I frequently get asked the question if acupuncture can improve fertility.  The answer is YES!

Acupuncture can increase fertility by increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, reducing stress and balancing the endocrine system.  The goal treatment is not just to get pregnant but to stay pregnant and have a healthy baby.

Acupuncture consists of gentle insertion and stimulation of thin, disposable, sterile needles at strategic points near the surface of the body. Over 2000 acupuncture points on the human body connect with 14 major pathways, called meridians. These meridians conduct Qi, or energy between the surface of the body and internal organs.  When the flow of Qi is disrupted through poor health habits or other circumstances, pain and/or disease can result.  Acupuncture helps to unblock this normal flow of Qi, which can increase fertility.

While 40% of infertility is caused by problems in the female such as anovulation, hormone imbalances, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and PCOS, another 40% is caused by issues in the male such as low sperm count or motility. The remaining 20% is caused by unknown factors.

One of the ways acupuncture increases fertility is by reducing stress, which is often an important factor in the fertility of both men and women.  When people are under stress, the hormone cortisol is released in the brain. This alters the brain’s neurochemical balance which then changes hormone levels and disrupts the pituitary balance that is essential to the reproductive cycle.  This can lead to menstrual cycle irregularities and issues with ovulation which contribute to the causes of infertility. 

Stress can also create spasms in both the uterus and fallopian tubes, which can interfere with movement and implantation of a fertilized egg.  Acupuncture can also help improve sperm count in men.

Studies have also shown that when used in conjunction with fertility treatments (ART), acupuncture increases conception rate by 26%.  So whether you are undergoing IUI or IVF, acupuncture would be a great additional treatment!

Watch the video below to get an idea of what an acupuncture treatment for fertility would consist of.

- Dr. Lesley

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote good digestive and immune health. Literally translated, probiotic means “for life”. Having a vital and well-balanced population of these microorganisms in our digestive tract is essential for optimal health.

Probiotics have several important functions which include synthesizing nutrients such as vitamin K which is essential for blood clotting, aiding in digestion and proper elimination, enhancing immune function, supporting detoxification and optimizing hormone metabolism.

Our gut flora can be damaged by antibiotic therapy as well as steroidal drugs including cortisone, spermicides, stress, birth control pills, a diet containing excess sugars or alcohol, and certain herbs such as oregano oil.

What’s the Big Deal?
Problems related to altered gut flora include digestive issues like bloating, gas, irritable bowel, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as eczema, altered mood, allergies, and bladder infections. Imbalanced flora can also lead to an overgrowth of the yeast Candida albicans, creating symptoms beyond the gut including headaches, foggy thinking and yeast infections
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Research studies have shown that supplemental probiotics support healthy immune function and can even decrease symptoms and duration of colds and “flus”. It has also been found that mom and infant supplementation with probiotics can result in a decreased occurrence of eczema and allergies in childhood.

How to Choose the Right Probiotics
An increasing number of food products claim to contain probiotics, and while some do, they are unregulated, and many contain negligible or sub-therapeutic amounts. Because of this, supplements are the most reliable way to get probiotics.

While there are 400 – 500 different bacterial species found in the large intestine alone, there are a handful that should predominate, most commonly Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium species. These are the species found in the majority of probiotic supplements. As specific formulations, dosing and potencies vary with particular health conditions, ask a naturopathic doctor to recommend the best supplement to optimize your health.

Remember, if your gut is not happy, your body is not happy!

Are you having trouble falling or staying asleep? Do you wake up still feeling tired and unrefreshed? If so, you might be suffering from insomnia!
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Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep, stay asleep, and/or waking up early in the morning.  It can lead to fatigue, lack of concentration, irritability, anxiety, learning disabilities, and depression. 

There are many possible causes of insomnia:

• Stress, Anxiety, Depression
• Hormone imbalances: menopause, pregnancy
• Medications
• Travel
• Shift work
• Chronic pain
• GERD
• Caffeine
• Sleep apnea
• Restless leg syndrome
• Poor sleep hygiene 

Naturopathic doctors are highly trained to identify the possible factors contributing to insomnia, and once the cause or causes are identified, a safe and effective individualized treatment plan will be given.  This may include stress management techniques, correcting hormone imbalances, acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle recommendations, botanicals to help balance the sleep-wake cycle, and homeopathy.

For more information about Naturopathic Medicine can help you, contact Dr. Lesley!