Acupuncture is a technique that forms part of traditional Chinese medicine and involves the handling of needles and their insertion into specific points of the body, with the aim of curing or relieving an ailment and restoring the total well-being of the person
Acupuncture is a technique that forms part of traditional Chinese medicine and involves the handling of needles and their insertion into specific points of the body, with the aim of curing or relieving an ailment and restoring the total well-being of the person.
The multiple benefits of acupuncture are easily exportable to all areas of our lives. In this case, what concerns us is motherhood and the preparation and quest for pregnancy.
For best results, Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and both dietary and lifestyle therapy, should be used before, during, and after IVF.
Before IVF treatment, Chinese medicine can help both parties to improve ovarian function, strengthen the immune system, reduce stress and improve the quantity and quality of sperm and seminal fluid.
In women, any menstrual irregularity can be treated, such as amenorrhea, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, uterine fibroids or fibroids, and heavy bleeding due to lack of ovulation.
After successful implantation of the embryo, Chinese medicine can be used to prevent miscarriage.
Chinese medicine is extremely effective in preventing miscarriage when the threat is due to hormonal imbalances, such as low progesterone.
Acupuncture helps alleviate circulation problems, inflammation and other blockages (such as elevated stress hormones) that may be preventing you from conceiving and carrying to term. It is also a very safe, effective and supportive treatment for women undergoing assisted reproduction techniques, which makes the whole process more comfortable, less stressful and increases the chances of success.
Benefits also include improved response to stimulation medications, improved fertilisation rates, higher pregnancy rates and lower miscarriage rates in patients who receive regular acupuncture before, during and after a cycle. Some studies show more than double the chances of conception for couples who use acupuncture along with IVF.
Acupuncture preparation should be carefully timed for best results.
Each patient is diagnosed and treated individually. Recommendations may vary depending on your health and medical history. It is advisable to start acupuncture treatments 3-6 months before the planned IUI/IVF cycle. However, if this is not possible, there will be good results with treatment while in the cycle, and for this, it is desirable to increase the frequency of visits.
The recommendation is that the patient undergoes one or two sessions per week for three months prior to their IVF/IUI cycle, as this is a full cycle of egg development.
In cases of women with complex diagnoses, the recommendation would be to extend treatment for up to six months.
During this phase, weekly sessions are recommended.
For most assisted reproduction treatments, women must take medication to temporarily suppress the ovaries in preparation for stimulation. This phase usually lasts about a month. Herbs may be continued during this phase depending on the woman’s condition and the medication used at this time.
- Clinical history to study the clinical situation of the patient and her partner, if applicable.
- Treatment before pharmacological intervention to balance disorders.>/p>
- Diagnosis and treatment accordingly.
- Calming and preparing the emotional state: 20DM, Yin Tang, 6MC, 3H.
- Establish treatment and nutrition guidelines.
To reduce the blood impedance of uterine arteries and thus improve the blood flow of the gynaecological area, local and distal points to regulate autonomic system.
Needle retention of 20-25 minutes.
During the ovarian stimulation phase, it is recommended to continue acupuncture once or twice a week.
This phase can vary in length from one cycle to another.
Add treatment of syndromic baseline regulation:
- Yang draining: 23V, 3R.
- Blood letting: 10BP, 36E, 20V, 8H.
- Liver energy stagnation: 3H, 6MC, 34VB.
- Phlegm mucus: 40E, 9BP.
More calming and preparing the emotional state 20DM, Yin Tang, 6MC, 3H.
Once the ovarian follicles are at the correct stage and size, the patient will receive certain medication to complete the maturation of the egg in preparation for the puncture.
Acupuncture within a day or two before the puncture may help with the final maturation of the eggs.
After the eggs have been retrieved, you may have some cramping and discomfort from the procedure.
Acupuncture is very helpful in speeding up recovery and preparing the uterus for implantation. Acupuncture focuses on relaxing the uterus, increasing circulation and preparing the body for embryo transfer.
The Paulus Protocol includes two acupuncture sessions immediately before and after the procedure.
Our approach with acupuncture is to help create a calm and optimal environment for the embryo.
Scientific evidence of the mechanism of action of IVF treatment.
Improvement of blood circulation in the ovaries.
Neuro-hormonal modulation.
Cytokine modulation and improved implantation.
Reduction of stress, anxiety and depression.
Electroacupuncture reduces the blood impedance of the uterine arteries.
After the IUI/embryo transfer procedures we strongly recommend scheduling acupuncture the same day or the next day (unless you choose acupuncture immediately afterwards), with a second session 3-4 days later.
In addition, follow-up with 2-3 acupuncture sessions within 5-7 days after embryo transfer is recommended to further aid implantation and embryo development.
Moxibustion is often applied during the luteal phase to support progesterone levels, so that the basal temperature is maintained at an appropriate level.
Nutritional consultations are recommended 1-3 months before IVF or even 6 months before for more complicated cases.
Paulus Protocol Treatment of Pre and Post-transfer.
Pre-Transfer Points: 6MC, 29E, ZGX, 4 & 6VC, YT, 8B, 20 DM.
Post-Transfer Points: 4IG, 6B, 36E, YT.
Gentle manual stimulation of the needles every 5 minutes.
Extraction after 25 minutes.
Auricle: uterus, Shen Men, cerebral and endocrine Master.