Supporting Male Fertility with Acupuncture and Herbs
When it comes to fertility, the female reproductive system tends to come under more scrutiny than the male reproductive system. However, infertility is equally prevalent in men and women. If you are hoping to conceive using your sperm, it’s a good idea to begin pursuing positive lifestyle changes at least 3 months before you start trying. And if you have already been trying and are having a difficult time conceiving, it’s a good idea to pursue diagnostic testing and holistic medicine treatment.
In terms of holistic medicine treatment for male infertility, acupuncture and herbal medicine can be very useful in three primary ways.
1) MAXIMIZING SPERM QUALITY
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used to enhance blood flow to the pelvic organs, cool excess heat from the body, and increase ATP (cellular energy) production in the testes, which is critical for sperm development but declines with age. Increased oxygenation and cellular energy paired with slightly cooler temperatures promotes optimal sperm development (leading to improvements in sperm count, motility, and morphology) and minimizes the potential for damage to sperm DNA (something that is not measured on a standard semen analysis, but that has a huge impact on fertility).
2) REDUCING INFLAMMATION
Inflammation in the male reproductive tract (often asymptomatic) impairs fertility by damaging sperm DNA. Both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine have the power to decrease inflammation directly, and acupuncture also counteracts the stress response which further reduces inflammation.
3) MINIMIZING STRESS
Chronic stress directly inhibits male reproductive function by interfering with hormones that are involved with sperm production and reducing blood circulation to reproductive organs. Acupuncture strongly reduces the “fight or flight” stress response in the body while stimulating the “rest and digest” healing response that is required for optimal reproductive function.
TREATMENT PROTOCOL
We typically recommend a few months of high-quality nutritional intake, supportive lifestyle modifications, acupuncture, and herbal medicine. Sperm maturation takes about three months, so positive changes that begin today will have the opportunity to fully influence the development of sperm that mature three months from now. Acupuncture treatments are typically scheduled weekly and involve needle placement on the forearms, lower legs, abdomen, scalp, and ears. The treatments are comfortable and relaxing, and clients often fall asleep. We also prescribe custom herbal tinctures to be taken at home daily.
