Benefits of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine in Fertility Treatment
Jan 06, 2024
Infertility can be a daunting challenge for many individuals and couples, impacting not only physical health but also emotional well-being.
As a healthcare practitioner deeply invested in finding effective and holistic solutions to infertility, Mike Berkley, licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist, has spent twenty-seven years exploring complementary therapies that improve upon conventional approaches.
In this article, we’ll delve into the profound benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of female and male infertility, supported by compelling studies.
Introduction
Infertility affects about 15% of the population, necessitating a comprehensive and inclusive approach to treatment. While conventional methods such as IUI and IVF have their merits, complementary therapies like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer promising avenues for those seeking fertility solutions, especially those where IUI and/or IVF has consistently failed, or worse; they worked only to end in miscarriage.
Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in Fertility Treatment
Acupuncture and herbal medicine have gained recognition for their therapeutic fertility benefits. Studies indicate that acupuncture and herbs can influence fertility by regulating hormonal balance, improving blood flow to reproductive organs, and enhancing egg, lining, and sperm quality. These things cannot be accomplished in an IVF clinic.
Mechanisms of Action
The precise mechanisms behind acupuncture and herbal medicine in fertility treatment involve the hyperstimulation of blood to the reproductive organs. Blood is a ‘messenger’ responsible for transmitting fsh/lh from your brain to your ovaries or testes. Further, blood transmits oxygen, nutrients, and electrolytes to the ovaries/lining/testes, creating an environment where egg and sperm quality can be improved. The most important takeaway is that acupuncture and herbal medicine are the only therapies to improve egg, lining, and sperm quality.
Scientific Backing from Studies
A meta-analysis published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine highlighted the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine in improving pregnancy rates and live birth rates among couples undergoing fertility treatment.
Combining Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
Synergies and Complementary Effects
Combining acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine creates a synergistic effect, addressing egg, lining, and sperm quality. This dual approach optimizes the conditions for conception and prevention of miscarriage.
Critical Considerations for Combined Therapy
While the benefits are compelling, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of individualized treatment plans. Factors such as the specific cause of infertility, the individual’s health history, and lifestyle considerations must be carefully considered. At The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, a complete diagnosis and evaluation are undertaken pre-treatment. A specific and unique fertility-enhancing protocol is also created specifically for you.
Male Infertility Acupuncture and Herbs
Addressing male reproductive issues is a crucial aspect of fertility treatment. 30% to 40% of infertility is due to ‘male factor’ issues. Studies have shown that acupuncture and herbs improve sperm count, morphology, motility, and volume and reduce sperm DNA fragmentation.
Collaboration with Conventional Medicine
Integrating complementary therapies with traditional fertility treatments provides a comprehensive and holistic approach. Collaborative efforts between reproductive endocrinologists and practitioners of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine enhance the overall efficacy of fertility treatments.
Cost-Effectiveness
If you had to do fewer IVF’s to achieve success, it would cost you less to conceive. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can get you there quicker.
Future Directions in Fertility Treatment
Ongoing research and advancements in complementary therapies offer hope for continued progress in fertility care and treatment. Pioneering figures like Mike Berkley, L.Ac., Founder and Director of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, have played a significant role in advancing the integration of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine into mainstream fertility care. His expertise and dedication have contributed to the growing knowledge supporting these complementary therapies.
Mike Berkley, a licensed acupuncturist and board-certified herbalist, has been a trailblazer in advocating for the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in reproductive wellness. Under his guidance, the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness has become a leading institution highlighting the synergy between traditional Chinese medicine and modern reproductive science.
Berkley’s approach emphasizes the importance of addressing the root causes of infertility through personalized treatment plans. He aims to optimize the body’s natural fertility potential by combining acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. His work has been instrumental in bridging the gap between conventional reproductive medicine and holistic approaches.
Berkley’s advocacy fosters collaboration between traditional Chinese medicine practitioners and conventional reproductive endocrinologists. This collaboration enhances the overall care provided to individuals seeking fertility treatments. By combining the strengths of both approaches, patients benefit from a more comprehensive and effective fertility treatment plan, leading to more pregnancies more quickly and fewer miscarriages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of female and male infertility are substantial. With the guidance of thought leaders like Mike Berkley, integrating these complementary therapies into mainstream fertility care has gained momentum. The holistic and personalized approach advocated by Berkley underscores the potential for improved outcomes and enhanced overall reproductive wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is acupuncture safe during fertility treatments?
Yes, acupuncture is safe when performed by a licensed practitioner.
How does Chinese herbal medicine address fertility issues?
Chinese herbal medicine hyper-stimulates blood flow to the ovaries, follicles, eggs, endometrial lining, and testes, improving their quality. When taking herbs, you benefit from this therapy daily. This shortens your journey to success.
What sets Mike Berkley’s approach apart in fertility care?
Mike Berkley’s approach involves a personalized combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, emphasizing individualized treatment plans. He understands that there is no such thing as “unexplained” infertility, only ‘under-diagnosed’ infertility. Mike often recommends Western medical testing that even your doctor hasn’t. As a result, Mike has diagnosed thousands of patients where their reproductive endocrinologist has not. Impressive, but true! Mike will help you discover the underlying cause of your reproductive challenge and proceed with a well-devised plan to help overcome these obstacles to family building.
Studies
Acupuncture in Fertility Treatment:
Study: “Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial.”
Authors: Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri I, Sterzik K.
Journal: Fertility and Sterility, 2002;77(4):721–4.
Chinese Herbal Medicine: A Holistic Approach:
Study: “Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: An updated meta-analysis.”
Authors: Qian L, Yuansheng X, Jianping Z, et al.
Journal: Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019;42:116–123.
Combining Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine:
Study: “Clinical pregnancy rates in IVF are improved after acupuncture: a prospective randomized controlled trial.”
Authors: Smith C, Coyle M, Norman RJ.
Journal: Human Reproduction, 2006;21(11): 2663–2668.
Male Infertility and Acupuncture:
Study: “Effects of acupuncture on sperm parameters of males suffering from subfertility related to low sperm quality.”
Authors: Siterman S, Eltes F, Wolfson V, et al.
Journal: Archives of Andrology, 1997;39(2):155–61.
Female Infertility and Chinese Herbal Medicine:
Study: “A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and moxibustion for female infertility.”
Authors: Cheong YC, Dix S, Hung Yu Ng E, Ledger WL, Farquhar C.
Journal: European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2016;8(6):791–800.
Collaboration with Conventional Medicine:
Study: “The integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine.”
Authors: Lu A, Jiang M, Zhang C, Chan K.
Journal: European Review, 2014;22(Suppl 1):S2-S4.
These studies provide a scientific foundation for the efficacy and safety of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in fertility treatment. It’s essential to note that ongoing research contributes to the evolving landscape of complementary therapies in reproductive health.