For many of us, Sex and the City was the first approach to the struggles of adult life; such as relationships, sex life, finances, and reproductive health. One of the most memorable moments of the series (season 6, episode 11) is when Charlotte suffers from reproductive problems and tries Dr. Mao’s acupuncture therapy to get pregnant.
It is not a good idea to take this romantic comedy-drama TV show as health education, but the fact is that it is sometimes the first reference people have about acupuncture, and the truth is not so far from reality. Through the “perfect” character of Charlotte (who ends up having a baby), we have a clear representation of how infertility affects anyone and how acupuncture can be helpful.
You are not alone in infertility
In 2005, Charlotte’s story was ahead of its time. Her struggles included mental health, IVF frustration, acupuncture, adoption, and, finally, natural childbirth. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, in recent years the incidence rate of female infertility has increased by 15%, making it one of the most common health problems.
What is acupuncture (really)
Acupuncture has existed as an adjunct therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years, and it has been studied and applied in clinical medicine since the 18th century (so it’s nothing new for researchers). There is ample evidence to support it for treating medical conditions such as infertility, as acupuncture promotes coordination and balance of blood and energy, producing physio-psychological reactions.
Acupuncture and infertility
There is not one single reason for female infertility, as many conditions may be involved. Simply put, it is the result of abnormal reproductive endocrine function, which hinders the pregnancy process from various nodes. The role of acupuncture is to adjust the neuroendocrine system to act on parts of the female reproductive system to improve its function.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for infertility, schedule a personalized appointment with certified acupuncturist, Giselle Kiyomura, HERE.
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