Is Acupuncture for Infertility a Scam?

Acupuncture for 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 has the ability to relieve muscle tension, help a person quit smoking, and improve skin quality, among many other benefits.  Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.

View From The West

Despite its popularity, a lot of Westerners still doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture.  The shortage of scientific proof about how this ancient medicinal practice works prevents many people from trusting it and giving it a try.  The National Institutes of Health in the US says that researches are currently being conducted on the issue.

Risks To Health

Acupuncture performed by a trained professional is generally painless.  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.  You can do away with these if a professional practitioner does the job.  However, acupuncture must not be performed on people who have bleeding disorders and those who use blood thinning agents.

Solo Versus Complementary

Acupuncture taken by itself is a great aid to fertility procedures.  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, 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.  Individuals undergoing medical treatments should consult their doctor if they are taking or intend to take herbs.  Some herbs may prevent fertility drugs and procedures from working properly.  

Acupuncture and Fertility - Does It Truly Work?

How acupuncture works as a cure for infertility is still debatable.  However, practitioners emphasize this age-old treatment’s ability to normalize the body’s functions.  It helps boost blood flow into reproductive organs and regulates hormone levels.  As a result, ovarian function is improved among females and sperm production is increased among males.

Acupuncture benefits women positively, particularly those who are undergoing fertility boosting therapies.   Some say that the stress that comes with fertility procedures can also be lessened with acupuncture.  Recent researches show that a woman undergoing in vitro fertilization has a higher chance of conception if acupuncture is introduced into therapy.

How To Choose the Best Practitioner

Healthcare professionals who want to add acupuncture to their roster of services are required to have around 300 hours of specialized training to be certified.  Those licensed in other medical fields must still complete 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board exam to be officially called an acupuncturist.

The number of people who are practicing acupunture is continuously increasing.  There are few things one must consider to make sure patients land in good hands.  Prior to undergoing acupuncture, patients must first check the background of the chosen therapist.  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.  Good friends and relatives are excellent recommendation and feedback sources regarding potential acupuncturists.

Before jumping into the procedure, patients should always ask about the possible total costs to be prepared.  It is good to know that certain insurance plans include acupuncture expenses in their roster.

Know What to Expect

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.  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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