Treatments that increase male fertility often mirror those for female infertility, and acupuncture is one of them. Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of using ultra-thin needles to restore the body’s flow of qi (life energy). Problems like infertility are manifestations of stagnant qi or blockages in the body’s meridians, or qi pathways. With regular acupuncture treatments, you can overcome your fertility problems and be well on your way to fatherhood.
How acupuncture can help
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the kidney meridian contains the highest concentration of qi, making it the control station of physical growth, reproduction, and sexual desire. There are a number of factors that affect the kidney meridian and cause fertility problems, and most of these have to do with lifestyle habits. Acupuncture treatments for male fertility involve regulating kidney energy so the sperm-making machinery does not get overwhelmed. At the same time, the patient is encouraged to live a healthier, stress-free lifestyle. What makes acupuncture unique is that every treatment is tailor-fit to your unique symptoms and problems, so that all underlying causes of infertility are addressed and corrected.
Studies show that acupuncture can help the following male maladies:
Low sperm count and poor morphology – A randomized, double-blind study done in China observed males with unexplained infertility and divided them into two groups – one control group that received no acupuncture treatment, and one acupuncture group that received 10 treatments over five weeks. After the treatment period, sperm samples were collected and researchers observed statistically significant improvements in sperm motility. Another double-blind controlled study on acupuncture and sperm noticed a positive change in sperm morphology after five weeks of regular treatment.
Azoospermia – Azoospermia is a condition where there is no sperm in the ejaculate due to two reasons – physical obstructions in epididymis or a total absence of sperm production. A recent study in the Journal of Chinese Medicine shows that acupuncture can improve sperm density even in men suffering from this puzzling condition. Forty men with azoospermia were divided into two groups – one who received acupuncture treatments for five weeks, and a control group that did not. Significant improvements in sperm count were observed among men in the acupuncture group. Two of the men from the acupuncture group eventually went through an ICSI treatment and both succeeded, although one pregnancy ended in spontaneous abortion.Diabetes supplements
Semen abnormalities – Another study from the Journal of Chinese Medicine reveals that acupuncture can treat unexplained infertility due to semen abnormalities. Nineteen men were randomized into two groups – one received acupuncture at the “right” pressure points, while the control group received acupuncture on randomized points. After ten weeks of treatment, sperm samples were obtained. Men from the first group showed a significant increase in sperm count and morphology as compared to the control group.
What to expect from your acupuncture treatment
Male infertility is caused by a number of factors beyond sperm problems. Before obtaining acupuncture treatments, consider making some lifestyle changes – quit smoking, lessen your alcohol consumption, and eat a nutrient-rich diet. Even if these make little or no changes to your fertility, acupuncture works best on men who live healthy lifestyles.
If you decide to visit an acupuncturist, expect your first visit to involve a detailed assessment of your current state of health. The acupuncturist will ask you about your symptoms and your lifestyle habits, including questions on how much you sweat and your food cravings. All these mundane details present a comprehensive picture of what acupuncturists call “pattern of disharmony.” Correcting this pattern is the center of traditional Chinese medicine.
Since it takes up to 90 days for your body to produce a new batch of sperm, you will need at least three months of acupuncture treatments, with at least one session a week. Taking Chinese herbs is also known to augment the efficacy of acupuncture. As long as you maintain your healthy lifestyle and commit to your weekly treatments, acupuncture can make a positive change on your fertility.