While most doctors will tell you that there isn’t much you can do to help with implantation during IVF, there are actually a few methods that have anecdotal evidence showing that they work. One such method is acupressure. Before you write this off as just a bogus alternative medicine theory, you should learn about what acupressure does, how it works with your body, and how it might be able to help with IVF implantation.
What is Acupressure?
You’ve probably heard of acupuncture before, and when you think of it, you might be a little frightened of all the needles involved. Acupressure is based on the same principles as acupuncture except that pressure – instead of actual penetration of the skin – is used, which is pretty obvious from the name. One of the good things about acupressure is that you can actually learn how to do it at home on your own.
You can use your own hands to stimulate stress points on your hands and feet, and you and your partner can use acupressure techniques on one another to promote stress relief and overall health. Although there are some actual acupressure tools on the market right now, all you really need is your hands or a blunt object like a pencil eraser. You can use websites, books, and videos to learn how to give yourself or other people minor acupressure therapy. Because the pressure you’re applying won’t break the skin, it’s safe to do even if you aren’t trained by a professional.
How does it Work with IVF?
Because it is based on ancient Eastern healing techniques, people argue about how acupressure works. In the traditional thinking, it works by balancing energy in the body. While scientists in the Western world don’t agree with this theory, they can definitely agree that manipulating certain points in the body with acupuncture and acupressure actually does work.
The way that acupressure will affect you will depend on the points you’re working with and your goals. Overall, it can have a very calming effect on the nervous system. It has also been shown to help hormone regulation, especially LH secretion, which is very helpful for IVF treatments. Because stress has been linked to infertility and lack of success with ART treatments, though, you may find that the simple stress relief brought on by acupressure is enough to help improve your chances of IVF success.
Why to Use Acupressure with IVF to Assist Implantation
For the most part, the doctors who say there’s nothing you can do to hinder or enhance implantation are right, but you can prepare your body for implantation and keep it healthy during your two week wait, which will only increase your chances of a successful pregnancy. Using acupressure on a regular basis leading up to your egg retrieval and transfer can keep you feeling calm and energized, and it may help to keep your hormones properly balanced.
During your two week wait, you can use acupressure to stay calm and collected. This is good for your mind, but it’s also good for your body. At this point, anything that’s good for your body is definitely good for the new life that may be growing inside it.