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If you are researching tips and strategies to help you conceive, you have likely seen that acupuncture is a popular treatment to help you get pregnant. Let’s talk a little bit about how acupuncture can increase your chances of conceiving and the many other benefits of the ancient Chinese practice.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture treatment uses very thin, painless needles inserted into skin. The needles are placed in points to help rebalance the body’s energy, or qi (pronounced chee). It is understood that there are thousands of acupuncture points throughout the body connected by pathways. The energy flow through these pathways is responsible for overall health. Acupuncture is believed to improve the energy flow which can relieve pain, improve blood flow, and strengthen the immune system among other benefits.
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How can acupuncture improve my chances of conceiving?
Acupuncture can be beneficial when trying to get pregnant whether you are trying on your own or with fertility treatments. Regular sessions can increase of blood flow to the reproductive organs helping to improve egg quality and thicken the uterine lining to help support a pregnancy. Acupuncture can also balance stress hormone levels which is important when trying to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture treatments will encourage stress relief, balance of hormones and overall well-being; all of which is crucial to getting pregnant and staying pregnant.
Related Read: 5 Ways To Increase IVF Success
When to start acupuncture
The right time to start acupuncture will differ for each individual but if you are working on improving egg quality or preparing for an IVF cycle, it is recommended to start treatments at least three months before in order to influence the eggs that would be recruited for that cycle or egg retrieval.
Related Read: 5 Ways You Can Improve Your Egg Quality
If you don’t have three months, acupuncture can still be beneficial by helping to prepare the uterus for pregnancy, decrease stress levels and encourage overall wellness.
When preparing for an embryo transfer, acupuncturists ideally like to see a patient right before and after the transfer if possible. Acupuncture clinics that specialize in fertility will often leave appointments available for last minute transfer schedules. Talk to your acupuncturist ahead of time about planning for those appointments.
How much does it cost?
The price for acupuncture sessions will range so it is important to do your research. First, find out if your insurance plan covers acupuncture sessions, how many sessions are covered, and what the co-pay will be. If you are paying out of pocket, consider community clinics which could be more cost effective. They may not specialize in fertility but ask if one of their acupuncturists is knowledgeable on fertility protocols.
You can also consider acupressure as a daily supplement to acupuncture. There are several apps available to help you receive similar benefits to acupuncture at home. Positive Fertility recommends the Moxa app which offers custom daily acupressure sessions and a library of protocols for every ailment. (Use the code PFERTILITY20 for 20% off the moxa plus subscription)
So, can acupuncture really help you get pregnant. Yes, and it can contribute to overall wellness and reduced stress to leave you feeling more confident and more positive in your goals.
Related Read: Five Ways To Take Back Control Of Your Fertility
Thank you, Dr. Katie Pedrick of VIBE Wellness for sharing her wealth of expertise on acupuncture and acupressure. Find Katie’s Instagram @vibe.wellness for excellent content on acupuncture and general wellness.
