Is Acupuncture for Infertility a Scam?
Acupuncture and Infertility – Tracing Its Roots
Acupuncure, an ancient Chinese healing tradition, dates back over 1,000 years. Some medical practitioners in the West accept this treatment as a valid way of addressing several types of ailments. It has the ability to relieve muscle tension, help a person quit smoking, and improve skin quality, among many other benefits. Recent research findings show that acupuncture is beneficial to couples experiencing infertility.
The West’s Point Of View
There remain some Westerners who doubt acupuncture’s effectiveness, despite its popularity. The shortage of scientific proof about how this ancient medicinal practice works prevents many people from trusting it and giving it a try. Studies are currently being conducted on the matter, says the National Insitutes of Health based in the United States.
Health Hazards
Acupuncture, when done by a trained acupuncturist, is normally painless. Adverse effects have been observed in only very few people. Some of the usual risks linked with acupuncture include minimal bleeding, organ puncturing, broken or forgotten needles, and the spread of infection. These can be done away with by having an experienced practitioner perform therapy. However, acupuncture should not be applied to individuals with bleeding disorders and people using blood thinners.
Solo Versus Complementary
Acupuncture may be used as an alternative to fertility issues, especially when used as a single treatment. It may also be seen as a procedure that can enhance the effects of modern fertility therapies. When used by itself, acupuncture benefits those who have functional problems, like intermittent ovulation, better. When applied alone, it might not be as effective to treat structural problems, like a sperm duct blockage.
Some acupuncturists urge patients to use Chinese herbs in addition to acupuncture treatments and other procedures. 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 – Does It Work?
How acupuncture works as a cure for infertility is still debatable. However, many practicing acupuncturists assert that this ancient treatment normalizes the body’s system. It increases blood flow into the vital organs and stabilizes hormonal activity. The general outcome is enhanced ovarian function in females and a higher sperm count in males.
Acupuncture benefits women positively, particularly those who are undergoing fertility boosting therapies. Some also say that acupuncture, when incorporated with rather stressful fertility procedures, helps women relax. Findings of recent studies show acupuncture’s ability to increase the conception rate in women who opt for in vitro fertilization (IVF).
The Selection Process
Doctors looking to enter the field of acupuncture will need to complete around 300 training hours to receive a certification. Professionals in other fields who would like to specialize solely in acupuncture have to train for 2,000 to 3,000 hours and complete board examinations to qualify as acupuncturists.
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. A background check on the selected acupuncture expert must be done prior to agreeing to any procedure. Practitioners must be officially certified by the local authorities before he or she can practice in a particular 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.
Things You Should Expect
Several acupuncture treatments have to be undergone before one gets the best results. To get the most out of acupuncture, patients usually go through a series of visits that can run from several weeks to a few months. Expect every visit to the acupuncturist to last about an hour, as the practitioner will be discussing your current health status in detail and entertain whatever queries you might have on the process.
