January 31, 2010
Acupuncture and Infertility - Needle or Needless Therapy?
Acupuncture & Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing practice dating back over a thousand years. Many people in the Western medical practice see it as an effective procedure to address a wide range of health problems. It can address problems with muscle tension, the skin and even help one quit smoking, among others. Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.
The West’s Point Of View
There remain some Westerners who doubt acupuncture’s effectiveness, despite its popularity. Many consumers are reluctant to try acupuncture due to a lack of scientific validation. A lot of studies are already being conducted on the matter, the National Institutes of Health in the US says.
Hazards To Health
Acupuncture, when done by a trained acupuncturist, is normally painless. Very few patients experience adverse effects. Organ puncturing, the spead of infection, or forgotten/broken needles are some of the risks that come with acupuncture. You can do away with these if a professional practitioner does the job. However, acupuncture is not recommended for individuals who use blood thinners or having bleeding disorders.
Solo Versus Complementary
Acupuncture may be used as a single procedure to complement fertility treatments. It may also be seen as a procedure that can enhance the effects of modern fertility therapies. Used as a single method, acupuncture brings positive results to people who have functional reproductive problems, like intermittent ovulation. By itself, this practice may not work as effectively in fixing structural problems such as blockage of sperm ducts.
Some acupuncture practitioners recommend that Chinese herbs be used alongside acupuncture procedures and treatments. Persons under medical care should check with their doctor before taking herbs. There are certain herbs that may inhibit the action of fertility procedures and drugs.
Acupuncture for Fertility – Does It Work?
How acupuncture works as a infertility cure is still debatable. However, many practicing acupuncturists assert that this ancient treatment normalizes the body’s system. It improves the flow of blood to reproductive organs and steadies hormone levels. The result is improved ovarian function in women and increased sperm production in males.
Acupuncture positively affects women who use it together with other procedures that aim to boost fertility. Some say that the stress that comes with fertility procedures can also be lessened with acupuncture. Women undergoing IVF, or in vitro fertilization, boost their conception rate with the introduction of acupuncture into the program.
Choosing the Right Practitioner
Doctors in the field of medicine who wish to practice acupuncture have to take nearly 300 hours of training before becoming certified. Anybody who would like to enter the field of acupuncture professionally must first go through 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board examination.
A lot of people are into acupuncture nowadays, and this number is rising by the day. There are a few things to consider before seeking the services of practitioners. Patients must first look into the background of the acupuncture therapist before undergoing a procedure. A professional must first acquire the approval of the local government and undergo certain trainings before he or she can practice in a specific area.One can find good recommendations from family and friends who have tried acupuncture services of certain providers.
Before jumping into the procedure, patients should always ask about the possible total costs to be prepared. A lot of people are thankful that certain insurance plans also cover acupuncture treatments.
Things You Should Expect
Several acupuncture treatments have to be undergone before one gets the best results. Frequent visits, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, must be done to maximize its benefits. A visit to the acupuncturist normally goes on for an hour or so, as this time will be used to discuss your present health condition and entertain any question about the entire procedure.
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