Introduction
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is reported to affect approximately 15% of the female population within reproductive ages (Johansson & Stener-Victorin, 2013, p.1). This condition can cause irregular menstruation, a lack of menstruation, excessive body hair, acne, heightened blood glucose levels, depression and fertility complications (Raja-Khan, Stener-Victorin, Wu & Legro, 2011, p. E1). Acupuncture has been used to treat infertility, psychological disorders and to normalize hormone release and production for many centuries, although many of the mechanisms reported are currently hypotheses that have not yet been shown to be scientifically true (Li, Shi, Xu, Wang, Liu & Wang, 2013, p. 2-4). According to Zhihai & Yi (2011, p.299), …show more content…
Outlined in this paper are the most relevant scientific examples of the method of acupuncture treatment action in such patients.
Starting with acupuncture’s direct effect on the ovaries, research has revealed that needling along the spine at the same nerve innervation of the gonads, abdomen and legs can influence the normal function of the organ (Stener-Victorin, 2013, p. 85). Similarly, as per Zhihai et al. (2011, p. 300), needling extra point Weiguanxiashu at the level of the 8th thoracic nerve directly regulates pancreas function which may lead to reduced blood sugars, excitation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis thus preventing the inhibition of ovary function and ovulation.
Both Johansson et al. (2013, p. 7) and Li et al. (2013, p.4) reported that electroacupuncture had the potential to decrease the production of nerve growth factor, therefore improving ovarian structure and substance. The inhibition of release of nerve growth factor also leads to increase ovarian blood flow, further improving natural ovarian function (Raja-Khan et al., 2013,
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is reported to affect approximately 15% of the female population within reproductive ages (Johansson & Stener-Victorin, 2013, p.1). This condition can cause irregular menstruation, a lack of menstruation, excessive body hair, acne, heightened blood glucose levels, depression and fertility complications (Raja-Khan, Stener-Victorin, Wu & Legro, 2011, p. E1). Acupuncture has been used to treat infertility, psychological disorders and to normalize hormone release and production for many centuries, although many of the mechanisms reported are currently hypotheses that have not yet been shown to be scientifically true (Li, Shi, Xu, Wang, Liu & Wang, 2013, p. 2-4). According to Zhihai & Yi (2011, p.299), …show more content…
Outlined in this paper are the most relevant scientific examples of the method of acupuncture treatment action in such patients.
Starting with acupuncture’s direct effect on the ovaries, research has revealed that needling along the spine at the same nerve innervation of the gonads, abdomen and legs can influence the normal function of the organ (Stener-Victorin, 2013, p. 85). Similarly, as per Zhihai et al. (2011, p. 300), needling extra point Weiguanxiashu at the level of the 8th thoracic nerve directly regulates pancreas function which may lead to reduced blood sugars, excitation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis thus preventing the inhibition of ovary function and ovulation.
Both Johansson et al. (2013, p. 7) and Li et al. (2013, p.4) reported that electroacupuncture had the potential to decrease the production of nerve growth factor, therefore improving ovarian structure and substance. The inhibition of release of nerve growth factor also leads to increase ovarian blood flow, further improving natural ovarian function (Raja-Khan et al., 2013,