The Role of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in
Improving Ovarian Function and Egg Quality
In the IVF process, the number and quality of eggs are crucial factors that greatly influence the success rate. However, many women face difficulties due to poor ovarian response or decreased egg quality. In these situations, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments are being suggested as complementary therapies that can help improve ovarian function and egg quality.
Acupuncture contributes to the enhancement of ovarian function through the regulation of hormone secretion and improvement of blood circulation in the body. Stimulating acupoints related to the female reproductive system promotes the secretion of FSH and LH from the pituitary gland, facilitating follicular growth and ovulation. Moreover, the improved blood circulation induced by acupuncture effectively supplies oxygen and nutrients to the ovaries, contributing to the improvement of egg quality.
Herbal medicine treatment is effective in regulating hormonal balance and improving ovarian function. Herbal ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties directly aid in enhancing egg quality. Herbs such as Angelica sinensis, and Astragalus membranaceous prevent egg aging and repair cellular damage through their antioxidant effects. Additionally, cinnamon, licorice, and Paeonia lactiflora alleviate inflammatory responses within the ovaries, creating a favourable environment for eggs development. These actions contribute to improving eggs quality and increasing the chances of fertilization and implantation.
Furthermore, acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments also help alleviate stress and boost immunity, which are associated with the IVF process. Acupuncture balances the autonomic nervous system, while herbal medicine regulates cortisol secretion, preventing ovarian dysfunction caused by stress. Both treatments also enhance immune function, contributing to the creation of a uterine environment conducive to implantation.
Thus, the physiological mechanisms of acupuncture and herbal medicine in improving ovarian function and egg quality are being explained from a modern medical perspective. For individuals experiencing difficulties in the IVF process, incorporating Traditional Eastern Medicine treatments can be beneficial.
Research findings suggesting that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments
can help improve ovarian response and egg quality are as follows:
1.”Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Infertility: A Systematic Review”
(Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2020)
A meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials found that acupuncture significantly increased the number of eggs retrieved during the IVF process.
2.”The Role of Acupuncture in In Vitro Fertilization” (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences, 2018)
In a randomized controlled trial involving IVF patients, the group receiving acupuncture had a significantly higher number of retrieved eggs compared to the control group.
3.”Effects of Chinese Medicines for Tonifying the Kidney on Pregnancy Rates in Infertile Women Undergoing in vitro Fertilization” (Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, 2015)
The group of infertile women who took herbal medicines for tonifying the kidney had significantly higher numbers of retrieved eggs and pregnancy rates during the IVF process compared to the control group.
4.”Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Female Infertility: A Systematic Review”
(Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019)
It was reported that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments could help improve ovarian response and egg quality in the IVF process.
