Acupuncture is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used for thousands of years to promote health and wellness. In recent years, acupuncture has gained attention for its potential benefits in promoting fertility. Here are some of the benefits of acupuncture during the different stages of the menstrual cycle:
Follicular phase: The follicular phase is the first stage of the menstrual cycle, during which follicles in the ovary begin to mature. Acupuncture during this phase can help improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, which can increase the chances of successful ovulation and implantation.
Ovulation phase: The ovulation phase is when the mature egg is released from the ovary. Acupuncture during this phase can help regulate hormones, reduce stress, and increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which can increase the chances of successful fertilization.
Luteal phase: The luteal phase is the final stage of the menstrual cycle, when the body prepares for pregnancy. Acupuncture during this phase can help improve blood flow to the uterus, regulate hormones, and reduce stress, which can increase the chances of successful implantation and pregnancy.
Scientific research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for infertility. In a meta-analysis of 24 randomized controlled trials, acupuncture was found to significantly improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) (1). Another meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture can increase the success rate of IVF by up to 65% (2).
Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in regulating menstrual cycles and reducing menstrual pain (3). In a randomized controlled trial of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), acupuncture was found to significantly reduce testosterone levels and improve menstrual frequency (4).
In conclusion, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for infertility, and can help promote fertility during the different stages of the menstrual cycle. Scientific research supports the efficacy of acupuncture in improving pregnancy rates and regulating menstrual cycles. If you are struggling with infertility, acupuncture may be worth considering as a complementary therapy to conventional medical treatments.
References:
Cheong Y, Dix S, Hung Yu N, et al. Acupuncture and assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;7:CD006920.
Qian Y, Xia XR, Ochin H, et al. Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2017;295(3):543-558.
Smith CA, Armour M, Zhu X, et al. Acupuncture for dysmenorrhoea. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;4:CD007854.
Wu X-K, Stener-Victorin E, Kuang H-Y, et al. Effect of acupuncture and clomiphene in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2017;317(24):2502-2514.
