Because of its proven effectiveness, acupuncture has been embraced throughout the world, and is steadily gaining popularity in the United States as a powerful complement to western medicine. In fact, the clinical research on acupuncture and its effect on fertility is so compelling that many reproductive endocrinologists and fertility clinics in the United States and Europe are incorporating it as a standard component of IVF protocols. Many people are intrigued by the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture but wonder, “How does acupuncture actually work?” While the mechanisms behind its effective results remain somewhat mysterious, here is one widely held theory about how acupuncture works.

Our bodies are made up of different kinds of systems. The Reproductive, Digestive, Nervous, Endocrine, and Immune systems are all examples of how our bodies organize in order to develop specialized functions. Each of these systems is made up of different kinds of parts. The female reproductive system, for example, is composed of the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, etc. The Digestive System is made up of the mouth, stomach, and intestines.

According to the theories of Chinese Medicine, all of these systems and parts are inter-connected, and they exert a mutual influence upon one another. If one system of the body becomes sick, or weak, or stops performing its normal functions, it starts to exert a negative impact upon other related systems.

It is the view of Chinese Medicine, that the systems and parts of our bodies are connected to one another by a network of internal pathways called, meridians. In the same way that highways and streets connect different regions of a city together, this meridian network forms an intricate web that helps the systems and parts of the body to communicate and interact with one another.

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific sites along these meridian pathways. These sites are called Acupuncture Points or Acupoints. By stimulating these points with acupuncture, the body’s meridian pathways become activated, and this activation of the meridian system helps to strengthen the relationships among all of the systems and parts of the body. As the systems of the body return to their naturally balanced and harmonious state, the organs, glands and hormones are strengthened and regulated, and they are better able to return to normal function.

Our goal as acupuncturists is to help your body to function optimally. As the systems of your body come back into balanced relationships, the reproductive system begins to function normally again, and fertility outcomes increase significantly.