Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for millennia to treat issues of female and male fertility and reproductive health. Since the aim of TCM is to "normalize," "harmonize," and "to bring into balance," these ideas are brought to bear on the problems associated with male and female infertility.

TCM manipulates the flow of Qi using acupuncture, and using Chinese herbs to nourish, support and strengthen the Qi and the vital fluids (including blood), as well as the internal organs. Using these natural fertility techniques, the possibility of conception is optimized.

Women are often physically and emotionally depleted and have constrained energy that causes blockages, particularly in the pelvis. These blockages may have presented as painful menstrual cramps, endometriosis, fibroid tumors, PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and so on. Later in life, these disharmonies may result in difficulties with fertility by affecting different parts of the reproductive cycle - production of the egg, fertilization of the egg and implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus. Similar energy disturbances in men may result in poor sperm production (low sperm counts), shape or motility. TCM seeks to address these problems with time tested methodologies.

At our clinic, we treat people facing infertility using TCM alone, or in combination with concurrent western medical intervention such as intrauterine insemination (IUI), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) procedures. We would be happy to share our many success stories with you. The following recent article outlines how combinng IVF with acupuncture can increase your chances of conception by 65%. The following article outlines some further benefits of combining acupuncture and IVF treatments, including a substantial increase in the success rate.

Acupuncture and TCM have no contraindications. Our very experienced Chinese doctors are aware of a few acupuncture points and a few herbs which should be avoided during pregnancy or while under the concurrent care of a Western fertility specialist. Many, if not most western medical doctors are happy to work with acupuncturist because TCM augments the treatments they provide.

Our aim is to help you conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Recently, acupuncture has been used by western clinics and hospitals to successfully treat many disorders, including the route causes of infertility. Acupuncture is reported to be effective in the treatment of female anovular infertility.¹ The following article explains some of the benefits of using acupuncture either as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with western fertility treatments. Also, please read a Globe and Mail article regarding acupuncture and infertility.

Acupuncture can help improve the success rate of in-vitro fertilization by:

• Relaxing the patient, decreasing stress, and taking individual time with patients
• Regulating hormonal imbalances resulting in a larger number of follicles
• Strengthening the immune system
• Lessening the side effects of drugs used in IVF or other western productive techniques
• Improving the function of the ovaries to help produce better quality eggs
• Increasing blood flow to the uterus and increasing the thickness of the uterine lining
• Preventing the uterus from contracting
• Improving semen and sperm to create a better quality and quantity of embryos
• Decreasing the chances of miscarriage

Although some patients attend our clinic beginning just prior to transfer, we recommend for those patients undergoing IVF to commence treatment ideally at least three months in advance of the transfer. The more time you have to treat the underlying cause of infertility, the more prepared you will be physically, mentally and emotionally to deal with IVF or IUI. In addition, having acupuncture as soon as possible after the transfer has been shown to help the odds.

Please read more about our fertility specialists. If you have a question, please browse our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) or email us anytime.

Does acupuncture work for infertility?

There is mounting evidence that acupuncture is effective at treating infertility. Acupuncture can help to release endorphins in the brain to help the patient relax. This is primarily useful because for many patients, stress might be one of the most important factor why they are unable to conceive. Acupuncture can help to improve blood supply to the female sexual organs, help restore hormonal balance, and often treat or reverse premature menopause. Acupuncture can also increase sperm count and motility in men. Acupuncture and TCM are an effective stand-alone treatment, but also work well in conjunction with Western medical intervention. How does acupuncture work?

Infertility Studies

Review Studies On TCM And Infertility Effectiveness For Both Women And Men
This link will lead you to our summary of studies from around the world where acupuncture and TCM was examined for its effectiveness in treating infertility and other illnesses. If you have any studies you wish to share with us, please email them so that we may review them.

IVF and Infertility
If you are undergoing IVF, or about to commence a new cycle, please review our IVF and Acupuncture page.

Downloads

You may download our Basal Temperature chart in Excel format, or you may view and print it directly in your browser. Once you have booked your appointment, print and fill in our Patient Fertility Forms and bring them to your consutlation.

Books
For a more detailed reading of acupuncture, herbs, Chinese Medicine and infertility, we recommend: The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis. For further reading regarding general acupuncture, how it works and how it is explained by Western medicine, we recommend Acupuncture for Everyone, by Dr. Ruth Kidson. Both books are available for sale in our clinic, or by phone or email. We can arrange to have a copy delivered to you.

Ensuring a Healthy Pregnancy
Acupuncture treatment during pregnancy benefits both mother and child. Those who are pregnant and are experiencing difficulties such as excessive and prolonged morning sickness, back and pelvis pain, breech position, and other problems should consider a consultation with one of our experienced Chinese medicine doctors. In addition, those who have become pregnant by alternative means such as IVF or IUI should consider ongoing checkups with our Chinese medicine doctors to ensure the healthiest and most problem free pregnancy possible.

For more information about moxa and acupuncture used to treat breech babies, please click here. A description of what moxibustion is and how we apply it may be found here.

Pregnancy can often cause back pain. Some women even experience severe back pain in certain instances. Let our highly experienced Chiropractor assess and treat your back pain quickly and naturally.

1. World Health Organisation, Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Trials (2002)