Is Acupuncture for Infertility a Scam?

{Acupuncture and Infertility} – Tracing Its Roots

Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old.  In the West, many people in the field of medicine consider it a valid procedure for treating an array of ailments.  It can address problems with muscle tension, the skin and even help one quit smoking, among others.  Studies show that acupuncture benefits couple who have fertility problems.

How The West Sees It

There remain some Westerners who doubt acupuncture’s effectiveness, despite its popularity.  No scientific evidence is available to support acupuncture and, as a result, many healthcare professionals are reluctant to recommend it.  A lot of studies are already being conducted on the matter, the National Institutes of Health in the US says.

Health Hazards

Acupuncture, when done by a trained acupuncturist, is normally painless.  Adverse effects have been observed in only very few people.  Common risks associated with the practice of acupuncture are organ puncturing, forgotten needles, some bleeding (although very minimal), and the spreading of infection.  These are virtually eliminated when an experienced practitioner does the treatment.  However, acupuncture is not recommended for individuals who use blood thinners or having bleeding disorders.

A Solitary or Complementary Process

Acupuncture may be used as a single procedure to complement fertility treatments.  It may also be considered a reliable add-on to the modern fertility programs we have today.  When used by itself, acupuncture benefits those who have functional problems, like intermittent ovulation, better.  By itself, effectiveness in treating structural problems, as with sperm duck blockage, could be weak.

Some acupuncturists urge patients to use Chinese herbs in addition to acupuncture treatments and other procedures.  If you are taking prescription drugs, check with your doctor before starting any program of herb therapy.  Some herbs may prevent fertility drugs and procedures from working properly.  

{Acupuncture and Fertility} – Does It Work?

How acupuncture works as a {cure of infertility} is still debatable.  Many practicing experts say that this ancient therapeutic procedure can help regulate the body’s system.  It helps boost blood flow into reproductive organs and regulates hormone levels.  As a result, ovarian function is improved among females and sperm production is increased among males.

Acupuncture has been found to benefit women who are using it in conjunction with therapies that aim to increase fertility.   Some say that the stress that comes with fertility procedures can also be lessened with acupuncture.  Women undergoing IVF, or in vitro fertilization, boost their conception rate with the introduction of acupuncture into the program.

How To Choose the Best Practitioner

Healthcare professionals who want to add acupuncture to their roster of services are required to have around 300 hours of specialized training to be certified.  Those licensed in other medical fields must still complete 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board exam to be officially called an acupuncturist.

More and more people are seeing the benefits and are now practicing acupuncture.  There are a few things to consider before seeking the services of practitioners.  A background check on the selected acupuncture expert must be done prior to agreeing to any procedure.  Any practitioner must be licensed in the state or town where he or she is providing services.Reliable recommendations for acupuncture services would be family and friends who’ve benefited from the them.

Future patients must ask for a ballpark figure of cost to be financially prepared for the treatment.  Many individuals are relieved that some insurance plans cover charges for acupuncture treatments.

What To Watch Out For

More than one acupuncture treatment is needed to get desired results.  Frequent visits, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, must be done to maximize its benefits.  Patients should expect each visit to their acupuncturist to be at least an hour long, with time for discussion of lifestyle and present health condition, as well as thoughts and queries about the process.

 

 Mail this postStumbleUpon It!

Technorati Tags: , , , , , ,

Leave a Reply