Herbal
medicines have been used for fertility treatment since 200 A.D.
with the publication of Zhang Zhong Jing’s Classic on
Cold Induced Disorders. The Complete Book of Effective Prescriptions
for Diseases of Women was published in 1237 A.D and contains prescriptions
for various types of infertility, as well as herbal formulas for
the treatment of menopausal syndrome, menstrual cramping, amenorrhea,
uterine fibroids, and other gynecological diseases. All acupuncturists
in the state of California are dually licensed under the medical
board to prescribe Chinese herbs and practice acupuncture. We only
use herbal medicines when appropriate, and during ART, when medications
are given, herbs are not prescribed, except under special circumstances,
with the consent of the medical doctor.
Cupping is a simple treatment modality which has been widely utilized
in indigenous medicine practices around the world. Cupping is the
application of suction cups which effectively increases circulation
and decreases spasm. Sometimes cupping is used as an adjunct to acupuncture
when there is a history of painful menstruation, painful intercourse,
or history of abdominal pain or urogenital pain.
What style of acupuncture do you use?
We were trained originally
in several Chinese styles, including classical and Traditional Chinese
Medicine styles. We have years of post-graduate training in a Japanese
style, which we use almost exclusively for infertility and women’s
health problems. The goal of all acupuncture styles is to restore
and maintain homeostasis and optimize the functional capacity of
the body. Ancient Chinese concepts like “qi” (energy)
and yin/yang theory are part of the theoretical framework used in
acupuncture to restore balance.
Acupuncturists using a Chinese style
typically use heavier, thicker needles, and insert the needles without
an insertion tube. The
Chinese technique often involves the sensation of a minor, momentary
twitch or cramp in the muscle when the needle is inserted.
Japanese
acupuncture is characterized by shallower insertion of extremely
fine needles, using an insertion tube It has been shown that as many
as forty of these very fine needles can be inserted into the tip
of a common western hypodermic needle. The Japanese styles are felt
less and are therefore, favored by those who are afraid of needles.
The
difference in insertion styles is based on the differing interpretation
of an important Chinese medical classic. Interestingly, acupuncture
is proven to be safe and effective historically and presently, regardless
of the many styles practiced world-wide. In March 2006, the FDA
reclassified needles from experimental, as a class 3 device, to a class
2 device, indicating the safety of acupuncture needles.
How long would I need acupuncture to get pregnant?
The answer depends greatly on other factors such as whether one
is concurrently doing ART, the degree of severity of an underlying
gynecological problem as well as the frequency of acupuncture visits
and if one is combining acupuncture with Chinese herbs. Generally
the range one can expect is between three months and one year, depending
on individual factors. The average patient who gets pregnant with us will do so in 5 menstrual cycles, some less and some more. As a rule, we recommend weekly treatment through gestational week 12.
How much do treatments cost?
Currently, the initial visit, including acupuncture treatment, is $145.00. Follow up visits are $75.00. The day of embryo transfer protocol ranges from $200.00 to $400.00, depending on the time, the day of the week, and location of the embryo transfer. We are available for embryo transfers seven days per week, including holidays. Please contact our office for further details regarding day-of-transfer fees.
How is progress determined?
Improvements in the hormone ranges or sperm quantity and quality would
best indicate progress. Otherwise, we use the basal metabolic rate charts to
provide objective information about the probabilities of pregnancy increasing
and to observe if the hormonal imbalances are improving. Because of the
known link between stress and infertility, decreased stress, which is commonly
experienced by patients when they are receiving regular acupuncture treatment
is another treatment goal. Decrease in side effects from taking fertility drugs
is another commonly reported indication of progress. Again, because of the
link between stress and infertility, decreased symptoms of irritability and
mood swings, commonly experienced while taking fertility medication, are an
indication of progress.
Who is a good candidate and who is not for acupuncture?
Those who have structural
infertility caused by tubal blockage and those with premature ovarian
failure are unlikely to do well with acupuncture alone and may
consider using acupuncture only as an adjunct to ART. Those
men with low sperm counts who have a shortage of time (acupuncture
and herbs may take three to twelve months, if successful) will
also need to consider ART as the primary treatment modality.
Good candidates for acupuncture for infertility include:
- Couples who are having difficulty conceiving but are not
ready for ART. Some will conceive using acupuncture and others will
move on to ART.
- Women who have done IVF
and are taking a break and preparing for another cycle and
are seeking acupuncture to improve their probabilities.
- Women who have
done 3 to 5 cycles of IVF without success and women who have been
advised not to undergo IVF by their doctor.
- Couples for prefer natural
medicine or have concerns about ART and are young enough to undergo
the longer preparation period usually required for acupuncture.
Is there anything patients can do regarding diet, stress and environmental
influences?
Dietary changes have been used traditionally and currently depending
on what hormonal imbalance or underlying condition may be contributing
to infertility. We have access to information regarding nutritional
influences on infertility. There is some research published in reputable
medical journals regarding the influence of nutritional factors on
infertility, some pertaining to particular underlying conditions.
There is another body of information on the negative effect of certain
chemicals on fertility. There is also information on how high protein
and “good” fat diets may help create needed hormonal
precursors. Individualized nutritional recommendations may be made.
Because of the known connection between stress and infertility, we
may teach or recommend methods of stress reduction to those who want
to learn them. Traditional Asian medicine has used simple breathing
and or movement techniques referred to as Qi Gong that may reduce
stress.
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