Can Acupuncture Help Implantation?

For couples trying to conceive, the two-week wait after embryo transfer can feel like an eternity. Trying to stay busy while checking for signs of implantation to occur can seem cumbersome. Even with the most cutting-edge assisted reproductive technologies, successful implantation and achieving a healthy pregnancy are not guaranteed.

Many women are exploring receiving acupuncture not only for its stress-relieving benefits during this anxious period but also for improving blood flow and improving implantation rates directly. In this study, acupuncture was shown to be effective in aiding implantation. When used alongside other treatments, both acupuncture and moxibustion were found to increase the clinical pregnancy rates among women undergoing IVF.

Acupuncture may aid embryo implantation by improving blood flow to the uterus, reducing stress, and balancing hormones, reducing inflammation, potentially enhancing the environment for implantation.

Should you have acupuncture before or after implantation?

For optimal results, many fertility experts recommend an integrated approach to receiving acupuncture both before and after your embryo transfer procedure. This allows you to take advantage of acupuncture's benefits during each critical stage of your implantation process.

Before your transfer, acupuncture helps prepare your body to create an environment desirable for implantation, preparing your uterus to accept the embryo.

We also recommend having acupuncture shortly after the embryo has been transferred, to continue supporting the implantation journey. Post-transfer treatments support embryo adhesion, further increase uterine perfusion, and maintain hormonal balance as the embryo attempts to attach to your uterine lining. Our clients usually attend regular acupuncture sessions until taking a pregnancy test, with some continuing acupuncture therapy into their first trimester and second trimester, and even post-pregnancy!

Our fertility acupuncturists coordinate the timing giving you the best possible advantage for achieving the successful implantation you've been hoping for.

Acupuncture can increase uterine blood flow

Robust blood flow to the uterine lining is essential for implantation and providing the nutrients an embryo needs to thrive in the earliest stages of pregnancy. The uterine arteries must dilate and microcirculation must increase to allow more blood to reach the area. However, the hormonal imbalances, medications, and stress involved with IVF and IUI can instead restrict blood vessel dilation and uterine blood flow.

Studies show that acupuncture can improve the uterine artery blood flow. The enhanced uterine blood perfusion optimizes conditions for the embryo to receive ample oxygen and nourishment, while also allowing more hormones to reach the implantation site. This rich, metabolically active uterine environment gives your embryo its best chance to properly adhere and begin establishing a blood supply and placental connection.

Acupuncture may improve embryo attachment

One of the first critical steps for successful implantation is the embryo fully adhering (attaching) to the uterine wall lining. Without strong attachment, implantation cannot progress. Research suggests acupuncture may help optimize this embryo adhesion process encouraging the production of proteins that allow embryos to attach to the uterine lining more effectively.

Some studies have also examined how acupuncture impacts the expression of key implantation proteins within the cells of the uterine lining itself. Certain proteins like leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) play an essential role in signaling the uterus to create a hospitable environment while also facilitating adhesion between the embryo and uterine wall.

This increased availability of adhesion proteins helps the embryo effectively latch onto the uterine lining and signal its presence. It's one of the first crucial steps before invasion into the lining can begin. By promoting this biological adhesion process, acupuncture helps create the ideal conditions for implantation to successfully take hold inside your body.

Acupuncture regulates hormones & reduces stress

Acupuncture is believed to influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, which is crucial for hormonal balance. By stimulating specific acupuncture points, acupuncture can modulate the release of hormones such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), all of which are vital for reproductive processes.

As mentioned, acupuncture can also enhance blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Improved blood circulation can create a more favorable environment for embryo implantation by ensuring the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and hormones. This enhancement of local blood flow may also help in regulating your estrogen and progesterone levels. These hormones are essential for preparing the endometrium (uterine lining) for implantation and supporting early pregnancy.

This time in your pregnancy journey can be very stressful, and the good news is that acupuncture may reduce stress levels and the associated physiological effects. Stress causes an inflammatory response while elevating cortisol levels and other hormones that can restrict fertility and discourage implantation.

Studies show receiving acupuncture is associated with significantly lower self-reported stress, anxiety, and depression levels compared to routine care or other control groups among women undergoing fertility treatments. By reducing the physiological and emotional impacts of stress, acupuncture creates a calmer, more hospitable internal environment to allow your embryo the best chance at implanting successfully.

Other therapies can be used during and after implantation

Massage therapy can also help women during implantation. With a specialized massage from our skilled practitioners, you’ll benefit and feel immediate stress release as we focus on relieving key muscle tension and encourage your body to relax during this special window of time. This will also make it easier for your body to move lymph and improve circulation and mobility during pregnancy workouts and yoga sessions.

How soon after embryo transfer should I have acupuncture?

We understand that there is a critical time window when it comes to using acupuncture to support implantation after your embryo transfer.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we recommended starting acupuncture sessions 6 to 8 weeks before transfer. Pre-transfer acupuncture helps prepare the uterine environment by increasing blood flow, regulating hormone levels, and reducing stress levels. This primes (educates) the body to readily be in a relaxed state and naturally support healthy conditions for implantation once the embryo has been transferred.

Then, after the transfer is complete, the progressive fertility experts recommend receiving acupuncture sessions within a few hours after the transfer. Post-transfer acupuncture helps with blood flow, relieving stress and cramping. Cramping can make it harder for the embryo to “stick” and burrow. It maintains increased circulation to the uterus while keeping inflammation levels balanced.

From there, patients are encouraged to continue with acupuncture at least 2 times per week until taking a pregnancy test around 14 days after transfer. These regular sessions support implantation progression and early embryonic development during that critical two-week window.

Get in touch with us today

Embryo implantation can be a stressful time for couples, but with the holistic approach and wisdom of ancient medicine of acupuncture, many women are having positive experiences on their journey to be mothers. 

At Integrative Healing Arts, our experienced fertility acupuncturists understand the complexities of the implantation process as well as how to apply acupuncture for optimal results. We develop customized treatment plans synced to your IVF cycle that include acupuncture surrounding embryo transfer day. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive support system to facilitate implantation and early pregnancy.

Contact our office to learn more about how adding acupuncture to your fertility care may increase your chances of taking home a happy, healthy baby. Our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Improving Egg Quality After 40 Naturally

A woman's chances of becoming pregnant naturally decline with age, so if you've found yourself reading this article in search of ways to enhance egg quality after 40, you’re probably already familiar with most of the statistics that proclaim this. 

Even though there is little we can do to stop the natural decline in number of eggs as we age, there are fertility supplements you may take, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle modifications you can make to improve the quality of your eggs after 40 and increase your chances of becoming pregnant. 

For women over 40, the chances of getting pregnant can feel impossibly small due to declining egg quality and ovarian reserve. However, there are effective natural therapies that can help improve egg quality after 40 by enhancing ovarian function, balancing hormones, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting overall reproductive wellness. With a holistic approach, many women can boost their fertility potential.

The importance of egg quality in women 

A woman's eggs develop with all the genetic material they'll ever have by the time she is born. This finite ovarian reserve starts dwindling throughout her life through monthly ovulation. Some women continue to be fertile in their 40s and some women in their 20s and early 30s experience infertility. What is mostly true is that by age 40, most women have lost 90% of their ovarian reserve.

Older women will have fewer eggs in number, and can also struggle with consistent egg quality. Aging increases the likelihood of eggs having chromosomal abnormalities or other defects that can prevent healthy fertilization or embryonic development. Poor egg quality is one of the barriers but not the only barrier to natural fertility and IVF success rates in women of advanced maternal age.

At least 50% of infertility is related to problems with male reproductive issues.  Studies show that the degrading of sperm DNA is related to poor embryo development and repeated miscarriages. This means that males need to take supplements as well and make dietary and lifestyle adjustments to improve their health and sperm quality.

Acupuncture can improve blood flow to the ovaries 

Acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine and a component of traditional Chinese medicine is one way you can improve egg quality. One of the primary ways that natural therapies like acupuncture can boost egg quality in older women is by increasing circulation and blood flow to the ovaries. The ovaries rely on a steady supply of nutrient-rich, oxygenated blood to function properly and produce viable eggs.

By inserting fine needles into specific acupoints on the body, our acupuncturists can stimulate increased blood flow to your ovaries and other reproductive organs. Multiple studies have found that women receiving consistent acupuncture treatments responded with a higher number of high-quality, mature eggs during IVF cycles compared to those not receiving acupuncture.

The improved ovarian blood flow delivers vital components like proteins, hormones, antioxidants, and growth factors, creating an optimal environment for egg development and maturation. Better circulation also helps remove waste products that could potentially damage delicate egg cells.

How does acupuncture regulate hormones?

After age 40, women's reproductive hormone levels can fluctuate erratically month-to-month and year-to-year. Disruptions in the natural hormonal balance and cycling of FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, and other key hormones can interrupt the ovulation cycle and make it difficult to ovulate with regularity or achieve successful implantation.

Acupuncture has clinically been shown to help regulate and normalize hormones that are critical for ovulation and fertility. By prompting better hormone modulation, it can help restart regular ovulation and menstrual cycles in older women. This allows for higher-quality eggs to be released during each fertile window, increasing the odds of natural conception.

Herbal therapies & improved diet

Acupuncture is a safe and wonderful option for older women who wish to become pregnant, but it’s not the only therapy we have at our disposal to improve reproductive health. Certain herbs and herbal medicine used in traditional Chinese medicine have therapeutically been used for centuries to enhance egg quality and ovarian function. When delivered by an experienced herbalist, customized herbal medicine has been used to restore fertility in many women over the age of forty.

Dietary choices also play an important role in a woman’s fertility success over 40. Certain superfoods like dong quai, cinnamon, peony, and chaste tree berries promote better egg maturation and ovarian response. Supplements like CoQ10, alpha lipoic acid, melatonin, and vitamin E also demonstrate protective benefits for egg quality.

Managing oxidative stress 

As women get older, their eggs become increasingly vulnerable to oxidative damage from free radicals and inflammation. This oxidative stress can impair egg quality by harming DNA and disrupting proper cell division and maturation of the egg. Reducing oxidative stress is crucial for improving egg quality after 40.

Prioritize a good night’s sleep

Undoubtedly, getting enough sleep is essential to leading a healthy lifestyle, but did you also know that it has a direct impact on the fertility and quality of eggs? Our bodies heal damaged tissues, replenish energy reserves, and produce reproductive hormones when we sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep will allow for the production of eggs that are both high-quality and healthful.

The hormone melatonin, which is produced at night, is essential for controlling sleep and maintaining the quality of eggs. Melatonin may help with ovulation, embryo growth, and oocyte quality in addition to improving reproductive capabilities, according to research. We recommend maintaining a balanced diet, stress management, and limiting your screen time before bed to naturally raise your body's synthesis of melatonin.

Changes in lifestyle

Changes in your lifestyle not only affect overall health but can also be beneficial for improving your egg quality after 40. Regular exercise can support healthy hormone levels and a healthy pelvic floor. Practicing mind-body techniques like yoga, breathwork, and meditation can directly counter the effects of stress on fertility. These practices lower cortisol levels, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote a state of hormonal balance more conducive to ovulation and egg health.

We also highly recommend massage therapy and a good stress management program. We encounter stressors everywhere and over time, we tend to bottle up all of our anxieties in our muscles, causing pain. Prolonged stress leads to elevated cortisol levels, too, and that also negatively affects your egg quality.

It is evident that smoking is deleterious to health but most people don’t know that vaping also has a negative impact on health and on fertility.  Numerous health issues are linked to smoking, and studies have shown that it lowers the quantity and quality of eggs produced. Egg cells' DNA is mutated by chemicals found in cigarettes. These altered eggs are regarded as low-quality and frequently unstable for fertilization. 

Whatever may be contributing to your fertility struggles, Integrating Healing Arts offers a wide variety of treatment methods. We’ll sit down with you one-on-one to discuss your fertility goals and help you plan a treatment protocol that suits you. 

Book an appointment with us today 

The path to conceiving after 40 can be challenging, but effective natural solutions do exist. Even for women who have struggled with infertility for years, it's not too late to potentially improve egg quality through holistic therapies and with the help of acupuncture.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we develop customized natural fertility plans that integrate acupuncture, herbal medicine, mind-body coaching, nutritional counseling, and other services. Book a consultation at our clinic today to get started on your customized natural fertility plan.

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Check out our book, ‘Will I Ever Get Pregnant? The Smart Woman's Guide to Get Pregnant Naturally Over 40’ for more information on how to successfully get pregnant naturally.

The Benefits Of Acupuncture During Second Trimester Of Pregnancy

For many women, pregnancy symptoms are at their worst during the first trimester, but that doesn’t mean the second trimester doesn’t come with its own set of challenges. For some women symptoms like nausea can continue throughout the second trimester. As your baby continues to grow and your womb continues to expand, this places extra pressure on surrounding nerves, muscles, and organs which can lead to some unpleasant symptoms. Ever-changing hormone levels can contribute to second-trimester symptoms, too. If you’re in the middle of your pregnancy, you’ll be pleased to learn about the benefits of acupuncture during the second trimester of pregnancy, and how this centuries-old holistic therapy can benefit you.

Acupuncture provides expectant mothers with muscle and joint pain relief, all while reducing stress and promoting sound, restful sleep so you can conserve your energy before your baby arrives. 

Acupuncture soothes back and hip pain

During pregnancy, the body produces a hormone called relaxin. As its name implies, relaxin loosens the joints and muscles in the pelvic floor to make it easier for your baby to pass through during childbirth. Unfortunately, because relaxin keeps things loose, it can contribute to back and hip pain and even pelvic floor problems.

Of course, relaxin isn’t the only contributing factor to back and hip pain during pregnancy. The physical weight and pressure that a growing baby places on your insides can contribute to discomfort as well. Either way, the good news is that acupuncture can provide women in their second trimester with back and hip pain relief.

When your joints become loose, often, the surrounding muscles and joints become contracted in an attempt to compensate. Contracted muscles quickly become painful, and just because they’re working overtime that doesn’t mean they’re strong. In fact, they can be quite weak. Acupuncture can help overtaxed back and hip muscles relax so you can begin to use them properly and regain your strength.

Acupuncture is completely safe to use during pregnancy, and it can make a world of difference in your comfort level. Combining acupuncture with some gentle exercises, like yoga, can help reduce your back and hip pain throughout your pregnancy. 

Acupuncture supports pelvic floor health

During pregnancy, growing pressure is placed on the pelvic floor. Many women experience constipation, incontinence, and/or leakage as their pregnancy progresses. When these muscles become overly weakened, this can contribute to pelvic floor issues like cystocele after pregnancy as well.

Acupuncture’s musculoskeletal benefits go beyond the back and hips. The muscles in your pelvic floor will also benefit from regular acupuncture sessions. Acupuncture cannot reduce the impact that a growing baby has on your bladder or intestines. But it can help tone pelvic floor muscles and improve bowel movements and urination as much as possible.

Acupuncture sends blood to the pelvic floor region. This not only helps promote and restore healthy muscle function, but it also tones the uterus itself. The supply of blood supports a healthy endometrium, nourishing your baby as it grows.

For many mothers, we recommend continuing acupuncture during postpartum to help the pelvic floor muscles recover. Acupuncture during the postpartum period is also beneficial for reducing stress, promoting sleep, and fighting off the “baby blues”.

Acupuncture can help you manage stress

Stress is something we all have to deal with. Even if you have a good stress management plan in place, stress can still creep up on you when you’re pregnant. That’s due in large part to the fact that, during pregnancy, cortisol levels begin to climb.

It’s normal to experience some higher levels of cortisol during pregnancy — and estrogen and progesterone, for that matter. Your body relies on these hormones to sustain a pregnancy. However, they can have an impact on your emotional well-being, resulting in an increase in stress.

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or even depressed, acupuncture can help you address these second-trimester pregnancy symptoms. Acupuncture modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, regulating cortisol levels. Acupuncture also promotes the release of endorphins, which enhance your well-being and make it much easier to have a positive outlook on life.

Acupuncture is a fantastic holistic treatment for stress for people from all walks of life. In some cases, we may use acupuncture in tandem with other treatments, like herbal medicine, to enhance the influence of both. Keeping stress levels in check is important for your health as well as your baby’s, so prioritizing stress management is paramount. 

Acupuncture supports restful sleep

As your pregnancy progresses, you may find that good sleep gets harder and harder to come by. This can only add to your sense of stress. You know that you need to get as much sleep as possible before the baby comes. But it seems like your body just keeps fighting you. The more you try to sleep, the more your body stays awake. It’s a vicious cycle.

Fortunately, acupuncture can be used to break this cycle. Regular acupuncture sessions release deep-seated muscle tension, and this benefit alone can make it easier to sleep. After all, when our body is relaxed, it’s much easier for our mind to relax, too.

But acupuncture’s sleep-boosting benefits don’t stop there. Acupuncture has also been shown to regulate serotonin levels. Known as the “happy hormone”, serotonin promotes feelings of wellness, while also acting as the precursor to another hormone: melatonin.

With your serotonin and melatonin levels back in alignment, you’ll find sleep comes much easier to you. So you can finally put your feet up and relax and enjoy your pregnancy. 

Book your first appointment today

Pregnancy is different for every woman. At Integrative Healing Arts, we understand that each patient is different, and we treat all of our clients like the unique individuals they are. When you come in for your first appointment, we’ll discuss your pregnancy symptoms, health concerns, and future goals, and create a protocol that will put you on the path to meeting them.

Contact us today to book your first appointment. We’ll help you get started with a customized acupuncture treatment plan that addresses all of your second-trimester symptoms and sets you and your baby up for success for the rest of your pregnancy — and even after.

Get in touch today and experience the powerful benefits of acupuncture for yourself!

The Benefits Of Acupuncture During First Trimester Of Pregnancy

Many women seek acupuncture to help them restore their fertility and become pregnant, but did you know that acupuncture is also safe to be used during pregnancy? Acupuncture is gentle as it is effective, making it the perfect natural alternative therapy to turn to when you’re facing the sometimes challenging symptoms associated with pregnancy. If you recently discovered you’re pregnant and you’re wondering, “What are the benefits of acupuncture during the first trimester of pregnancy?”, then you’ve come to the right place!

Acupuncture has a balancing effect on the endocrine system, reducing stress levels and balancing pregnancy hormones. Acupuncture can help alleviate morning sickness, cravings, and other symptoms characteristic of the first trimester of pregnancy. 

Acupuncture supports the endocrine system

One of the main reasons why women experience pregnancy symptoms during their first trimester is because of the rapid changes happening in the body and fluctuating hormones. After conception, hormones like estrogen and progesterone rise, and it can take a few weeks before the levels of these hormones even out. Fortunately, acupuncture can help balance hormones during the first trimester by supporting the endocrine system.

The endocrine system is a network of glands that produce and release hormones, with each gland influencing different bodily functions. When it comes to pregnancy, it’s important to keep the endocrine system healthy by taking steps to support the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Keeping this specific network in alignment can help alleviate pregnancy symptoms.

During pregnancy, cortisol levels rise. This is normal, however, excessively high cortisol levels have been linked to adverse outcomes and higher rates of postpartum depression, and associated with fetal development issues. High cortisol levels can also put the mother at risk of health complications. By getting acupuncture during your first trimester, you can encourage your body to regulate cortisol at healthy levels and support balancing estrogen, progesterone, and other hormones needed during pregnancy.

Although researchers still don’t fully understand why, acupuncture has a modulating effect on the HPA axis, regulating cortisol levels and supporting the body’s ability to produce sex hormone levels healthy to sustain a pregnancy. Evening out these hormones can be a bit of a balancing act. But, with the help of acupuncture, it’s a lot easier. 

Acupuncture eases many first-trimester pregnancy symptoms

Morning sickness is a common complaint among women during the first trimester and can extend well into the second trimester as well. It’s believed that morning sickness is caused by fluctuating hormones, so it only makes sense that research would show acupuncture to be an effective treatment for this common pregnancy complaint.

If you’re dealing with pregnancy cravings or a lack of appetite, acupuncture can help with these symptoms as well. Acupuncture can be used to restore normal hunger signals. Bringing your appetite back into balance will allow you to enjoy a healthy diet and get all of the vitamins and minerals you need during your pregnancy.

During the first trimester, a woman’s body goes through many changes. Many women develop breast pain during this time, too. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for cyclical breast pain and mastitis, as well as breast pain associated with pregnancy. Self-breast massage can provide relief as well.

Another symptom women experience during the first trimester is an increased urge to urinate. As the uterus expands, it places pressure on the bladder, so you feel like you need to empty it more often. Although acupuncture cannot relieve the pressure the womb places on the bladder during pregnancy, it can support the muscle tone of the pelvic floor by increasing blood flow and reducing tension in the muscles themselves. This will allow you to empty your bladder more fully and may reduce the sensation of urgency.

Acupuncture alleviates mood swings and supports sleep

With fluctuating hormones come mood swings, another common symptom of early pregnancy. Some women develop anxiety and/or depression during the first trimester. The good news is that acupuncture can improve these symptoms as well. Acupuncture has been shown to improve anxiety and depression by balancing neurotransmitters, especially serotonin.

Serotonin is also known as the happy hormone. This neurotransmitter promotes a sense of well-being, making you feel calm and content. Adequate serotonin levels are needed to combat anxiety and to eliminate feelings of depression. Simply by getting acupuncture, you can help regulate your serotonin levels so you feel better during the first trimester of your pregnancy — and even beyond.

Boosting serotonin helps in another way, too. We know that acupuncture can balance cortisol levels, and this will help improve the quality of your sleep. But, the body needs melatonin for sleep, too, and serotonin is the precursor of melatonin. Acupuncture works to support sleep in more ways than one to ensure you plenty of rest during the first trimester. 

Other therapies can be used during your first trimester, too

For women experiencing mild symptoms during their first trimester, acupuncture alone may be enough. However, if your symptoms are severe, we may recommend additional therapies to help you find relief.

Massage therapy can also be used to help women during pregnancy. With a good massage, you’ll feel your stress melt away as we address muscle tension and encourage your body to relax. This will also make it easier to move your body during your pregnancy yoga sessions and workouts.

Herbal medicine is another therapy we can utilize to address first-trimester pregnancy symptoms. While you should never take herbal remedies without the guidance of a licensed herbalist (especially during pregnancy), with the help of a professional, certain herbs can be used to restore balance to your body during pregnancy. This will also help alleviate any symptoms you may have. 

Get in touch with us today

Contact our office to learn more about using acupuncture during pregnancy. We’ll answer any questions you may have and help you book your first appointment.

We create customized treatment plants for all of our clients, and we understand that every woman’s needs are unique. During your first visit, we’ll sit down with you to discuss your symptoms and create a holistic protocol that will give you real results. 

At Integrative Healing Arts, we’ve helped many moms-to-be ease their pregnancy symptoms and enjoy their pregnancies. Don’t delay — get in touch with us today so we can help you, too.

Is Acupuncture Safe During Pregnancy?

Acupuncture is incredibly safe and effective, especially when it comes to reproductive health. Acupuncture can be used to regulate hormone levels, enhance egg and sperm quality, and even help women undergoing assisted reproductive treatments like IVF and IUI get pregnant. Because of its adaptogenic nature, acupuncture is a suitable treatment for a variety of conditions. It’s highly effective and very safe. But, the question is, is acupuncture safe during pregnancy? If so, what benefits does it have to offer expecting mothers?

Studies reveal that acupuncture is safe to use during pregnancy and has very few adverse side effects. Acupuncture can be used to support hormonal balance, reduce pregnancy symptoms, and prepare you for labor. 

Acupuncture is safe to use during pregnancy

If you’re considering using acupuncture during pregnancy, then rest assured, acupuncture is completely safe to use throughout your gestation. But, you don’t have to take our word for it. There are numerous studies that show acupuncture is safe for use in expectant mothers.

In a review of 25 studies, acupuncture was determined to be safe for use in pregnant women. The most commonly reported side effect was discomfort at the needle site during needle insertion and/or after treatment, which was considered a mild complaint. According to the review, acupuncture did not contribute to any adverse delivery outcomes.

One study examined the safety of acupuncture at “forbidden points”, which are acupuncture points that are considered forbidden during pregnancy and avoided because they can move Qi strongly. However, the study concluded that even stimulation of these points with acupuncture and electroacupuncture did not result in any adverse delivery outcomes.

The research shows that acupuncture is a safe alternative therapy for women to utilize for support throughout their pregnancies. There is no reliable evidence that indicates acupuncture is unsafe or that it can contribute to complications during pregnancy or labor. Don’t let misinformation scare you if you’re considering getting acupuncture during your pregnancy, you can rest easy knowing that the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. 

Acupuncture supports conception and implantation

Research consistently shows that acupuncture is safe to be used for pregnant women, but the evidence goes even further. Not only is acupuncture safe for use during pregnancy, but there is also evidence to suggest that acupuncture can help women conceive and become pregnant.

According to a randomized controlled trial, acupuncture improved fertility among women, and “shortened the time to conception by half” compared to lifestyle adjustments alone. This is excellent news for women undergoing IUI treatments, as well as those dealing with subfertility.

And, in this study, acupuncture was also found to be effective at supporting implantation. When used as an adjunct therapy, acupuncture (as well as moxibustion) was found to increase the rate of clinical pregnancy among women undergoing IVF treatments: 35% of women in the acupuncture group achieved clinical pregnancy, versus only 7.1% in the control group and 10.7% in the sham group.

Overall, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that not only is acupuncture safe for use during pregnancy, but it can actually help women become pregnant. Acupuncture increases blood flow to the ovaries to support ovulation, and to the uterus, which tones the muscle itself and enables the body to build a healthy endometrium that is receptive to both conception and implantation.

Using acupuncture to ease pregnancy symptoms

Acupuncture supports the body throughout pregnancy. Countless women have turned to acupuncture to address a variety of pregnancy-related symptoms, including morning sickness, hip, back, and pelvic pain, headaches, insomnia, and much more.

Many women in their first trimester and even women in their second trimester come to us with complaints of morning sickness, difficulty sleeping, and back pain. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective all-natural treatment for alleviating this common pregnancy complaint of nausea and support sleep. Acupuncture has also been shown to regulate the appetite, which can reduce cravings and restore normal hunger signals.

Acupuncture is ideal for women experiencing pain, headaches, and sleeplessness during pregnancy. This is thanks in large part to acupuncture’s ability to promote relaxation. When inserted into key points across the body, acupuncture needles can be used to release muscle tension to stop hip, back, and pelvic pain. This physical relaxation soon gives way to mental relaxation, making you feel calm and at ease.

During acupuncture, endorphins are released. These neurotransmitters fight pain by intercepting pain signals and raising your pain threshold naturally. Endorphins also improve your mood and contribute to an enhanced sense of wellness. All of these benefits working together make it easier for you to fall asleep during pregnancy, so you can get plenty of rest before your baby comes. 

Acupuncture prepares your body (and your baby!) for labor

Remember, acupuncture sends a flow of blood to the reproductive organs. This is so important because fresh blood, and plenty of it, enables your body to nourish your baby. The increase in blood flow to the womb also tones the muscles in the pelvic floor, and this will prepare you for childbirth.

Keeping the muscles in the pelvic floor in good working order will help make your contractions more efficient during labor. Additionally, as you near your due date, your uterus begins producing small contractions. These help to turn your baby into the ideal position for birth with their head down and their feet up.

Acupuncture is so powerful that it has been used to successfully turn breech-positioned babies into the correct position prior to labor, reducing the risk of complications. Studies also show that acupuncture can ease pain during childbirth. We often recommend acupuncture after giving birth as well to help mothers recover from pregnancy, and promote a sense of calm so they can enjoy this precious time with their newborns. 

Book your first appointment today

Still have questions about using acupuncture during your pregnancy? Get in touch with our office today to learn more. We’ll be happy to address any concerns you may have.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we’ve helped women from all walks of life ease their pregnancy-related symptoms and prepare for childbirth with the help of acupuncture. In addition to acupuncture, we rely on a handful of holistic therapies, including herbal medicine, to help our clients achieve mental, emotional, and physical wellness. We’ll help you come up with a customized treatment protocol that supports your body during this special time.

Contact us to book your first appointment and start enjoying the healing benefits of acupuncture today.