This article discusses how acupuncture can support fertility, ease pregnancy symptoms, and relieve menopausal discomforts, offering a complementary approach to women's health.

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By examining current evidence, mechanisms of action, and clinical applications, this paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how acupuncture may serve as a beneficial therapeutic approach in these key areas of women's health.

Introduction

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Historically, it has been utilised for various health concerns, and its application in obstetrics and gynaecology has been increasingly investigated.

With a focus on fertility, pregnancy, and menopause, this paper reviews empirical studies, theoretical frameworks, and clinical practices surrounding acupuncture.

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Acupuncture in fertility

1. Mechanisms of action

The mechanisms through which acupuncture may enhance fertility involve hormonal regulation, stress reduction, and improved blood circulation.

Research indicates that acupuncture can modify hormone levels, enhancing ovarian function and critical endocrine factors related to reproduction (Smith et al., 2019). Additionally, acupuncture is believed to reduce psychological stress, which is often a barrier to conception (Yuan et al., 2020).

2. Clinical evidence

1. Fertility enhancement

1. A meta-analysis by Varricchio et al. (2020) examined the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
2. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved pregnancy rates compared to control groups who did not receive acupuncture.
3. Another study indicated that acupuncture could enhance ovarian response in women with diminished ovarian reserve (Niu et al., 2018).

2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common endocrine disorder affecting fertility. Acupuncture has been shown to improve menstrual regularity and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS (Kong et al., 2019).

This improvement correlates with enhanced ovulatory function and increased chances of conception.

3. Integration with conventional treatments

The integration of acupuncture with conventional fertility treatments is becoming more common. Studies suggest that acupuncture can be used alongside IVF protocols to increase the chances of success rates (Smith et al., 2019). Healthcare practitioners often encourage patients to explore acupuncture as a complementary approach.

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Acupuncture during pregnancy

1. Addressing pregnancy-related symptoms

Pregnancy often brings discomfort and various symptoms that can negatively affect a woman's quality of life. Acupuncture has been employed to address common pregnancy-related issues, such as nausea, pain, and anxiety.

2. Nausea and vomiting

Acupoint stimulation has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. A randomised controlled trial by Lee et al. (2018) showed that acupuncture significantly alleviated morning sickness in pregnant women compared to a placebo group.

3. Pain management

Many pregnant individuals experience lower back pain, pelvic pain, and other discomforts. Acupuncture is a safe and effective approach for managing musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy. A systematic review by Lee et al. (2018) indicated that acupuncture may improve pain scores and function, leading to better overall pregnancy experiences.

4. Labour induction and effacement

Acupuncture has also been investigated as a non-pharmacological method for inducing labour and promoting cervical ripening. A study by Coyle et al. (2019) found that acupuncture could reduce the need for pharmacological interventions in women who were overdue.

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Acupuncture in menopause

1. Hormonal regulation and symptom alleviation

Menopause brings about significant physiological and psychological changes, resulting in symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. The use of acupuncture in alleviating menopausal symptoms is increasingly documented.

2. Hot flashes

Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes. A meta-analysis by Coeytaux et al. (2019) reported that acupuncture provided a substantial reduction in hot flash frequency compared to control groups, with effects lasting for several months post-treatment.

3. Sleep quality

Menopausal women often experience disruptions in sleep patterns. Acupuncture has been found to enhance sleep quality, offering a potential non-hormonal route for managing insomnia related to menopause (Zhao et al., 2020).

4. Psychological wellness

Anxiety and depression can be prevalent during menopause. Acupuncture has been studied for its positive impact on mental health, potentially due to its ability to balance neurotransmitters and reduce stress levels (Davis et al., 2020).

5. Safety and considerations

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by trained practitioners. Nonetheless, it requires careful consideration, especially in cases of pregnancy and reproductive health. Women should always consult healthcare professionals before starting acupuncture treatment, particularly if they have underlying health conditions or are undergoing fertility treatments.

6. Potential risks

While adverse effects are rare, they can include bruising, soreness, or infection at the needle site. Misapplication of acupuncture, especially around pregnancy, may lead to complications, hence the importance of choosing well-trained acupuncturists.

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Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

About the author of this article: Dr Partha Ghosh, BNYS, MD(YS), is a general physician and a medical writer from Siliguri, Darjeeling.