Acupuncture and Fertility: The Perfect Match
Author: Blake Estape L.Ac.
Having kids has been around since the birth of our species, but in my practice patients are constantly learning new things about the process. For instance, many people do not know that even if there are no underlying issues a couple in their twenties has about a 25% chance to conceive each menstrual cycle. Maybe things are different now, but when I was in school they made it sound like getting pregnant was frighteningly easy.
This brings me to my second point, and that is the stigma surrounding fertility. Without fail, it is the woman who enters my office seeking treatment because she is certain it is her fault. This comes with the crippling comorbidities of guilt, anxiety, shame and depression. However, you may be surprised to learn that men and women are just as likely to experience issues with fertility; about 35% each, with 20% of couples experiencing fertility issues in both partners.
Recently anxiety and stress have been found to have real and significant effects on fertility. Besides things like being less likely to try, cortisol levels have a direct effect on the ovaries and ovulation. This is where acupuncture and herbal medicine come in. Acupuncture Physicians are trained to see the body as an integrated whole, as opposed to disparate parts. We have always known that the mind is a powerful thing, and that what we think has physiological consequences.
Sometimes all it takes is a little relaxation and self-care to make the magic happen. However, there is more to acupuncture than just a nice forty-five minute nap. In contrast to other assisted reproductive technologies acupuncture doesn’t seek to ‘force’ anything, like ovulation or menstrual regularities. Instead, through subtle guidance of one’s own hormones and mechanical responses, traditional medicine creates a healthy foundation for a fetus to develop within.
It’s never too late or too early to begin priming for the act of conception. Both men and women can benefit tremendously from the use of acupuncture in their journey to become parents. At Miami Acupuncture and Herbal Solutions we can help make this dream a reality.
