Harmony Point Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Fertility: Modern Research of an Ancient Practice

Acupuncture is based on a 3000 year old system of Chinese medicine whose practice continues in modern China and has spread to many parts of the world. An acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very thin needles into key points on the body. These points lie on meridian pathways that direct the flow of energy or “qi”.

Acupuncture has traditionally been used to address a wide variety of health issues including fertility for both men and women. Modern scientific research suggests that the physiological responses to acupuncture involves opioid receptors in the central nervous system. It has been postulated that these neuropeptides affect the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Acupuncture has also been shown to reduce activity of the symapthetic nervous system thereby inducing a more relaxed physiological state that may alter uterine blood flow towards optimal fertility. (Chang et al., Fertility and Sterility 2002, Vol 78, p. 1149)

Practitioners have begun to use acupuncture in combination with modern methods of assisted fertility. In April of 2002 a German study was published on 160 patients undergoing IVF (In-Vitro fertilization treatments). All 80 patients in the acupuncture group received treatment with the same two sets of acupuncture points. One set was administered immediately before the IVF transfer and a second set was administered immediately after this procedure. The 80 patients treated with acupuncture had a pregnancy rate of 42.5% while only 26.3% of the women in the control group became pregnant. Thus, these two acupuncture treatment increased the IVF success rate by 16.2%. (Paulus et al., Fertility and Sterility 2002, Vol 77, p. 721.)

Services available at Harmony Point Acupuncture

For those patients undergoing IVF or IUI (intrauterine injection) we perform the two exact treatments used in the German study. Each woman receives the first treatment in our office the evening before the IVF transfer or intrauterine injection. The woman then returns to our office the next day where the second acupuncture treatment is administered immediately following the IVF or IUI procedure.

Some patients choose to come to us only for these two treatments used in the German study. However, we strongly encourage both the man and the woman in all couples undergoing assisted fertility to receive individualized acupuncture treatment for several months before the final procedure. These treatments can optimize vitality, relieve stess and address side effects of the hormonal medications used in assisted fertility protocols. Unlike the treatments taken from the German study, longer-term treatments involve points chosen according to each patient’s specific differential Chinese medical diagnosis.

While acupuncture works well in combination with modern assisted fertility methods, we also treat couples who choose to conceive without the assistance of advanced technolgy. Acupuncture is in all cases an excellent method of preparing for pregnancy, childbirth and the transition into parenting.

Our patient Michele Thomas, who became pregnant using acupuncture in conjunction with IVF, has commented on the reasonable prices of acupuncture treatments when compared to the overall expense of IVF or IUI. She notes, “It’s all a numbers game and anything you can do to tip the odds in your favor is a plus.”

A very brief summary of acupuncture and fertility can be found at <http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/accupuncture.html>

We also offer care for pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, as well as a great variety of chronic and acute conditions. Be sure to look over the other resources on this site.

This is a reminder that many insurance policies cover acupuncture treatments. As Acupuncture Physicians we are primary care providers under Florida law. This means you do not need any other referral in order to make an appointment with us.

We also offer student discounts in order to make acupuncture affordable to those who are in school.

We look forward to seeing you on your next visit.

HARMONY POINT ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE
Diagnosis and Treatment
900 NW 8th Avenue, Gainesville, Florida
New patients welcome -- Please call for appointment
Insurance Accepted -- Student Discounts Offered