Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a low-cost, non-invasive complement to Western medicine in the treatment of infertility. Acupuncture helps:
- Improve blood flow to the uterus
- Improve thickness of endometrial lining
- Decrease physical response to stress
- Balance hormones
- Drug-free treatment
For reproductive issues, a slow approach effects the greatest change.
It takes 90 to 120 days for the effects of Chinese medicine to make a positive difference.
TCM is a whole medicine that doesn't view reproductive health as separate from one's overall emotional and physical health.
Because Chinese Medicine focuses on re-balancing individuals and not just treating diseases, its treatments are individually tailored and have low or no side effects.
TCM not only improves the probability of becoming pregnant, it also promotes systemic health and well-being of the whole person. We "fertilize the soil in order for the tree to grow."
Natural Cycle
Preconception Health: 120 days
We assist women with cycle regulation using:
- Acupuncture
- Herbs
- Vitamin supplementation
- Basal body temperature (BBT) charts
- Ovulation predictor kits (OPK)
- Current blood work
Using these tools, we pinpoint the exact time of ovulation so a natural pregnancy can occur.
We help treat these common symptoms that often impede pregnancy:
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Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
Many couples today are employing the assisted reproductive therapies of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and intra-uterine injections (IUI). The addition of Chinese
medicine to these therapies greatly improves the success of a pregnancy.
For those utilizing assisted reproductive technologies (ART), Chinese medicine can help:
- Improve the lining of the uterus
- Modulate the side effects of fertility medications
- Improve the quality and quantity of follicles (120 days)
- Significantly reduce stress associated with the cycle
- Decrease the chance of miscarriage
- Improve male factor -- volume, motility and morphology (120 days)
For those expecting to enter an IVF cycle a minimum of six to eight acupuncture sessions are highly recommended. These acupuncture sessions are prior to the IVF transfer. In addition, our office facilitates pre- and post-IVF transfer treatments.
Infertility affects both men and women in equal proportions (40% each with 20% undetermined). A man’s low sperm count, poor motility, morphology or sexual dysfunction can all be linked to the body's imbalances and treated with great success.
Research has shown that acupuncture and Chinese herbs can improve sperm quality and morphology.
The sperm maturation cycle averages 70-90 days. Therefore, it is most beneficial for men to receive acupuncture and herbs for at least three months before starting Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART).
Some cases of male infertility are due to anatomical abnormalities such as varicoceles and ductal obstructions, but it is estimated that a large percentage of cases are due to deficient sperm production.
A 1997 European controlled study investigating acupuncture for male infertility found that twice-weekly treatments for five weeks produced significant improvement of all sperm parameters.
Herbal medicine and nutritional supplements are also beneficial for male infertility, and the acupuncturist decides for each patient which herbs may be most effective.
Acupuncture is a safe, comfortable treatment for many of the common problems that develop during pregnancy. This is especially true since pharmaceuticals are discouraged in most cases.
Some of these common problems include:
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Acupuncture treatment is recommended once a month during pregnancy to:
- Ensure optimal health of mother and baby
- Encourage a smooth delivery
- Help alleviate the previously listed complaints
- Promote shorter labor
- Speed recovery after the baby is born
In preparation for labor and delivery during the last month of the pregnancy, the expectant mother should be seen weekly.
Although post-delivery is a very busy time, we encourage acupuncture treatments after the baby arrives. The restoration of the mother's health is imperative for well-being, and helps with the ability to be present with the newborn.
Some of the conditions that acupuncture addresses:
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Chinese medicine is a wonderful way to restore health and energy of the mother (and father) after delivery. We support and replenish a new family's healing process.
Read What People are Saying About Many Lives Chinese Medicine
- A.L., San Mateo, CA
"Beth's treatment was instrumental in helping me complete my family. She provided tremendous support on both a physical and emotional level. For that I am eternally grateful."
- A. F., Palo Alto, CA