At Acupuncture Wellness Center we take a holistic approach. Acupuncture looks at mind, body, and spirit and brings them into balance.

Fertility issues can be the result of the body being out of balance. Sometimes dietary changes such as avoidance of wheat, dairy and sugar as well as foods known as endocrine disruptors can make a difference. An increase in vegetables and fruits as well as the addition of vitamins, and supplements can be important. Additionally, exercise such as walking and yoga can contribute to an increase in the possibility of conception.

One of the areas where acupuncture contributes to improved fertility is in stress reduction of the prospective mother. When the body is stressed, it may produce hormones (or not produce hormones) that effect fertility. This is especially important with Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART). Stress in it’s various forms sends signals to the rest of the body systems indicating that it is not a good time to conceive.

Stress also decreases the blood flow to the reproductive system. This may affect the function of the ovaries and the production of good quality eggs. In the case of IVF, acupuncture in conjunction with the administered hormones, may increase the number of follicles produced. Stress may affect the thickness of the uterine lining, which is important for implantation of a fertilized egg or in the case of IVF, the implantation of the embryos. Acupuncture has also been shown to improve semen to create better quality and quantity of embryos.

Acupuncture decreases the side effects of drugs used in IVF. The hormones used to stimulate ovulation can cause extreme symptoms of PMS. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce these symptoms.

Acupuncture increases the chances of a successful pregnancy. Once conception has occurred, acupuncture can calm the uterus and keep it from contracting. This can reduce the chances of miscarriage.

Many new studies are now supporting the theory that acupuncture improves the success rate of Assisted Reproductive Techniques. Most reproductive endocrinologists are aware of the increased chances of a successful pregnancy with acupuncture.

Bonnie has studied under Dr. Randine Lewis author of “The Infertility Cure” and has taken the following classes with her.
“Treating Infertility with Traditional Chinese Medicine”
“TCM for Fertility Continuing Education”
She is a charter member of the Clinical Excellence in Fertility Program founded by Dr. Lewis.

We strongly suggest reading Dr. Lewis’ books (click to open item at Amazon):

Contact our office for more information and to arrange for a consult.

Interview with Fiona Young-Brown Fertility and Life Coach for her Spring 2007 Newsletter.

See her website: www.FionaYoungBrown.com/Fertility

Q: Please tell me a little about yourself and your background? How did you come to practice acupuncture?

My background is nursing. At one time, I had actually wanted to specialize in mother-baby. Much later, in graduate school studying to be a nurse practitioner I had a class where a requirement was to interview a nurse practitioner. The one I happened to interview was also an acupuncturist. It was then that I started looking at acupuncture. I have been using holistic techniques in my nursing practice for over fifteen years. Acupuncture was a natural choice. 

I’ve been through IVF (InVitroFertilization) procedures. I’ve had first hand experience in how stressful they can be. Whereas every situation is different, I understand somewhat what these women are going through. You go for blood work, ultrasounds. You take drugs, you get shots, and the drugs can cause super PMS symptoms. Every day can be emotionally agonizing; every month can be a disappointment. As a nurse, I was well versed in the concepts behind IVF. When I saw how Chinese Medicine looked at infertility, …well let’s just say it made sense.

Q: Most of us tend to think of acupuncture as helping with things like diet, smoking, or pain issues. How can acupuncture help women with fertility problems?

Yes, acupuncture seems to be known for smoking, diet, and pain. That is unfortunate as it is only the tip of the iceberg. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as being effective for many ailments. Acupuncture is a means of balancing the body, mind, and spirit and allowing the body to heal itself. After an interview and complete assessment where all the symptoms are considered, an individualized treatment plan is developed.

I studied under Dr. Randine Lewis who wrote “The Infertility Cure.” She is a medical doctor who was having difficulty getting pregnant and then staying pregnant. She used Traditional Chinese Medicine and achieved her goal of having children. She became an acupuncturist and then studied in China. She started a clinic to treat infertility, and holds retreats for women who are trying to conceive. Her methods have been highly successful. Many women have become pregnant on their own and studies have shown that acupuncture can improve Assisted Reproductive Techniques  (ART) by 40-60%.

Q: Do you see acupuncture as something to be used as well as more conventional Western fertility treatments or as a replacement for them?

I don’t think any practitioner would tell a woman to stop her ART and use acupuncture exclusively.I have patients who have decided they want to try to conceive on their own and this has been successful. I also have patients who are using assisted reproductive techniques who are also successful. Everyone is different. The objective is a healthy pregnancy and baby. Stress is an example of one of the things that we treat with Chinese Medicine. Sometimes stress is the factor that keeps a woman from getting pregnant and yet ART techniques can be sooo stressful. From a Western Medicine point of view, if stress levels are high, FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) and or Prolactin levels can be high. These high levels prevent you from getting pregnant. Your body realizes that you are too stressed to have a successful pregnancy. Just lowering the stress levels in the body with acupuncture can be effective.

Q: Can acupuncture also help men with fertility problems?

Yes, Traditional Chinese Medicine/acupuncture can help with male infertility issues as well. It has been shown to increase numbers, motility, as well as other issues. Again, many of these issues can be the result of stress.

Q: If a woman with fertility issues came to see you, what could she expect during her first appointment?

I schedule new patients with a two hour time block when there are no other patients in the office to minimize interruptions and reduce stress. Everyone fills out an intake form usually before coming in. I would like them to bring in any pertinent lab work and temperature charts if possible. We go through the information and then check their pulses and tongue. We discuss nutritional as well as other issues related to a successful pregnancy. Based on this information I develop an acupuncture treatment. The treatment itself is about 20-30 minutes. The needles are about the thickness of a cat’s whisker and very flexible. Patients are surprised at how relaxed they feel and many patients actually fall asleep on the table. An initial visit takes an hour and half to two hours. Follow up treatments are about an hour.