number of acupuncture treatmetns needed before embryo transfer for best results

I'm not aware of any study about how many treatments are needed before IVF, but I don't think that can be established. Each patient needs/conditions/imbalances are different, so are the number and type of treatments necesary to bring them back into balance and ready for a transfer. After you start working with the patient and start evaluating how they are responding to treatment you can make an "estimate" about number of treatments needed.

Rudek

Hi Kaleb,

This info really means little. Just their observation for their specific study of doing some treatments leading up to retrieval using a specific protocol. Very western thinking and not TCM like at all.

My Blog I summarized Paul's studies - http://www.acubalance.ca/content/ivf-and-acupuncture-evidence-supports-its-use

Here is the article - http://www.eastwindsacupuncture.com/MedicalArticles/Diane+and+Dr.+Magarelli's+Articles/2.html

Lorne
www.acubalance.ca
www.prodseminars.com

I was interested in the study because I wanted to use it as incentive for the patients that come to me a few weeks before embryo transfer to come in for enough treatments for me to have the best effect possible. I know that it is a western way to look at things, but for those patients that come to me with a short amount of time before their transfer they respond well when I mention the study. I don't use his protocol, but do a TCM diagnosis for each patient.

thanks
Kaleb

Diane a Paul based the pre-IVF protocol on this study.

Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture
Elisabet Stener-Victorin

Stener-Victorin et al Protocol
Eight treatments before retrieval
o
Treat the patient twice a week for four weeks up to retrieval
* Point Locations (all points are needled bilaterally)
o UB 23 (black clip) to UB 28 (red clip) (one lead)
o SP 6 (red clip) to UB 57(black clip) (one lead)
o Electro-stimulation set from 0 – 100 Hz for 30 minutes
* TDP lamp on the low back is optional for the patient
* Needles
o 36 g 1-1 ½ inch needles

For full article: http://www.phoenixacupuncture.com/article1.html[/url]

Here is the Paulus (pre & post IVF acupuncture) protocol used in their research

Paulus et al. Protocol

* Treat 12-24 hours before embryo transfer
* Treat within 1 hour after embryo transfer
* Pre transfer points
o Du 20, PC 6, ST 29, SP 8, LIV 3
o Ear points
+ Rt. Shen, brain
+ Lt. Uterus,endocrine
* Place press tacks in each ear using the same points and ask patient to stimulate them during transfer.
* Post transfer points
o LI 4, SP 10, ST 36, SP 6
o Ear Points
+ Rt.uterus, endocrine
+ Lt. Shen brain
+ Place press tacks in same pattern instruct patient to remove in 3 days.
* Needles
o 32 g 1 ½ inch needles
o Stimulate to obtain deqi (Qi)
o Re-stimulate after 10 minutes, leave another 15 minutes Total Retention 25 minutes.

Dr. Dana Price DOM, L.Ac., Dipl.OM
ilumina: A Peaceful Path to Pregnancy and Healing
Scottsdale, Arizona

Thanks Dana

Thank you for taking the time to post the whole protocal. Is your new web site up yet?

Kaleb