IVF success rates increased by acupuncture and moxibustion

New research looked at 84 patients who had each had at least two failed attempts at IVF. The female patients were divided into three groups, one receiving genuine acupuncture and moxibustion, one receiving sham treatment, and a control group. The success rate (pregnancy) was 35.7% in the genuine acupuncture group, whereas the sham group success rate was only 10.7% and the control group 7.1%. I personally find these differences quite arresting, and particularly interesting, since not many studies have looked at the effect of moxibustion as well as acupuncture.

I use moxibustion quite frequently in treating fertility problems - not invariably because, sometimes, my Chinese medicine analysis indicates that moxibustion would be unhelpful. Moxibustion is a very ancient traditional therapy in Chinese medicine, and involves the use of the herb artemisia argii, or mugwort, applied to acupuncture points, and warmed. This variety of mugwort has energetic properties which are considered to be inherently warming.  Usually, external warming is done by smouldering a stick of herbs near the skin, but sometimes by applying a moxa spray or salve to the skin and warming it with a heat lamp. Both forms of moxibustion are usually experienced by patients as very pleasant and relaxing. The research information can be accessed  here, in Healthcmi.com, acupuncture news online. More information on acupuncture and moxibustion, and fertility treatment can be found on my website.