Is Acupuncture for Infertility a Scam?

Acupuncture for Infertility – Tracing Its Roots

Acupuncture, which originated in China, is over a thousand years old.  Many people in the Western medical practice see it as an effective procedure to address a wide range of health problems.  It can remedy muscle tension, improve skin condition and get rid of smoking, to name a few.  Reports from latest studies reveal that acupuncture is highly beneficial to couples with infertility issues.

The Western View

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.

Risks To Health

The procedure is painless when performed by a trained practitioner.  Very few patients experience adverse effects.  Some of the usual risks linked with acupuncture include minimal bleeding, organ puncturing, broken or forgotten needles, and the spread of infection.  You can do away with these if a professional practitioner does the job.  However, acupuncture must not be performed on people who have bleeding disorders and those who use blood thinning agents.

A Single or Complementary Process

Acupuncture, when used as a solo treatment, is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns.  It may also be considered a reliable add-on to the modern fertility programs we have today.  Acupuncture perhaps provides better results for couples experiencing functional problems, particularly when used by itself.  By itself, this practice may not work as effectively in fixing structural problems such as blockage of sperm ducts.

Some acupuncture practitioners say that acupuncture treatments are best complemented by the use of Chinese herbs.  Persons under medical care should check with their doctor before taking herbs.  There are certain herbs that may inhibit the action of fertility procedures and drugs.

Acupuncture for Fertility - Effectiveness Factor?

How acupuncture works as a cure of infertility is still debatable.  However, practitioners emphasize this age-old treatment’s ability to normalize the body’s functions.  It boosts the flow of blood into reproductive organs and helps stabilize hormonal functions.  As a result, ovarian function is improved among females and sperm production is increased among males.

Acupuncture has a positive effect on women who use it in combination with fertility boosting procedures.   Some also say that acupuncture, when incorporated with rather stressful fertility procedures, helps women relax.  Recent researches show that a woman undergoing in vitro fertilization has a higher chance of conception if acupuncture is introduced into therapy.

The Selection Process

Doctors in the field of medicine who wish to practice acupuncture have to take nearly 300 hours of training before becoming certified.  Those licensed in other medical fields must still complete 2000 to 3000 hours of training and pass the board exam to be officially called an acupuncturist.

There are many people who practice acupuncture, and the number continues to rise.  To make sure patients land in good hands, here are some things that must be taken into account.  Patients must first look into the background of the acupuncture therapist before undergoing a procedure.  A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice.  Good friends and relatives are excellent recommendation and feedback sources regarding potential acupuncturists.

Patients must always ask about the general cost total so they know how much needs to be set aside for the procedure.  A lot of people are thankful that certain insurance plans also cover acupuncture treatments.

What You Can Expect

One has to go through several acupuncture sessions in order to attain the best results.  To get the best out of acupuncture, regular visits must me made to the chosen practitioner, which can run between a few weeks to a few months.  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.