If you're undergoing IVF, did you know you can receive Acupuncture to support your Embryo Transfer? Its called Embryo Transfer Acupuncture.
Studies show that for clinical trial groups that have a pregnancy success rate of less than 35%, Embryo Transfer Acupuncture definitely has benefits. So what's involved? And what benefits does Acupuncture provide for women doing an Embryo Transfer? The Studies Supporting Embryo Transfer Acupuncture
Of 16 studies reviewed in Fertility & Sterility Journal, 11 showed improved chances of pregnancy. In a separate review of 9 clinical trials, Ultrasound studies have also shown the effect of Acupuncture increasing blood flow in the uterus. This is a positive thing for couples trying to conceive with the help of IVF.
Integrating Acupuncture with your Routine
It can be a clinical process, especially when you've kept your diary open for a variety of appointments, blood tests and scans. Adding Acupuncture to your regimen can be that one extra thing that can make a difference and is a good opportunity to also address any natural feelings of nerves about your Embryo Transfer day. Acupuncture is really good at acknowledging you within a treatment as a whole person, with thoughts, feelings and giving you a break from that white-coat syndrome.
Acupuncture has many benefits, but the ones that are most relevant to Acupuncture for Embryo Transfer include:
- Increase micro-circulation or blood flow to specific areas of the body (Uterus)
- Relax the nervous system in general (Calm the mind)
- Assist to manage pain effectively (any side effects of fertility drugs such as bloating or aching muscles)
- In particular promote the parasympathetic nervous system (Rest & Digest mode - useful for any sleeplessness)
So what's involved in Embryo Transfer Acupuncture?
Embryo Transfer Acupuncture takes place on the same day of your Embryo Transfer. Normally, you would see your acupuncturist prior to your appointment with your IVF clinic. A protocol of acupoints are performed in that treatment, with the aim to direct blood flow to the Uterus, calm the spirit, Nourish the blood & qi to prepare the body to receive the embryo.
You then go to your IVF clinic and go through the IVF Embryo Transfer procedure. Following it up with a second Acupuncture treatment after the Embryo Transfer. In this acupuncture treatment is a different protocol of points. The aim is to promote implantation by still calming the spirit and nourishing qi and blood, but without any abdominal acupoints. Within these two acupuncture treatments, any other prominent symptoms may be addresed with one or two acupoints, but the main focus is supporting a successful Embryo Transfer.
The Aim of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Fertility
Some of the points in both protocols are body acupoints and others are ear acupoints. The ear is seen as a microsystem in Traditional Chinese Medicine, similar to zones in the feet for various parts of the body in reflexology.
Overall Traditional Chinese Medicine believes the things that promote good fertility, pregnancy and wellbeing in general is a calm spirit (or mind) and strong Qi & Blood. The Acupuncture for Embryo Transfer is a good opportunity to influence this in the short term, as it has shown to have an immediate effect and this is invaluable on the day of your transfer.
To discuss your Embryo Transfer or arrange an Acupuncture appointment for your booked date, you can click here to pre-purchase or click here to book online.
