There's an article in the Los Angeles Times about whether acupuncture really aids in fertility treatments. The article says they can't conclusively rule out the "placebo effect," i.e., whether the women who are treated with acupuncture are getting pregnant simply because they believe the treatment is helping, but states that more and more doctors are adding acupuncture into the mix because it can't hurt. (Free registration is required to read the article.)
The article reminded me that when I was trying to get pregnant, I came across this abstract concluding that acupuncture likely increased the success rate of in vitro fertilization.
Personally, I think acupuncture can do wonders, and at least it can't hurt if you're trying to conceive. I had three treatments before and during the cycle in which I got pregnant with my son. And since I had two miscarriages and had some trouble conceiving after the second one, I really believe the acupuncture helped restore some balance to my body. I also think it's quite likely that the treatments I received during my first trimester helped me carry to term.
The only caveat I have is that if you're going to have acupuncture done to aid your fertility, try to find an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility or at least has a lot of experience in it. I went to my mother's acupuncturist for my first treatment and got the impression that he only knew how to treat my body in general, not specifically my fertility. Then I found a woman who treats a lot of women with fertility problems and felt that she really knew how to help me. Unfortunately, I know of no list that you can consult to find such a provider. I think your best bet is to ask around.
Good luck!
1 comment:
I have just started a 6 month "program" using acupuncture and Chinese herbs and a better diet. I'll let you know how it goes!
For those looking specifically for fertility acupuncture treatements they may want to look up the "Hunyuan" method. This is an acupuncture treatment that focuses on fertility.
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