Anita Shelton
Fertility
Acupuncture is effective for enhancing fertility alone and / or in conjunction with Assisted Reproductive Technology. I have post graduate training in using acupuncture and Chinese herbs for fertility. The teachers I have been trained / influenced by include Debra Betts, Randine Lewis, Jane Lyttleton and Cindy Micleu.
When I work with individuals and couples on fertility concerns I take a thorough health history, and look at diet and lifestyle. The woman's menstrual cycle as well as blood tests provide information about hormone levels. Acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbs, nutritional and lifestyle changes are all used to regulate the menstrual period, improve egg quality and balance hormones. When there are concerns about male factor infertility a minimum period of two months of treatment is suggested for improving sperm motility and morphology. For female factor fertility concerns the conception process can take longer, as follicular development can take between two to nine months. The goal is to increase the health of the follicles and establish a regular cycle of 28 - 32 days with 5 - 6 days of bleeding.
The advantage of using Chinese Medicine is that, if you follow the treatment plan, the process of enhancing your fertility will improve your overall health. You will feel better, sleep better, have better digestion and mood, notice increased sexual energy and experience less stress. If you need to use Assisted Reproductive Technology, using Chinese Medicine in conjunction will help minimize the side effects of medications used for fertility treatment.