Acupuncture
The Chinese medicine perspective can be compared to an aqueduct. The water which flows through the aqueduct is energy (called Qi or Chi). The energy, or Qi, flows through pathways (called channels or meridians) along the body surface. This energy is accessible at specific points along the channel. Inserting acupuncture needles into these 'energy' points initiates the process of rebalancing. Part of this rebalancing involves the stimulation of the reproductive, endocrine and neurological systems to engender an internal environment that supports reproductive health, healthy conceptions and men and women's physiology.
General benefits of acupuncture include:
- Provides a holistic treatment paradigm that considers the physical, emotional and mental
- Treats the underlying cause of a disorder as well as the symptoms
- Promotes and nurtures general health and wellbeing
- Assists in preventing disease
Acupuncture promotes reproductive health, healthy conceptions and men and women's health by:
- regulating hormone levels
- stimulating ovulation
- adjusting basal body temperature (BBT)
- promoting healthy egg and sperm production
- increasing blood circulation to the reproductive organs
- inducing relaxation
- strengthening immunity
- reducing inflammation
- removing energy blockages
- raising endorphin levels
- strengthening weaknesses
The role of acupuncture as a support therapy for Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART), including IVF is due to some of the above effects.
Acupuncture supports healthy pregnancies by:
- improving the ability to carry a pregnancy to full term
- reducing morning sickness to ensure proper nutrition for both mother and baby
- encouraging the correct presentation of the baby before the onset of labour