The Reliable Ally in Implantation: Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine Accompanying IVF
One of the most critical stages in the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process is the implantation of the embryo. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments can assist this process and increase the success rate of implantation. Let’s examine how these treatments help implantation from a modern physiological perspective.
1. Improving the Uterine Lining Environment
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is known to increase blood flow to the uterus. This increases the speed and volume of blood flow in the uterine arteries, supplying more nutrients and oxygen to the endometrium. As a result, the thickness and quality of the endometrium improve, creating a more suitable environment for embryo implantation.
Herbal Medicine: Certain herbal medicine components promote the expression of angiogenic factors (e.g., VEGF), aiding in the formation of blood vessels in the endometrium. This increases the receptivity of the endometrium and facilitates the supply of nutrients necessary for implantation.
2. Immune Regulation
Acupuncture: Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to promote the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and regulate excessive immune responses. This stabilizes the immune environment in the uterus, reducing immune rejection reactions that could interfere with embryo implantation.
Herbal Medicine: Some herbal components have immune-regulating effects, balancing Th1/Th2 cells. This creates a favourable immune environment for implantation, supporting embryo survival and development.
3. Hormonal Balance Regulation
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can improve the balance of reproductive hormones by regulating the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. In particular, the proper balance of progesterone and estrogen plays a crucial role in implantation.
Herbal Medicine: Specific herbal components act on the endocrine system to regulate hormone production and metabolism. This can help optimize the cyclical changes of the endometrium and expand the implantation window.
” Acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments have the potential to increase implantation success rates in IVF processes through improving the uterine lining environment, immune regulation, maintaining hormonal balance, reducing oxidative stress, and overall stress management. However, the effectiveness of these treatments may vary between individuals. Therefore, these complementary therapies should be used under expert guidance and in conjunction with existing IVF protocols. “
Several research studies suggest that Acupuncture and herbal medicine may significantly
improve implantation and pregnancy rates for women undergoing IVF treatments.
* Xie, Z. Y., et al. (2019). “The efficacy of Chinese herbal medicine as an adjunctive therapy for unexplained recurrent miscarriage in women undergoing IVF-ET: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PLOS ONE, 14(4), e0214718.
This meta-analysis reported that when Chinese herbal medicine was used as an adjunctive therapy for women with unexplained recurrent miscarriage undergoing IVF-ET, both implantation and pregnancy rates improved.
* Liang, L. (2018). “Effect of Chinese herbs combined with acupuncture on endometrial receptivity in patients with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.” Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology [Medical Sciences], 38(4), 611-616.
This study showed that when acupuncture and herbal medicine were used in combination, endometrial receptivity improved, leading to enhanced implantation rates.
* Ushiroyama, T., et al. (2012). “Effects of oral administration of Kampo medicine on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer.” Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 38(7), 982-989.
This study reported that specific herbal prescriptions increased endometrial thickness and improved implantation rates during the IVF-ET process.
* Hullender Rubin, L. E., et al. (2015). “Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes.” Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 30(6), 602-612.
This study reported that traditional Chinese medicine systems (including acupuncture and herbal medicine) improved IVF outcomes, particularly enhancing implantation and pregnancy rates.
* Zheng, C. H., et al. (2012). “Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Fertility and Sterility, 97(3), 599-611.
This meta-analysis showed that women who received acupuncture treatment during IVF cycles experienced significantly increased implantation and pregnancy rates.
