Infertility can be an emotionally and financially draining problem. Couples often spend tens of thousands of dollars on medical treatments that often still do not result in the birth of a baby.

As a result, many people are turning to acupuncture to see if acupuncture treatment can restore the normal function of their reproductive systems.

Acupuncture has been practiced in Eastern cultures for as long as 5,000 years. However, the benefits of this treatment are still only beginning to be understood by practitioners of Western medicine.

The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture acknowledges that there have been few studies by Western scientists on the effectiveness of acupuncture. However in general, it is believed to help as much as 80% of the people who turn to this traditional, holistic therapy.

Acupuncture is based on the long standing Eastern view that the body is composed of energy. The energy is directed every organ and flows along pathways, called meridians, within the body.

When these pathways become constricted or blocked in some manner, the result is some form of pain or dysfunction. The insertion of small, thin needles into specific points along these meridians is believed to help unblock the energy flow and restore the natural balance of energy in the body.

When it comes to fertility, therefore, acupuncture is most likely to help those people who have a structurally sound reproductive system. In other words, all of the parts of the system are there and structurally sound, but for some reason they have functional problems.

For example, if a fallopian tube is damaged, that is a structural problem that acupuncture is unlikely to help. But if a medical doctor has determined that conception should be possible and yet it is not occurring, that indicates a functional problem.

In such a case where infertility is caused by a functional problem, acupuncture may be able to help.

The acupuncturist will explain that unless a person is suffering some kind of harmful side effects, the patient should continue to follow their medical doctor's instructions. Also, the patient should not expect immediate or instant results. A number of treatments will be necessary before any benefits are likely to be seen.

Treatment can be effective for both men and women, although the treatments will of course be different. The acupuncturist is also likely to prescribe some form of herbal tea to combine with your treatment, since Traditional Chinese Medicine has always believed in the healing power of nature's herbs.

If you and your partner have been unscuccessful in becoming pregnant, you might want to seriously consider acupuncture to help increase your chances. Acupuncture fertility treatment has been a blessing for many couples and it may just be the answer to your prayers, too.