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What Are the Benefits of Acupressure for Infertility?
In traditional Chinese medicine, treatment with acupressure for infertility has been used for thousands of years. Though scientific studies have yet to confirm that the treatment is effective, there is no risk in trying it out, especially if a couple has many years left to conceive a child. It is also less expensive than many medical or surgical treatments and does not interfere with any medications a patient may already be taking.
Couples who use acupressure for infertility may be able to conceive a child naturally. Though the use of acupressure is largely unstudied, anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help some couples to conceive. Many couples have reported that Western infertility treatments, such as those that focus on medications, have been unsuccessful for them while acupressure seemed to solve the problem. There is no guarantee that the use of acupressure for infertility will allow a couple to have a child, but some doctors are optimistic that the treatment can be effective.
One of the main benefits of acupressure for infertility is that this type of treatment does not rely on the use of any drugs. Couples who use acupressure do not have to worry about side effects, drug interactions, or having a bad reaction to the treatment. Acupressure is non-invasive and does not produce adverse effects. Furthermore, fertility medications given to women who are having difficulty conceiving can lead to the release of many eggs at once, leading to an increased risk of multiple births which can be dangerous for both the mother and the infants. There is no risk of this with acupressure.
The cost of treatment is another substantial benefit of acupressure for infertility. Though acupressure treatment often requires that patients return for multiple sessions, the cost of these visits is extremely low when compared to some other infertility treatments, such as in vitro fertilization. Even if the treatment is not effective, trying it out for a year or two is a relatively inexpensive option.
Whether or not the use of acupressure for infertility treatment is effective for a particular couple, the treatment is considered to be extremely safe. There are no needles as there are in acupuncture as all of the treatment is done on the surface of the patient's skin. Treatments can be uncomfortable but the pain and soreness go away quickly, often producing the added benefit of more relaxed muscles, just as there is after a deep tissue massage.
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![A diagram of a healthy ovary and one with cysts, which can contribute to infertility.]()
By: AlilaA diagram of a healthy ovary and one with cysts, which can contribute to infertility. -
![There is no risk in attempting acupressure to treat infertility.]()
By: DenisNataThere is no risk in attempting acupressure to treat infertility. -
![Taking guaifenesin, which is a cough expectorant, can be used to increase cervical mucus and improve the chances of conception.]()
By: ognianmedTaking guaifenesin, which is a cough expectorant, can be used to increase cervical mucus and improve the chances of conception. -
![Acupressure for infertility may involve manually stimulating the female reproductive organs.]()
By: ProMotionAcupressure for infertility may involve manually stimulating the female reproductive organs.
Discussion Comments
@Grivusangel -- I've thought the same thing. I have a friend who had trouble conceiving. She and her husband did everything. She tried acupressure, more to help some back pain she was having. She told me about how relaxed she felt after treatments. Three months later, she announced the news that she was pregnant, and her daughter has just turned a year old. So, something worked.
I don't have a problem with alternative therapies as long as they cannot do more harm than good. I feel the same way about Western medicine. All doctors should take the part of their oath, "First, do no harm" very seriously.
This is one of those therapies that can't hurt you, so if a couple wants to try it, I would never discourage them.
It's a strangely common event that many couples may try for a long while to conceive. They have tests, take medications, do in vitro fertilization and never conceive. Then, all options exhausted, they stop trying and Bang! The woman gets pregnant. It's funny how often that happens.
I think successful conception after acupressure may or may not be a direct result of anything the acupressure specifically accomplished, but may be more of a relaxation procedure that helps the woman's body in many ways, including being able to accept conception. I don't know, but it's worth trying.
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