The Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine

• Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs — Acupuncture and Chinese medicine help to improve ovarian function, allowing for the development of better quality eggs and strong, healthy embryos.

• Regulate the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles — Based upon clinical experience, Chinese medicine can help the ovaries at least double the number of follicles as well as significantly enhance the embryo’s quality and quantity.

• A number of previous studies have demonstrated that acupuncture does influence the activity of the autonomic nervous system. Proper balance of both branches of the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nervous system is crucial for optimal functioning of reproductive organs, blood flow circulation, hormone balance, immune system, and regulation of menstrual cycle.

• Acupuncture has been reported to promote the circulation of blood in the pelvic cavity and to improve ovarian function (Chang et al. 200). Research indicates that increased blood flow to the uterus helps the development of follicles, the implantation of the embryo and increases the thickness of the uterine lining.

• Relax the patient and reduce their stress — Many patients using IVF drugs experience side effects and high levels of stress associated with trying to get pregnant. Chinese medicine is extremely helpful in reducing stress and alleviating side effects, which helps the patient relax and be more at ease. Stress hormones such as catecholamines (adrenalin, noradrenalin, and dopamine) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis interact with hormones which are responsible for normal ovulatory cycles. Furthermore, some hormones that are released during times of stress can cause the uterus to contract and negatively interact with immune cells, both of which will interfere with proper implantation (Gallinelli et al. 2001; Sher et al. 1998).

• Lessen the side effects of drugs used in IVF — Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help the ovaries respond better to the stimulating drugs by producing more follicles and good equality eggs.

• Improve semen to create better quality and quantity of embryos — Sperm maturation is a process taking between 70-90 days. It is important for male patients to prepare for IVF during this period. It is beneficial that the male receive acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for at least three months prior to starting th IVF procedure. A recent trial published in Fertility and Sterility has shown how effective acupuncture can be in the treatment of infertility, leading to significant increases in the number of normal sperm and significant reductions in structural defects at the same time. Also, Chinese herbal medicine can help male patients improve the quality and quantity of sperm and the semen, too. In doing so, the health of the embryo improves and assists more secure implantation.

• Strengthen the immune system and decrease chances of miscarriage — Approximately half of chemical pregnancies result in miscarriage. Therefore, one of the key treatment strategies is to strengthen the patient’s immune system through Acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Once the embryo has been fertilized and implanted into the uterus, it is extremely important to prevent miscarriage with IVF patients. Female patients that are 40 years old or older, experience a miscarriage rate of nearly 50 % with IVF alone. However, with the help of Chinese medicine, the rate of miscarriage can be significantly reduced and the pregnancy can be supported to reach full term.

• While some patients respond to acupuncture quickly, acupuncture does not work overnight. Most patients require a series of ongoing treatments over one month to a year. The recommended treatment schedule is based upon consideration of a variety of factors in each individual case. In many cases, we recommend that the patient start acupuncture and chinese herbal treatment at least 3 months prior to the commencement of the IVF cycle and the patient continue 2 times a week until the day of the transfer.