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Clinical studies have shown that women who had acupuncture in conjunction with IVF had a greater chance of having a successful embryo transfer, compared to those that had no treatment. Relaxing the patient with acupuncture may reduce the biological stress response, thereby increasing blood flow to the uterus which in turn helps to facilitate the transfer and implantation.

Acupuncture helps to normalize dysfunction of the Hypothalamus- Pituitary – Ovarian Axis. Improving ovarian function creates more follicles leading to better egg production. It has also been suggested that the concentrations of central opioids may regulate the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis via the central sympathetic system. Thus a hyperactive sympathetic system in anovulatory patients could be normalized by ElectroAcupuncture (Chen and Yin, 1991). It has been assumed that various disorders in the autonomic nervous system, such as hormonal disturbances, may be normalized during auricular (ear) acupuncture (Gerhard and Postneck, 1992).www.acubalance.ca/res_medical_reduction.php.

Clomid often causes the uterine lining to thin, which is detrimental to becoming pregnant. Acupuncture may help the uterine lining to thicken and become more uniform. This is a result of increased blood flow to the uterine arteries.

Studies have shown that acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterine arteries creating a thicker, more regular lining allowing for IVF to be more successful. Acupuncture also improves ovarian blood flow to increase ovarian response.

Study: Influence of Acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo ART. (Fertility and Sterility Vol77, April 2002)

“Acupuncture May Improve Success Rate of IVF Pregnancies: Patients in the acupuncture group received two acupuncture sessions – the first treatment before embryo transfer, the second treatment after the transfer. In the acupuncture group, the pregnancy rate was “considerably higher” – 34 women (42.5%) were carrying a fetal sac at the time of examination.” “Relaxing the uterus with Acupuncture treatment allows for more successful IVF.” www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2002/jul/07ivf.html,www.acupuncturetoday.com/archives2002/jul/07ivf.html

Acupuncture relaxes the uterus, increases blood flow to the uterus, warms the uterus, increases the immune system, regulates the hormones and decreases stress, all increasing the chance for a sustained pregnancy.