Fertility Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions 

Acupuncture Helps Edmonton-Area Patients with Infertility Issues 

Many people are familiar with acupuncture and how it’s used to alleviate pain or reduce stress, but probably not as many know how acupuncture is used to help women suffering from infertility issues. All Deep Massage & Wellness Clinic specializes in fertility acupuncture for Sherwood Park and Edmonton-area patients and is here to illuminate on this type of treatment by answering your frequently asked questions about fertility acupuncture, its applications, how it works, and any associated risks with treatment. Should you wish to learn more or schedule an appointment for acupuncture for fertility at our clinic, please feel free to reach out to us via phone or email. 

What is fertility acupuncture? 

To answer this, it’s necessary to explain acupuncture itself briefly. Acupuncture is a safe, drug-free natural approach to treating various issues, including infertility. Based on traditional Chinese medicine spanning thousands of years, acupuncture involves inserting ultrathin, sterile needles into specific areas of the body. It is often used with herbal medicine and other assisted reproductive techniques to treat the root causes of infertility in many patients. Acupuncturists take a holistic approach, believing that every cell, tissue, and organ is interconnected by a person’s Qi (vital energy). An imbalance in your Qi or blood flow can affect several major organs affecting your fertility, including your kidneys, spleen, and liver. We take the approach that a healthy body and mind are both required for a healthy pregnancy. 

How does acupuncture address infertility issues?

Many medical studies have shown a link between acupuncture and fertility. Research indicates that acupuncture increases the blood flow to the uterus while helping to regulate the menstrual cycle and the ovulation process. Acupuncture also relieves feelings of stress and anxiety, which often cause infertility issues among women. If the acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can relax and improve the blood flow to the uterus to make the implantation of an embryo in the uterine lining more successful. In many cases, fertility acupuncture is a viable alternative to the in vitro fertilization (IVF) process favored in Western circles. Fertility treatments involving a more Westernized approach tend to be more invasive and may produce unwanted side effects. 

When should I start fertility acupuncture treatments? 

When you begin acupuncture for fertility is up to you but be aware that it may take several months up to a year before you’re ready to progress to the next stage. Fertility acupuncture is beneficial both pre- and post-embryo transfer in many treatments, including in vitro fertilization or a donor-egg transfer. Fertility acupuncture is recommended up to at least the third month of pregnancy to help prevent the likelihood of a miscarriage since many occur before the twelfth week (though this isn’t always the case). 

How long do fertility acupuncture treatments take, and will it hurt? 

Fertility acupuncture treatments at Sherwood Park’s All Deep Massage & Wellness Clinic typically take 60 minutes, though this may vary according to the patient’s needs. Since the acupuncture needles are ultrathin, many patients barely feel them go in. You may experience minor discomfort, a dull ache, or an odd tingling sensation as if you were stung by a bee, but these feelings usually subside quickly. 

How much do fertility acupuncture treatments cost? 

The cost of fertility acupuncture treatments varies by clinic, but All Deep Massage & Wellness Clinic in Sherwood Park, AB charges $80 per 60-minute treatment, or we have special package prices available if you purchase five or more fertility acupuncture treatments. 

Are there any risks with fertility acupuncture? 

Fertility acupuncture usually comes with minimal risks when provided by a registered acupuncturist experienced with this specific method. However, if the incorrect acupuncture points are used during fertility acupuncture, it may increase your chances of a miscarriage. 

How do I determine if fertility acupuncture is right for me?

Fertility acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of infertility issues, as well as patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and those who have experienced repeated pregnancy loss. If you’re having difficulty conceiving but aren’t ready to try other methods of assisted reproductive techniques (ART) yet, fertility acupuncture may be a good alternative. Before deciding if it’s ultimately right for you, we recommend consulting your physician. We’d also be happy to discuss dietary or other lifestyle changes that may be contributing to your infertility issue. 

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment? 

To keep up with our patients’ scheduling needs, All Deep Massage & Wellness Clinic has a strict cancellation policy. Failure to cancel or reschedule an appointment at least 24 hours before your treatment will result in a cancellation fee of 50% of our fertility acupuncture service fee being applied. 

Is it safe to continue with acupuncture during my pregnancy?

It’s up to you, but the World Health Organization has found that acupuncture during pregnancy may alleviate labour pains and the duration of your labour, as well as reduce nausea, vomiting, and the likelihood of a breech birth. When acupuncture is done during pregnancy, certain areas are usually avoided during treatment, including the gallbladder, bladder, stomach, large intestine, spleen, and lower abdomen for your safety and that of your unborn child.