My name is Jamie Turner and when I turned 22, I started to form a horrible case of acne. I used every cleanser and lotion I could find and I even asked my physician for a topical steroid cream to clear up the zits on my face. After six months of treatment, my physician completed a blood test that concluded that a hormone imbalance was causing my acne. I started on therapy to control the amount of estrogen my body produced. The therapy along with a good diet and exercise regimen helped to clear up my acne. I am sharing my story, because acne is not just a condition that affects teenagers. It can affect adults at any age, and it can cause a great deal of embarrassment. Don't let your acne go untreated. Read my blog instead and learn about both natural and medical treatments that can help you.
Acupuncture is a Tradiional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy used to relieve pain and symptoms from a variety of illnesses. However, did you know that acupuncture can be used in your quest to conceive? Although you will still want to talk with your primary doctor or reproductive endocrinologist first, he or she may recommend acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment. Take a look at why acupuncture fertility treatments can help:
They Can Help Relieve Stress
A U.S. News article highlighted a study that found that stress could be a determining factor of fertility. Higher levels of certain stress-related enzymes were causing women in the study to struggle with pregnancy. This kind of information shouldn't be too surprising, however. Anxiety and stress have been shown to exacerbate the nervous system and lower immune function. Stress causes an inflammatory response in the body, which, if not resolved, can lead to chronic inflammation and set people up for other serious conditions.
However, acupuncture has been shown to relieve stress. In a study that was published in 2013, people who were able to have just a twenty-minute treatment were able to lower their anxiety levels and improve their cognition. While sticking needles in your skin may not seem relaxing, keep in mind that acupuncture needles are incredibly thin. You shouldn't feel pain like getting a shot at the doctor's office; rather, you'll feel a slight pressure. Once all of the needles are inserted, you will be able to relax and your muscles will be able to let go.
They Can Help with Hypothyroidism
Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause infertility in women. With both issues, your thyroid hormones will either be too high or low, thus disrupting your menstrual cycle. However, along with herbal supplements and dietary changes, acupuncture treatments have been shown to help thyroid issues. If you cut out problem foods, like gluten and soy protein isolate, and go in for regular acupuncture sessions, you may be able to get a handle on your thyroid's dysfunction.
They Can Increase Blood Flow
Increased blood flow is important because you want rich blood supply to the endometrium. The endometrium is the thick mucous membrane that lines the inside of your womb. Increased blood flow also means that you will have improved follicular and ovarian functioning and hormone secretion.
Increased blood flow is a two-for-one deal. Not only does it help your body better prepare a better site for gestation, it helps reduce any lingering stress. Stress can sometimes reduce blood flow by constricting coronary vessels. When you're relaxed, blood is able to move and filter waste and deliver nutrients and oxygen to cells
Again, keep in mind that acupuncture is not a panacea to infertility. But it may be something to try a few months before you proceed with in vitro fertilization since it may raise your chances of getting pregnant. Talk with your acupuncturist and your doctor about all your options before proceeding.
Share18 September 2017
