With our holistic, “whole person” approach to care, we are
pleased to offer fertility acupuncture as a supportive therapy for infertility
treatment. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine therapy, is one
such treatment that research has demonstrated leads to improved outcomes
for women battling fertility. Even women with low egg supply undergoing
IVF treatment frequently benefit from acupuncture treatment.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine, sterile needles at specific
“acupuncture points” on the body. This form of traditional
Chinese medicine, the oldest literate medicine in the world, has existed
for more than 2,500 years.
The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy that existed in all life
forms and processes. In Chinese, this energy is called "Qi,”
an energy that flows along specific pathways called channels and collaterals
(jingluo). Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological
system and internal organ. Disease is believed to arise when an imbalance
(either deficiency or excess) manifests in the channels and collaterals
and/or their related organ systems. The goal of the acupuncture technique
is to modify the patient’s “Qi,” to promote natural
healing and relaxation, and to maintain or re-establish physical and emotional health.
Modern research shows how acupuncture causes the release of various neurotransmitters
and hormones that impact most of the body's systems, including the central
nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, cardiovascular
systems, and so on. The exact mechanism for this is not yet known. Still,
we can observe the effects, including changes in blood flow, blood pressure,
body temperature, inflammation, pain, digestion, reproductive function, and more.
Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture?
The National Institute of Health has found acupuncture to be helpful in
treating pain and stress-related illnesses, as well as digestive disease,
neurological symptoms, endocrine system disorders, menopause symptoms
and menstrual problems.
How Does Acupuncture Enhance Fertility?
Research indicates that the benefits of acupuncture for fertility can have
numerous positive effects, including:
Higher rates of pregnancy and live births
Regulation of erratic menstrual cycles
Hormone regulation that helps produce higher numbers of follicles during
IVF stimulation
Increased blood flow to the reproductive organs and increased thickness
of the uterine lining
Improved sperm quality and quantity
Relief from side effects of fertility medications commonly used during
IUI and IVF treatment
Reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression, and deep relaxation
Strengthened the immune system
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
Most people report a feeling of relaxation and well-being during and after
their acupuncture appointments treatment. As in any form of healing, a
patient's attitude, diet, and lifestyle will affect the outcome of acupuncture
therapy. The number of treatments you need will depend on your overall
health, your body's response to acupuncture, assistive reproductive technology
(ART) treatments, and the cause of your infertility.
Does it Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, much smaller than those
used for traditional injections given by your doctor. In most cases, insertion
by a skilled acupuncturist is performed with minimal, if any, discomfort.
During acupuncture treatment, patients may feel a sensation called "arrival
of Qi" (deqi). Patients describe this sensation as a dull ache, distention,
pressure, tingling, or warmth. Acupuncture is a relaxing experience and
should any needle cause discomfort, it will be adjusted or removed.
Is it Safe?
Acupuncture has been proven extremely safe, especially when performed by
a qualified licensed acupuncturist like Mark A. Lewinter, L.Ac., a member
of the ACRM team. Because only single-use, sterile, disposable needles
are used, complications due to acupuncture are very rare and serious side-effects
occur in less than one in every 10,000 treatments.
Will My Insurance Cover Fertility Acupuncture?
Insurance billing for infertility acupuncture treatments is not available
at this time. The billing office will issue statements for interested
patients to submit to insurance carriers for possible reimbursement. The
online overview of our
infertility insurance program describes fertility treatment insurance coverage for other services
and treatments in more detail.
Meet Our ACRM Acupuncturist: Mark Lewinter, L.AC.
Atlanta Acupuncturist Mark A. Lewinter, L.Ac. has a Master of Science degree
in traditional Chinese medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College. Mark's
interest in studying ancient Eastern medicine started at age 13 when he
was diagnosed with cancer. While undergoing chemotherapy, he also incorporated
alternative medicine to facilitate his recovery. From that experience,
Mark knows the value of patients receiving holistic medical care. Mark
is a Diplomate of Acupuncture and a Diplomate of Chinese Herbology by
the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture of Oriental Medicine,
and a registered herbalist with the American Herbalist Guild. He is a
member of the Georgia State Oriental Medicine Association, Acupuncture
Advisory Committee of the Composite State Board of Medical Examiners,
American Society for Reproductive Medicine, and American Association of
Oriental Medicine. He is licensed to practice Oriental Medicine in both
Georgia and South Carolina.
