Acupuncture for Infertility

By Eric Waltemate, D.C.

According to the Mayo Clinic Website, 10-15% of couples suffer from infertility. Infertility
is defined as not achieving pregnancy while having sex without birth control for six months
to a year or longer.

Research Concerning Acupuncture and Infertility

According to this study from Tel Aviv University in Israel, women who used acupuncture
and Chinese herbs were able to conceive at a higher rate and carry their babies to full term
than women who did not use those methods. Some highlights of the study are:

65.5% of women who had intrauterine insemination (IUI) with acupuncture

conceived versus 39.4% who didnt receive acupuncture conceived.
Women who took Chinese herbs conceived at a 65.5% rate and 41.4% carried their
babies full term versus the women who did not take the herbs who conceived at
39.4% and only 26.9% delivered healthy babies.

Furthermore, the Chinese herb group were on average 39.4 while the control group
were 37.1 years old.

You can read the article from the Friends of Tel Aviv University website here:
http://www.aftau.org/weblog-medicinehealth?&storyid4704=1437&ncs4704=3

This article from Dr. Aina Zhang relates her experiences in treating infertility with
acupuncture. Some quick points:

There is a 42% increased success rate using acupuncture in conjunction with IVF.
Acupuncture normalizes the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and the menstrual
cycle.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are much less expensive than IVF and IUI and
work well for couples who cant afford or are not candidates for these medical
interventions.

You can read Dr. Zhangs article here:

http://www.iaac.ca/en/65-962-treating-female-infertility-with-acupuncture-7

According to The British Medical Journal acupuncture improves rates of conception and
successful delivery of babies when combined with IVF. You can read the study here:
http://www.sinocare.ca/wp-content/pdf/BMJ-rates-of-pregnancy.pdf

Acupuncture Points that Increase Fertility

F K

The first point is known as or Fk- this is the Gynecology Point. This point is
actually a pair of points. It is located on the index finger side of the thumb as seen in the
picture. This point is one of the major acupuncture points from Master Tungs system for
treating infertility.

Hun Cho

The second point is known as or Hun Cho- which means Return to the Nest.This
point is also indicated for most gynecological and female endocrine disorders. These points
should be used on opposite hands. This acupuncture point is also from Master Tungs
lineage and is used for infertility.

Sn Yn Jio

The third point is called or Sn Yn Jio- this means that this point is the
intersection of the three yin channels of the leg. The three yin channels all pass through the
genital organs and can treat disorders associated with them. This point is one of the best
points for treating gynecological disorders and infertility with acupuncture.
As you can see, dear reader, acupuncture can assist in treating infertility and help achieve
pregnancy. Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used for centuries in helping
infertile couples conceive. If youre interested in learning more or want to make an
appointment call (618) 207-4445 today to contact us to make the appointment.