First of all, I HATE the word “infertility,” which is why you won’t see it much on this page. The term infertility has such a negative connotation and can severely inhibit a positive mindset. So, I don’t provide acupuncture for infertility. Instead, I provide fertility support, using acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. I believe a positive mindset is crucial to obtaining any long term goal, and your fertility journey is no exception. But don’t worry, I’m not expecting you to be happy-go-lucky, Miss Optimistic 100% of the time. I know that trying to conceive can be a stressful, long, and arduous journey. Luckily, acupuncture for fertility support can significantly increase your chances of becoming pregnant naturally, and I’ll tell you how.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Ashleigh Taylor-Schmidt, I provide acupuncture for fertility in Lakewood, Colorado. I knew I wanted to become an acupuncturist as a young adult. At first, I wanted to help EVERYONE because I know how AMAZING acupuncture is at treating so many ailments! BUT, it wasn’t until I had my first child that I found my true passion.
More than anything, I want to help other women who want to have a baby, do just that. I want you to take a positive pregnancy test, see the flicker of a heartbeat on the ultrasound screen, feel that first kick inside your belly, and hold your baby in your arms for the first time. There’s nothing else like it in the world.
Already know you’re ready to begin acupuncture for fertility support?
So, How Does Acupuncture Support Fertility?
There are six main ways acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help a couple achieve their goal of conceiving. Some are obvious, like reducing stress. Others are a bit more surprising. Keep in mind; however, every person is different, and everyone experiences fertility challenges in their own way. When seeking acupuncture for fertility support, your acupuncturist might work on all, or only some of the aspects listed below. Also, he or she might even incorporate western herbs or supplements and nutritional advice.
Acupuncture Reduces Stress and Anxiety
I know, I know, that’s the LAST thing you want to hear. I’m sure you’re thinking, “if someone tells me to relax one more time, I’m gonna go completely insane!” But hear me out: studies show that woman under high amounts of stress take 29% longer to fall pregnant than their less-stressed counterparts. Acupuncture for stress relief is proven to help bring the body out of the fight or flight mode.
Stress is frequently a critical component that contributes to infertility in both men and women. When people are stressed, the brain releases a hormone known as cortisol. Too much cortisol alters the brain and changes the hormone levels, which are vital to the reproductive cycle. Due to the delicate balance between the brain, pituitary gland, and the reproductive glands, stress can prevent ovulation all together. Stress can also cause spasms in the uterus and fallopian tubes, which may inhibit a fertilized egg from embedding into the uterine lining. In men, stress can alter sperm count, sperm motility and cause impotence. Acupuncture can counter the effects of stress, essentially freeing up your hormones to help make a baby!
Acupuncture Increases Blood Flow To The Reproductive Organs
Blood flow is incredibly important to every organ’s structure and function, but it’s especially important for your reproductive system. Blood brings vital nutrients to the uterine lining, as well as oxygen. As soon as your body expels the uterine lining during menstruation, it begins to replenish and rebuild. There needs to be enough tissue and blood vessels present for a fertilized embryo to be embedded into the uterine lining (called implantation). Without proper blood flow, the fertilized egg won’t be able to nestle soundly into the uterine wall, and pregnancy cannot occur.
Chinese Herbs Can Improve Egg Quality
Fertility specialists often talk about egg QUANTITY, but they hardly ever mention egg QUALITY. This always baffles me, because you only need one good, quality egg to make a baby. Chinese herbs and a healthy, clean diet, can have a profound effect on how eggs grow and mature. It takes an average of 85 days for an egg to develop and break free from the follicle. Once treatment begins, you’re providing the necessary nutrients for an egg that, in 85 days, will be ready for fertilization and implantation.
Acupuncture Helps Regulates Hormones
It’s hard to emphasize the importance of hormones when it comes to reproduction for both men and women. A well-oiled machine requires precise timing, certain levels of ingredients, and proper structure to function correctly. The reproductive system is no exception. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have a direct effect on the endocrine system, helping to regulate cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, all of which are essential to reproduction. As a bonus, regulating hormones can significantly decrease PMS symptoms such as cramps, mood changes, bloating, and breast tenderness.
Acupuncture Increases Restful Sleep
It’s no surprise that sleep is essential. But just how important is it when trying to conceive? It turns out, it’s one of the most crucial components when trying to prep your body to achieve a healthy pregnancy. And the reason is simple: hormones. Studies have confirmed that poor sleep can interfere with several hormones that regulate the reproductive systems, including Thyroid Stimulating Hormones (TSH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormones (LH). Insomnia also decreases your immunity, which can present difficulties when trying to conceive.
Acupuncture and Herbs Optimize The Uterine Environment
A fertilized embryo needs a place to set up camp for nine months, and that’s where your uterus comes in. Information about a woman’s menstrual cycle is a great way to learn about her uterine lining. Is your menstrual flow heavy, full of clots, and painful? Then you may have too much estrogen in your system, which could counteract progesterone. Is your menstrual flow scanty, irregular, and short? Then you may not have enough estrogen to help build a thick wall. By knowing what’s going on inside the uterus, an acupuncturist can help maintain the proper environment needed to carry a baby to term.
As you can see, acupuncture works from all different angles to help a couple conceive. If you or someone you know has had trouble with fertility or have experienced multiple miscarriages, acupuncture and Chinese herb may be able to help. Free consultations are available if you have any further questions about how I can help you increase your chances of bringing home a happy, healthy baby.