Acupuncture and Infertility - Needle or Needless Therapy?
Acupuncture and Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old. A lot of health professionals in the West consider this type of treatment valid when applied to different kinds of illnesses. It can address problems with muscle tension, the skin and even help one quit smoking, among others. Researches show that acupuncture greatly helps couples who are having a hard time making a baby.
View From The West
Although acupuncture is widely popular, there still are some Westerners who doubt it is effective. No scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture and, as a result, many healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it. A lot of studies are already being conducted on the matter, the National Institutes of Health in the US says.
Health Hazards
The procedure is painless when performed by a trained practitioner. Very few patients experience adverse effects. Common risks associated with the practice of acupuncture are organ puncturing, forgotten needles, some bleeding (although very minimal), and the spreading of infection. These can be done away with by having an experienced practitioner perform therapy. However, acupuncture is not recommended for individuals who use blood thinners or having bleeding disorders.
A Single or Complementary Process
Acupuncture, when used as a solo treatment, is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns. It is also seen as therapy that can complement modern fertility treatments. When used by itself, acupuncture benefits those who have functional problems, like intermittent ovulation, better. By itself, effectiveness in treating structural problems, as with sperm duck blockage, could be weak.
Some acupuncture practitioners say that acupuncture treatments are best complemented by the use of Chinese herbs. Persons under medical care should check with their doctor before taking herbs. There are some herbs that interfere with the correct mechanism of certain fertility medications and procedures.
Acupuncture for Fertility - Does It Truly Work?
How acupuncture works as a infertility cure is still debatable. Many practicing experts say that this ancient therapeutic procedure can help regulate the body’s system. It boosts the flow of blood into reproductive organs and helps stabilize hormonal functions. The general outcome is enhanced ovarian function in females and a higher sperm count in males.
Acupuncture benefits women positively, particularly those who are undergoing fertility boosting therapies. Some also say that acupuncture, when incorporated with rather stressful fertility procedures, helps women relax. Recent researches show that a woman undergoing in vitro fertilization has a higher chance of conception if acupuncture is introduced into therapy.
Selecting The Best Practitioner
Doctors looking to enter the field of acupuncture will need to complete around 300 training hours to receive a certification. Professionals in other fields who would like to specialize solely in acupuncture have to train for 2,000 to 3,000 hours and complete board examinations to qualify as acupuncturists.
There are many people who practice acupuncture, and the number continues to rise. There are few things one must consider to make sure patients land in good hands. Patients must first look into the background of the acupuncture therapist before undergoing a procedure. Practitioners must be officially certified by the local authorities before he or she can practice in a particular area.Great recommendation sources for acupuncturists would be friends and family members who have tried the procedure.
Would-be patients should first inquire about ballpark total expenses just to be prepared with the costs early on. A lot of people are thankful that certain insurance plans also cover acupuncture treatments.
What To Watch Out For
One has to go through several acupuncture sessions in order to attain the best results. To get the most out of acupuncture, patients usually go through a series of visits that can run from several weeks to a few months. Patients should expect each visit to their acupuncturist to be at least an hour long, with time for discussion of lifestyle and present health condition, as well as thoughts and queries about the process.
