Acupuncture

Steps Involved in IVF:

Procedure Description

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that dates back thousands of years. It is founded on the concept of Qi (energy flow), which is believed to travel through meridians (energy channels) within the body. Practitioners use fine needles to insert them into specific points along these meridians to balance the Qi and promote physical and emotional well-being. While acupuncture has its roots in TCM, it has gained global acceptance and is now used in various medical settings around the world for a wide range of conditions.

Patients often turn to acupuncture for the treatment of various ailments such as chronic pain, migraines, stress, insomnia, and more. Acupuncture is also used as a supplementary treatment in cancer care and fertility treatments. It has even been applied for weight loss and smoking cessation programs. Its non-invasive nature and relatively low cost make it an attractive option for many individuals.

The effectiveness of acupuncture has been the subject of numerous studies, some of which conclude positive results, especially in treating conditions like chronic pain. As with any medical procedure, the results can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the practitioner's skill level, the patient's condition, and the specific treatment plan. Despite its ancient roots, acupuncture is continually being researched and refined to fit into modern healthcare practices.

Procedure Duration

The duration of an acupuncture session can vary depending on the treatment needed. Typically, the initial consultation may last up to 60 minutes, where the practitioner assesses the patient’s medical history and current health concerns. Subsequent treatment sessions usually last between 30 to 45 minutes. The number of sessions needed can range from just a few for acute conditions to ongoing weekly or monthly visits for chronic issues.

Recovery time after an acupuncture session is generally minimal. Most patients report feeling relaxed and rejuvenated immediately following the procedure, although a small number may experience minor side effects like soreness or fatigue. It is advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few hours following the treatment to maximize its effectiveness.

Given its relatively short duration and minimal recovery time, acupuncture is an attractive option for medical tourists who want to combine their treatment with leisure activities or sightseeing. In most cases, patients can go about their regular activities shortly after their session, making it convenient for travelers.

Benefits

  • Cost-Effectiveness: Acupuncture abroad can be significantly cheaper than in Western countries, without compromising on quality.
  • Expertise: Some destinations are renowned for their traditional acupuncture practices, offering highly skilled practitioners.
  • Advanced Technology: Some countries combine traditional techniques with modern technology for enhanced effectiveness.

Potential Destinations

  • China: The birthplace of acupuncture, offering treatments deeply rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • Japan: Known for its unique variation of acupuncture techniques.
  • South Korea: Offers a blend of traditional Korean and modern acupuncture practices.
  • Germany: Home to several wellness centers that offer acupuncture, often integrating it into a broader wellness approach.

Risks & Considerations

  • Language Barrier: Ensure that the practitioner understands your needs and medical history.
  • Sanitation: Make sure the clinic practices good hygiene, especially concerning sterilization of needles.
  • Local Regulations: Check whether the destination’s acupuncture practices meet international standards.

How to Choose the Right Doctor and Hospital

  • Credentials: Look for practitioners with recognized qualifications and years of experience.
  • Reviews & Testimonials: Prior patients' experiences can give you a valuable perspective.
  • Facilities: Choose a clinic or hospital that is clean, well-equipped, and has modern amenities.

To receive a free quote for this procedure please click on the link: https://www.medicaltourism.com/get-a-quote


Patients are advised to seek hospitals that are accredited by Global Healthcare and only work with medical tourism facilitators who are certified by Global Healthcare Accreditation or who have undergone certification from the Certified Medical Travel Professionals (CMTP). This ensures that the highest standards in the industry are met. GHA accredits the top hospitals in the world. These are the best hospitals in the world for quality and providing the best patient experience. Click the link to check out hospitals accredited by the Global Healthcare Accreditation: https://www.globalhealthcareaccreditation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What actually happens during hyperstimulation of the ovaries?

The patient will take injectable FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) for eight to eleven days, depending on how long the follicles take to mature. This hormone is produced naturally in a woman’s body causing one egg to develop per cycle. Taking the injectable FSH causes several follicles to develop at once, at approximately the same rate. The development is monitored with vaginal ultrasounds and following the patient’s levels of estradiol and progesterone. FSH brand names include Repronex, Follistim, Menopur, Gonal-F and Bravelle. The patient injects herself daily.

What happens during egg retrieval?

When the follicles have developed enough to be harvested, the patient attends an appointment  where she is anesthetized and prepared for the procedure. Next, the doctor uses an ultrasound probe to guide a needle through the vaginal wall and into the follicle of the ovary. The thin needle draws the follicle fluid, which is then examined by an embryologist to find the eggs. The whole process takes about 20 minutes.

What happens to the eggs?

In the next step, the harvested eggs are then fertilized. If the sperm from the potential father, or in some cases, anonymous donor, has normal functionality, the eggs and sperm are placed together in a dish with a nutrient fluid, then incubated overnight to fertilize normally. If the sperm functionality is suboptimal, an embryologist uses Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection to inject a single sperm into a single egg with an extremely precise glass needle.  Once fertilization is complete, the embryos are assessed and prepared to be transferred to the patient’s uterus.

How are the embryos transferred back to the uterus?

The doctor and the patient will discuss the number of embryos to be transferred. The number of successfully fertilized eggs usually determines the number of eggs to be placed in the uterus. Embryos are transferred to the uterus with transabdominal ultrasound guidance. This process does not require anesthesia, but it can cause minor cervical or uterine discomfort. Following transfer, the patient is advised to take at least one days bed rest and two or three additional days of rest, then 10 to 12 days later, two pregnancy tests are scheduled to confirm success. Once two positive tests are completed, an obstetrical ultrasound is ordered to show the sac, fetal pole, yolk sac and fetal heart rate.

Embryoscope©

Built into this technology there is a microscope with a powerful camera that allows the uninterrupted monitoring of the embryo during its first hours of life. In this way, we can keep a close eye on the embryo, from the moment when the oocyte is inseminated and begins to divide into smaller and smaller cells, until it can be transferred to the uterus.

Orthopedics Stem Cell

Knee

Research on mesenchymal stem cells regenerative properties in knee osteoarthritis. In these studies, researchers suggest that Stem Cell Therapy has the potential to regenerate lost cartilage, stop and reverse cartilage degeneration, provide pain relief, and improve patient mobility.

Shoulder

Stem Cell Therapy as an Alternative to Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Replacement Surgery. Stem cell therapy may offer an excellent alternative for patients looking to avoid shoulder joint replacement surgery, as well as many other surgical treatments for shoulder pain.

Ankle

If you suffer from chronic or acute ankle pain or instability due to arthritis, cartilage loss, ligament strain or tear, or tendon damage, then you may benefit from non-surgical stem cell treatments or stem cell-enhanced surgery.

Back Pain

Patients now have a minimally invasive option. Stem cell therapy for back pain and disc herniations can potentially repair the damaged disc or facet joint, restore function, rehydrate the disc, and ultimately alleviate chronic pain.

Anti-Aging Stem Cell

Hair Loss

Stem cell therapy and PRP therapy have been shown to be most effective for: Those in the early stages of hair loss, patients who are not viable candidates for surgery and women who prefer to avoid hair surgery.

Facial Anti-Aging

Aesthetic Anti-Aging. The Aesthetic Stem Cell Localized Treatment is a non-surgical minimally invasive procedure to enhance the appearance of aging skin and hair restoration. This all-natural technique combines dermal injections of bone marrow or adipose tissue derived stem cells and growth factors.

Fertility Stem Cell

Endometrial PRP

The stem cells used for treatment of a thin endometrium include mesenchymal stem cells. In addition, successful repair of the endometrium in pregnancy with stem cells has been reported previously.

Low Ovarian Reserve (PRP)

The treatment uses PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma), which with stem cell therapy is the novel therapeutic approach for restoring the quality of the ovarian reserve.Your PRP will contain a physiologic balance of platelets, growth factors and white blood cells tailored specifically for you.

Destinations offering this treatment:
Featured provider offering this treatment:
Providers offering this treatment:
Facilitators offering this treatment:
No items found.