While much media attention has already been given to the use of acupuncture and other forms of TCM in the treatment of female infertility, similar treatments of male infertility have remained relatively out of the limelight. This, however, doesn’t mean that acupuncture has nothing to offer in the world of male infertility. To the contrary, clinical studies documented by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine as well as the andrology journals Archives of Andrology and Andrologia, have linked acupuncture to significant statistical increases in sperm motility, concentration, and a significant decrease in morphologically abnormal sperm.

Male factors are a common cause of infertility, accounting for up to 50 percent of infertility among couples. More alarmingly, the western etiology in approximately 40 to 50 percent is unknown. However, acupuncture offers promising results by increasing sperm motility, concentration, and reducing morphological abnormalities. With a diagnostic system that focuses on qi (energy), and jing (essence), reproductive acupuncture often finds means of diagnosing problems that may otherwise go unnamed, and thus can begin the process of treatment. Common diagnoses are kidney yin deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, qi deficiency, blood stagnation, damp heat, and spleen deficiency with dampness.

The logical place to begin any discussion of sperm production is the testis. In a Fertility and Sterility journal article published by Dr. Yusuf Cakmak, M.D., Ph.D., a study on abdominal electroacupuncture’s effects on blood flow in the testicular artery demonstrated a significant improvement in testicular artery blood pressure when electroacupuncture was applied to the acupuncture point ST-29 (guilai). During the study, eighty male volunteers were divided into groups in one stage and two groups in another stage. During the first stage, volunteers given electro-acupuncture at ST-29 (guilai), and in the second stage, volunteers were given electro-acupuncture at ST-25 (tianshu). Blood flow through the testicular artery was measured, and while no significant changes were found in the stimulation of ST-25 (tianshu), stimulation of ST-29 (guilai) increased testicular blood flow when electroacupuncture was applied at a frequenc of 10 Hz. Dr. Cakmak also writes in the article that blood pressure in the testicular artery is a reliable tool in the study of infertile males, and that the repeated stimulation of ST-29 (guilai) may be useful in the treatment of impaired spermatogenesis (Cakmak, et al, Fertility and Sterility, vol. 90, no.5, 2008).

While Dr. Cakmak’s promising research was prompted largely by a lack of knowledge about testicular blood flow and acupuncture, studies by Dr. Jian Pei and Dr. Shimon Siterman have shown acupuncture to be a useful treatment in improving sperm morphology. According to a study led by Dr. Jian Pei of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Dr. Erwin Strehler of Christian-Lauritzen-Institut in Ulm, Germany, males receiving acupuncture increased the number of spermatozoa with the acrosome in a normal position from 69.5 percent to 77.5 percent. The study, which monitored 28 men over a period of five weeks and compared them to a control group, recorded the results of needling acupuncture points including Ren 4 (Guan Yuan), UB 23 (Shen Shu), UB 32 (Ci Liao), LR 3 (Tai Cong) and KI 3 (Tai Xi). Acupuncture recipients within the study showed statistically significant improvements in acrosome shape and nuclear shape. Doctors Pei and Strehler prefaced their research with a note on the importance of the structural characteristics of organelles, noting that they were indicators of perfect sperm function. The study also showed significant improvement in other categories of sperm quality in acupuncture recipients (Pei, et al, Fertility and Sterility, vol. 84 no.1, 2005).

Additionally, a 2000 Andrologia article, published by Shimon Siterman, et. al, demonstrates that in controlled studies, acupuncture increased sperm density numbers in males with poor sperm density. Within the Siterman study, 16 men with abnormal sperm parameters were administered acupuncture over a five week period, during which time their sperm morphology was examined and compared to a control group. Follow-up semen analysis showed significant improvement in total functional sperm, with an overall increased fertile index when compared to analysis before acupuncture (Siterman, et al, Andrologia, 2000. 32(1); 31-9).

Another study was performed at the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China that applied acupuncture to 22 men who had semen abnormalities of unknown cause, and who underwent at least 2 unsuccessful cycles of ICSI treatment (Zhang, et al, Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology – Medical Sciences – vol.22 no.3, 2002). Female factors were excluded. Patients were treated twice a week for 8 weeks, with each treatment lasting 25 minutes. Three months after acupuncture the study found significant increases in the semen motility and morphology as follows: Motility went from 11 percent before acupuncture to 18.3 percent after acupuncture and morphology went from 16.2 percent before acupuncture to 21.1 percent after acupuncture.

Sperm motility, another important factor in male fertility, has also been shown to benefit from acupuncture treatments. According to the same study by Dr. Jian Pei as mentioned earlier, acupuncture increased total motility in patient ejaculate from 44.5 percent to 50 percent, a statistically significant figure when compared to control groups that did not receive treatment. According to the same article, motility is a factor of “highest relevance” to reproduction, as it indicates how well spermatozoa move in a forward direction. Another study, submitted to Fertility and Sterility in 2009 by Dr. Stefan Dieterle, et al., demonstrated a significant increase in the percentage of total motile sperm in acupuncture patients. The study compared the results of 24 men with low sperm concentrations who were administered acupuncture over a five week period with the results of 28 men who were administered sham acupuncture over the same period (Deiterle, et al, Fertility and Sterility, Article in press at the time of writing).

Male infertility, while less talked about than female infertility, is an issue that confronts many infertile couples. And while its causes are often unknown, acupuncture offers hope.

I am wondering  about acupuncture treatment for miscarriage prevention.  I have had 2 miscarriages and would desperately like to try for another baby but have pretty much given up hope.  It is just so emotionally and physically taxing to deal with the ups and downs of loss of child this way.  I have had various tests done to rule out genetic factors, and for this last miscarriage I was on baby aspirin but that apparently did not work.  The only thing that My OB had to say was that I just have bad luck. He also suggested that I see Dr Horton or Dr Cherry for an evaluation to see if acupuncture can do anything to help me.  I feel that this is my last option because nothing else has helped.

Any response will be much appreciated

Arissa

I have had PCOS for 4 years that I know of and have now been trying to conceive for 6 months. I saw my OB and she would like me to go on clomid. I am not adverse to going on clomid if i need to, but I was surprised that she didn’t have any other suggestions. What about diet, vitamins, exercise. (oh, she did suggest prenatal vitamin) I have been reading about acupuncture and infertility and it seems like this may be a good avenue for me to pursue. Any suggestions about how I might work with my body to help conceive? I know it’s only been 6 months but it feels like 6 years!!

Any advice would be appreciated!

Jessica

I always notice that my acupuncturist looks at my tongue when I come in for acupuncture treatments. My acupuncturist (Jennifer Horton)  told me before that acupuncturists use tongue diagnosis.  I would like to know more about this.  

thanks, Tammy

Fertility Support

What Is Your Pattern?

Acupuncture Clinics of Dr. David Cherry and Associates

David Cherry L.Ac. OMD, Jennifer Horton L.Ac. MS TCM

Kidney yin deficiency

• Do you have lower back weakness, soreness, or pain, or knee problems?

• Do you have ringing in the ears or dizziness?

• Is your hair prematurely gray?

• Do you have vaginal dryness?

• Is you mid cycle fertile cervical mucus scanty or missing?

• Do you have dark circles around or under your eyes?

• Do you have night sweats?

• Are you prone to hot flashes?

• Would you describe yourself as afraid a lot?

• Does your tongue lack coating? Does it appear shiny or peeled?

Kidney yang deficiency

• Do you have lower back pain premenstrually?

• Is your low back sore or week often?

• Are your feet cold–especially at night?

• Are you typically colder than those around you?

• Is your libido low?

• Are you often fearful?

• Do you wake up at night or early in the morning because you have to urinate?

• Do you urinate frequently? And is the urine dilute and/or profuse?

• Do you have early morning loose—and urgent stools?

• Do you have profuse vaginal discharge?

• Does your menstrual blood tend to be dull in color?

• Do you feel cold cramps during your period that respond or gets better with a heating pad?

• Is your tongue pale, moist and swollen?

Spleen Qi deficiency

• Are you often fatigued?

• Do you have a poor appetite?

• Is your energy low after you eat a meal?

• Do you feel bloated after eating?

• Do you crave sweets?

• Do you have souse stools, bloating, abdominal pain or digestive problems?

• Are your hands and feet cold?

• Is your nose cold?

• Are you prone to feeling heavy or sluggish?

• Are you prone to feeling heaviness or grogginess in your head?

• Do you bruise easily?

• Do you think you have poor circulation?

• Do you have varicose veins?

• Are you lacking strength in your arms and legs?

• Are you lacking in exercise?

• Are you prone to worry?

• Have you been diagnosed with low blood pressure?

• Do you sweat a lot without exertion?

• Do you feel dizzy or light-headed, or have you had visual changes when you stand up fast?

• Is your menstruation thin, watery, profuse, or pinkish in color?

• Are you more tired around ovulation or menstruation?

• Do you ever spot a few days or more before your period comes?

• Have you ever been diagnosed with uterine prolapse?

• Are your menstrual cramps accompanied by a down-bearing sensation in your uterus?

• Are you often sick, or do you have allergies?

• Have you been diagnosed with hypothyroid or anemia?

• Do you have hemorrhoids or polyps?

• Does your tongue look swollen, with teeth marks on the sides?

• Do you have a pale, yellowish complexion?

Blood deficiency

• Are your menses scant (small amount) and/or late?

• Do you have dry flaky skin?

• Are you prone to getting chapped lips?

• Are your fingernails or toenails brittle?

• Are you losing hair on the top of your head (not in patches—but all over)?

• Is your hair dry or brittle?

• Do you have diminished nighttime vision?

• Do you get dizzy or light headed easily around your period?

• Are your lips, the inner side of your lower eyelids, or tongue pale in color?

Blood stasis

• Is your menstrual flow ever brown or black in color?

• Do you feel mid-cycle pain around your ovaries?

• Do you have painful unmovable breast lumps?

• Do you experience periodic numbness of your hands and feet (especially at night)?

• Do you have varicose or spider veins?

• Do you have red hemangiomas (red cherry spots) on your skin?

• Does your complexion look dark and “sooty”?

• Do you have chronic hemorrhoids?

• Does your menstrual blood contain clots?

• Have you been diagnosed with endometriosis? Or uterine fibroids?

• Is your lower abdomen tender to palpation (resting touch)?

• Can you feel any abnormal lumps in your lower abdomen?

• Do you have piercing or stabbing menstrual cramps?

• Does your tongue look dark?

• Do you have dark spots on your tongue?

• Are the veins beneath your tongue twisty and tortuous?

• Do you have dark spots in your eyes?

• Have you been diagnosed with any vascular abnormality or blood clotting disorder?

Liver Qi stagnation

• Are you prone to emotional depression?

• Are you prone to anger or rage?

• Do you become irritable premenstrually?

• Do you feel bloated or irritable around ovulation?

• Does it feel as if your ovulation lasts longer than it should?

• Are your breasts sensitive/sore during ovulation?

• Do you experience nipple pain or discharge from your nipples?

• Do you gave a lot of premenstrual breast distention or pain?

• Have you been diagnosed with elevated prolactin levels?

• Do you become bloated premenstrually?

• Are your pupils usually dilated and large?

• Do you have difficulty falling asleep?

• Do you experience heartburn or wake up with a bitter taste in your mouth?

• Are your menses painful?

• Do you feel your menstrual cramps in the external genital area?

• Is the menstrual blood thick and dark or purplish color?

• Is your tongue dark or purplish color?

Heart deficiency

• Do you wake up early in the morning and have trouble getting back to sleep?

• Do you have heart palpitations? Especially when anxious?

• Do you have nightmares?

• Do you seem low in spirit or lacking in vitality?

• Are you prone to agitation or extreme restlessness?

• Do you fidget?

• Is the tip of your tongue red?

• Is there a crack in the center of your tongue that extends to the tip?

• Do you sweat excessively, especially on your chest?

Excess heat

• Is your pulse rapid?

• Are your mouth and throat usually dry?

• Are you thirsty for cold drinks most of the time?

• Do you often feel warmer than those around you?

• Do you wake up sweating or have hot flashes?

• Do you break out in red acne (especially premenstrually)?

• Do you have a short menstrual cycle?

• Do you have vaginal irritation or rashes?

Dampness

• Do you feel tired and sluggish after a meal?

• Do you have fibrocystic breasts?

• Do you have cystic or pustular acne?

• Do you have urgent, bright, or foul smelling stools?

• Does your menstrual blood contain stringy tissue or mucus?

• Are you prone to yeast infection, and vaginal itching?

• Do your joints ache especially with movement?

• Are you overweight?

• Do you have a wet, slimy tongue?

Damp heat

• Do you have signs of heat and/or dampness as indicated above?

• Do you have foul-smelling yellow or green vaginal discharge?

• Are you prone to vaginal and/or rectal itching during your luteal or premenstrual phase?

Cold uterus

• Do you fit the kidney yang deficiency category?

• Do you fall into the blood stasis pattern?

• Does your lower abdomen feel cooler to the touch than the rest of your trunk?

Building The Imune System

Acupuncture Fertility Associates 

David Cherry L.Ac. OMD, Jennifer Horton L.Ac. MS TCM

Why would you have a week immune system? One word: STRESS!! Stress is the most common cause of weak immunity and has been linked to increased risk of heart disease, strokes, cancer and a list of other diseases. It is so important to recognize and treat a low immune system because it is a precursor to many, many diseases. So when your acupuncturist asks you if you could possibly find some way to reduce the stress level in your life, it’s no joke! Yes, stress is our number one health enemy in this country.

We may be unknowingly causing our body stress. Unresolved feelings of guilt, resentment or anger will slowly but surely take their toll. Forgiveness and gratitude are preliminary steps to overcoming this self-destruction. Daily routines of meditation, prayer, and positive visualization normally support the experience of continual renewal. Think of the cells in your body that constantly repair, renew and rebuild. Wouldn’t it make sense for your mind-or spirit to need that same renewal and repair?

An important concept to for understanding immunity is that of “free radicals”. Free radicals are molecules created by cells in the body upon exposure to toxins, viruses, germs, or fungi. After creating free radicals for their own protection, body cells themselves also become targets of destruction. They must ward them off with an antioxidant defense using nutrients known as free-radical scavengers. When free radicals attack unprotected cells, they cause destruction and degeneration of normal cells and tissues, disrupting the action of DNA-this is suspected to cause cancer in some instances.

Causes of Weak Immune System:

You may be unknowingly exposing yourself to toxins. New carpet, furniture, clothes, and cars are all saturated with toxins that are harmful to your immunity. Avoid using common household cleaning chemicals. You may combine vinegar and hydrogen peroxide and use as a cleanser. Buy organic vegetables and fruit to avoid toxic pesticides. Buying organically grown food will also increase the quality of food giving you more nutrition. Food that is grown commercially is typically not as rich in vitamins and minerals.

Causes of Immune deficiency: Stress, Toxins, Surgery, Illness, Electromagnetic field (EMF) From light bulbs, TV screens, and Computer screens, advanced age, a dormant virus, side effects of some pharmaceutical drugs, poor eating habits, Allergies/food allergies, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, phobia, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, lack of fresh air, lack of sunshine, piracites.

Nutrition:

• Vitamin B complex

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin E and Vitamin D3

• Flax Seed Oil

• Grains

• Legumes

• Sprouts

• Green foods

• Vegetables

• Most important: GRAINS AND GREENS!!

When a variety of these foods are consumed, abundant protein, copper, and B vitamins necessary for iron absorption will be available.

• Iron: found in vegetables legumes, grains, nuts, seeds.

•  

• For the first stages of treating blood deficiency, the richest source of iron is algae, including both seaweeds and micro-algae such as spirulina, and blue-green algae.

• Folic acid: found in micro-algae, sprouts, leafy greens, and chlorophyll rich foods. Folic acid is destroyed when cooked.

• Vitamin B12: sublingual vitamin B12 or B complex (bacteria-derived).

• Royal Jelly: made by bees, this is a special kind of honey.

Blood Deficiency

Acupuncture Fertility Specialists 

David Cherry L.Ac. OMD, Jennifer Horton L.Ac., MS TCM

In oriental medicine, the concept of blood includes understanding the inherent energy within the blood. Blood is created in part from nutrients derived from the digestive tract (spleen, stomach, pancreas, small intestine). Blood is formed when these nutrients are combined with the kidney jing. The body’s jing is stored in the bone marrow, which correlates with the contemporary western knowledge that new blood cells are created in the bone marrow. Cells in the kidney also produce a hormone called erythropoietin that plays an important part in new blood cell production. Thus blood quality may be affected by a long-term kidney weakness. If you have a deficiency of the digestive organs, you will be unable to absorb nutrients properly, even though you may be taking vitamins or iron. Another organ that may be affected is the liver. The liver is where blood is considered to be stored at night in oriental medicine. When there is not enough blood to nourish the liver, you may suffer from a group of symptoms categorized as “liver blood deficiency”.

Remember when we speak of organs in the context of oriental medicine and acupuncture theory we are speaking in terms of prevention. We see conditions in a different light then the traditional medical field, so if we speak of a specific organ deficiency, we mean to say that this organ is not running at 100% rather than a medical concept of an unchangeable pathology.

If your acupuncturist has said you have “blood deficiency”, you may nutritionally build your blood through incorporating these suggestions in your diet.

Grains, Legumes, Sprouts, Green foods, and Vegetables. Most important:

GRAINS AND GREENS!!

• Iron: found in vegetables legumes, grains, nuts, seeds.

• When a variety of these foods are consumed, abundant protein, copper, and B vitamins necessary for iron absorption will be available.

• For the first stages of treating blood deficiency, the richest source of iron is algae, including both seaweeds and micro-algae such as spirulina, and blue-green algae.

• Folic acid: found in micro-algae, sprouts, leafy greens, and chlorophyll rich foods. Folic acid is destroyed when cooked.

• Vitamin B12: sublingual vitamin B12 or B complex (bacteria-derived).

• Royal Jelly: made by bees, this is a special kind of honey.

   

  also follow the diet for your diagnosis such as spleen qi deficiency, kidney deficiency and so on. 

AVOID: raw, cold, sweet, and mucus forming food. Sushi. Limit meats, eggs, dairy products, fats like lard and butter. oils, oily foods like nuts and seeds. sweeteners and fruits, and foods containing concentrated sweeteners. Avoid late nigh eating and overeating.