Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine for Fertility

by Dr. Ayako Mizuno

Infertility affects up to 20 percent of men and women worldwide. Age, diet, weight, drug and alcohol use, and other lifestyle factors can affect blood flow and energy throughout the body, leading to irregular ovulation and low sperm count.

A study published in the September 25, 2018 issue of Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences reports that “acupuncture can be considered as (a) successful treatment in restoring fertility in patients by improving the sperm quality and ovaries’ function and balancing the endocrine system and hormones.”

Acupuncture, one of the oldest forms of medicine, dates back 3,000 years. Licensed acupuncture practitioners combine this ancient wisdom with modern science and medical technology to treat their patients holistically. Studies such as those published in the March 18, 2020, International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine show that acupuncture given 25 minutes before embryo transfer significantly increased the outcomes in women undergoing in vitro fertilization compared with those that received no acupuncture. By opening energy blockages, acupuncture can help improve mental stress and insomnia, which is closely related to infertility in females and males. Infertility patients often feel alone during the process and are anxious, even after getting pregnant. There are in-person or online support groups; however, patients often report that the groups sometimes result in the opposite outcome because some patients compare themselves with others and feel jealous and/or hopeless.

A Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach uses acupuncture, Chinese herbs and nutrition counseling to support the body, mind and spirit. Acupuncture practitioners that specialize in infertility can personalize and customize treatment to support patients with not only female issues, such as those related to hormone balance and age, but also mental issues like anxiety and depression.

Acupuncture can also help relieve morning sickness, physical pain, fatigue and insomnia.

Ayako Mizuno is a doctor of acupuncture and Oriental medicine and a licensed acupuncturist. She holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy. Mizuno received her Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from Five Branches University in San Jose, California. Through April, Natural Awakenings readers can receive a free initial consultation (a $40 value). Location: 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Ste. 410, Wauwatosa. For more information, call 414-687-0087 or visit PlumeriaWellness.com Sees ad pages 15 and 41.