Chinese Medicine refers to life force ‘Qi’ (energy). This represents the bio-energy that flows through out the body. It is the vital force that creates the harmony of healthy functioning systems.
TCM treats infertility on the basis of careful differential diagnosis to resolve underlying patterns of disharmony. Reproduction like other areas of health is about balance. TCM describes the female reproductive system as a network of energy systems with complementary organs and hormonal responses. The hormonal system is responsive to stress, chemical exposure, diet, lifestyle and emotions.
Traditional Chinese Medicine can be used to strengthen and balance general health often providing the foundation for conception to naturally occur. Clinical evidence and research has highlighted the importance of using acupuncture to treat infertility.
More recently research has found that Acupuncture can enhance the success rate of IVF. A study published in Fertility and Sterility found that 26 percent of women undergoing IVF became pregnant following the procedure compared to 43 percent who received acupuncture before and after IVF. This represents nearly 50 percent increase in effectiveness of IVF combined with acupuncture. Women in both groups were matched for age, number of transferred embryos and number of previous cycles among other criteria.
Finally, Acupuncture can be employed to help alleviate some of the tension and anxiety inherent in treatment procedures. It has been well documented that stress negatively effects the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Therapy. The American Society of Reproductive Medicine’s Fertility and Sterility Journal, reported that stress impairs the success rate of IVF cycles up to 93 percent.
Thank you so much for helping us complete our family. We are delighted to announce the safe arrival of our twin boys. They would not be here today without your help and advice.
N.D. Evans