The roots of acupuncture can be traced back to the East specifically in China. It dates back centuries ago. Archaeologists found evidences that acupuncture existed as early as the first millenium. It has been practiced not only in China but in Japan, Korea and has spread throughout Asia.  Today, not only is acupuncture being practiced all over the world but it is being taught as well. But why acupuncture as an alternative medicine? Acupuncture is believed to have good effects to the body. Acupuncture as defined is the method of inserting and controlling very fine needles into specific points of the body which are referred to as acupuncture points. Only well trained practitioners of acupuncture are allowed to do this. This is done in order to relieve pain. It can also help a number of medical conditions.  Traditional Chinese medicine holds that acupuncture aligns the "qi" pronounced as "chi" or vital energy of our body in order to perform well. Acupuncture typically regulates blood pressure releasing endorphins which inhibits pain and gives the body a feeling of wellness. Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. It releases neurotransmitters and neurohormones which help the body heal itself.

So how is the practice of acupuncture related to infertility or how acupunture and infertility complement? First, we must define what infertility is.  Infertility is said to be the decreased capacity or incapacity to bear children. The inability to conceive is a dilemma faced by a lot of couples. The pressure is on both partners. Infertility though can be traced to a lot of causes. In women, it can range from pelvic inflammatory diseases, ectopic pregnancy thereby undergoing surgical procedures, endometriosis or the growth of cells outside the uterus, uterine fibroids and other physical problems of the uterus. But not only women are affected with infertility, men could also suffer from the same problem.  Cystic fibrosis can cause infertility in men as well as his changing lifestyle. Smoking, drinking, drugs and age are but a few of the reasons why men produce a low sperm count. 
 
When is the right time for couples to seek professional help? How long should they try before seeing a doctor? A fertility evaluation is given to women who had been trying to get pregnant for six months to a year.  Also, by the time they reach 30, the chances of getting pregnant decreases.  There are of course other factors to consider. Various treatments for infertility can be done such as surgery, the use of fertility medicines and artificial insemination or ART for assisted reproductive technology.  Acupuncture complements infertility treatments. It addresses issues like hormonal imbalances.  Since acupuncture helps regulate the body’s system, blood flow is increased to the vital organs and hormone levels are effectively regulated.  It also improves ovarian and follicular function.  It can increase blood flow to the endometrium and help facilitate a thick, rich lining.  Plus, acupuncture may improve the success rate of in vitro fertilization or IVF.  An increasing number of fertility specialists and centers offer it as a part of their IVF treatments.  With acupuncture, the embryo transfer process in IVF was shown to have significant improvements thereby resulting to a higher percentage rate in pregnancy.

The traditional old Chinese practice has found its way to the modern Western approach of treatment. It is said that if one's body is attuned to the right energy, the more likely it is respond to the treatment. Moreover, acupuncture is often combined with herbs to treat certain conditions such as elevated follicle stimulating hormone or FSH, repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained idiopathic infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia when not caused by a prolactinoma, polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS with irregular cycles, and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.

Going through fertility treatments can be extremely stressful for a couple. This is the main reason why acupuncture is recommended. It is a great way to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Women are also encouraged to receive acupuncture treatments during the pre and post embryo transfer. They may undergo this process for three to four months during pregnancy.  Aside from the higher chances of pregnancy, continuing with acupuncture during this period is believed to also have a therapeutic effect.    
 
Indeed, acupuncture can be incorporated as one of the infertility solutions and considered a classic example of East meets West.