Acupuncture as a method of treating infertility

What is acupuncture and how does it work?

The acupuncture technique itself came to us from ancient eastern countries. It was in the East that they knew, knew how and practiced this method of treating people from many diseases. Today, this technique is very popular, but you should still consult a doctor first, since it has a number of contraindications.

How does acupuncture affect the body?

Alternative medicine has long known that the human body has a huge number of acupuncture points through which it is possible to influence the body. Through these points, using acupuncture needles, the specialist acts on the nerve endings, which, in turn, carry a signal to the brain. From the brain, information flows to organs and tissues, thereby activating their work and increasing the body's defenses.

Acupuncture has a positive effect on the functioning of vital systems, normalizes blood pressure, the functioning of the heart muscle, helps remove toxins from the body, and also fights various diseases that are not subject to generally accepted medicine. Along with acupuncture, an equally effective procedure that came to us from Eastern medicine is hirudotherapy, or treatment with leeches. Leeches also have a local effect on those areas of the skin through which it is possible to influence problem areas in the body, thereby activating their work. Both acupuncture and hirudotherapy are carried out in courses to achieve maximum effect.

How does an acupuncture session work?

First of all, the doctor uses his hands to feel for those places that can be touched with needles. It should be said right away that acupuncture is a whole science that requires certain preparation. Doctors involved in this technique undergo training, after which they learn to use their hands to identify acupuncture points on the human body that emit heat. After this, the selected area is treated with alcohol, then needles are placed. In some cases, acupuncture is used in the ear - there are also areas responsible for human health.

Needles can have both an inhibitory and stimulating effect. In the first case, 2 or 3 needles are inserted with rotational movements into a certain area. Needles can remain on a person’s body for up to several days; the depth of insertion also matters. In the second case, the needles are inserted quickly, clearly, onto several acupuncture points, to a shallow depth (up to 1 cm). They are left to act for up to 5 minutes, after which they are removed. Both of these methods are very effective for atonic constipation, collapse, and paralysis. Men are recommended to undergo acupuncture to treat impotence.

Some specialists use acupuncture combined with electric current - this way the effect on the points is even more effective.

An important point is that the acupuncture procedure is absolutely sterile. Before each session, the doctor treats the needles with a special disinfectant solution, whether working at home or in a clinic. Needles can be made of different materials, but most often professionals use equipment made of precious materials. The most popular are silver and gold needles.

The required number of procedures is prescribed by the doctor himself.
The price of the session is discussed individually, as it depends on the patient’s condition and the professionalism of the doctor himself. In any case, it is best to entrust health issues to a qualified specialist than to put needles on yourself, thinking that there is nothing complicated about it. Acupuncture is a whole science that came to us from Eastern practices. diagram of active points on the body

The effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for infertility

On the Internet you can find both positive and negative reviews about the acupuncture procedure for infertility. Some women believe that they got pregnant thanks to acupuncture. But we must understand that “after this” does not mean “as a result of this.”

There is currently no evidence to suggest that acupuncture is effective. Most likely, pregnancy occurring after a series of procedures is nothing more than a coincidence.

Infertility has dozens of different causes. These may be hormonal disorders, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, endometriosis, polyps in the uterus, etc. It is impossible to imagine that acupuncture would eliminate all these completely different causes in one fell swoop.

Treatment of infertility requires careful diagnosis and targeted therapy. It is only possible in a medical facility. Therefore, you should not rely on methods with unconfirmed effectiveness. It is better to consult a doctor in a timely manner and receive adequate treatment.

Acupuncture methods

Let's say a few words about those specialists who have devoted a lot of time to studying the effects of acupuncture on human health.

Gerasimov's method

Gerasimov A.A., a famous doctor specializing in the treatment of many severe forms of diseases. He paid attention to the study of the specifics of pain that occurs in the body, and believed that it is a consequence of improperly distributed energy. This same energy accumulates in one place, causing discomfort to a person.

To establish energy exchange, Gerasimov A.A. proposed using needles in conjunction with electric current. This happened in the following way: on the human body, with the help of massage, the doctor found pain points, which he affected with needles. Small electrodes were then connected to the needles, and current flowed through them under the skin. Such impulses had a positive effect on blood vessels, thereby eliminating spasms and pain in a person, disrupting blood flow and, as a result, enriching the cells with oxygen. The body seemed to be “renewed.”

1. Arthritis;
2. Pain in different parts of the spine - cervical, thoracic, lumbar, osteochondrosis, lumbar hernia;
3. Postoperative period;
4. Respiratory diseases;
5. For frequent headaches, even migraines;
6. Stomach ulcers.

This type of manual therapy also helps women with infertility issues.

Su Jok method

This method is different from the above. In his actions, Gerasimov tried to influence the spine, believing that health problems are directly related to back pain. The Su Jok method is based on the impact of needles on other areas of the human body - these are the hands, palms and feet.

This method of acupuncture says the following: in those areas of the designated areas where pain is felt, there is a problem, and it is they who should be affected. You can use needles, massage, electricity, magnetic fields - everything that will contribute to a speedy recovery.

A doctor working according to the Su Jok method can always determine which point is responsible for the work of which internal organ or system.

results

If a patient decides to treat infertility with acupuncture, then she should understand that the process is not quick. According to Chinese healers, the positive effect of such treatment will not occur earlier than after several months of regular visits to acupuncture. That is, a couple of procedures will not give any effect at all.

Reviews about acupuncture for infertility can be found in different ways. Some patients consider this method useless and unpleasant; for others, acupuncture helped them conceive and give birth to a long-awaited baby.

But all experts agree that it is worth going for acupuncture only if a woman believes in the method, if she can relax and enjoy the procedure.
Otherwise, acupuncture will just be another stress on the body, which will only worsen the situation. Share:

The benefits and harms of acupuncture

Since acupuncture came to us from alternative medicine, there are a number of questions regarding its safety. What are the pros and cons of this technique?

The benefits of acupuncture

There is an opinion among chiropractors that an energy imbalance in the body leads to diseases. It is acupuncture that solves this problem, restoring strength and health to a person.

What does acupuncture treat:

1. Problems in the circulatory system and the functioning of the heart muscle;
2. Impaired kidney function and, as a consequence, edema;
3. Impaired metabolism, difficulty digesting food;
4. Mental and emotional imbalance, mood swings;
5. Reduced body resistance to disease;
6. Malfunctions of the endocrine system;
7. Skin problems.
8. Addiction to bad habits;
9. Diseases of the female reproductive system;
10. Tendency to allergies

The maximum effect of the procedure is achieved only if the person trusts his doctor and believes in a positive result.

Acupuncture is often used for weight loss, as well as for alcoholism and smoking.

Acupuncture for weight loss

Therapeutic acupuncture is widely used in the fight against excess weight in both women and men. Several acupuncture sessions can reduce appetite, make it easier to form new eating habits, and improve metabolism. As a result of all these positive metamorphoses, the body normalizes all vital systems - endocrine, digestive, circulatory. Hormonal levels change, mood improves, the body receives its dose of endorphins, which in turn facilitates the process of getting rid of extra pounds.

Losing weight with acupuncture will be especially effective in combination with medications, but doctors do not advise getting carried away with them. You will lose weight well if you completely change your diet and devote more time to sports. If you follow all the above recommendations, acupuncture gives an amazing effect - in a month you can lose up to 15 kilograms!

Reviews from patients about losing weight after acupuncture

Tamara, Tomsk

“To be honest, I had little faith that some needles could help me lose weight. But since I had already tried many diets, and all to no avail, I made up my mind. A friend recommended a good doctor and went to see him with skin problems. I was very pleased - minus 12 kg in 3 weeks! Now the main thing is to stay in shape.”

Inna, Moscow

“There is probably some element of suggestion in the acupuncture process. Otherwise, I cannot explain why after the first procedure I feel like eating less than usual. I went just out of curiosity. The sensations during the session were not painful at all, and I really liked the doctor! Girls, whoever needs it, write, I’ll give you all the appearances and passwords.”

Acupuncture and smoking

Smoking, unfortunately, is one of the most destructive bad habits, which is quite difficult to get rid of on your own. This is why some young people turn to doctors. Quitting smoking with acupuncture is more than possible.

During the session, the specialist influences those areas that are responsible for addiction to cigarettes. What is important here is not so much the place to insert the needle, but the sequence of actions. Of considerable importance is the desire of the smoker himself to quit the habit of smoking, as well as his suggestibility. The doctor is not only a physician, but also partly a psychologist, and during the session, in some way, coding of addiction occurs. The main thing is to find a good specialist who practices acupuncture as a method of combating smoking. Unfortunately, “charlatans” are quite common.

The number of procedures depends on the patient’s condition—for some, 2–3 acupuncture sessions are enough, for others, ten times more will be needed. The main thing is the end result.

Patient reviews

Sergey, Ulyanovsk

“I’ve been smoking for over 15 years. I honestly can’t quit myself, no matter how hard I try. My wife persuaded me to go for acupuncture - a colleague at work’s husband quit smoking, and he is an avid smoker with experience! I went to treatments every day for 14 days. I haven't smoked for 4 months now. It helped!”

Antonina, Bryansk

“I really love alternative oriental medicine! And, of course, I decided to quit smoking only with the help of acupuncture. I didn’t notice any side effects from the procedure, but I actually quit smoking! True, not for long, a week later I started smoking again, stress. But I smoke very rarely—once a week, and then only in company. I recommend!"

Acupuncture and alcoholism

Before an acupuncture session, the doctor talks with his patient to understand how strong his dependence on alcohol is. An experienced specialist will also advise you to undergo the necessary tests in advance in order to avoid unforeseen consequences.

In the process of acupuncture, the doctor acts on points that are responsible not only for alcohol addiction, but also for the health of internal organs, in particular the liver. During the sessions, the psychological aspect of the disease is worked out - first of all, work is done with psychological dependence. The effect after the procedures is similar to the effect after coding - the craving for alcohol decreases, you want to drink less and less, sleep and general well-being are normalized. Depression and temper go away, the person becomes calmer.

Acupuncture for alcoholism is contraindicated for persons suffering from oncology, severe forms of colds with high fever, and tuberculosis.

In the technique of acupuncture for female diseases, the main thing is to prick the active point with a needle.

Acupuncture for female diseases can be performed with your favorite needles; All of them, if the appropriate rules of manipulation are followed, give a therapeutic effect. But the metal from which the needles are made plays an important role, which should be taken into account when carrying out treatment.

Currently, thin needles with a sharp end, 3 to 15 cm long and 0.26-0.32 mm in diameter, made of stainless steel, are most often used.

Methods of needle insertion for acupuncture

Depending on the patient’s condition and the goal that the doctor has set for himself, there are three main methods of needle insertion: fast, slow and fast superficial.

Rapid administration method.

It has a tonic, stimulating and stimulating effect.

Slow injection method.

It is characterized by a gradually increasing intensity of irritation and a more clearly expressed feeling of numbness, rubbing, heaviness, pressure, and the passage of electric current. It has a calming, desensitizing effect, relieves pain, tension, and evens out the hyperfunction of internal organs. It is used when there is excess energy in the channels.

Rapid superficial injection method.

It is used to provide emergency assistance for collapse, convulsions, shock, hysterical reactions, and unexpected depression.

To obtain maximum therapeutic benefit, you need not only to find the center of the selected points and determine the direction and depth of needle insertion, but also to perform certain manipulations with the needle that will help stimulate these points. Stimulation can be weak, strong and moderate.

Weak stimulation is equivalent to the excitation method, carried out by short movements of the needle at the injection point, combined with its rotation around its axis by 30–40°. When the desired sensations appear, the manipulation of the needle is stopped. It is indicated for patients with a weak constitution, sensitive to acupuncture, and also in cases where the points are close to vital organs.

Strong stimulation is regarded as a toris method. It is produced by rotational movements around the needle axis up to 180°, combined with strong, energetic longitudinal movements.

Such stimulation is indicated for patients of strong constitution with symptoms of organ hyperfunction, pain and muscle cramps. It can be further enhanced by force vibration. It is recommended to use strong stimulation at points in the limbs and lumbosacral region.

Moderate stimulation is a method between excitation and inhibition. Recommended for patients who do not have a pronounced degree of excitement or depression. The needle is manipulated slowly, without sudden movements, so as not to cause pain at the points of impact.

Basics of acupuncture treatment for female diseases

Acupuncture for women's diseases can be considered a unique component of general reflex therapy, the basis of which is the body's response to irritation of skin receptors.

However, there is a significant difference between them. If during treatment with methods of general reflex therapy the impact is carried out on large receptor areas (for example, collar, lumbosacral), then in acupuncture irritation is applied to extremely small areas of skin receptors.

In addition, acupuncture is distinguished by its originality and treatment technique, which consists in the fact that traditional acupuncture treatment is based on the doctrine of the main links of influence on the body. These include:

1) method (acupuncture, moxibustion, massage);

2) place (acupuncture points);

3) method (stimulating, calming);

4) moment (time of the most effective influence on the functions of organs and systems).

The correct choice of the components of each link (method, place, method and moment of influence) is the main condition for the therapeutic effect.

Reflexology in gynecology

Acupuncture for female diseases uses points of the anterior median, spleen, kidney and liver canals.

The points of the anterior median canal, located on the line from the perineum to the navel, are used in the treatment of inflammatory processes and associated functional disorders.

Spleen canal points are prescribed for the treatment of all cases of functional disorders of the female thermal organs when there is hormonal deficiency or their underdevelopment.

Points of the liver and kidney channels, located in the lower abdomen and on the inner surface of the thighs, in combination with points of general action, have a stimulating effect and help reduce pain during inflammatory processes.

Acupuncture treatment of algomenorrhea

Algomenorrhea (dysmenorrhea)

. Painful menstruation is a common disorder of menstrual function against the background of exacerbation of a chronic inflammatory process. Pain can occur before the start of menstruation, during it, and continue until it ends. The pain may be accompanied by nausea, drooling, sweating, constipation, and headache, which affect the general condition of women.

Acupuncture treatment.

The method of influence is calming.

The impact points are as follows.

1. Local (1.2. Qu-gu, CL2. Bahe, T.29. Kui-lai, 1.3. Zhong-tzu).

2. Distant (K.R.9. Yin-lingquan, K.R.8. Di-ji, T.4. Ming-men, R.11. Yin-mian).

3. General action (K.R.6. San-yin-tslo, E.36. Tzu-san-li, O.1.4. He-gu, 0.1.11. Qu-chi).

4. Symptomatic:

1) for nausea and vomiting (K.6(3). Zhao-hai, 1.12. Zhong-wan, U.21. Wei-shu, E.18. Zhu-gen);

2) with drooling (1.12. Zhong-wan, 1.22. Tian-tu, E.6. Ji-che);

3) for sweating (U.62. Shen-mai, TK.5. Wai-guan, V. 15. Hsin-shu, K.3(5). Tai-si);

4) for constipation (E.25. Tian-shu, E.36. Tzu-xin-li, MS.6. Nei-guan).

Additional treatment.

We recommend microenemas from a warm infusion of chamomile, warming compresses and heating pads on the lower abdomen, as well as an infusion or decoction of the leaves and fruits of common raspberry (brew 2 teaspoons of fruits in 2 glasses of hot water, leave for 4–6 hours in a closed container, then strain, take warm, 1/2 cup 4 times a day).

Acupuncture treatment for vulvar itching

Itching of the vulva.

Itching of the vulva most often results from complications of inflammatory diseases of the vulva and vagina of various ethnologies, helminthic infestations, and chronic diseases of the body (diabetes mellitus, hepatitis, chronic nephritis). In addition, the cause of itching can be thermal, chemical and mechanical factors, failure to comply with personal hygiene rules, allergies to medications, and loss of ovarian function.

Acupuncture treatment.

The method of influence is calming. The impact points are as follows.

1. Sympathy (U.25. Da-chan-shu).

2. Local (1.4. Guan-yuan, 1.2. Qu-gu, 1.3. Zhong-ji, U.31. Shang-sheo, U.32. Tsi-sheo, U.34. Xia-sheo, E.30. Qi-chun).

3. Distant (U.60. Kun-lun, U40(54). Wei-chung, R.8. Qu-quan).

4. General action (E.36. Tzu-sin-li, R.7. Le-que, 01.4. He-gu).

5.Symptomatic:

1) for metabolic disorders, eczema (U.40(54). Wei-chung, E.36. Tzu-xin-li);

2) in case of liver dysfunction (R.8. Qu-quan);

3) for nutritional allergies (1.0.3. Hou-si, U.62. Shen-mai, E.36. Tzu-xin-li, O.1.4. He-gu);

4) for diabetes, asthenic condition (R.7. Le-que, K.6(3). Zhao-hai);

5) for vaginal itching (1.3. Zhongzi).

Additional treatment.

Vaginal douching is used with chamomile infusion, 1% tannin solution, rivanin solution 1: 1000. For itching in patients with diabetes, it is recommended to lubricate the labia with insulin (20 units).

Acupuncture treatment of amenorrhea and omegomenorrhea

Amenorrhea and omegomenorrhea.

Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation for more than 6 months. Omegomenorrhea - shortening of the duration of menstruation. They are one of the clinical forms of menstrual dysfunction that characterize a woman’s health status. May be caused by chronic inflammatory processes of the genitals. Pathogenetically, disorders of menstrual function are divided into cortical-hypatanomic, pituitary-hypatonic, ovarian, adrenal and uterine.

Acupuncture treatment.

The method of influence is stimulating.

The impact points are as follows.

1. Sympathy (U.23. Shen-shu).

2. Local (1.2. Qu-gu, 1.3. Zhong-ji, 1.4. Guan-yuan, 1.6. Qi-hai).

3. Distant (K.6(3). Zhao-hai, 1.4. Minb-shen).

4. General action (K.R.6. San-yin-jiao, O.1.4. He-gu).

Acupuncture for female diseases is an additional treatment.

In folk medicine for amenorrhea, an aqueous infusion of garden parsley is used (4 teaspoons of fresh or dry roots, infuse for 8-12 hours in 1 glass of boiling water in a sealed container, then strain, take 1 tablespoon 4 times a day before meals). In addition, it is recommended to take horseradish (1 teaspoon of grated horseradish mixed with honey or sugar before meals 2-3 times a day).

Applicable points:

Acupuncture daily.

When acupuncture is applied to points on the abdomen and lower back, the second type of inhibitory method is used; when acupuncture is applied to points on the legs and arms, the second type of stimulating method is used.

Combination of points: two or three local points and two distant ones.

If menstruation is scanty, acupuncture begins in the premenstrual period (2-3 days before menstruation), and if there is no menstruation, it can be done at any time. If menstruation is delayed, you should start with the He Gu (P4) or San Yin Jian (Hb4) points. Sometimes one or two procedures at these points are enough. Usually 1-2 courses of 10 days are carried out with a week break between courses of treatment.

Hypermenorrhea

Applicable points:

Acupuncture is performed during menstruation. The first or second variants of the stimulating method are used when pricking points in the lower abdomen (guan-yuan or zhong-ji). At points on the lower extremities (san-yin-jiao), the injection is carried out according to the first or second variants of the inhibitory method. The procedures are performed first on the legs, then on the lower abdomen.

In case of large blood losses, it is recommended to combine acupuncture with blood transfusion whenever possible.

Acupuncture for reproductive diseases

In Russia and the countries of near Europe, treatment with unconventional methods is perceived in some cases as an auxiliary means in an integrated approach to eliminating the disease. Doctors are skeptical about treating infertility unconventionally.

Acupuncture, or influencing diseased organs using needles of different sizes and thicknesses, is also used today as a complex technique for influencing reproduction in men and women. Acupuncture has a number of positive benefits in women:

• hormonal levels are established;
• the activity of the appendages is stimulated;
• restores the menstrual cycle.

For men, this technique also brings a number of positive changes:

• the quality of seminal fluid improves;
• blood supply to the prostate improves;
• relieves stress;
• normalizes sleep, relieves fatigue.

Acupuncture treatment for men

Treatment of male infertility with needles lasts at least a month. During this period of time, the impact on the active points that respond to male reproduction is carried out by puncturing the skin with needles of different lengths and widths.

The puncture sites are set individually, and the needles are not necessarily on the lower back; in some cases, pressure is applied to points located on the shoulders, chest and neck.

• electrical stimulation;
• pressing with hands;
• cauterization with cigars or special sticks.

Acupuncture for infertility in women

Female infertility, depending on the degree of complexity, is treated for at least 2 months.

In this case, the number of sessions is regulated individually; during this time, for example, 12 acupuncture sessions and 15 temperature exposure sessions are used. The interval between sessions can be 2-3 days.

The area of ​​treatment for female infertility is determined by a reflexologist. Depending on the degree of complexity of the disease, punctures are made in the spine, back, forearms, cervical region and abdomen to the navel, in the sacral area.

Menorrhagia and menstrual irregularities

Applicable points:

Combination of points:

The first version of the braking method is used. In general, with a normal menstrual cycle, treatment begins 5-7 days before the start of menstruation and up to 10 procedures are carried out per course, one course per month. To completely eliminate pain, two or three courses are necessary. If the menstrual cycle is disrupted, acupuncture should begin at the Zhong Chi or Guan Yuan points in combination with the San Yin Jiao or Zu San Li points, using the first version of the inhibitory method. With this technique, a good effect is observed after one session.