In recent years, a majority of women are putting off having a family until their 30’s in order to concentrate on becoming financially stable and climbing the career ladder. The problem is that fertility decreases with age and this is causing problems with women conceiving.

In order to get pregnant and have a healthy baby, many women are keen on exploring different options that might provide them with an edge. Complementary therapies and treatments like, nutritional counselling and supplements, massage, elements of traditional Chinese medicine and chiropractic adjustments are often recommended as additions to traditional surgical and medical fertility treatments, such as IVF and IUI. Another common alternative medical treatment that women with fertility issues are being recommended is acupuncture. But, can acupuncture actually help you get pregnant? Keep reading to know if you should consider fertility acupuncture in London.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a key component in traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for over 3,500 years. It is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted inside the body. The classical Chinese philosophy behind this treatment is based on the concept of Qi, which is energy flowing through the body in channels, known as meridians.

It is understood that Qi nourishes the body’s tissues when it is flowing correctly, but blockages in the body's certain points can lead to stagnation and disruption, resulting in mental, physical and emotional ill-health, as well as, issues with fertility.

The fundamental purpose of acupuncture is to clear the blockages through the insertion of tiny, thin needles in strategic points along the meridians. This will help in balancing and freeing the flow of energy inside the body, and health will be restored.

Recently, Western medicine has begun to explore the benefits and wisdom of acupuncture that Eastern practitioners have enjoyed for thousands of years.

How can acupuncture help get you pregnant?

When it comes to boosting the effectiveness of fertility treatment and help you get pregnant, acupuncture works in the following ways.

 Heightens emotional and physical well-being through stress relief: Acupuncture is an effective way of encouraging the body to release endorphins, which are naturally occurring chemicals in the body and neurotransmitters that signal the brain to fight pain and induce a sense of euphoria or satisfaction. For many patients, infertility is a very stressful experience and stress take a huge toll on the body. Acupuncture can help relax the body and give it the much-needed break.

 Hormone regulation: Acupuncture also stimulates the brain in different ways that help to regulate problems with the neuroendocrine system of the body, correct the flow of hormones stimulating the adrenal glands, ovaries, and other systems and organs involved in reproduction. Acupuncture helps relieve the symptoms of PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a common cause of infertility in women.

 Improved blood flow to the reproductive system: When acupuncture is applied to conventional points for female infertility, it helps to enhance the blood supply to the uterus that results in preparing the body for pregnancy. Increased blood flow to the uterus helps in thickening of the endometrial lining, also known as uterus lining. This lining is where the fertilized egg is implanted and it is an important moment in establishing a pregnancy. A receptive and healthy uterine lining is crucial and explains why acupuncture is associated with increased chances of pregnancy. Similarly, when acupuncture is applied to traditional points for male infertility, it helps in boosting sperm production by increasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation in the testicles and pelvic cavity.

So, if you are planning to get pregnant, but having issues conceiving, you can turn to acupuncture. However, make sure that acupuncture is only performed by an experienced and certified therapist as that will ensure your safety. You can even benefit from this alternative medicine whilst undergoing traditional fertility treatments, such as IVF. Both women and men can overcome their fertility issues.