Pregnancy and IVF

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy can support IVF and ICSI treatments by balancing the body, reducing stress and regulating the menstrual cycle. They are often used to prepare for a fertility process and can help to be mentally and physically stronger in IVF treatment.

Acupuncture and herbal therapy in IVF and ICSI pregnancy

Pregnancy is one of life's most impressive and profound events. It's so big and at the same time so mundane that we often take it for granted. That is precisely why it can be extremely disappointing when getting pregnant does not happen by itself. This can put a lot of pressure on yourself, your relationship and your vision of the future.

In this article, you can read how acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy can support a healthy IVF or ICSI process.

When IVF or ICSI is considered

If you are unable to get pregnant, IVF or ICSI treatment may be the next step. Around 2% of babies in the Netherlands are born using these methods. It is remarkable that these options exist, but the treatments are intensive and unfortunately not always successful. After three attempts, the chance of success is around 40— 50%.

IVF or ICSI may be considered for, among others:

• Malfunctioning or removed fallopian tubes
• Endometriosis
• Hormonal disorders
• Decreased seed quality (ICSI)
• Long-term unfulfilled desire to have children

The impact of an IVF or ICSI process on the body

Hormones are administered during IVF or ICSI treatment. First to stimulate egg cell maturation, then to control the cycle and support implantation. This demands a lot from the body, both physically and emotionally.

That is why additional support can be helpful.

Why acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapy?

Acupuncture and herbal therapy can provide support before, during and after an IVF or ICSI process. They are used to:

• Balancing the body
• Regulating the menstrual cycle
• Reducing fertility and pregnancy complaints
• Making the body more resilient during hormonal treatments

Pregnancy from Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, pregnancy is seen as a complex process, involving both hereditary and non-hereditary factors. Especially when it comes to environmental factors — such as stress, diet and lifestyle — there is often room for improvement.

According to this view, the following are important for a healthy pregnancy:

• Sufficient energy and blood
• A good flow
• The absence of blockages or accumulations

Pregnancy requires a lot of energy. When the body is exhausted due to stress, malnutrition or prolonged stress, it is less likely to use reserves for new life. Stress can cause the body to cramp, which impairs blood flow and energy flow.

Good blood circulation is also essential. Problems with this are often identified by PMS, painful or irregular periods and clots in the menstrual blood.

Blockages and lifestyle

Blockages, for example due to obesity or accumulation of waste, can make pregnancy difficult. Acupuncture and herbs can support, but lifestyle — such as diet and exercise — remains an important pillar in the whole.

When can acupuncture provide support?

Chinese medicine is particularly recommended for:

• PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome)
• Painful, irregular or delayed periods
• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Painful ovulation
• Clots in menstrual blood
• Complaints before, during or after menstruation (such as lower back pain)

Ideally, this should be started 6 to 12 months before an IVF process. In some cases, restoring balance may even make IVF treatment unnecessary. That is not a promise, but it is an opportunity. Should IVF nevertheless be necessary, you will enter the process as mentally and physically as strongly as possible.

What can you do yourself in advance?

You can already take steps to support your body:

• Reduce stress and create conscious moments of rest
• Relieve tension through exercise or a hobby
• Eat enough and nutritious
• Work towards a healthy weight
• Avoid dairy and cold drinks
• Preferably choose hot food and drinks

Lastly

Exactly how life works remains a big mystery — pregnancy is perhaps the most extraordinary aspect of it. We don't have full control over the outcome, but we do have full control over how we prepare. Taking good care of yourself while leaving room for what is often creates more rest.

A receptive mind in a receptive body.
With open arms, you receive what is and also what is not.

Questions or personal advice?

No person and no situation are the same. Do you want to discuss your situation or know if acupuncture and herbal therapy are right for you? Feel free to contact us, we are happy to think along with you.

Lefty

• Treatment, hormonal health
• Blog: PMS and menstrual complaints
• The information about IVF comes from this very readable website