At Temple Acupuncture and Wellness we treat a wide variety of disorders. The acupuncture points we choose for each person are unique and depend on the specific diagnosis we formulate for each person. Our expertise in choosing which points to use in each particular case is what makes our treatments so effective.
In the past 10 years, acupuncture has made a name for itself in the medical community in the U.S. It has gained acceptance and respect by leading researchers in the field of medicine.
According to the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health, there are over 200 conditions which can be effectively treated by acupuncture such as:
Musculoskeletal disorders: arthritis, low back pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle cramping.
Digestive disorders: acid reflux, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, weight loss.
Respiratory disorders: allergies, colds & flus, bronchitis, asthma, emphysema.
Emotional disorders: stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, smoking and other addictions.
Neurological disorders: headaches, migraines, Bell’s palsy, neuralgia, stroke, post-operative pain.
Ear, Nose & Throat disorders: toothaches, earaches, sinusitis, rhinitis, laryngitis.
Circulatory disorders: hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris.
Urogenital disorders: cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatic hypertrophy.
Gynecological disorders: PMS, menstrual irregularities, menopause, endometriosis.
Fertility
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been treating fertility for thousands of years through acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Whether you are trying to conceive on your own or with the assistance of modern technology, we can help.
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats the following:
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
- PMS
- Endometriosis
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
- Fibroids
- Certain causes of miscarriage
- Decreased libido
- Poor uterine lining
- Prior IVF Failure
- Low ovarian reserve
- Low sperm count, quality and motility
In the recent years the science behind many studies reveal that:
- Acupuncture increases blood flow to the reproductive organs, improving ovarian function, egg quality and increasing uterine lining thickness
- Acupuncture regulates hormone levels by moderating the release of beta-endorphin levels in the brain, which improves the release of gonadatropin releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, follicle stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland, and estrogen and progesterone levels from the ovary
- Acupuncture improves sperm count and motility
- Acupuncture reduces stress and a hyperactive sympathetic nervous system response
- Acupuncture helps moderate cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin levels in the uterus, reducing uterine motility to improve implantation rates
- Acupuncture can dramatically improve success rates for IVF patients
Acupuncture for Uterine Blood Flow Pre IVF
Acupuncture increases blood flow to the ovaries and uterus to increase fertility potential with IVF. A study conducted at the Fertility Center Scandinavia in Gothenburg, Sweden, researchers sought to evaluate whether electro acupuncture (EA) can reduce impedance and increase blood flow in the uterine arteries. In this study, women received EA eight times, twice a week for 4 weeks. This study indicated that blood flow to the uterine arteries was significantly increased not only during the time of treatments, but for up to 14 days after! This study shows that acupuncture can be particularly useful to women that have known blood flow issues to the uterus and ovaries, but it can help all women going through IVF. Acupuncture treatments can also assist in creating a thicker uterine lining and increased follicular maturation leading up to and during an IVF cycle. In addition, acupuncture is well documented to improve sleep, reduce stress and anxiety and improve overall health. These factors are often times critical to achieving and maintaining a normal pregnancy. At Temple Acupuncture we recommend 2 treatments twice a week for 4 weeks prior to the egg retrieval.
Acupuncture and the Embryo Transfer Procedure
Increased uterine contractions at the time of embryo transfer have been associated with poor implantation outcome. Acupuncture treatments have been shown to relax the uterus, stabilize the endocrine system and calm the patient. These combined effects decrease the chance of uterine contractions and enhance a positive implantation and pregnancy. At Temple Acupuncture we recommend having the acupuncture treatment within 24 hours prior to the scheduled embryo transfer. Acupuncture post-transfer will be determined based on several factors. We take into account the stage of development of your transferred embryo/embryos, your amount of time on bed-rest per your physician, and your personal history. Generally we see patients within 48 hours post-transfer, but sometimes 3-4 days post-transfer.
The goals of pre/post-embryo transfer acupuncture treatment are:
- Relaxation (less stress produces higher pregnancy rates)
- Improved blood flow to the uterus to promote higher implantation rates
- Decreased uterine spasms and cramping to improve implantation rates
- Decreased incidence of miscarriage
Continuing Acupuncture after IVF: supporting early pregnancy
Acupuncture treatments should be continued throughout the first trimester to protect early pregnancy and prevent miscarriage. Chinese medicine has a long history of treating underlying factors that can lead to miscarriage. At Temple Acupuncture, we continue to see women once per week through the 12th week of pregnancy.