
IVF: Acupuncture Bridging Eastern & Western Medicines in Macarthur
The journey towards parenthood can be a deeply emotional and challenging one, especially when faced with infertility. In the Macarthur and Camden region, an increasing number of people have been seeking assistance from our acupuncturists at Synerqi who have special interests in infertility. In this article, we will look at how acupuncture, a time-tested practice rooted in Eastern medicine, can complement Western medical approaches like In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF).
Acupuncture: Blending Eastern and Western Medicine
In Mandarin, the term for infertility is ‘Bu Yun,’ which translates to ‘unable to hold’. Medically, infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after a year of trying. This condition has prompted many to explore alternative treatments. Over the past two decades, acupuncture has gained popularity, particularly when used alongside IVF. A Chinese medicine doctor once said, “IVF provides the seed, and Chinese medicine prepares the soil,” emphasising how acupuncture may enhance the uterine lining, making it more suitable for implantation.
During an acupuncture session, specific points on the body are stimulated to increase blood flow to the uterus, fostering an environment conducive to a healthy uterine lining for fertilization. Research in this area is ongoing, and we eagerly anticipate further insights into how acupuncture supports the IVF process. Please click this link if you wish to hear a bit more about Acupuncture and how it may support pregnancy and some of the latest research discussing the potential mechanisms behind it. 2
For Women: The Importance of Menstrual Cycle Assessment
During an initial consultation with our fertility-focused acupuncturists, you can expect a thorough discussion about your menstrual cycle. Details such as the colour, texture, duration, and heaviness of your periods provide valuable insights into the quality of your uterine lining and its readiness for pregnancy. The ideal uterine lining in TCM is often described as a balanced shade of red, indicating that it is well-nourished and primed for fertilisation.
Your Pulse: Analyse, Adjust, and Achieve
During the initial consultation, your wrist pulse is examined. This analysis provides information about the flow of blood throughout your body and identifies any imbalances. Whether your pulse indicates underactivity or overactivity, the goal is to restore equilibrium, which is crucial for your body’s readiness to conceive. By selecting specific acupuncture points tailored to your pulse analysis, a personalised treatment plan is created to assist you with your fertility goals.
The journey to parenthood can be challenging, but acupuncture offers a holistic and complementary approach. We will work together with your doctor and fertility experts. Whether you choose to pursue acupuncture alongside IVF, or as a standalone therapy, we will tailor our approach to your unique situation and constitution. Remember, your path to parenthood is as individual as you are.
1Wang X, Wang Y, Wei S, He B, Cao Y, Zhang N, and Li M (2021) An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Acupuncture for Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization and Embryo Transfer. Front. Public Health 9:651811. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.651811 Received: 11 January 2021; Accepted: 19 March 2021; Published: 20 April 2021.
2https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.651811/full