Most people have heard of acupuncture, either during casual conversation or as a suggestion for treating muscle pain. However, what some may not have guessed is that acupuncture treats a wide variety of ailments, including infertility and the struggle to lose weight. Acupuncture is derived from traditional Chinese medicine and involves the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. These points reside on channels or meridians that are pathways through both the exterior and interior of the body. The points on the body can regulate the way in which the body functions, specifically when it comes to treating fertility and weight loss.
Infertility in women can be caused by any number of reasons, Scott Evans, DOM, L.Ac. at Acupuncture of Lodi, stresses the importance of looking into a patient’s history in order to determine the best course of action. Evans explains, “I like to evaluate the patient and see if the problem is coming from deficiency or excess and then determine the best course of action for that person”. Deficiency, in this case, may suggest a deficiency in blood. Evans suggests a treatment plan for such a patient that involves nourishing their blood and Qi (chi or life force) and the prescribing of Chinese herbs.
Infertility can also be caused by stress putting pressure on the body. Evans states, “Oftentimes patients can’t relax and allow pregnancy to happen; then we work with trying to relax the body and get their sleep regulated. Busy lifestyles and stress are increasing factors in a woman’s infertility, causing women to become bound up emotionally. Acupuncture allows them to relax.” Another way to treat infertility is with the use of moxibustion, a method of acupuncture used to heat the body. A long cigar-shaped bundle of dried leaves is lit on one end and held above acupuncture points. Evans measures pulses to determine heat condition-a slow pulse is considered cold and a fast pulse is considered hot. These can be done at places that specialize in Fertility acupuncture Melbourne or across the globe.
Using acupuncture to increase fertility involves a relatively short treatment plan for some women, typically requiring only two or three visits. Evans commends the use of acupuncture in treating infertility. “I’ve had pretty good luck with it actually; of course, the age of a person is always a factor as well as their relative health.”
Weight loss can also be treated with acupuncture; however, it is most effective when the patient is willing to change their lifestyle. The acupuncture needles are inserted in the body into specific points to release endorphins, which have a calming and relaxing effect. This allows patients to deal with their stress, frustration and anxiety more positively, diminishing their desire to overeat and binge on harmful foods.
To schedule your appointment contact:
Dr. Scott Evans, DOM, L.Ac.
755 So. Fairmont Ave. Suite B
Lodi, (209)339-9888
www.aculodi.com/scott-evans/