In the past few years, there has been an increase in the use of acupuncture for the treatment of infertility in the United States. The combination of conventional treatment with acupuncture therapy has been studied and proved to be effective. For example, a German study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility showed that acupuncture treatment immediately before and after embryo transfer increased the success rate from 26.3% to 42.5%. This method of combining the two treatments is a great example of the effectiveness of “integrating East and West” Medicine, which has been a strategy of traditional practitioners in mainland China for many years. The traditional theories of Chinese Medicine see fertility as an imbalance of yin, yang, qi (life energy) or blood in the liver, kidneys or spleen. After the imbalance has been diagnosed, it is corrected by placement of acupuncture needles at the appropriate points. Modern research shows that this treatment can stimulate increased blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. Anxiety and stress is also significantly reduced. Acupuncture treatment is recommended twice weekly for 2 months prior to IVF or IUI cycles and during the cycle, or 3 months if used alone without conventional treatments.

The IVF-Fertility Division of Women's Clinic refers many local fertility patients to Michael Hinton, OMD and Min Xiong with Han Shi Acupuncture, located on Penn Avenue in West Lawn. Han Shi Acupuncture offers comprehensive therapeutic options including acupuncture, Tui Na massage and Chinese herbs. Their mission is to provide a personalized, effective, holistic healing solution for people who seek help beyond conventional medicine. Patient testimonies attribute their pregnancy success rates to the addition of acupuncture during their IVF and IUI cycles.

To learn more about Han Shi Acupuncture visit their website at www.hanshiacupuncture.com

Natural Fertility Center of Pennsylvania is a wholistic health center, located in King of Prussia, is dedicated to helping each patient achieve their maximum state of well being. The center is owned and run by women with a focus on women's health and reproductive health. They offer many services that can help each person maximize their fertility. They pride themselves on having a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere and caring manner of treatments. Ample time is spent with each patient getting to know them as a whole person, not just another number. They offer convenient office hours including weekend, lunch and evening appointments. You can even schedule your appointment online at your own convenience.

To learn more about the Natural Fertility Center of Pennsylvania, please visit their website by clicking here.

Acupuncture Resources for Women and Fertility

• Article on how acupuncture may improve IVF success rates.
• A report on the influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate of patients who undergo Assisted Reproductive Therapy.
• RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association
Take Charge of Your Fertility: A website that offers easy to use software to chart your menstrual cycle and education on reproductive health.

Professional Acupuncture Associations

• MAAOM: Maine Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine - Maine's source for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine information.
• NCCAOM: The National Acupuncture Certification Organization.