I have read mixed reviews on this topic, and unfortunately not many insurance plans cover it, but acupuncture therapy has shown to have positive impacts on a number of ailments traditionally treated with western medications. I explored the fertility side of treatments as the primary focus of my journey over the last year of doing acupuncture. When I first started doing acupuncture, I was nervous about adding more needles to the already overloaded routine of injections in between work and everyday life. I now do acupuncture every week for about an hour focusing around the ovaries and uterus both on the front and back stomach and lower back areas. After adding acupuncture and Chinese herbs to my weekly routine, I feel that it has helped restore better blood flow throughout my body (better color) and forced me to experience a few moments of stillness and relaxation.
I know what most people that haven't tried acupuncture are probably thinking - needles for relaxation?? Hell no! But the needles are very small and if they are placed correctly you won't even really feel them. I've had treatments for back aches, sinus issues, and headaches too and it works! My acupuncturist specializes in infertility, which is important if you are going through IVF or trying acupuncture to help improve your chances of conceiving a baby. You cannot just go to a regular acupuncturist if you are having fertility issues, so when you are calling around make sure to ask for one. My acupuncturist is located in Beaver, PA at http://freespiritwellness.com/. I would highly recommend them! I have learned a lot about myself through acupuncture and Chinese medicine.
Chinese medicine, which is often used in parallel with acupuncture treatments, focuses on ensuring proper blood flow and circulation through the use of various herbs and roots as a daily supplement. Both acupuncture and Chinese medicine focus on restoring chi energy and minimizing dampness or overheating within the body. Your acupuncturist should utilize the needles in a way that concentrates on the issues you are having, but they treat a number of ailments as an alternative to conventional western medicine.
http://www.modernreflexology.com/acupressure-points-to-improve-women-fertility/
Something else that my acupuncturist combines with my acupuncture treatments is burning Moxa on several of the needles in my abdomen towards the end of the session. The Moxa can get a bit smoky, but it is known to have great benefits and it is worth trying out!
http://www.fabriqspa.com/moxa-burning-herb-heals/
Here are some herbs that I'm thinking of trying after my western medicine treatment cycle is done:
https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/ashwagandha-health-benefits#3
Focusing on your Chi:
Another thing to focus on during acupuncture as I mentioned above is ensuring your Chi is sufficient and you are not blood deficient and/or do not have too much "heat" in your body. When I started acupuncture the acupuncturist felt that my complexion was very drained and my chi was low, and he suggested some dietary changes in addition to the herbs he prescribed me to take.
One thing I eat a lot of is (organic) salads for lunch while I'm at work. Its simple and a good way to get a lot of veggies and nutrients in, healthy, but too cold as I recently learned. If you have low chi and are going through fertility treatments or trying to conceive you should eat more "warm" food to nourish your blood, while avoiding raw vegetables and things that are inherently cold.
Another interesting thing I learned was that I should stop drinking ice water versus room temperature water. This is a little tough for me so far, as I really enjoy my ice cold water! So to reiterate - some pointers for those like me that didn't think about it. Eat more soups, less salads, and focus on whole healthy foods in addition to your acupuncture and other treatments. Enjoy!
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