While general conception rates in the UK have gone down for last 10 years, there are still 3.5 million people who would like to conceive but for one or another reason face fertility issues or find it difficult to conceive.
In this article I would like to highlight some ways in which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) could help in supporting those who are on their fertility journey or face difficulties in this process.
Firstly, it is worth reiterating that TCM looks at the whole person and aims to treat complex interrelations between body, mind and spirit.
Acupuncture – a holistic approach to fertility
A physical perspective
From a physical perspective, putting needles in the body in a specific area, such as over reproductive organs, can promote blood flow to that region and stimulate the organs. There have been several research studies that have demonstrated that acupuncture improves the thickness of the endometrial lining and increases the chances of embryo implantation (Stener-Victorin 1996, Huang 2008 ).
Acupuncture can also help to manage gynaecological issues that can affect your fertility.
- Ovulation issues
- Menstrual cycle irregularities
- PCOS
- Endometriosis
- Assisted conception support (IVF, ICSI, IUI)
- Unexplained infertility
- Recurrent miscarriages
- Failed IVFs
- Male fertility
A biomedical perspective
Stress is one of biggest factors in subfertility and in infertility in both males and females. Ongoing stress disrupts hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes thus affecting the natural release of hormones. Higher levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, adrenalin, alpha-amylase and glucocorticoids impair follicle health, reduce secretion of oestrogen and thins endometrium. They also interfere with the release LH hormone required for to mature and release the egg and the secretion of progesterone that can affect implantation.
Acupuncture works on the nervous system, influencing the production of hormones and neurotransmitters. This can activate the body’s own internal regulating system, stimulating its natural healing abilities and promoting physical and emotional wellbeing. Acupuncture is relaxing and it can help you deal with stress, which in turn helps with your fertility.
A psycho-emotional perspective
We know there is a link between one’s state of mind, emotions and gynaecological state. Emotions are hard to quantify but from the perspective of TCM when it comes to fertility this interlinking is highlighted by the very nature of what we in TCM call the Uterus Vessel.
The Uterus Vessel pertains to the Heart and extends to the Uterus
Su Wen, chapter 47
In TCM Uterus is closely connected to energetics of Heart. In TCM, Heart not only hosts the Shen (or spirit) but also heart Qi (or energy) is important for the release of the egg at ovulation and the discharge of menstrual blood at periods. Just like Heart, Uterus pulsates and it has its own beat (measured as UPI by ultrasound), which has effect on uterine receptivity during IVF. Thus, we can say Uterus is a second heart.
The link between Heart and Uterus highlights the role of emotions in fertility process. The fertility journey or infertility can be a lonely experience and too many people struggle with all sorts of emotions. Some experience anger and frustration from not being able conceive, some fear from never being able to fall pregnant, some sadness, grief or disappointment from failed attempts. All emotions affect Shen in the heart.
Anecdotally, there are many stories of women who conceive on holidays when they are happy and relaxed, even if medically it would seem impossible as they are outside their ‘fertile window’ or have tried before and failed. This highlights the need for emotional relaxation and what in Tao we call open heart energy. While acupuncture might not make you fall in love it can help with balancing emotions that in turn will rise the energy of your heart.
Sex isn’t just a mechanical action of delivering sperm to the egg, it is also an expression of love and lust. The liver may supply blood for physical erection of penis and swelling of vulva, but the heart and kidneys play a crucial part in sexual arousal. Minister Fire (of Kidneys) needs to rise to warm the heart
Paul Johnson, 2018
Who is acupuncture for?
Many people choose acupuncture because they would like to avoid assisted conception; some because they have heard it is a beneficial support treatment during assisted conception; others because they have tried everything else and want to explore all the options that may help them conceive. Whatever your reason for considering acupuncture for fertility, it can be an excellent way to help bring you into better balance, wherever you may be in your fertility journey.
Acupuncture can be beneficial for both women and man during the fertility process by helping you relax and improving your general wellbeing. Both man and women should want to spend time optimising their health during this process.
For men, acupuncture may be considered if there is an issues with sperm count, motility and morphology or when going through ICSI treatment.
For women, acupuncture can help with following areas:
- Regulating the menstrual cycle
- Helping to counteract stress levels
- Improving blood circulation to the pelvic organs, including the ovaries and uterus
- Support ovulation dysfunction
When is the good time for fertility acupuncture?
The ideal time to begin acupuncture is three months before conception or IUI or an IVF cycle. This will ensure that your eggs and sperm are at the best quality they can be, as both egg and sperm take around 90 days to mature. Do not worry though if you have missed the 90 day window. There is good evidence showing that acupuncture later in the process will still improve your chances.
When is acupuncture recommended during IVF
Acupuncture may help increase IVF success rates by 65%
The Guardian February 2008
It is recommended to have acupuncture sessions at various key times during the IVF process:
- In the lead up to your cycle (see above)
- Before and after embryo transfer
- The Two-Week wait
At TCM Practice we are dedicated to help individuals with fertility issues and aim to nurture your sense of wellbeing throughout your fertility journey, support your choices and wishes, and enhance your capacity to conceive.