Acupuncture and Stress

Impact of Stress on Fertility?

Stress or anxiety over a prolonged period of time, can impact our general health and disrupt the production of hormones needed for ovulation, implantation and semen quality.

Physical Response to Stress?

• The hypothalamus, a portion of the brain regulates both the stress response and some sex hormones. This correlation means that high stress levels can contribute to anovulation, irregular menstrual cycles, and/or absent menstruation. In men, high stress may impact the production of testosterone which can impact sperm quality and mobility.



• The adrenals, which sit on top of the kidneys respond to stress by secreting adrenaline to prepare the body for 'fight of flight' in an emergency. In today's society, with high levels of stress, the adrenals are overworked. Excessive adrenaline production may inhibit progesterone production, which is essential for building and maintaining a womb lining.

 

• The pituatory gland of the brain secretes high levels of prolactin during times of stress. This hormone stimulates lactation for breast feeding but also supresses fertility.



• When the stress response is triggered, the sympathetic nervous system diverts blood away from the reproductive system and abdomen to other organs and muscles elsewhere in the body.



• The sympathetic nervous system can become over stimulated when exposed to high levels of stress. This can lead to exhaustion and takes the body longer to restore equilibrium.

Acupuncture Treatment of Stress

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the mind and body are inter-related. Emotions impact the physical body and vice versa. It is acknowledged that high levels of stress, anxiety or an imbalanced emotional state will impair the flow of blood and energy and may disrupt our health and fertility.

Acupuncture promotes a relaxation response, helps energy flow smoothly, and alleviates stress and anxiety. Acupuncture improves circulation of blood throughout the body. The calming nature of acupuncture also helps decrease heart rate, lowers blood pressure and relaxes the muscles of the uterus.


Acupuncture and Stress Testimonial

Acupuncture and Stress Case Study.

The London Acupuncture Space has undergone extensive training in Fertility Acupuncture and Obstetrics Acupuncture at the Royal College of Physicians in London and at the renowned Zita West Fertility Clinic.