June/July 2010
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Acupuncture: An effective approach for treating infertility by Amy Moll L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. 
Today's statistics say the prevalence of infertility in the U.S. population (of child-bearing age) is anywhere from 15-20% and rising. Whether this is due to increased stress, environmental toxins, poor diet, or a combination of such factors is speculative. For couples experiencing infertility, western approaches such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) may seem daunting, not only financially but also physically. What are the alternatives?
As a Chinese medicine practitioner and acupuncturist, I often work with couples on fertility. In fact, in the first 5 weeks of 2008, three of my female fertility patients had conceived. So how does Chinese medicine and acupuncture help fertility? An individualized system of medicine The beauty of Chinese medicine lies in its emphasis on the individual person. For example, if ten women seeking help with fertility are evaluated by a Chinese medicine practitioner, they may receive 10 separate diagnoses outlining the specific imbalances that are occurring in their bodies. This would precede 10 different acupuncture treatments and 10 different Chinese herbal therapy regimens. The goal of Chinese medicine is always to identify what is out of balance in the body, what is not functioning correctly, and then seek to bring these factors back into balance. A diagnosis is based on each individual's symptoms and information derived from their pulse and the appearance of their tongue as well as skin complexion. Just some of the physical symptoms that are of particular importance include, but are not limited to, cold hands, cold feet, feeling chilled, night sweats, hot flashes, low sex drive, decreased cervical fluid, vaginal dryness, and various premenstrual changes. Through acupuncture and Chinese herbs, these symptoms can often be alleviated as the body is brought back into balance. Western science, Eastern mind Another key aspect is that Chinese medicine does not have to be seen in opposition to Western medicine. Many women come into my clinic after having undergone numerous Western tests. They know if their progesterone is too low or FSH level is too high. They come in with diagnoses of polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, luteal phase defect, or premature ovarian failure. These diagnoses and hormonal tests are very helpful to the Chinese medicine practitioner. They provide a lot of information. For example, in the body there needs to be harmony between the yin and yang components. These components fluctuate throughout the hormonal cycle and as we age. Yin & Yang The yin aspect of the body is cooling, nourishing, and produces adequate amounts of fluids. Yin energies in the body include fluids, blood, saliva, and mucus secretions. The yang aspect is warming and moving. The yang energy of the body is like the pilot light that keeps the furnace (metabolism) running. So how does this translate into Western science? Estrogen is a hormone that is very yin in nature, while progesterone is yang in nature. If someone has hot flashes, night sweats, decreased cervical fluid, and low estrogen levels, they may be diagnosed with a "yin deficiency". If someone has a short luteal phase and not enough progesterone, that may translate into Chinese medicine as a "yang deficiency". These are oversimplified examples, but are meant to outline the understanding that Western science often adds to rather than detracts from Chinese medicine. Understanding Acupuncture How then does acupuncture improve fertility? Physical symptoms, abnormal lab tests, and unexplained infertility are all indicators that the body is not functioning correctly. Acupuncture, very simply, improves the functioning of the body. In order for the hormones to shift and change at the right time and allow for ovulation and implantation, there is a cascade of signals that go from the hypothalamus to the pituitary and on to the ovaries. This is called the Hypothalamus Pituitary Ovarian Axis, or HPO axis. Fertility problems may not originate in the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries but actually stem from the brain itself. Acupuncture helps to activate this HPO axis and brings the body's messenger system and hormonal cascade back into balance. Blood Flow Acupuncture has been shown through research studies to increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. This is quite helpful in improving fertility. I often explain to people that, in terms of your circulatory system, your uterus is like an extremity of the body. Cold hands, cold feet, cold nose often equal a cold uterus. Stress Reduction Acupuncture is a great stress reduction tool. It can decrease the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and output of stress hormones such as cortisol. High stress levels are often one of the key factors in infertility. The harder one tries to become pregnant, the more stressful it becomes, and the less likely it is to happen. There are other sources of stress as well including: work, financial issues, family problems, poor diet, and hectic lifestyles. Acupuncture can help decrease the impact these stressors have on the body and mind. More and more fertility clinics are teaming up with acupuncturists to improve the outcome of IUI and IVF procedures. Chinese medicine can often be used alongside Western treatments and medications in a very harmonious manner. It is also very effective as a stand alone system of medicine for addressing infertility in both men and women. More Resources Take Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis The Fertile Soul website, www.thefertilesoul.com Amy Moll is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner in Bend, Oregon. She is the founder of Healing Response Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, a local clinic providing acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, tui na, health education and natural cleansing and detoxification programs. Amy can be reached at 541-390-8184, or by e-mail at amy@healingresponse.net. |
