Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Yoga Center

Celine Dion credits acupuncture for the success of her sixth round of IVF, her healthy pregnancy and the ultimate delivery of twin boys, Eddy and Nelson, in October 2010.
 
More recently, Mariah Carey proudly announced that she was pregnant and due in the spring of 2011. Her husband notes in an interview on people.com that acupuncture helped Mariah recover from a painful miscarriage and get pregnant naturally.
 
Acupuncture is widely accepted as a helpful complementary alternative medicine modality, and my fertility patients report without exception that they feel more relaxed after a session.

It is universally agreed upon that the relaxing effects of acupuncture are conducive to a more receptive fertile state.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Menstrual Cycle

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) places great emphasis on a normal menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is supposed to be a certain length, approximately 28 days. The time from menstrual period to ovulation is called the follicular phase, which should last 12-15 days. From ovulation to menstruation is called the luteal phase, which should last 14 days. Regularity in length between phases should be present, and irregularities indicate various hormonal issues. Ovulation is accompanied by a spike in basal body temperature. Your period should be non-painful, neither too scant not too heavy, and last 4-5 days. There should not be heavy clots or spotting before or afterwards. Menstruation shouldn’t be associated with back pain, cramping, mood swings and cravings. These are all signs of imbalances in TCM that can be addressed with acupuncture and nutrition.

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How Do Acupuncture and Western Medicine Complement Each Other?

The complementary alternative medicine approach to fertility, whether natural or using an Assisted Reproductive Technique, is three-pronged. First, you have to deal with the nutritional deficiencies that are interfering with overall health and fertility. The critical nutraceutical elements and peaceful internal environment issues were addressed in the previous article. Second, acupuncture works as a powerful tool to assist in restoring balance to the body and channeling energy to the reproductive organs. And third, yoga comes in as the best mind-body form of exercise to complement the acupuncture and reduce stress. These article installments will delve into the ways nutrition, acupuncture and yoga can assist in restoring health and fertility, maintaining the pregnancy, and carrying the baby to full term.

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