Use of electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in reproductive medicine: a group consensus

Abstract

Abstract:With the rapid development of assisted reproductive technology, various reproductive disorders have been effectively addressed. Acupuncture-like therapies, including electroacupuncture (EA) and transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS), become more popular world-wide. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that EA and TEAS are effective in treating gynecological disorders, especially infertility. This present paper describes how to select acupoints for the treatment of infertility from the view of theories of traditional Chinese medicine and how to determine critical parameters of electric pulses of EA/TEAS based on results from animal and clinical studies. It summarizes the principles of clinical application of EA/TEAS in treating various kinds of reproductive disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), pain induced by oocyte retrieval, diminished ovarian reserve, embryo transfer, and oligospermia/ asthenospermia. The possible underlying mechanisms mediating the therapeutic effects of EA/TEAS in reproductive medicine are also examined.

Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation alleviates the anxiety levels of IVF: A prospective, randomized and controlled study

“…In this study, we explored whether TEAS could alleviate the anxiety levels of IVF. Effective frequency for TEAS ranges from 2 Hz to 100 Hz, and stimulation with different frequencies may generate totally different biological effects [33]. Generally, 2 Hz is chosen as a representative for low frequency, 100 Hz for high frequency, and 2/100 Hz for alternate low and high frequencies.…”

Acupuncture or auricular electro-acupuncture as adjuncts to lifestyle interventions for weight management in PCOS: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study

“…De qi will be obtained for each point using thrusting, twirling, and rotating, until the participant reports numbness, heaviness, pressure, soreness, or tingling, and needles are manipulated every 10 min to obtain de qi. Electroacupuncture will be applied to ST 28 and SP 6 acupuncture points bilaterally (located on the lower abdomen and lower leg) and delivered using Therapeutics Goods Administration (TGA)-approved electro-acupuncture devices at low frequency (2 Hz) electrical pulses, 0.3 ms pulse width [42,43], and continuous stimulation to the attached needles. The intensity of electro-acupuncture will be increased gently during each session until muscle contractions are felt or seen, but below the threshold of any discomfort or pain.…”

How Do You Treat Pregnancy, Fertility, Labor and Delivery, and Postpartum Issues in Your Practice?

“…10 In the United States, for example, nearly 30% of 428 infertile couples in a prospective cohort study sought complementary medicine treatment with acupunc-ture being the most-commonly used modality to treat their infertility. 11 Qu et al 12 presented a consensus of 20 experts on the selection of acupoints, based on the mechanisms of infertility. Among their recommendations were: .…”