Chinese Medicine for Fertility and Getting Pregnant
“I find acupuncture extremely helpful with patients dealing with infertility, whether they are going through assisted reproductive procedures or just trying on their own,” says Dr. Mubina Jiwa, BSc., ND, Director of Essence of Health in Toronto, Ontario. “These days, many people are diagnosed with ‘unexplained infertility.’ Chinese medicine and acupuncture is very helpful in supporting and re-balancing the body.”
Below, she and acupuncturist Nancy Winlove-Smith describe how Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can increase fertility levels and help women get pregnant.
For more information, read The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth
Chinese Medicine for Fertility and Getting Pregnant
“I had a 38 year old female patient who had been trying to get pregnant for three years prior to seeking assistance,” says Dr Jiwa. “She decided she would try intrauterine insemination to get pregnant. The first time, she didn’t get pregnant, so she came to see me.” This naturopath explains that they did six sessions of acupuncture once a week, then four sessions of acupuncture twice a week. They also did a session before and after her intrauterine insemination procedure.
This patient didn’t get pregnant that time, but said she felt less anxious and more prepared for the intrauterine insemination. So, she continued with the acupuncture treatments. “We did a similar set of sessions prior to her next cycle,” says Dr Jiwa, “and she brought in a pregnancy test result to show me a few weeks later!” Getting pregnant with acupuncture worked for this patient – and she’s not the only one.
As Dr Jiwa says, Chinese Medicine and acupuncture is very helpful in supporting and re-balancing the body, and can be especially helpful when the diagnosis is “unexplained infertility.”
How Acupuncture Improves Fertility
Certified Medical Acupuncturist Nancy Winlove-Smith explains how acupuncture works for women with fertility issues: “The insertion of needles for women are specific to the reproductive organ sites. The needle’s function is to increase blood flow by bathing the area in additional nutrients and hormones found in the blood stream. The result can be measured by the increase in follicle and egg production, which has been confirmed by a number of my clients. Some women have anatomical differences that can interfere with optimal blood flow when positioned near or touching other internal structures found in the pelvic region.”
Winlove-Smith also says that diet also plays a crucial role in fertility and getting pregnant. If the blood supply does not contain quality nutrients, the eggs produced may not be of good quality. Acupuncture is only one part of the process to a successful conception – and an acupuncturist often offers dietary recommendations in addition to the “needle treatment.”
How Diet Affects Fertility and Getting Pregnant
Dr Jiwa says, “Most people are surprised to realize what a significant impact diet has on your health. People know intuitively ‘you are what you eat’, but when they actually see the results they are often amazed.” She finds food sensitivity testing to be very important for a variety of conditions – including infertility. Food sensitivity testing can help headaches, irritable bowels, generalized inflammation/aches and pains, and many other health conditions. “In my mind it is important for all individuals because any irritation to the body by these foods can cause inflammation, which is the basis of many health problems – especially chronic health problems,” says Dr Jiwa. “If we determine these factors early we’re a step closer to prevention.”
This naturopathic doctor says that acupuncture works with most people, but she wouldn’t recommend it for people who are anxious about needles. “Even though acupuncture might have an overall positive effect on the body, I think the anxiety caused by the needles would be more harmful to the body than the positive effect.”
If you have any questions or comments about Chinese Medicine for fertility, please comment below…
To learn more about these holistic health practitioners, visit Dr. Mubina Jiwa at Essence of Health or Nancy Winlove Smith at Acupuncture for Fertility.
Category: Health & Wellness, Male & Female Infertility, Natural Health Tips, Resources for Infertility, Stress Management Tips
This is great that acupressure and acpuncture are helpful for women you know, and for fertility, pregnancy, and delivery! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Alyssa, and for your positive feedback
Its is true and I have seen it first hand that Acupuncture helps with infertility. It also helps to have a healthy pregnancy and ease the discomfort associated with delivery.
My mother used acupressure durring her early stages and then continued to use “acupressure” techniques as well. Many women find bothe very beneficial. Acupressure (a form of acupunture meridian stimulation without the use of needles)is also great for those that have phobias or are uncomfortable with needles and still want the benefits of acupuncture.
Great site and I enjoyed the article very muc, will share with my visitors as well.
Thanks,
Alyssa