By Debbie Lourenco, Naturopath, Medical Herbalist and Acupuncturist
Acupuncture is an integral component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has existed for thousands of years. Its primary focus is to bring harmony or to re-establish equilibrium to our physical, mental and emotional health, addressing our yin-yang balance as well as improving blood and Qi flow with the aim of improving and optimising our health and well-being.
In recent years, women have increasingly looked to Acupuncture to assist and augment their fertility journey as it is minimally invasive and, if performed by a qualified Acupuncturist, will have no contraindications to Western Medical interventions such as assisted reproductive techniques (ART) including IVF and embryo transfer.
Acupuncture is beneficial in regulating many bodily functions, especially that of our menstrual cycles which is imperative for optimal fertility. It achieves this by helping to balance hormones as it stimulates the endocrine system, which is responsible for producing and releasing hormones that affect our menstrual cycle. Our hormones control and affect the initial quality and frequency of our bleeding, the frequency, and quality of ovulation, and subsequently preparation of the uterus for conception. It achieves this by improving the quality of our blood and Qi (our life force or energy) as well as increasing blood and Qi flow to the relevant areas and organs that are vital in supporting the preparation for conception, or the successful implantation and then continues this support after conception is successful to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
Acupuncture achieves this support by treating the whole person, rather than looking at presenting symptoms. Acupuncturists will put together a bespoke treatment plan considering the individual needs of the patient, as all women who are on this fertility journey will have differing needs along the way. This is what makes Acupuncture truly extraordinary, as we as therapists can cater to the individual needs of each patient as we support them through this time. Additionally, it poses no contradiction to Western fertility treatments as it involves minimal intervention but instead, can assist and possibly increase the success rates of ART such as IVF and embryo transfer. This thereby helps to put the minds of fertility patients at ease as they navigate their way through this process with the support they need.
As we continue to take the individual into account, fertility treatments are not only looked at from a Gynaecological perspective but also from a Psychological one. Many women as well as their partners, experience intense periods of stress and emotional instability due to worry, fear of disappointment or failure of treatment, grief, anger, frustration and loss. Continued stress has been shown to adversely affect overall health but there is good news, as Acupuncture has been shown to have a profoundly positive effect on stress reduction by helping to calm and nourish the nervous system resulting in balancing our stress hormones. Here the aim is to help the patient manage their stress as much as possible, process feelings, boost confidence, and increase resilience to stress. In TCM, our emotions and how we process them are of the utmost importance as it affects specific organs in our body, including our liver and spleen which can adversely affect our digestive system.
Additionally, although sometimes overlooked, a healthy and nourished digestive system is integral to a successful treatment plan. Our digestion or gut health as it is often referred to nowadays, is not only responsible for the efficient digestion and assimilation of nutrients but also for how we ‘digest’ our life experiences. This is why it is of the utmost importance that digestion is always considered, ensuring that our bodies are nourished and strengthened in preparation for the fertility journey.
Whether you are considering Acupuncture as a stand-alone treatment or to supplement ART, it can assist in all the stages of progression through the fertility journey. It has proven beneficial in regulating the menstrual cycle, supporting and stimulating the digestive system so that the smooth flow of blood and Qi is encouraged. It can help improve ovarian function to optimize the health of eggs to be collected for fertilization and, it has been shown to strengthen the uterus to reduce chances of miscarriage and therefore hold and support a healthy pregnancy.
And it does not have to stop there! Acupuncture is also beneficial and perfectly safe during pregnancy to facilitate a continued healthy gestation for both mother and baby by supporting the quality of blood and Qi circulation. This will help to alleviate symptoms such as morning sickness and fatigue as well as helping the body in preparation for birth.
Wishing you all a healthy and successful journey!
About Debbie:
Debbie Lourenco is a trained Naturopath, Medical Herbalist and Acupuncturist with a special interest in women’s health as well as mental and emotional health and digestive health.
She believes wholeheartedly in treating each patient on an individual basis and takes pride in prescribing bespoke treatments to fulfill the unique needs of each. This has become most useful in women’s health as many women are increasingly suffering from health issues that unfortunately cannot be healed with the ‘one drug cures all’ approach.
She is an enthusiastic cook and avid book reader and relishes time spent with family, friends and in nature.
Resources:
Lyttleton, J (2013). Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, Elsevier. Ltd.
Andrews, L (2013) 7 Times a Woman, Ancient. Wisdom on Health & Beauty for Every Stage of Your Life. San Diego: Alcyone Press.
Rubin, L et al. (2022) Effect of Acupuncture on IVF-related anxiety. Reproductive Medicine Online. 45 (1): 69-80. Elsevier. [Online] [Accessed: 20 May 2024]
