Clinical trials from around
the world have suggested Acupuncture to be an effective adjunct to IVF to support implantation and a healthy pregnancy. There is currently a trial being conducted in South Australia. There are many areas that Acupuncture can assist in helping you get pregnant, stay pregnant and maintain wellness
throughout your pregnancy.
FAQ's...
What about taking herbs?
We do not prescribe herbs during IVF procedures.
We do not use any chinese herbs that are not TGA approved in Australia and manufactured under Australian standards.
A variety of herbs have been traditionally used to improve the health of the reproductive organs. Herbal formulas may be prescribed to:
• Clear dampness or excess heat • Regulate the fluids • Strengthen the Qi relating to conception • Build blood quality • Help break down excess blood or stagnation • Regulate blood sugars ( important in PCOS) • Regulate nervous system (important in anxiety and depression) • Strengthen/support muscles, tendons • Enhance endurance and adrenal health
Pre and post treatment recommendations
It is important not to be hungry when receiving acupuncture however, try not to eat directly before or after receiving a treatment. Coffee and alcohol will stimulate or depress the nervous system and may effect the pulse quality so is not recommended prior to a session.
Do I need to modify my diet?
A healthy balanced diet is always important. Many women who have difficulty conceiving are categorized as having a 'cold constitution' according to eastern medical diagnosis. Generally speaking, many young women consume a large amount of food and drink that cool down their internal organs. Some people find that a good quality detoxification program greatly assists their chances of falling pregnant. Once again, your practitioner may advise you on the optimal professionally prescribed program should this be required.
Where are you going to place the needles?
The location of acupuncture points will vary from patient to patient and from treatment to treatment. Some of the most well-known acupuncture points, traditionally used to influence the function of the female reproductive organs, are located on the lower back, lower abdomen, and legs. For this reason it is important to wear clothing that may be able to access these areas. The points on the lumbar, sacrum, and low abdominal regions are particularly important in consideration of female anatomy and the related nerve segmental innervations. The points on head, neck, upper back and arms are used in order to stimulate the autonomic nervous system and further induce the relaxation response.
As patients receive a series of acupuncture treatments, many of them experience enhanced feelings of well-being such as more restful sleep, better digestion, decreased anxiety, increase of energy, etc. These physical and emotional shifts can only positively influence the chance of conceiving regardless of whether one is trying naturally or undergoing medical reproductive treatment.
Some people may feel noticeably tired or restful after an acupuncture session. This may last a couple of hours. It is important to realise these treatments are going to have an impact on the nervous system as changes are taking place and will subside.
Do you have any recommendations regarding supplements?
Many experts recommend a good vitamin/mineral supplementation program during the entire pregnancy and nursing periods. Supplementing with folic acid and DHA should be started as soon as you plan to become pregnant. Patients who are having difficulty conceiving have different nutritional demands and a more specific supplementation program may be required. At Medicea we are able to professionally recommend and assist you in the right dose and type of supplements if required, alongside your Acupuncture
Regular Quality Sleep
The 'biological clock' is a complex internal mechanism and is controlled by the hypothalamus. which regulates breathing and heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, hormone production, menstruation. Quality sleep is extremely important for fertility and if a woman is suffering from an irregular menstrual cycle, anovulation, amenorrhea, or PCOS, all of which can be considered to be part of a biological rhythm disorder. Regular acupuncture treatment greatly influences hypothalamic activity, helping restore normal biological rhythm.
Stress and Relaxation
Despite the well-known link between stress and infertility, the importance of stress management and relaxation is often underestimated. a certain degree, in almost all cases of primary infertility, unexplained failed IVF, and unexplained miscarriages. Prolonged stress over the years can lead to the conditions that cause infertility. Stress hormones such as catecholamines (adrenalin, noradrenalin, and dopamine) and the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis interact with hormones which are responsible for normal ovulatory cycles (ie., GnRH, prolactin, LH and FSH). Furthermore, some hormones that are released during times of stress can cause the uterus to contract and/or negatively interact with immune cells, both of which will interfere with proper implantation.
Acupuncture has shown to relax the nervous system and aid as a form of stress relief. To the contrary of many peoples beliefs, receiving acupuncture is actually a relaxing experience of time out and rebalancing.