Originally posted March 14, 2014.
When people think of modern and effective fertility treatments, IVF (In vitro fertilization) is what often comes to mind. But, increasingly, another alternative form of treatment is becoming popular. Fertility acupuncture is an ancient form of alternative Chinese medicine that has garnered media attention, because of celebrities like Mariah Carey and Celine Dion vouching for the efficacy of the treatments.
With medical advancements, women have more options than ever when it comes to becoming pregnant at later ages. Previously, women were often having babies in their twenties, but it’s becoming more common for women to push back having children into their late thirties, or even early forties. Women are marrying later in life and often want to achieve certain career goals before they focus on starting a family.
What Are The Benefits Of Fertility Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting tiny, thin needles into various points in a person to balance the body’s energy. The energy is known as the qi, and it’s believed that when the energy is out of balance the body becomes ill and suffers from a variety of ailments. Acupuncture has become a popular form of fertility treatment, because it’s completely natural and holistic with very few side effects. Fertility acupuncture helps women with these issues:
Stress
Increased blood flow to uterus
Spasmed fallopian tubes
Nausea
In contrast, other fertility drugs that are prescribed to women can cause such uncomfortable side effects as bloating and weight gain.
Effective When Combined With IVF
Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to be very effective when combined with IVF. IVF is a process where a woman’s eggs are fertilized outside of her body and then implanted back into her reproductive system. IVF, in combination with acupuncture fertility treatments, has proven to have an impressive rate of success.
Acupuncture for fertility is more effective the more treatments the woman receives. A woman seeking fertility acupuncture should only consult with an acupuncturist who has experience with fertility treatments to maximize the chances for success. She can then receive multiple treatments without having to worry about any adverse side effects.
The Celebrity Connection
Fertility acupuncture experienced a surge of popularity when a character on the popular HBO show “Sex And The City” sought the services of an acupuncturist. Since then, it has maintained a high public profile. Women will sometimes emulate and follow what celebrities do, and celebrities are very influential because of the wide audience then can reach. Singers Mariah Carey, Gwen Stefani, and Celine Dion have all credited acupuncture with helping them achieve pregnancy at later ages. In Mariah Carey’s case, she claims that acupuncture worked for her, when all other options failed.
Fertility acupuncture has become so popular and widely accepted that people’s main healthcare provider will offer referrals to fertility acupuncturists. As people become more conscious of what they put in their body, they are increasingly seeking natural and holistic treatments. Since acupuncture and other forms of ancient Chinese medicine have been around for thousands of years, they provide a viable alternative to traditional forms of treatment.
Deena Cortez is a Acupuncture Therapy assistant to the specialist at Yu Family Clinic. She specializes in prepping the clients for their treatment, and has experience with holistic fertility treatments.
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