Frozen Embryo Transfer Acupuncture Protocol

For many couples and individuals on their fertility journey, frozen embryo transfer (FET) represents the final process of their assisted reproduction and a time to keep hope and positivity alive.

FET is now more common because it allows for the testing of embryos and freezing, before transfer, offering flexibility in timing and potentially multiple chances at pregnancy from a single egg retrieval cycle. While medical science continues to refine these processes, adding traditional practices like acupuncture to complement and enhance FET success is now often recommended by fertility and medical clinics. 

What is FET?

While it used to be common to transfer a “fresh” embryo as part of IVF, now most clinics recommend FET so they can screen for genetic abnormalities prior to transfer. Genetic testing takes several weeks and during that time the embryos are placed in a cryostat,  and the woman's body has time to recover from the IVF procedure and prepare for future transfer  

During an IVF cycle, embryos that are not immediately transferred are cryopreserved for future use. When the time comes for transfer, these embryos are carefully thawed and transferred to the uterus. This process allows for better timing with the woman's natural cycle or a medically prepared cycle, potentially increasing the chances of successful implantation.

The role of acupuncture in FET

At Integrative Healing Arts, we have successfully helped many women integrate acupuncture into their fertility treatment plans. When it comes to frozen embryo transfer, acupuncture can offer several benefits:

Improved uterine flood Flow

Studies suggest acupuncture during FET can enhance blood circulation to the uterus. This increased blood flow can help create a more welcoming environment for the embryo, potentially improving the chances of successful implantation.

Stress reduction

Our caring team understands that your fertility journey can be emotionally taxing, and stress can negatively impact treatment outcomes. Studies have shown that acupuncture reduces stress levels, promotes relaxation, and improves heart rate variability, which may enhance the overall success rate of your fertility treatments.

Hormonal balance

Hormone regulation and balance are essential when preparing your body for FET and supporting early pregnancy. In a study, acupuncture increased female hormones, helping regulate them around the body.

Reduced side effects

For those undergoing hormone treatments to prepare for FET, acupuncture can help manage side effects such as bloating, headaches, and mood swings.

FET acupuncture protocol

Acupuncture treatments for frozen embryo transfer help support the body before, during, and after the procedure. Below is a general overview of what you may expect on your journey, however, we understand that every woman’s journey is unique, so protocols may vary slightly. 

Pre-transfer treatments

It is recommended to start weekly acupuncture sessions about 6-8 weeks before the scheduled transfer. As the transfer date approaches, we may increase the number of acupuncture sessions to twice a week.

These treatments focus on:

• Regulating the menstrual cycle (if doing a natural cycle FET) 

• Improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries 

• Balancing hormones 

• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation 

• Addressing any specific health concerns or symptoms

Day of transfer treatments

On the day of the embryo transfer, many protocols recommend two acupuncture sessions - one before and one after the procedure.

Pre-transfer session

This treatment, typically done within 24 hours before the embryo transfer, aims to relax your body, increase blood flow to the uterus, and create an optimal environment for implantation.

Specific points used may include:

• Zigong (Extra point): Located on the lower abdomen, this point is believed to benefit the uterus. 

• Sanyinjiao (SP6): On the inner leg, this point is crucial for gynecological issues. 

• Taichong (LV3): On the foot, this point helps regulate Liver Qi and blood. 

• Baihui (GV20): On the top of the head, this point helps calm the mind and reduce stress.

Post-transfer session

This treatment is usually done immediately after the embryo transfer or within 24 hours. It focuses on supporting implantation and reducing any stress or anxiety.

Points may include:

• Guanyuan (REN4): On the lower abdomen, this point nourishes the uterus. 

• Zusanli (ST36): On the leg, this point is known for its ability to strengthen the body and support overall health. 

• Neiguan (PC6): On the inner forearm, this point helps reduce anxiety and nausea.

Post-transfer treatments

Following the embryo transfer, weekly acupuncture sessions are typically recommended for at least 4-6 weeks.

These treatments focus on:

• Supporting implantation 

• Maintaining hormonal balance 

• Managing any early pregnancy symptoms 

• Continuing stress reduction

If you become pregnant, many women find comfort in continuing acupuncture throughout their first and second trimesters, or even the entire pregnancy. These treatments can be a nurturing way to support both your well-being and your baby's health.

Customizing your protocol

It's important to note that while this represents a general protocol, the best approach is always a personalized one. At Integrative Healing Arts, we take the time to understand each patient's unique situation, including their medical history, the specifics of their FET cycle, and any particular health concerns or goals.

Your acupuncturist may incorporate additional TCM therapies into your protocol, such as:

• Herbal Medicine: Carefully selected herbal formulas may be recommended to support your treatment. However, it's crucial to consult with both your acupuncturist and fertility specialist before taking any herbs, as some may interfere with fertility medications.

• Moxibustion: This heat therapy involves burning mugwort near specific acupuncture points and is believed to enhance the effects of acupuncture.

• Dietary recommendations: Your practitioner may suggest dietary changes based on TCM principles to support your overall health and fertility.

• Lifestyle advice: Recommendations for stress management, exercise, and sleep hygiene may be provided to complement your acupuncture treatments.

Maximizing the benefits of your acupuncture protocol

Firstly, remember that consistency is key! Try to maintain a regular treatment schedule as recommended by your practitioner.

If you have any changes to your health or medication during your fertility journey, let our acupuncture practitioners and your fertility specialist know. This ensures a coordinated and personalized approach to your care.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we are more than an acupuncture clinic. We offer holistic approaches for women (and men) on their fertility journey. Our team may recommend complementing your acupuncture treatments with other stress-reduction methods like meditation, gentle yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Our practitioners may also provide dietary and lifestyle advice to enhance the overall effects of your treatment. 

Book with us today

At Integrative Healing Arts, we understand that every fertility journey is unique. Our experienced practitioners are dedicated to providing personalized care that aligns with your specific needs and treatment plan.

Remember, while the path to parenthood can be challenging, you don't have to navigate it alone, our team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to book your first appointment and learn how acupuncture can enhance your fertility treatment and support your growing family.

Benefits of Acupuncture Before Egg Retrieval

For women undergoing fertility treatments, the process of egg retrieval is a crucial step on the path to parenthood. Modern reproductive technologies have made it possible for many couples to have babies that were not possible 50 years ago.  Egg freezing, embryo freezing, egg and donor sperm, and genetic testing are significant in the Western medical world. Even, with these newfound technologies many patients seek traditional practices like acupuncture to complement and enhance their fertility treatments.

Acupuncture before egg retrieval has come to the awareness of fertility experts due to its increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs, its anti-inflammatory effect, and stress relief including the potential to improve egg quality. 

Why acupuncture before egg retrieval can improve your outcome 

The journey through fertility treatments is physically and emotionally demanding. Blood draws, medications, hormone injections, and scans are part of the egg retrieval process. Medical procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF), place significant physical and emotional stress on a woman's body and can impact her most intimate relationships.. This is where acupuncture can play a vital role.

Acupuncture is often recommended before egg retrieval for several reasons. Firstly, it can help optimize the body's condition for the procedure. The hormonal treatments used to stimulate egg production can sometimes lead to side effects such as bloating, discomfort, and mood swings. Acupuncture can help manage these symptoms, making the process more comfortable and distressing. 

Studies show that acupuncture can also help improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus. This increased circulation is crucial for nurturing the developing eggs and preparing the uterine lining for potential implantation. By promoting better blood flow, acupuncture may help improve the quality and quantity of eggs retrieved.

The fertility journey can be emotionally tiring, and high-stress levels can negatively impact hormone balance and overall reproductive health. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can be beneficial not only for the patient's well-being but also for how smoothly the fertility treatment process goes.

The Benefits of Acupuncture Before Egg Retrieval

The potential benefits of acupuncture before egg retrieval are numerous and can offer a significant and positive impact on fertility success rates.

Improved Egg Quality

If you are doing an egg retrieval cycle, the primary goal of this fertility process is to produce high-quality eggs for retrieval. Studies suggest that acupuncture may help improve egg quality by increasing blood flow to the ovaries, which ensures that the developing eggs receive optimal nutrition and oxygen. This improved nourishment can lead to healthier, more viable eggs.

Enhanced Ovarian Response

Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help improve ovarian response to fertility medications.  For women with low AMH or ovarian reserve, this could potentially lead to a greater number of mature eggs retrieved, increasing the chances of successful embryo transfer and development.

Reduced Side Effects

The hormonal treatments used in IVF can sometimes cause uncomfortable side effects. Acupuncture can help manage these symptoms, including bloating, headaches, acne, and mood swings, making the process of your fertility journey more comfortable.

Stress Reduction

The stress-reducing effects of acupuncture can be particularly beneficial before egg retrieval. Lower stress levels can positively impact hormone balance and may improve the overall success rate of fertility treatments. At Integrative Healing Arts, our patients said they feel more relaxed and centered after acupuncture sessions.

Improved Uterine Blood Flow

While the focus is often on egg quality, preparing the uterus for where the embryo will develop is crucial for a successful pregnancy and healthy baby. Acupuncture can enhance blood flow to the uterus, helping to create a more nurturing environment for embryo implantation later in the process.

Pain Management

Women often experience discomfort during and after the egg retrieval process. Acupuncture can help manage pain naturally, potentially reducing the need for pain medication.

Hormonal Balance

One study suggested that acupuncture may help regulate hormones, which is crucial for boosting fertility. Balanced hormones can lead to better egg development and increase the chances of successful fertilization and implantation.

What to expect on your first visit

In the weeks and months before your assisted reproduction treatments, acupuncture can be a safe and effective therapy to help your body get ready.

Your journey begins with our experienced and caring acupuncturist team. During this session, we'll thoroughly assess the "big picture"—your medical history, family history, fertility and conception background, current fertility treatments, and more. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan that caters specifically to your body, your needs, and your unique pregnancy challenges.

Weekly acupuncture sessions 2 to 3 months before your IVF and IUI treatments have a stabilizing effect on your nervous system as well as your hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. Typically, patients undergo acupuncture sessions once or twice a week leading up to the egg retrieval procedure. The frequency may increase as the retrieval date approaches.

Additional benefits to fertility acupuncture

The benefits of acupuncture extend beyond the egg retrieval procedure itself. Many women continue to receive acupuncture treatments throughout their fertility journey and even during pregnancy. Here are some of the ongoing benefits:

• Continued stress management

• Support for early pregnancy symptoms such as nausea and fatigue

• Acupuncture can continue to support hormonal balance

• It may help boost the immune system, potentially reducing the risk of miscarriage

• Acupuncture treatments can help prepare the body for this procedure, potentially improving the chances of successful implantation

• Improved overall wellness

• Acupuncture can help manage pain and discomfort 

Book your first appointment today

Acupuncture before egg retrieval offers a holistic approach to enhancing fertility treatments. By improving egg quality, reducing stress, managing side effects, and promoting overall well-being, acupuncture can make your fertility journey more comfortable.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we understand that every fertility journey is unique. Remember, while the path to parenthood can be challenging, you don't have to navigate it alone. Our experienced practitioners are here to support you every step of the way. Contact Integrative Healing Arts today to learn more about how acupuncture can enhance your fertility treatment and support your journey to motherhood.

Common Signs of Poor Egg Quality

For many women on their fertility journey, the quality of their eggs plays a crucial role in their ability to conceive and carry a healthy pregnancy to term. Whether you're dealing with conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or simply facing the natural challenges that come with age, understanding and addressing egg quality is essential.

Egg quality refers to the ability of an egg to be fertilized and develop into a healthy embryo. It is a complex concept involving various factors, including the egg's genetic makeup, mitochondrial function, and overall cellular health.

If you are worried about your egg quality, there are many strategies to support and potentially improve egg health at any stage of life.

Symptoms of poor egg quality

While poor egg quality doesn't have obvious physical symptoms, it often manifests through fertility-related issues. These may include:

• Difficulty Conceiving: Prolonged attempts to get pregnant without success may indicate poor egg quality.

• Frequent Miscarriages: A higher rate of early pregnancy loss can be a sign of chromosomal abnormalities related to egg quality.

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Fluctuations in cycle length or missed periods may suggest underlying issues with egg quality.

• Failed IVF Treatments: Repeated unsuccessful IVF treatment cycles, particularly with poor embryo development, can point to egg quality problems.

• Elevated FSH Levels: High levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in blood tests may indicate declining egg quality.

• Poor Embryo Quality: Embryos that don't develop properly or have abnormal chromosomal patterns during fertility treatments can be linked to egg quality issues.

• Decreased Ovarian Reserve: A lower-than-expected number of eggs retrieved during fertility treatments may signal diminished egg quality.

Causes of poor egg quality

Several factors can contribute to poor egg quality, and understanding these can help to develop targeted strategies for improvement. 

• Age: The most significant factor, with egg quality declining naturally over time and accelerating before menopause (perimenopause), leading to infertility and chromosomal abnormalities.

• Hormonal Imbalances: Conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt ovarian function, causing irregular ovulation and potentially impacting egg quality.

• Endometriosis: Can cause inflammation, affect the ovaries and overall reproductive health, and potentially compromise egg quality.

• Environmental Toxins: Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, and radiation can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in eggs, including from pesticides, plastics, and heavy metals.

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of essential vitamins and minerals, especially antioxidants, can leave eggs vulnerable to damage, reducing their viability.

• Chronic Stress: Elevated stress levels can disrupt the hormonal balance for optimal egg development and ovulation.

• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol, and poor diet can increase oxidative stress, disrupt hormones, and deplete nutrients critical for reproductive health.

Improving Egg Quality

The good news is that there are various ways to support and potentially improve egg quality, even for women with PCOS, endometriosis, or those in their 40s and 50s.

Making certain lifestyle adjustments can positively impact egg quality. Reducing stress is crucial, as chronic stress can change your hormonal balance and negatively affect reproductive health. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine can help.

Prioritizing sleep is also essential; aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to allow your body to repair cellular damage and balance hormones.

Maintaining a healthy weight is important as underweight and overweight conditions can affect hormonal balance and egg health. Regular, moderate exercise, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can also support overall health and egg quality, but avoid excessive high-intensity workouts that might disrupt hormonal balance.

Avoid harmful substances like smoking and excessive alcohol, and minimize exposure to environmental toxins by choosing organic foods and natural products.

Acupuncture for Egg Quality

Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve both egg and embryo quality, leading to better chances of a successful pregnancy. This ancient practice, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), offers a holistic approach to enhancing fertility and egg health.

Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the ovaries, providing more oxygen and nutrients essential for egg development. By stimulating specific points, acupuncture may help regulate hormones that affect egg quality and ovulation. It's also known for its stress-reducing effects, which can positively impact overall reproductive health.

For women with conditions like endometriosis, acupuncture's anti-inflammatory effects may help create a more favorable environment for egg development. Acupuncture has been shown to help regulate menstrual cycles and improve hormonal balance in women with PCOS, potentially benefiting egg quality.

A typical treatment plan for improving egg quality might involve weekly acupuncture sessions for several months. The exact protocol will depend on your individual needs and health status.

Integrating TCM to improve egg quality

For optimal results, many women choose to combine Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches with Western fertility treatments. This integrative approach allows for a comprehensive fertility plan that addresses the physical and energetic aspects of reproductive health.

When considering acupuncture or herbal medicine alongside fertility treatments like IVF, it's crucial to inform all your healthcare providers about your complete treatment plan. This ensures safe and effective coordination of care.

At Integrative Healing Arts, our experienced practitioners work closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and health goals.

Remember, every woman's fertility journey is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. That's why it's crucial to work with experienced healthcare providers who can guide you through your options and help you make informed decisions.

Book with us today

At Integrative Healing Arts, we’ve treated countless men and women for infertility issues. Poor egg quality can be a challenging obstacle on the path to parenthood, but it's not unbeatable. By understanding the factors that influence egg health and taking proactive steps to improve it, many women have found success in their fertility journeys.

If you're struggling with fertility issues or want to take proactive steps to improve your egg quality, we're here to help. Book an appointment with our compassionate team of practitioners at Integrative Healing Arts today. 

`Your fertility journey doesn't have to be a solo one. Contact our clinic today to start your journey towards improved egg quality and enhanced fertility. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Chinese Medicine For Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and often recurring health issue, particularly affecting women. A UTI is usually very painful and for some, it can be not very comfortable, but it doesn’t have to be. Conventional medicine typically treats UTIs with antibiotics often resulting in recurring infections and more medication, while traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to both treating and preventing these infections.

A UTI can be uncomfortable before treatment, but Chinese herbal remedies and dietary recommendations can help manage UTIs, potentially reducing the need for antibiotics and addressing the root causes of recurrent infections.

What are Urinary Tract Infections?

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria, typically from the digestive tract, enter and multiply in the urinary system. This system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. While UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract, they most commonly occur in the lower urinary tract, which consists of the bladder and urethra.

Common symptoms of UTIs:

1. Frequent urge to urinate, often with only small amounts of urine passed

2. A burning sensation or pain in the lower stomach during urination

3. Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine

4. Lower abdominal discomfort or pelvic pain (especially in women)

5. Feeling exhausted

6. Fever or chills - this typically indicates the infection has reached the kidneys

Chinese medicine perspective on UTIs

In traditional Chinese medicine, urinary tract infections are toxic heat and are typically viewed as an imbalance in the body, particularly in the bladder and kidneys.

A bladder infection is called “Damp heat” in the lower jiao (kidneys, uterus, intestines, and bladder area) and is the most commonly affected area associated with UTIs. Symptoms can include frequent, urgent, and painful urination, along with cloudy or dark urine. In TCM, damp heat is thought to come from a poor diet such as eating greasy or fried foods, sugar, processed foods, spicy food, emotional stress, or external pathogens such as food poisoning entering the body or trauma.

Some people have constitutional weakness such as Qi deficiency in the bladder and kidneys may also lead to recurrent UTIs. Symptoms include frequent urination, especially at night, and the feeling that your bladder is completely empty after urinating. This deficiency can come from fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and poor nutrition or digestion.

Emotional instability and anger can lead to Liver Qi stagnation and heat in the body. The Liver channel flows to the genitals supporting the smooth flow of Qi in the lower abdomen. Emotional stress lowers immune function and can leave a person more vulnerable to infections. For those who have chronic or recurrent UTIs, the pathogen is often chronic and can cause blood stasis as well. This can lead to burning urination, sharp pain, and the presence of blood in the urine.

Understanding these patterns can help TCM practitioners tailor treatments to address the root causes of UTIs, not just the symptoms.

Herbs for UTIs

Chinese herbal medicine offers guidance with formulas and individual herbs to help make your UTI treatment more comfortable. Note: Herbs are powerful substances! Herbal medicine formulas should never be taken without the guidance of a professional herbalist.

Some powerful herbs and food medicines for UTIs include:

1. Niu Bang Zi (Burdock root) is both a food and medicine. It is rich in antioxidants and supports the immune system. For recurring bladder infections, research shows that the extracts of burdock root are able to break down the biofilm of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics treatment of bladder infections.

1. Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) is used for sinus upper respiratory tract infections including colds, influenza, pneumonia, and digestive disorders, and studies show that it has strong anti-viral properties. Jin Yin Hua is part of a classic formula to clear heat called Yin Qiao San. Honeysuckle can be made into a tea and helps to cool during the summer months as well.
   
   

2. Da Qing Ye (Isatis Leaf) is used in formulas to clear out toxicity from warm and febrile disease anywhere in the body. If not in a formula it can be found as tincture and an excellent herb to keep in the medicine cabinet to knock out infection.
   
   

3. Jin Qian Cao (moneywort), this herb has potent heat-clearing and damp-draining properties. Studies have demonstrated its antibacterial effects against E. coli, a common cause of UTIs.
   
   

4. Pu Gong Ying (dandelion) is part of Chinese folk medicine and drank as a tea. It is used for clearing heat TCM to treat viral infections like UTIs and for mastitis. It has diuretic properties and may help flush bacteria from the urinary tract and reduce inflammation. 
   
   

5. Huang Bai (phellodendron amurense) herb is one of the most common 50 herbs to help with body healing. Studies have found it helpful to treat recurrent UTIs in women. 

It's important to note that you should always speak to a qualified TCM practitioner before consuming any Chinese herbs. If used incorrectly you may experience side effects or the herbs could interact with prescribed medications. 

Beneficial foods for UTIs

In Chinese medicine, diet plays a crucial role in both preventing and managing UTIs. 

• Drink plenty of water to help flush out the infection

• Probiotics - fermented foods like pickles and plain Greek yogurt

• Blueberries and cranberries may help reduce bacteria sticking to the urinary tract lining

Things to avoid with UTIs

1. Spicy foods

2. Greasy or fried foods

3. Acidic fruits

4. Excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates

5. Alcohol and caffeine

Lifestyle recommendations for UTIs

TCM emphasizes a holistic approach to health, incorporating lifestyle changes to prevent and manage UTIs:

1. Maintain proper hygiene: This includes wiping from front to back after using the toilet and urinating after sexual intercourse.

2. Stress management: Stress can weaken the immune system and disrupt the body's balance. Techniques like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or meditation can help manage stress.

3. Avoid holding urine: Retaining urine for long periods can create a breeding ground for bacteria.

4. Wear breathable underwear: Cotton underwear allows for better air circulation, reducing moisture that can promote bacterial growth.

5. Stay warm: In TCM, exposure to cold, especially in the lower abdomen and feet, can contribute to UTIs. Keep these areas warm and protected.

6. Regular exercise: Moderate exercise promotes overall health and helps maintain the body's natural balance.

Other treatment for UTIs

While Chinese medicine offers valuable tools for managing UTIs, it's important to note that severe or persistent infections may require antibiotic treatment. Many patients find success in combining TCM approaches with conventional medicine under the guidance of healthcare professionals.

For chronic or recurrent UTIs, acupuncture can be a beneficial adjunct therapy. Acupuncture points along the bladder and kidney areas may help strengthen the body's natural defenses and promote better urinary function.

Book your first appointment today

If you have recurring  UTIs, you don’t need to suffer. It is important to get to the root cause so you don’t have to continually take antibiotics that are often ineffective.  Urinary tract infections affect women more than men and they are usually involved more than bladder issues.  But the good news is TCM offers a comprehensive approach to both treating and preventing UTIs, focusing on restoring balance to the body and addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we have been helping patients for years to boost their overall well-being and provide a holistic approach to conditions.

Book your appointment with the team today and start your journey to treating urinary tract infections.

Benefits of Acupuncture For Circulation

Many people experience poor circulation from time to time, our culture of sitting in front of a computer for hours and hours a day, results in unpleasant tingling sensations accompanied by puffy ankles, swollen feet, and cold extremities. Luckily for most people, this is temporary and solved by standing up, moving around,  stretching back and legs,  wiggling fingers, toes and rolling ankles. However, for others, poor blood circulation can be a sign of chronic health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, blood clots, Raynaud’s disease, kidney problems, and congestive heart failure. Poor circulation can contribute to weight, high blood sugar, pelvic floor issues, digestive upset, fatigue, and inflammation.

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on the principles of Yin and Yang and the free flow of life force known as Qi - the body’s vital energy. Both Qi and blood are interconnected, Qi generates the blood and the blood nourishes the Qi. When the Qi flow is blocked or disrupted, poor circulation can happen. This is where acupuncture can play a significant role in supporting and improving blood circulation. Acupuncture has been used as a powerful therapy for increasing circulation, moving blood through the body’s network, and delivering oxygen to tissues and cells while removing waste products in the process.

Acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to improve circulation, reduce chronic inflammation, improve blood viscosity, and help relieve pain.

Signs of poor circulation

If you're experiencing any of the below symptoms consistently, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional.

• Tingling sensations

• Numbness

• Throbbing or stinging pain, particularly in your limbs

• Unexplained pain in various parts of your body

• Muscle cramps, especially in your legs

It's important to note that different conditions causing poor circulation may present unique symptoms. For instance, individuals with peripheral artery disease might experience erectile dysfunction alongside the typical signs of pain, numbness, and tingling.

Other less common but equally important signs to watch for include:

• Cold hands and feet

• Skin discoloration, particularly in the extremities

• Slow healing of wounds or infections

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Digestive issues

• Memory problems or difficulty concentrating

Causes of poor circulation

Circulation is more than blood moving to tissue and organs, it is the movement of the lymphatic system. Poor circulation can stem from various conditions, each affecting blood flow.

Sedentary lifestyle: too much sitting for prolonged periods of time cuts off blood flow and lymphatic flow to the organs and the lower limbs. Lack of exercise is linked to poor mental health, poor digestion, diabetes, high cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome.

Lymphatic congestion: the lymphatic system is responsible for draining lymph fluid that leaks from the blood vessels and helps to remove metabolic waste from the tissue. Lymphatic flow is part of the immune system. Infections, inflammation, medications, and injury to the lymph nodes can interfere with healthy circulation.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): PAD is a progressive disorder characterized by narrowing or blockage of blood vessels outside the heart, particularly in the legs and feet. This reduced blood flow can lead to numbness, tingling, and tissue damage if left untreated. Severe cases may increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.

Blood Clots: Clots forming in veins or arteries can significantly impair circulation. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a clot in a major vein, can cause pain and swelling. If a clot travels to the lungs, it can result in a dangerous pulmonary embolism.

Varicose Veins: These enlarged, inflamed veins, often caused by valve failure, can hinder circulation and lead to swelling, itching, and aching in affected limbs.

Diabetes: Beyond affecting blood sugar, diabetes can cause poor circulation, especially in the legs and feet. This can lead to cramping and reduced sensation in extremities due to diabetic neuropathy.

Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to poor circulation, potentially leading to blood clots and other cardiovascular issues.

Raynaud's Disease: This condition causes extremities like fingers and toes to feel numb and cold in response to stress or cold temperatures, due to the narrowing of small arteries supplying blood to the skin.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we recognize that poor circulation often has multiple contributing factors. Our approach to treatment considers these various causes, aiming to improve overall circulatory health through acupuncture and complementary therapies.

Acupuncture increases blood flow 

Inserting thin needles at specific acupoints along blocked or disrupted areas can restore the balance and flow of Qi, stimulating the release of stagnated energy.

Acupuncture has also been shown to increase the production of nitric oxide, a molecule that plays a crucial role in vascular health. Nitric oxide helps relax and dilate constricted blood vessels, enhancing blood flow and reducing the tendency of blood to clot. Incorporating acupuncture into your healing journey can also lead to improved blood viscosity by ensuring that blood flows more smoothly and efficiently through the circulatory system.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we use acupuncture to directly target specific areas of the body to increase blood flow. In particular, the insertion of acupuncture needles at the ST-36 point (anterior area of the leg) can also help reduce blood pressure, boost energy levels, and promote good vascular health. In a study, patients who had high ambulatory blood pressure found that following acupuncture their blood pressure reduced.

Acupuncture can reduce inflammation 

Improving circulation is important to allow the body to reduce inflammation naturally. Studies show acupuncture can alleviate inflammation by stimulating the body's natural anti-inflammatory compounds and pathways.

When acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin, it causes tiny tears in the muscle tissue triggering the release of proteins and opioids that have potent anti-inflammatory effects. The body recognizes this microscopic trauma immediately, sending a flood of oxygen and blood to the poor circulated site.

Acupuncture may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which can negatively impact blood viscosity. By lowering inflammatory markers and oxidative stress levels, acupuncture can contribute to a healthier vascular environment and improve circulation.

Acupuncture regulates the nervous system

Acupuncture can help boost the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions like heart rate and blood flow. Targeting acupuncture points balances the fight-or-flight (sympathetic) and rest-and-digest (parasympathetic) systems in the body.

Studies also show that acupuncture can stimulate the nervous system by releasing endorphins, regulate neurotransmitters, and awaken specific nerve pathways that increase circulation.

Acupuncture helps with pain management

People with circulation issues suffer from muscle cramping, throbbing in the arms and legs, and lack of feeling and pain in their feet. This can make walking not only painful but also unbalanced.  Improved circulation to the local tissue, is only part of addressing pain patterns.

Acupuncture helps to regulate the pain signaling and feedback loop to the brain by resetting the body’s nervous system’s pain-processing systems. Studies show that acupuncture treatment promotes the release of endorphins, serotonin, and encephalin to help override pain signals associated with circulation loss.

Combining acupuncture with other treatments

Although acupuncture has therapeutic benefits for circulation problems, when combined with an integrative approach the results can be even more promising.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we work closely with patients to understand each unique circulation case. At the initial evaluation, our experienced practitioners will develop a treatment to suit your healing needs. This may include a health, immunity, & wellness acupuncture program and massage therapy.

Herbal medicine can also be effective. Although you should never use these remedies without professional guidance, with the help of a licensed herbalist.

Get in touch with us today

If you’re struggling with poor circulation, it can come with a host of other underlying conditions and interfere with your quality of life. But, you don’t have to go through the challenges alone.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we have over 22 years of experience in acupuncture and supporting life-changing results. We strive to help each of our clients overcome their health challenges and cultivate health, wellness, and longevity.

Book a consultation at our clinic to get a personalized plan with our compassionate and experienced team - start your healing journey to significant relief with us today.