Infertility is a common problem among couples looking to conceive. According to Resolve, the National Infertility Association, approximately 1 out of 8 couples struggle to get and stay pregnant. Couples in this scenario often resort to spending tens of thousands of dollars on expensive fertility medicine and treatment that yields no tangible results.
However, a more effective solution may come from the ancient practice of acupuncture.
How Acupuncture Can Help Couples Conceive
Can acupuncture increase your chances of conceiving? It really depends on what exactly is causing your infertility. However, acupuncture can restore your body’s life force and potentially correct problems associated with infertility.
Fertility clinic researchers recently performed a study to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture as a fertility treatment. 160 patients who were undergoing assisted reproduction therapy were split into two groups: one group received embryo transfer with acupuncture, while the second group received embryo transfer without acupuncture. Of the 80 patients in group one who received acupuncture, 34 became pregnant (42.5%). In the second group, just 21 patients became pregnant (26.3%).
This is just one of many studies attesting to the power of acupuncture for couples looking to conceive. If you are struggling to become pregnant, schedule an appointment with a licensed acupuncturist to see if it works for you. This centuries-old practice could be the missing element to your new family.
Additional Ways To Boost Your Fertility
- Manage Your Weight. Being either underweight or overweight can significantly reduce your chances of getting pregnant. One study involving the analysis of 2,112 female participants found that women with a body mass index (BMI) of 25-39 required twice the length of time to become pregnant as women with a healthy BMI of less than 19.
- Eat More Liver. Some people might turn their head at the thought of eating liver, but it’s actually a delicious dish that can prove helpful in boosting your fertility. In fact, a report published by the Weston A. Price Foundation found liver to contain more nutrients, gram for gram, than any other food. Whether it’s beef or chicken, liver contains vitamin A, vitamin B, protein, folic acid, iron, purines (precursors for DNA) and more.
- Eat More Seafood. Seafood – fish, oysters, clams, mussels, lobster, crab, etc. – are an excellent food for boosting your fertility. They contain large amounts of zinc, iron, selenium, vitamin A & D, omega fatty acids (the good type of fat), and other essential nutrients, many of which are directly linked to the body’s reproductive system. When choosing seafood, however, it’s recommended that you opt for smaller-sized fish to minimize your consumption of mercury. Because of its large size, tuna carries a heavy dose of the toxic chemical mercury, and therefore should be consumed sparingly.
- Cut Back on Processed Foods. Many women who struggle to conceive eat far too many processed foods. While a fast food burger and fries may seem appetizing, it forces heavy amounts of saturated fat, sodium and even sugar into your body while offering little-to-no real nutritional value. Fertility experts say women should focus on a more natural diet if they want to conceive.
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The information provided on this site is for reference only and should not be taken as medical recommendations or professional guidance.