Acupuncture for Fertility – Effective or Effective Scam?
Posted on January 28th, 2010. Filed under: General.Acupuncture for Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncure, an ancient Chinese healing tradition, dates back over 1,000 years. A lot of health professionals in the West consider this type of treatment valid when applied to different kinds of illnesses. It can help improve the skin, relieve muscle stress, and eliminate smoking habits, among many others. Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.
View From The West
Despite its popularity, a lot of Westerners still doubt the effectiveness of acupuncture. Many consumers are reluctant to try acupuncture due to a lack of scientific validation. Studies are currently being conducted on the matter, says the National Insitutes of Health based in the United States.
Health Risks
Acupuncture performed by a trained professional is generally painless. Only a small few have reported adverse outcomes. Common risks associated with the practice of acupuncture are organ puncturing, forgotten needles, some bleeding (although very minimal), and the spreading of infection. You can do away with these if a professional practitioner does the job. However, acupuncture is not recommended for individuals who use blood thinners or having bleeding disorders.
A Single or Complementary Process
Acupuncture may be used as an alternative to fertility issues, especially when used as a single treatment. It is also seen as therapy that can complement modern fertility treatments. When used by itself, acupuncture benefits those who have functional problems, like intermittent ovulation, better. By itself, effectiveness in treating structural problems, as with sperm duck blockage, could be weak.
Some acupuncture practitioners recommend that Chinese herbs be used alongside acupuncture procedures and treatments. Individuals undergoing medical treatments should consult their doctor if they are taking or intend to take herbs. There are certain herbs that may inhibit the action of fertility procedures and drugs.
Acupuncture and Fertility - Does It Truly Work?
How acupuncture works as a cure of infertility is still debatable. Many practicing experts say that this ancient therapeutic procedure can help regulate the body’s system. It increases blood flow into the vital organs and stabilizes hormonal activity. Ovarian function is boosted and sperm production is enhanced, as a result.
Acupuncture benefits women positively, particularly those who are undergoing fertility boosting therapies. Acupuncture has been found to help women relax while undergoing fertility procedures. Studies show that acupuncture helps raise a woman’s chance of conception when acupuncture is applied with in vitro fertilization.
How To Choose the Best Practitioner
Doctors in the field of medicine who wish to practice acupuncture have to take nearly 300 hours of training before becoming certified. Professionals looking to branch out to acupuncture need to pass the board exam first and complete between 2000 and 3000 hours of training to be licensed in this field.
A lot of people are into acupuncture nowadays, and this number is rising by the day. To ensure that potential patients land in the hands of good practitioners, a few things must be considered. Prior to undergoing acupuncture, patients must first check the background of the chosen therapist. A professional must first acquire the approval of the local government and undergo certain trainings before he or she can practice in a specific area.One can find good recommendations from family and friends who have tried acupuncture services of certain providers.
Before jumping into the procedure, patients should always ask about the possible total costs to be prepared. It’s great to know that some insurance providers will pay for acupuncture treatments.
What To Watch Out For
More than one acupuncture treatment is needed to get desired results. Frequent visits, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, must be done to maximize its benefits. Patients should expect each visit to their acupuncturist to be at least an hour long, with time for discussion of lifestyle and present health condition, as well as thoughts and queries about the process.