problem you’re experiencing, different combinations of points are stimulated using acupuncture needles. By stimulating these points, energy flow is rebalanced and your natural healing ability can do its work.
Further study requires, and there are discussions still. However in the theory acupuncture can affect autonomic nerve system, which involved in control of muscles and glands, and could therefore make the lining of the uterus more receptive to receiving embryo. Another study says that acupuncture is changing blood supply to the ovaries, possibly dilating the arteries and increasing blood flow, so that ultimately, the ovaries are receiving greater amounts of hormonal stimulation. This in turn will increase ovarian function in women as well as sperm production in men.
Can acupuncture help all fertility problems?
If you have a structural defect, such as a blocked fallopian tube or a fibroid tumor, acupuncture won't help you get pregnant. Structural problems need to be fixed and you need to receive proper treatment prior to acupuncture treatment.
What types of fertility patients typically get acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used to treat any type of fertility disorder excluding structural defect. Acupuncture is often combined with herbs to treat spasmed tubes (not blocked tubes), elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained (idiopathic) infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia (when not caused by a prolactinima), polycystic ovarian syndrome with annovulatory cycles, and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.
Is there any proof that acupuncture work for fertility?
Recent study show the success rate for infertility treatment without acupuncture treatment is only 26.3% to 36%, whereas the success rate of 42.5% to 51% when teated in conjunction with acupuncture.
When should acupuncture treatment began?
It is better to do more than less. Patients are commonly treated for three to four months before an insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF). This period of treatment seems to have a therapeutic effect. In some study, patients are encouraged to receive acupuncture treatments pre and post embryo transfer.
How much is it around for the treatment?
Initial consultation fee is ￥3,500 (incurred only on first visit).
Treatment fee is ￥16,800～.
How often should acupuncture treatment be needed?
The treatment frequency for a patient undergoing a protocol for infertility is usually once per week for a period of 2-3 month. Weekly acupuncture treatment enables your body to maintain optimal health. This helps your body achieve optimal internal environment for conception and assists your reproductive system to be at its peak.
What are the risks of using acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not contraindicated for anyone regardless of their pathology or what medications they are taking.
Will insurance cover acupuncture treatment?
Health plans vary between insurance companies. Many plans cover all or some portion of acupuncture. Please consult with your insurance company for details.