At Almond Wellness Centre we provide acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to support fertility treatments in Melbourne, including IVF embryo transfer preparation (for both fresh and frozen embryo transfer). They are often used to address various aspects like circulation, emotional well-being, uterine lining, and may enhance the chances of successful implantation. Here’s a breakdown of how these traditional methods might be employed:
IVF Embryo Transfer Preparation with Acupuncture
Circulation: Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, potentially enhancing the environment for successful implantation.
Emotional Well-being: Acupuncture is known for its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, which are crucial factors affecting fertility. By promoting relaxation and balancing hormones, it can support emotional health during the stressful process of IVF and other fertility treatments.
Uterine Lining: Acupuncture may help thicken the uterine lining by stimulating blood flow to the uterus, creating a more receptive environment for embryo implantation.
Implantation Success: By regulating the body’s systems and reducing stress, acupuncture may enhance the chances of successful implantation.
IVF Embryo Transfer Preparation with Chinese Herbal Medicine
Circulation: Certain herbs in Chinese medicine are believed to improve blood circulation, which can positively impact reproductive organs and the uterus.
Emotional Well-being: Herbal formulas are often customised to address specific emotional imbalances, helping to reduce the extreme stress and anxiety during IVF journey, and promoting a sense of well-being.
Uterine Lining: Specific herbs are thought to nourish and support the uterine lining, aiding in its thickness and receptivity for implantation.
Implantation Success: Herbal medicine, when combined with acupuncture, aims to create a more balanced and receptive body environment for successful implantation.
Preparation Process:
Consultation: A practitioner will typically conduct a comprehensive consultation to understand the individual’s health history, current concerns, and fertility goals.
Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a personalised treatment plan involving acupuncture sessions and specific Chinese herbal formulas will be developed.
Timing: Treatments often begin several weeks before the embryo transfer to optimize the body’s condition for implantation.
Continued Support: Sessions might continue after the transfer to support the body during the critical early stages of embryo development.
It’s important to work with qualified and experienced practitioners who are specially trained and experienced in fertility support to ensure safety and efficacy. Integrating acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine into the preparation for IVF embryo transfer can complement Western fertility treatments. It’s also essential to discuss this approach with your healthcare provider to ensure compatibility with your overall treatment plan.
For centuries, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been trusted remedies for infertility. Today, they’re gaining recognition as adjunctive therapies alongside IVF treatments.
New Study
A recent study published in a leading scientific journal (the Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics) has highlighted the positive effects of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The comprehensive review and meta-analysis, conducted by researchers Menghao Xu, Mengdi Zhu, and Cuihong Zheng, analyzed data from 25 trials involving a total of 4,757 participants.
Research Objective
The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on IVF outcomes. The researchers performed a meticulous search of various digital databases, including Pubmed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. They also reviewed the reference lists of relevant documents to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Furthermore, the included studies underwent a rigorous assessment for biases based on established guidelines.
Key Findings
The analysis revealed promising outcomes. Acupuncture groups showed significantly higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared to control groups. The pooled data highlighted a clear advantage: acupuncture groups achieved a 43.6% clinical pregnancy rate and a 38.0% live birth rate, compared to 33.2% and 28.7% respectively in control groups.
Implications
Different acupuncture methods, timing of sessions, and treatment frequency positively influenced IVF outcomes. These findings underscore acupuncture’s potential to enhance IVF success and its validity as a complementary therapy.
“These findings suggest that acupuncture can play a significant role in improving pregnancy outcomes for women undergoing IVF,” explained the researchers. They also noted that placebo acupuncture was identified as a viable control measure, ensuring the validity of future studies.
Almond Wellness Centre Approaches
Dr Zeng in the IVF clinic
In light of these findings, Almond Wellness Centre, as the premier acupuncture Chinese medicine clinic in Fertility IVF acupuncture in Melbourne, places a strong emphasis on integrating of acupuncture and Chinese medicine with infertility treatments. With almost 30 years of experience, the clinic offers acupuncture Chinese medicine for IVF support. The clinic director Dr. Richard Zeng, expressed pride in their ongoing commitment to integrating acupuncture, electroacupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, which consistently yield positive results in supporting IVF.
Take Action
Ready to explore acupuncture’s benefits in your IVF journey? Contact our experienced team or visit our Coburg or Ringwood clinics. Together, we can improve your IVF outcomes and bring you closer to parenthood.
Pull quote
“According to the researchers, these findings suggest that acupuncture can play a significant role in improving pregnancy outcomes for women undergoing IVF. Moreover, placebo acupuncture was identified as a viable control measure.”
Keywords
Acupuncture, Assisted reproductive technology, In vitro fertilisation,IVF, Pregnancy rate.
Reference
Xu M, Zhu M, Zheng C. Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2023 Jul 12. doi: 10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1.
Compiled from Journals, Internet, and Website resources as a tool to aid ABORM members understand the depth and breadth of Western Style research related to our fields.
Worked completed by: Diane K. Cridennda, L.Ac., FABORM, Member Board of Directors Founder/Owner: East Winds Acupuncture
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine Boost IVF Success in Endometriosis Patients
In a study conducted in northeastern China, 180 women diagnosed with endometriosis undergoing IVF treatments were divided into three groups. The study aimed to determine the impact of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine on IVF outcomes.
The Findings:
The acupuncture combined with herbal medicine group had notably higher pregnancy rates compared to those who did not receive acupuncture.
Among the three groups undergoing IVF, the one with acupuncture and herbal medicine showed significantly better outcomes in terms of oocyte retrieval, fertilization rates, implantation success, and overall pregnancy rates.
The patients receiving acupuncture combined with herbal medicine reported better satisfaction scores than those only receiving medicine.
Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of acupuncture alongside herbal medicine had a substantial positive impact on IVF outcomes for women with endometriosis. This combined approach proved more effective than solely using medicine during IVF treatments.
Are you considering IVF but have been told your FSH levels are too high? Or perhaps you’ve been diagnosed with premature ovarian failure or early menopause? We understand that these diagnoses can be overwhelming, but we’re here to help.
Understanding Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
Firstly, it’s important to understand what FSH is. FSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary gland. It’s crucial for the growth and development of ovarian follicles, which release eggs during ovulation. When FSH levels are high, it means your ovaries aren’t responding as they should. This can lead to concerns about egg quality and fertility, making conception more challenging both naturally and through assisted reproductive techniques like IVF.
Common Symptoms of High FSH
High FSH levels can bring about several symptoms. For example:
Irregular periods or periods stopping: This can be a clear sign that something isn’t functioning optimally in your reproductive system.
Infertility: Difficulty conceiving naturally might be related to high FSH levels.
Hot flushes and night sweats: Hormonal imbalances can disrupt your body’s temperature regulation.
Poor sleep: Hormonal changes can make it hard to sleep well, causing fatigue and irritability.
Palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeats can be unsettling and often accompany high FSH levels.
What High FSH Means for You
High FSH levels indicate a disruption in the feedback mechanism between your ovaries and pituitary gland. Consequently, this can lead to:
Poor ovarian response: A decreased ovarian reserve can make it harder to achieve pregnancy.
Reduced fertility: The ovaries may struggle to respond to the hormonal signals necessary for ovulation and conception.
Implications for IVF: High FSH levels can affect the success of assisted reproductive technologies by reducing the number of eggs available for retrieval and fertilization. In some cases, it may mean you are not qualified for IVF treatment.
How Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Can Help
However, there is hope. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have been used for thousands of years to address hormonal imbalances and fertility issues. These treatments can:
Reduce stress
Improve blood flow to the ovaries
Enhance nutrient delivery to the ovaries
Potentially improve ovarian response and ovulation
Promising Research
Moreover, research has shown promising results: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 randomised controlled trials involving 888 patients found that Chinese herbal medicine significantly lowered FSH levels compared to hormone replacement therapy. This research, published in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine, suggests that Chinese herbal medicine may help relieve symptoms of premature ovarian failure by decreasing serum FSH levels.
Personalised Care at Almond Wellness Centre
At Almond Wellness Centre Coburg clinic and Ringwood clinic, we offer individualised care tailored to your unique needs. Our experienced practitioners, including Dr. Richard Zeng, will assess your condition, consider your medical history, and develop a treatment plan designed just for you.
Reach Out to Us
Ultimately, we’re here to support you every step of the way. If you’re dealing with high FSH, premature ovarian failure, or early menopause and want to explore how acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help, please contact us. Let’s work together to create a comprehensive care plan for your fertility journey.
References
Walker, E. M., Rodriguez, A. I., Kohn, B., Ball, R. M., Pegg, M., Pocock, J. R., & O’Brien, T. J. (2010). Acupuncture in the treatment of menopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients: a randomised, controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28(7), 1157-1164.
Bokmand, S., & Flyger, H. (2013). Acupuncture relieves menopausal discomfort in breast cancer patients: A prospective, double-blinded, randomised study. The Breast, 22(3), 320-323.
Wu, Y., Chen, L. T., Qu, F., Sheikh, I. S., Wu, Y. T. (2014). Chinese Herbal Medicine for premature ovarian failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 6(3), 382-391.
Disclaimer: Individual responses to Chinese medicine treatment may vary. Consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is recommended to determine the most suitable herbs, formulations and acupuncture treatment based on individual health conditions. This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice.
