If you’re having issues with fertility — due to problems like endometriosis, you’re not alone. And for many women, acupuncture is worth trying. Read on to learn exactly how NJ Acupuncture, located at 550 Newark Avenue in Jersey City and 777 Avenue C in Bayonne, uses acupuncture to help with fertility and PMS issues in women.
Endometriosis has been in the news more and more lately, with some female celebrities speaking out as both patients and advocates of the awareness of the disease. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), “Endometriosis is a problem affecting a woman’s uterus—the place where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant. Endometriosis is when the kind of tissue that normally lines the uterus grows somewhere else. It can grow on the ovaries, behind the uterus, on the bowels, or on the bladder. Rarely, it grows in other parts of the body.”
Often times, the painful disease can cause pain, infertility, and very heavy periods. The pain is usually in the abdomen, lower back, or pelvic areas. Some women have no symptoms at all but then find themselves having trouble getting pregnant.
But what to do about it?
Researchers from Health CMI found that acupuncture can be more effective than hormone drug replacement therapy in treating endometriosis and its symptoms. Researchers at Tongji University hospital compared acupuncture with standard drug therapy, and patients receiving acupuncture achieved a 92.0% total effective rate for combating symptoms. Patients receiving mifepristone {a common drug used to help endometriosis} achieved a 52.0% total effective rate.” In a nutshell: acupuncture worked better at reducing pain levels as reported by the patients. Thankfully, acupuncture might be able to help. Here’s how:
Fertility + Acupuncture
At NJ Acupuncture, Ani Baran and her team focus on the following when it comes to fertility: CV6 (Quihai), CV4 (Guanyuan), CV3 (Zhongji), Zigong (Extra), SP10 (Xuehai), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LV2 (Xingjian) and LV3 (taichong). She works with her clients to create a pain management plan, reducing the intensity of pain and cramps. We’ve personally been to Ani for a variety of treatments — including PMS, sinus treatment, stress, and more — and she’s wonderful.
Acupuncture has also been known to help with stimulating the release of eggs and is a great treatment to consider if planning to get pregnant — as it helps get the body in optimal shape — physically and emotionally, according to the National Institute of Health.
PMS 101
Don’t have endometriosis per-say but suffer from the usual PMS {Pre-Menstrual Syndrome}? We know it all too well: cyclical bloating, breakouts, cravings and unfortunately, mood swings. According to Ani, “Several million women report painful periods, cramps, and PMS that can disrupt life for 7-10 days each month,” with common symptoms include and ranging from bloating, headache, acne, and irritability or severe mood swings. Ummm hello, sound familiar?
Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) analyze the flow of energy, or qi, and blood in each patient as a means of identifying imbalances that are to blame for their diseases or medical conditions. Cramping associated with the menstrual cycle or menopause is often due to the stagnation of qi.” Additionally, a deficiency in quality qi or blood flow can also lead to chronic pain.
How Acupuncture Treats PMS
The most common acupuncture point for PMS is along the liver meridian, or Liver Qi, which is believed to be integral to the overall flow of energy, life force, through the body. By stimulating this point, stagnant blood can be combated, which can ultimately lead to pain relief and restoration of balance.
While the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has no official stance on the efficacy of acupuncture on PMS, many of the professional members recognize that acupuncture helps to regulate our endorphins and other biochemistry, according to The Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
In other words, it quite literally can’t hurt to give acupuncture a try in an effort to help combat when PMS rears its ugly head.
Giveaway Alert!
FYI: We’re giving away 3 FREE acupuncture sessions + a mini massage from NJ Acupuncture Center for one lucky reader on our Instagram today. Head to @HobokenGirlBlog to enter!
If you’re ready to book your appointment with Ani, email info@NJAcupunctureCenter.com or call 201-668-0343.
*This post is sponsored, but we LOVE Ani and go to her regularly for acupuncture.
This article should not be utilized for medical advice; please consult a doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your fertility.
