IVF & Chinese Medicine

At Lotus Leaf Acupuncture & Wellness Center we understand that trying to conceive is one of the most important journeys in life. We have advanced training and board certification in fertility from the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, as well as years of experience helping men and women on their fertility journey.

The American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine Fellows are experienced, highly trained, certified, and up-to-date in the very latest evidence based treatments for infertility.

If you are considering IVF, the chances are you’ve heard acupuncture can help. If you are reading this,  you may be wondering: does acupuncture really help IVF success rates?

We have been practicing fertility acupuncture for over 20 years, and have been working with both women and men undergoing IVF during the better part of this time.  We can report that yes, definitely, acupuncture improves our patients pregnancies and IVF live birth outcomes. However, this may not be enough to convince you, so let’s look at what the research says.

Findings in 2002 IVF Landmark Study: Acupuncture for IVF

The most well know study of acupuncture and Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) was a German study published in 2002. This study showed that using acupuncture on the same day as IVF embryo transfer, both before and after the transfer, increased success rates to 42.5% (success rate for the control group not receiving acupuncture was 26.3%).

Acupuncture Improves IVF Outcomes

After this groundbreaking study, many reproductive specialists started recommending acupuncture to all IVF patients. We replicate the methods used in this study, including the specific acupuncture points.

Combining the high tech power of ART with the holistic wisdom of centuries of Chinese medicine, our patients make use of the best of both worlds.

Ongoing Acupuncture with IVF Research

Since 2002, IVF research using Chinese medicine has dramatically increased, and results have varied. This is due to the fact that there are infinite variables involved in both acupuncture and IVF techniques. In addition, there are many unique health conditions, including age,  among women undergoing IVF, which all contribute to variable outcomes.

The Journal of Fertility and Sterility has published:

• 11 studies that find acupuncture improves IVF outcomes
• 4 that reported no effect
• 1 that found a negative effect (assumed to be due to the stress created by driving across town after their embryo transfer to their acupuncturist)

There are many more fertility studies that show the positive effects of using acupuncture and Chinese medicine, either with or without with your western medical treatments (ART). We have put together a 19 page report on the Published Studies on Fertility Outcomes Using Chinese Medicine. Please contact us for access to this report.

This report includes research studies in 8 categories:

• Acupuncture and Embryo Transfer
  
• Acupuncture and Blood Flow to the Uterus and Ovaries
• Acupuncture and Sperm Quality & Count
• Acupuncture, Stress and Fertility
• Meta Analyses and Recent Reviews
• Acupuncture and Pregnancy
• Acupuncture and Endometriosis
• Acupuncture and PCOS

In addition, together with the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM), we are keeping a close eye on the latest research studies and findings.

Why IVF Doctors Recommend Acupuncture

We are fortunate to be living in the Pacific Northwest, where Chinese medicine has made a great impact on Western medicine, and its effectiveness is known widely. Most of the reproductive endocrinologists we work with frequently recommend acupuncture as part of IVF care for all the women they treat. Some of them provide it on-site, or refer to a nearby acupuncture clinic.

Other IVF specialists in the country may not be aware of all that acupuncture can do besides alleviating pain, or diminishing stress and anxiety. So, they may refer women who are nervous about the IVF process to us. Many times women find out about acupuncture through a friend or family member, or on their own through reading the latest social media post, and they seek out and begin treatment before they start IVF. This is the most ideal woman for us to treat. Here is why:

Why We Recommend Acupuncture for IVF

Because acupuncture has been around for thousands of years before modern scientific investigation, acupuncturists are not accustomed to basing our treatments on randomized controlled trials. We are also aware of the myriad of variability and loopholes in most research trials, so we do not base our treatments solely on these studies. Rather, we take a middle of the road approach, learning as much as we can from this research and applying it to our Chinese medicine theory.

Fertility acupuncture, like any kind of acupuncture, seeks to restore balance to your body. We seek to nourish your body and create a rich, healthy environment to support a pregnancy and birth. If you are going through a medicated cycle you will also benefit from our acupuncture programs.

So, even though we consider the IVF and reproductive medicine research, we also stay true to the medicine we are trained in. We work from the basis of Chinese medicine pattern identification and treat each woman as a unique individual, with special attention to her constitution, menstrual cycles, digestion, sleep patterns, and especially the emotional factors that create stress and anxiety in her life.

Quieting the Mind: Reducing Stress & Anxiety for IVF

IVF can be both incredibly exciting, as well as an emotional roller coaster. This is why we pay particular attention to the level of stress and anxiety our patients are going through. We take extra care to make sure each and every woman is receiving nurturing supportive care to help keep them calm and as relaxed as possible during each and every treatment leading up to their IVF medicated cycles.

When Should I Use Chinese Medicine?

Ideally you would plan to see your acupuncturist 6 months before any IVF protocol.

Improving Egg Quality Before IVF Retrieval

We use acupuncture to improve your ovarian reserve egg quality, by influencing the endocrine hormones that control follicle growth – specifically LH and FSH. Did you know it takes almost a full year for a selected egg to go through all stages of development before reaching the point of ovulation? This means that the time to improve egg quality is roughly 300 days before retrieval, and sooner if possible. Acupuncture supports all phases of follicle growth, which helps ensure the highest quality eggs at retrieval time.

Support During IVF Egg Retrieval

Improving Pregnancy & Live Birth Outcomes

We continue to support follicle development, and also use acupuncture to treat side effects from the IVF medications, most commonly:

• headaches
• soreness
• stress & anxiety
• irritability
• bloating
• low back pain
• breast tenderness

Before IVF Embryo Transfer

Acupuncture can directly improve blood circulation to your uterus and vital organs to enrich oxygen flow, which helps you build a healthy, plump uterine lining to receive a fertilized embryo. There are several acupuncture channels that directly correspond to the reproductive organs. These same meridians travel all the way down to your toes. By applying acupuncture to these channels we improve circulation and warmth in your belly, uterus, legs, and feet to create a warm and receptive baby “nest.”

During IVF Embryo Transfer

The 2002 landmark study included acupuncture right before and right after your transfer and because of this, we offer the option to accompany our patients to the IVF clinic to provide acupuncture just before and after their transfer. However, most women prefer coming to our acupuncture clinic because they find it more comfortable and conducive to relaxation. We recommend acupuncture the day before transfer (or the morning of) and then either immediately after or up to 24 hours after the transfer. We work together with you to choose the most convenient location for your post-transfer acupuncture.

After IVF Embryo Transfer

Anxiety can be high during the waiting period for the positive pregnancy test, which is not conducive to implantation. Embryos implant better when our stress hormones are low – specifically when your parasympathetic nervous system (often referred to the “rest and digest” system) is activated. Blood flow to your uterus increases when you are calm and relaxed. This is why we recommend acupuncture 2 times per week after your transfer if you tend to worry. Otherwise, one treatment a week will provide your body with the support you need to nourish your heart and calm your mind.

In addition to reducing stress and worry, our acupuncture treatments are focused on implantation, and securing your pregnancy. With a positive pregnancy test, we then recommend our pregnancy acupuncture protocol. Each trimester has unique needs for baby and momma.

We support and optimize all aspects of your wellness. Let us help you create a successful fertile journey in your life. Contact us at lotusleafacupuncture.com or call us at (360) 393-8302 to book your initial consultation to find out how we can support you on your fertility journey.