Acupuncture and Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncure, an ancient Chinese healing tradition, dates back over 1,000 years. Many people in the Western medical practice see it as an effective procedure to address a wide range of health problems. It can remedy muscle tension, improve skin condition and get rid of smoking, to name a few. Studies show that acupuncture benefits couple who have fertility problems.
The West’s Point Of View
Acupuncture may be popular, but some Westerners still doubt its effectiveness. Many consumers are reluctant to try acupuncture due to a lack of scientific validation. Studies are currently being conducted on the matter, says the National Insitutes of Health based in the United States.
Hazards To Health
Acupuncture is generally painless when it is done by a highly-trained professional. Only a small few have reported adverse outcomes. Puncturing of organs, spreading of infectious diseases, forgotten or broken needles and minimal bleeding are the usual risks infrequently associated with acupuncture. 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 may be used as an alternative to fertility issues, especially when used as a single treatment. 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, this practice may not work as effectively in fixing structural problems such as blockage of sperm ducts.
Some acupuncture practitioners say that acupuncture treatments are best complemented by the use of Chinese herbs. If you are taking prescription drugs, check with your doctor before starting any program of herb therapy. Some herbs may prevent fertility drugs and procedures from working properly.
Acupuncture and Fertility - Effectiveness Factor?
How acupuncture works as a infertility cure is still debatable. However, many acupuncturists stress that even this age-old therapy can aid in normalizing the body’s functions. It helps boost blood flow into reproductive organs and regulates hormone levels. The general outcome is enhanced ovarian function in females and a higher sperm count in males.
Acupuncture positively affects women who use it together with other procedures that aim to boost fertility. Some also say that acupuncture, when incorporated with rather stressful fertility procedures, helps women relax. Studies show that acupuncture helps raise a woman’s chance of conception when acupuncture is applied with in vitro fertilization.
How To Choose the Best Practitioner
Doctors looking to enter the field of acupuncture will need to complete around 300 training hours to receive a certification. 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 few things one must consider to make sure patients land in good hands. People who are thinking of undergoing acupuncture must do a background check on a potential acupuncturist. A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice.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. It’s great to know that some insurance providers will pay for acupuncture treatments.
What To Watch Out For
More than one acupuncture treatment is needed to get desired results. To maximize the benefits of acupuncture, the entire procedure would take some weeks to several 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.
