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Fertility Therapies Interviews Men's Fertility mind-Body Fertility Pregnancy

Alternative Fertility Treatment: Acupuncture and Moxibustion

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 23, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

There is a wide array of natural healing methods that aid in infertility; acupuncture combined with moxibustion is one of them. Acupuncture aids in the health of the whole person, healing many different aspects of the person. This includes not only the body, but the mind and spirit as well. Acupuncture is whole body healing; this therapy is recommended as part of general health maintenance.

If you are a person who has never tried acupuncture, it may seem scary. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting needles into the body to stimulate healing. A complete intake form and assessment is done with the patient prior to treatment. It is very similar to going to any sort of health practitioner’s office.

The acupuncturist chooses certain points on the body to insert the needles, based on what they feel needs to be stimulated for healing. The needles are inserted using a gentle tap. The practitioner then manipulates the needles. The needles used are very thin and most points are painless. The needles are not inserted very deep.

Some Acupuncturists find that using moxibustion in combination with acupuncture greatly enhances the healing of infertility. There are different types of moxibustion, also called moxa. Moxa comes from the word mugosa, which means Mugwort herb. Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) is burned in different ways for moxa treatment. The intention of using moxa is to bring heat to the area being treated. Mugwort is known to stimulate blood flow to the pelvic area, especially the uterus. This enhances the healing benefits of acupuncture. It is especially effective for what Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) refers to as blood stasis, or a cold uterus. This is explained more in the interview below. You can see acupuncture and moxibustion treatment being performed in this video…

[green_box title=”Video: Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Natural Fertility Health”][/green_box]

Interview with Acupuncturist Alicia De Martin, L.Ac.

NFI: How can Acupuncture support healthy fertility?

Alicia: Acupuncture enhances circulation of blood in the pelvis, relaxes the cervix and uterus, regulates the menstrual cycle, and can even dissolve small fibroids, when combined with Chinese herbal therapy. Acupuncture is also helpful in regulating hormone levels- especially low progesterone, and treating PCOS. Acupuncture is also excellent at treating stress and anxiety, which often occur with a diagnosis of infertility.

NFI: Can acupuncture be complementary treatment for medical fertility treatments?

Alicia: Absolutely. In fact, fertility MDs often recommend acupuncture treatments while a patient is undergoing IVF, as acupuncture has been clinically found to enhance success rates of IVF from 40-60%!

NFI: Who is a good candidate for acupuncture specific to fertility?

Alicia: I have worked successfully with patients who have a diagnosis of poor pelvic blood flow, blocked fallopian tubes, PCOS, and luteal phase defect. Often, there is not a definite western medical diagnosis for the infertility, but Chinese medicine can uncover more subtle imbalances that are at the root of a patient’s infertility.

NFI: Is acupuncture for fertility good for men as well? Can it aid in low sperm health and count?

Alicia: Yes. Chinese herbs are often used in combination with acupuncture for poor sperm count, mobility or morphology issues. Sperm health is related to general health. In TCM, we believe that poor sperm health can be addressed in looking at the diet and lifestyle of the patient as well, so I often recommend diet and lifestyle changes.

NFI: Women already receiving acupuncture for fertility often wonder what a cold uterus means; could you please explain.

Alicia: I see lots of this presentation clinically! Working (or playing!) outside in the cold during menses or with an exposed midsection allows cold to enter into the uterus through the open cervix or umbilicus. Cold causes cramps made better with heat application to the belly, as well as other symptoms. Cold creates stagnation of qi and blood and can lead to issues with the menstrual cycle and eventually to fertility issues if the stagnation is severe enough. Cold uterus is treated through a combination of moxibustion (needle-top moxa) and internally-warming herbs.

NFI: What is moxibustion? How does it aid in healthy fertility?

Alicia: Moxibustion is the application of prepared Artemesia that is lit and burned either directly on an acupuncture point, or used to warm the acupuncture needle by heating the needle shaft with moxa burning on the handle. Moxa is warming, moving, and tonifying and I often use it to warm the uterus.

NFI: For women preparing for IVF, how far in advance of the transfer should a woman begin acupuncture? How often after the transfer should she get acupuncture?

Alicia: As soon as a woman knows she will begin IVF cycle is the best time, ideally. At the very least 1 month before transfer, twice per week. After the transfer within 24 hours ideally.

If you are someone who has suffered with difficulties in trying to conceive, or have known fertility issues such as PCOS, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, etc., you may want to consider acupuncture as part of your Natural Fertility healing plan. If you are a woman that already receives acupuncture regularly, but have never had moxibustion done, ask your acupuncturist if it may be right for you.

It is important to remember that acupuncture cannot be as effective if other healthy lifestyle habits are not in place, such as proper diet and exercise! Be well and walk in peace!

Special thanks to Alicia DeMartin, L.Ac. for sharing her expertise with us! Alicia lives and practices in Fairfield, CT.

References

  • Millstine, D., MD. (n.d.). Acupuncture – Special Subjects. Retrieved from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/integrative,-complementary,-and-alternative-medicine/acupuncture
  • Millstine, D., MD. (n.d.). Moxibustion – Special Subjects. Retrieved from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/special-subjects/integrative,-complementary,-and-alternative-medicine/moxibustion

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
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@NaturalFertilityInfo

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Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
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The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

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👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

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👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

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View

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The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Based on new studies, we now know that this may not be true. 🤯

There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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View

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The Male Fertility Cleanse Kit helps to support men to cleanse and detox excess hormones, toxins, increase circulation and promote hormone balance. 

👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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naturalfertilityinfo

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Open
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It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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