How does Acupuncture help with trying to conceive

Chinese medicine aims to restore the natural cycles and functions in the body back to their optimal health. The menstrual cycle is a clear indication of a woman’s gynaecological and fertility health, and it can provide many clues as to where any problems lie.

Acupuncture helps to increase the blood flow to the uterus and thicken the endometrial lining. If there is stagnation in the pelvic area, needles may be used in the abdomen to encourage movement of blood to the area. At certain times in the cycle moxa (a Chinese herbal heat treatment) is used to warm the area to help build the uterine lining.

In the same way, acupuncture can be used to improve blood flow to the ovaries in cases where there is poor or sluggish ovulation, or small cysts on the ovaries. Stress can be a cause of some constriction of the ovarian arteries.

Acupuncture can help to regulate the two main hormones relating to the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle. Treatment with Chinese medicine can improve the production of oestrogen and progesterone at the appropriate times in the cycle.

Stress can disrupt the HPA (hypothalamic-Pituitary-adrenal) axis which is responsible for the interactions between all the major hormones involved in the complex flow involved in a normal menstrual cycle. Treatment with Chinese medicine is well known for its stress relieving effects and works well with reducing anxiety, which is particularly relevant in the difficult months of trying to conceive.

Acupuncture can help counteract the effects of polycystic ovaries by balancing hormone levels, reducing ovarian cysts, stimulating ovulation, and regulating the menstrual cycle.