Pregnancy and Infertility: Three Ways Acupuncture Can Help

Acupuncture—the ancient Chinese medical procedure involving small needles—is the Holy Grail when it comes to alternative medicine. Although it cannot replace Western medicine, it can offer some all-natural solutions to many painful or debilitating conditions. In fact, many swear by the technique to reduce cravings and diminish pain. But it does far more than that.

If you are experiencing some common woes of pregnancy—or are trying to get pregnant—acupuncture may help. Even though it sounds dangerous, it is completely safe for all stages of pregnancy. So how might acupuncture help? Here are three conditions it aids:

1. Morning Sickness

Perhaps one of the earliest indications that you are pregnant is the sudden waves of nausea you feel—and it's not just restricted to the morning. The nauseated feeling can last all day and night, sometimes with no end in sight. It's not just annoying either, as it can be extremely painful if heartburn is involved.

Fortunately, acupuncture is a viable treatment option for eliminating—or at least diminishing—morning sickness and hyperemesis (the extreme form). According to study in Sweden, acupuncture has a high success rate, with 12 of the 16 women in the control group feeling much better.

2. Infertility and Recurrent Miscarriages

Infertility and recurrent miscarriages can wreak havoc on any woman trying to conceive—both physically and mentally. Sometimes there is no known cause for these unfortunate events. Sometimes, however, there is. Common conditions that cause infertility, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and luteal phase defects, can be treated with acupuncture.

According to the American Pregnancy Organization, acupuncture is a viable option for both men and women who are trying to conceive. If you are successful the acupuncture treatment will usually last until you are out of the woods—at least 12 weeks into pregnancy.

3. Induce Labor

As pregnancy comes to a close, many women scour the Internet and talk to friends and family members in search of ways to induce pregnancy naturally. There are a lot of myths out there, such as having sex or eating spicy foods, but there is no data to back it up.

While acupuncture is new in the U.S. for inducing labor, it has been used for centuries in Asia. The evidence is not conclusive yet, but it certainly couldn't hurt to try it—especially if your doctor gives you permission and you are past your due date.

As you can see, acupuncture from a professional like Relief Acupuncture is a very beneficial alternative medicine option for a variety of conditions—including pregnancy. As with any medical procedure, please talk to your doctor before undergoing any treatment.