Discover Your Fertile Potential

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer solutions for many couples suffering the trials of fertility treatments. Are you over 35 and considered of “advanced maternal age”? Do you have elevated FSH levels and have been told that you are no longer a candidate for in vitro fertilization (IVF)? Maybe you and your partner are trying to conceive naturally. Whatever your situation might be, my comprehensive and personalized program can help you maximize your health and fertility to position you for the blessed news you’ve been dying to hear. 

I have received specialized training in treating infertility and work primarily with infertility patients on a daily basis.  I have worked with many patients receiving fertility treatments from all of the premier Massachusetts fertility centers, including the Fertility Centers of New England, Boston IVF, Reproductive Science Center, Mass General, and Brigham and Women's.  Additionally, I will be presenting on treating infertility through alternative medicine at Resolve of New England's upcoming conference.

Common Conditions Treated

• Unexplained infertility
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Endometriosis and fibroids
• High FSH levels
• Ovarian cysts
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Support for IVF/IUI procedures
• Pre- and post-embryo transfer
• Advanced Maternal Age
• Low sperm count
• Low sperm motility
• Support natural conception
• Premature Ovarian Failure

Acupuncture’s Promising Results

Recently, there has been a growing interest in Chinese medicine’s effectiveness in treating infertility. In 2002, a landmark German study concluded that acupuncture could enhance the success rates of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures by almost 50%. In 2006, the medical journal Fertility and Sterility published two additional independent studies that replicated these results. Although more studies are needed to fully understand the wonders of Chinese medicine, we are confident it enhances fertility in the following ways:

1. Reduce stress
2. Improve ovarian function yielding higher quality eggs
3. Improve ovarian blood flow, increasing ovarian response
4. Regulate hormones for increased production of follicles
5. Increase blood flow to uterus and thicken the uterine lining
6. Regulate menstruation
7. Reduce uterine contractions post-IVF embryo transfer
8. Decrease chances of miscarriage
9. Improve sperm count, morphology, and motility and reduce sperm DNA fragmentation
10. Reduce side-effects of IVF medications
11. Strengthen the immune system

When the Soil Is Prepared the Seed Will Grow

Chinese medicine has been successfully treating reproductive issues for thousands of years. Much of its success comes from the way in which it views the body. The adage “when the soil is prepared the seed will grow” eloquently describes how Chinese medicine approaches fertility issues. 
Thus, couples struggling with fertility issues must prepare themselves prior to achieving a successful pregnancy and healthy baby. This means that couples must correct any imbalances that may be present in their lives. These imbalances may take the form of high stress levels, poor diet, excessive lifestyles, lack of sleep, among other things. Such imbalances can affect a person’s fertility, for example, by reducing sperm count, causing menstrual irregularities and reducing uterine and ovarian blood supply. Addressing the underlying imbalance allows the body to resume its natural fertile state.

A Dream Come True (Case Study)

Karen, a vibrant 35 year-old aspiring mother, diagnosed with “unexplained infertility”, came to see us for acupuncture because she had heard that it could improve her chances of pregnancy success. She had been trying unsuccessfully to conceive a child for over 2 years, and had undergone a series of ART procedures, all of which had failed. When we first met her, she was beginning her fourth IVF cycle. She explained how stressful her life had become since she began trying to get pregnant. She was preoccupied with fertility statistics and internet message boards, and worried that she would never bear a child.

During the acupuncture treatments, Karen described how much more relaxed she felt after each session. She believed she was able to cope better and her sense of worry decreased. She also noted that the side-effects of her fertility medications decreased significantly, making the whole process much more bearable. After 2 months of acupuncture treatments Karen reported that her IVF cycle was a success--she was pregnant!