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Acupuncture may have a positive impact on clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), although the results are limited by the heterogeneity of the current evidence.
2023 Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Zhang H, Zhang C, Ma P, Sun C, Sun C, Liu X, et al.
Systematic Review IVF
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture on embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 9422 women were analyzed. The results indicated that acupuncture had a significant positive impact on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) compared to the control groups (odds ratio [OR]=1.65 for CPR, 1.34 for LBR). Subgroup analyses showed that traditional acupuncture was more beneficial for women aged < 35 years, those receiving ≥ 3 sessions, and those with lower baseline CPR rates in the control group. However, significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies. In conclusion, while there were some benefits of acupuncture in improving CPR and LBR in IVF, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the variability in the current evidence.
Acupuncture appears to be beneficial to women with poor ovarian reserve or with previous unsuccessful attempts of in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer.
2019 Journal of Gynecology Obstetrics and Human Reproduction The effects of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer: An interdisciplinary systematic review Gu, Y.-E., Zhang, X., Zhang, Q., et al.
Systematic Review IVF
The present systematic review is designed to summarize the evidence concerning the effect of acupuncture on pregnancy outcomes in vitro fertilization with embryo transfer (IVF-ET). We searched MEDLINE, the Wanfang Database, the China Academic Journal Electronic Full-text Database in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the Index to Chinese Periodical Literature. Randomized controlled trials with intervention groups using acupuncture and control groups consisting of no acupuncture or sham (placebo) acupuncture in IVF-ET treatment were selected. Study characteristics were examined from these studies and an intention-to-treat approach was used to extract outcome data from each study. In total, 31 articles including 4450 women passed our selection criteria. The legitimacy, characteristics, and IVF outcomes of the included trials were summarized. Additional Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory-based, standardized, large-size, randomized, and multicenter trials are necessary prior to any conclusions being drawn on whether TCM can improve IVF outcomes.
Acupuncture may have a significant effect on clinical pregnancy rates, independent of comparator group, when used in women who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate.
2019 Reproductive BioMedicine Online Acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis Smith, C. A., Armour, M., Shewamene, Z., et al.
Systematic Review Embryo Transfer Female Fertility IVF
Evidence suggests acupuncture may be effective when compared with no adjunctive treatment, with increased clinical pregnancies and live births, but is not an efficacious treatment when compared with sham controls. Future research should focus on different dosing acupuncture regimens, and exploration of the components of acupuncture that are contributing to improved reproductive outcomes. Increased understanding of these components may have broader application to the care and treatment modalities provided to women undergoing IVF. Further exploration of the effects of acupuncture for women with poorer IVF outcomes is warranted.
Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a valuable, holistic approach to Parkinson's disease prevention and treatment, offering another angle besides Western medicinal practices.
2019 The Lancet Neurology Parkinson's disease in traditional Chinese medicine SongLi, WeidongLe
Review Article Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Parkinson's Disease Tian Ma Gou Teng decoction
The paper uses historical analysis to examine how Parkinson's disease-like symptoms were described and treated in ancient Chinese medical texts, with a focus on the theories of Yin-Yang imbalance and five-element theories, along with the use of various herbs, acupuncture and physical exercise. It draws from a range of historical periods, from as early as 425-221 BC up until the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD), discussing different traditional treatments like Zhenwu decoction, Gegen decoction, Jin Ya Wine, and Ding Zhen Pill.
In discussing the results, the paper synthesizes these historical treatments with modern practices, pointing out that many traditional remedies, now updated with contemporary knowledge, continue to be used in China. These include the renamed Ding Zhen Decoction, dietary therapies, acupuncture, moxibustion, Tai Chi, and Qigong. It was found that these approaches could improve both motor and non-motor symptoms for patients with Parkinson's disease. Many of the ingredients in these treatments have bioactive molecules which have shown therapeutic benefits. In addition to treatment, the study also emphasizes the value of early disease prevention in line with TCM's approach, noting that certain behaviors typical of the tradition such as tea-drinking and physical exercises have been observed to offer a preventive effect for Parkinson's patients.
Acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer has a significant effect on embryo implantation, however, a negative one.
2018 JBRA Assisted Reproduction Does acupuncture the day of embryo transfer affect the clinical pregnancy rate? Systematic review and meta-analysis Schwarze, J.-E., Ceroni, J. P., Ortega-Hrepich, C., et al.
Systematic Review Embryo Transfer IVF
According to our findings, physicians should encourage their patients to avoid undergoing acupuncture on the day of ET, since it diminishes the chances of getting pregnant. It still has to be elucidated the mechanisms by which acupuncture negatively affects embryo implantation.
In conclusion, acupuncture performed on the day of ET has a significant effect on embryo implantation, however, a negative one. Therefore, clinicians should encourage their patients to avoid this technique the day of ET.
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