Acupuncture or needle therapy is one of the oldest treatment methods, which dates back to approximately 2,500 B.C. According to the Chinese medical theory, acupuncture harmonises and balances the flow of energy in the body by using very thin steel needles to stimulate the points on the skin surface. Each point has a certain effect.
The treatment is painless because the needles used for acupuncture are very thin (0.12-0.3 mm in diameter). The needles are made of gold, silver and other high-quality metal alloys. The needle set is used for a single patient only and is not reusable. Patients describe needle therapy as a very relaxing procedure. The duration of the procedure is from a few minutes and up to an hour, and, depending on the diagnosis, the treatment regimen consists of 3-10 procedures.
Acupuncture is a safe procedure if it is given by a certified acupuncturist. The risk of adverse events is very low. Needle therapy is much healthier and more natural than taking medications. It acts on the entire body and strengthens immunity to improve the overall health. Not getting enough sleep, overexertion and intake of alcohol should be avoided during the acupuncture regimen.
Acupuncture is a tool with regulating effects for pain syndromes, psychovegetative and hormonal disorders.
In gynaecology, acupuncture can be used to alleviate the pre-menstrual or menopause syndromes and menstrual cycle disorders. Acupuncture may help restore the menstrual cycle and reduce the menstrual pain.
Eliminates or reduces the symptoms:
Acupuncture is used while preparing for the delivery as well as in the postpartum period (aids in the body restoration processes, stimulates the function of the mammary glands).
Acupuncture may provide positive effects in the treatment of infertility with the method of artificial insemination and can be used when the reproductive function is reduced.
One of the factors which does not allow giving birth to the long-waited child is the emotional condition of the patient. Extended effects of stress may lead to disorders of the reproductive system. Acupuncture strengthens the nervous system and also restores the body. In the artificial insemination cycle, acupuncture sessions are recommended before and after the transfer of the embryo to the uterus of the mother for higher chances of a successful implantation.
Due to its effects on certain points of the body, acupuncture helps normalise the psychoemotional status, improve the blood supply in the small pelvis, and treat chronic inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs.
In women, acupuncture helps normalise the hormonal background and restoration of the menstrual cycle, and stimulates the function of the ovaries.
In men, acupuncture provides a positive effect in the event of male infertility, i.e., it stimulates the function of the testes (increased sperm count and motility are seen after an acupuncture session).
High emotional tension appears as a background in the treatment of infertility, and, therefore, acupuncture may, as an auxiliary method, increase the potential for a successful outcome of the artificial insemination procedure.
Treatment with acupuncture is a highly individualised process, starting with the positioning of the patient during the session and ending with the length of the needles. The depth, angle and speed of inserting the needles may vary. The needle insertion technique is selected only after an evaluation of the patient age and bodily structure as well as the identification of the necessary points.
The procedure of acupuncture may also involve warming and cauterisation techniques. Cauterisation is done using the special sticks or cones which are filled with mugwort and have various effects on the areas stimulated by acupuncture.
Usually once or twice a week, by may be done every day in exceptional circumstances.
During the embryo transfer: shortly prior to and immediately after the transfer.
The needles stay in the insertion area for approximately 20-30 minutes. The intensity of the calming and relaxing effect is individual.
Depending on the individual response of the body, but it is possible that up to 10-14 sessions are necessary. Several treatment regimens are necessary in chronic conditions.
Qualified therapist, Dr Dmitrijs Polaks, who has many years of experience in acupuncture treatment, practises at the iVF Riga clinic.
Make an appointment: Zaļā iela 1, Riga; 67 111 117; 25 641 022; ivfriga@ivfriga.eu
en
lv
ru
lt
se
no
