Acupuncture For Fertility Support
Carole Wyche, Lic. Ac., MAOM, Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist, providing acupuncture treatment in our Saco, Maine Clinic
Acupuncture can be a great resource for maximizing your reproductive health, and can be an ally when trying to conceive. At Root to Rise we know everyone’s path to parenthood can look unique and we tailor our approach to your needs. During the fertility journey many seek out acupuncture as a means to reduce the impact of stress, regulate their menstrual cycles, prepare their bodies for conception, or for additional support alongside assisted reproductive technology (ART).
Acupuncture can be useful in many different stages whether you are just getting to know your cycle and fertile window or honing in on more specific needs. If you are trying to conceive without intervention, acupuncture can:
Support a healthy menstrual cycle and promote regular ovulation
Support sperm health
For the person carrying the baby, treatment can be applied at certain times of the menstrual cycle to promote a healthy endometrial lining for implantation or to support blood flow to foster early growth.
If you are utilizing ART like IVF, IUI, or medications like Clomid, acupuncture can help reduce side effects of the medications and combat any physical discomfort like swelling that you may be experiencing. Appointments can be timed around a transfer or insemination to support implantation.
Acupuncture can also be really supportive around miscarriage to help you heal and recover before trying again. We know the journey to building a family can be a winding one and we are used to adapting and meeting patients where they are.
Having a regular, predictable menstrual cycle can be a foundation for a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture is a tool that can support those struggling with:
painful periods
irregularity of periods
anovulation
too much or too little flow
Typical cycles tend to last between 25-35 days, but there is individual variance. Plus, certain conditions contribute more to irregularity - like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) creating long cycles and irregular ovulation. Your acupuncturist will target your needs and work with you to develop a treatment plan to support your fertility goals.
Different acupuncture point combinations are used to promote ovulation, start your period, or rebuild post period. Ideally we want all four phases (period, post-period, ovulation, post-ovulation) of the cycle to be as smooth and symptom free as possible.
Each phase of the menstrual cycle has a different goal and we use the acupuncture treatment to help facilitate that. For example, when you receive treatment during the period we want an efficient discharge of endometrial lining with minimal pain and steady flow. Careful attention is paid to any phase that continually is an issue for patients so we can aim to improve it.
If you are utilizing ART in your journey that might mean a more medically controlled cycle. In this case the goal of the acupuncture treatments and timing changes to accommodate your needs whether that means supporting growth of endometrial lining or fitting in a visit as close to your embryo transfer as possible.
Your initial evaluation will involve a full health history looking at all of your health systems and discussion of your fertility journey thus far so your acupuncturist can determine the right diagnosis and treatment plan for you. We also offer 30 minute both in-person and virtual consultation visits where you can ask some questions, meet a provider, and see if Root to Rise is the right practice for you.
Learn more about our Acupuncture services in Saco and Scarborough, Maine and meet our Acupuncturists HERE!
At Root to Rise Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health, we believe in a holistic approach to physical therapy. Our Doctors of Physical Therapists are specialized in treating both orthopedic and pelvic health conditions. Our practice also integrates acupuncture and yoga and we are always excited to be a resource for the community we practice in. We are located in Scarborough, Saco, and Bath, and are here to support you!
Schedule your free 30 minute consultation with us today!
~Dr. Jenn & The Root To Rise Team
