Right to the Point: Acupuncture as a Treatment for Infertility

Few hardships reach more people or kill more hope than infertility. Over 1 million women in the US struggle with infertility[1], and treatments such as in-vitro fertilization can cost more than $20,000 per attempt[2]. What few people realize is that there is an option more affordable, accessible, and natural: acupuncture.

Sound dubious? Of course, some causes of infertility cannot be cured by acupuncture or similar remedies. But many women with unexplained infertility have found success in receiving acupuncture treatments[3], and you or your loved one could be another! If you’re not convinced, let us debunk some of the most common myths about acupuncture and how it could give a happy ending to your infertility story.

Pregnancy & Fertility
Pregnancy & Fertility

Myth #1: Acupuncture hurts!

For most people unfamiliar with acupuncture, the treatment sounds like a run-in with a porcupine. In reality, the insertion of an acupuncture needle shouldn’t hurt any worse than a mild bug bite. Many patients don’t feel pain at all! The insertion of an acupuncture needle may cause feelings of heat, tingling, or heaviness, and some patients may feel some soreness after a treatment. But acupuncture is certainly less painful than infertility.

Myth #2: Acupuncture is just eastern mumbo jumbo.

It’s true that acupuncture is believed to have originated in China, but the concepts behind it aren’t very different from those behind massage therapy used throughout North America. Acupuncture is based on the simple idea that the body is made up of many different systems, such as the digestive and reproductive systems, that all connect to and influence each other. This idea is supported by many scientists and physicians.

Myth #3: Acupuncturists aren’t real doctors.

People may think of acupuncturists as uneducated people working out of their garages, but did you know that professional acupuncturists are usually licensed and often have additional certifications? Many have a degree (such as a Masters of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine), and some are medical doctors as well; you should be able to find an acupuncturist with whatever qualifications you are looking for. Still worried? Don’t be—many acupuncturists specializing in fertility also work closely with reproductive endocrinologists and fertility doctors to coordinate your treatments and healthcare.

Myth #4: Acupuncture can’t fix something as complex as infertility.

Remember the idea that the body’s systems affect each other? The low performance of a woman’s reproductive system is sometimes rooted in problems with one or more of the other systems in the woman’s body. The goal of acupuncture is to strengthen and regulate all systems of the body so that they can work together, thereby helping the reproductive system function properly. It may sound simple, but it is often effective. Medicinal herbs are often added to acupuncture for increased benefits.[4]

Myth #5: Acupuncture is too expensive.

You might be surprised by how affordable acupuncture can be, especially compared to other fertility treatments. But even if the price of acupuncture treatment seems high to you, it doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Some health insurance companies will reimburse for acupuncture treatments. Even if the acupuncturist or facility you choose doesn’t do direct insurance billing, you will always have the option of submitting a claim to your insurance company. In addition, many acupuncture facilities offer package discounts and payment plans.

Trying something new is always intimidating. But hopefully resolving some of the scariest and silliest misunderstandings about acupuncture has opened your mind to its possible benefits in the area of fertility. Don’t hesitate to do some more research or find an acupuncturist nearby. Your baby could be waiting.

[1] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/infertility.htm

[2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/learnvest/2014/02/06/the-cost-of-ivf-4-things-i-learned-while-battling-infertility/#155d147724dd

Lotus Spring Acupuncture and Wellness Inc., the best restorative acupuncture clinic in American Fork, UT, USA is dedicated to providing valuable information about Traditional Chinese Medicine’s solutions to Naturally  Restore Lungs Function.

The Link Between Lung Health and Nerve Growth

Have you ever thought about how the air we breathe affects more than just our lungs? It turns out, your lungs are super important not just for breathing but also for keeping your brain and nerves healthy.

Imagine your body is like a car engine, and oxygen is the fuel that keeps everything running smoothlyWithout enough fuel, things start to break down. Well, the same goes for your bodywithout enough oxygen, your brain and nerves might not work as well as they should. 

Did You Know?

Did you know that just a 1% drop in oxygen saturation can impair cognitive performance by up to 10%? Imagine you’re hiking up a high mountain, where the air is thin and oxygen is scarce. You might experience brain fog and find it hard to think clearly—this is because your brain needs steady supply of oxygen to stay sharp. But it’s not just about high-altitude hikes. Oxygen affects your daily life in surprising ways:

  1. Feeling Dizzy After Standing Up Quickly: Ever stood up too fast and felt lightheaded? This happens because your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen for a moment.

  2. Struggling with Focus During a Tough Workout: If you’re working out intensely and feel like your concentration is slipping, it might be due to lower oxygen levels in your body.

  3. Waking Up Groggy: If you have sleep apnea, you might wake up feeling tired because your body wasn’t getting enough oxygen during the night.
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“Inhale and Exhale to Stay Calm”: Ever notice in movies how characters are told to breathe deeply to stay calm? This is because deep breathing helps get more oxygen to your brain, which can help clear your mind and improve focus.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Oxygen?

If your lungs aren’t doing their job properly and your blood isn’t getting enough oxygen, you might face some serious problems:

  1. Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time because your body isn’t getting the energy it needs.

  2. Shortness of Breath: Struggling to breathe easily, even when you’re at rest.

  3. Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.

  4. Headaches: Frequent headaches due to low oxygen levels in the brain.

  5. Mood Changes: Feeling more irritable or down than usual, as oxygen levels affect your mood.

How Lung Health Supports Nerve Growth and Brain Function

Okay, let’s break this down into simpler terms. Think of your lungs as a big air pump. Their job is to take in oxygen from the air and put it into your blood. This oxygen-rich blood travels all over your body, including to your brain and nerves.

  1. Brain Power: Your brain needs a lot of oxygen to think clearly and learn new things. Healthy lungs make sure your brain gets the oxygen it needs to stay sharp.

  2. Nerve Growth: Just like plants need water to grow, your nerves need oxygen to stay healthy and grow. With enough oxygen, your nerves can work properly and repair themselves.

  3. Memory and Learning: Good oxygen levels help you remember things and learn new skills more easily.

Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy and Boost Oxygen Delivery

1. Breathing Exercises

What to Do: Try deep breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing. Breathe in deeply through your nose, letting your belly expand, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.

Why It Works: Deep breathing helps improve lung capacity and oxygen flow. Aim for 5-10 minutes of deep breathing exercises twice a day.

2.Stay Hydrated

What to Do: Drink plenty of water throughout the day—about 8 glasses (2 liters) daily.

Why It Works: Water helps keep mucus thin and easier to expel, improving lung function.

3.Eat Lung-Friendly Foods

What to Do: Include foods rich in antioxidants, like berriesapples, and leafy greens. Omega-3 rich foods like fish and flaxseeds are also great.

Why It Works: These foods help reduce inflammation and support lung health. Try to eat at least one serving of these foods daily.