Michelle Bullard, MS, LAc

Acupuncture Points for Fertility

Michelle Bullard — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:25:43 +0000

Chinese medicine is now used by many people around the world as a way to enhance their fertility. Women and men alike may benefit from the vast knowledge available to us from this ancient healing art. Acupuncture is the focal point of Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to achieve desired results. These points are specific locations on the body that are stimulated by acupuncture needles. To locate an acupuncture point, an acupuncturist looks for specific anatomical locations on the body. Treatment involves combining acupuncture points to form a “prescription” for each individual client based on their unique constitution.

For clients looking to enhance their fertility, there are many acupuncture points on the body that may be used. Below is a description of a few of the acupuncture points that are commonly used to enhance fertility. For specific points that may benefit you, please consult an acupuncturist.

Spleen 6 – located on the inside of the lower leg, 3 inches above the prominence of the ankle bone, just behind the tibia. Spleen 6 regulates menstruation and calms the spirit.
Ren 6 – located on the midline of the body 3 inches below the navel. Ren 6 benefits the uterus to aid conception.
Stomach 29 – located 4 inches below and 2 inches lateral to the navel. Stomach 29 is one of the points used in the treatment before an IVF transfer to help improve pregnancy rates.
Zigong – located on the lower abdomen on either side of the body just above the pubic bone. Zigong is a classical point for enhancing fertility.
Kidney 3 – located on the inside of the lower leg half way between the inner ankle bone and the achilles tendon. Kidney 3tonifies the Kidney Qi to support healthy reproductive function.

References:

Deadman, Peter. A Manual of Acupuncture. East Sussex: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications, 2001

Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH

Michelle Bullard — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 21:54:18 +0000

I highly recommend the book, Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH. The book contains clear, concise information about conceiving. I suggest the book to all of my fertility clients and it is a valuable resource for them.

Acupuncture and Endometriosis

Michelle Bullard — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 00:12:07 +0000

Endometriosis is a painful condition that affects millions of women worldwide. It occurs when tissue that is like the endometrial tissue within the uterus grows outside the uterus. These tissues respond to the hormonal fluctuations in a woman’s cycle that produce a menstrual period. Unlike endometrial tissue within the uterus, however, tissue outside the uterus is not able to shed with the period and instead causes inflammation and adhesions. Endometriosis may be found on the the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, bowel, cervix, and on the lining of the abdominal cavity. It may also be found in scars from previous abdominal surgeries. Rarely it is found on the lungs and in other locations.

Endometriosis can cause chronic pelvic pain as well as disabling pain during menses. Other common symptoms include low back and rectal pain, leg pain, fatigue, digestive problems, and constipation. Infertility may also result from endometriosis. The exact cause of endometriosis from a Western medical perspective is still unknown and there is no known cure.

From a Chinese medical perspective, endometriosis is a state of blood stagnation. This view of the condition is in alignment with the Western perspective of the condition. Endometrial adhesions are sites where cells that should be eliminated from the body are stuck, i.e. blood stagnation. The goal of treatment is to alleviate pain and other symptoms, as well as to help the woman to resume her normal activities throughout the month. My approach to assisting women with endometriosis includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet counseling, and massage. Treatment can take time, but can be very effective in helping someone manage this painful condition.