Category Archives: Fertility Treatment

The treatment of infertility with Acupuncture and Chinese medicine dates back well over 4000 years. These ancient, time-tested techniques improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing.

A landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility 1, found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques. Dr. Lifang Liang 2 as well as researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Center 3 in New York, reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• Improve the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs
• Increase blood flow to the uterus and increase the thickness of the uterine lining, which improves the chances of an ovum implanting on the uterine wall
• Relax the patient thus reducing anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• Prevent the uterus from contracting
• Lessen the side effects of drugs used in IUI and IVF
• Strengthen the immune system
• Improve semen to create better quality and quantity of embryos
• Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation, especially in women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Regulate the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles
• Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis which plays a key role in fertility
• Decrease chances of miscarriage
• Regulate menstrual cycle

In a study published in Human Reproduction Journal 4, an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. The study found blood flow increases during treatment. According to Dr. Nancy Snyderman, when acupuncture needles are placed correctly, it can affect the nervous system. The idea is that if you stimulate the nervous system, you can make the uterus quiet and allow blood to flow. Relaxing the uterus and increasing blood flow allows for the successful implant of an embryo within the uterine lining.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can raise the fertility potential for women by affecting the quality, quantity, balance, and flow of Qi and blood. When Qi (life energy) and blood are circulating freely throughout the body, every cell, tissue and organ is properly nourished and functioning well. When this occurs, a woman’s health and fertility are increased.

At The Healing Lab Acupuncture Clinic, we provide a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach toward the conception of a healthy pregnancy by working closely with your OB-GYN or fertility specialist. Here are a few reasons we believe you could benefit from acupuncture and Chinese Medicine:

• An acupuncturist does not treat just symptoms and signs, but instead activates the body’s natural healing potential by treating the root causes that have lead to the problem or disease.
• Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is completely natural. No drugs are ever used. In the treatment of infertility, undesired side effects and accumulated toxicity from invasive procedures and drug therapies may occur.
• Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used to strengthen, support, and balance overall health and well-being, so other fertility procedures are more effective.

You could also consider acupuncture during your pregnancy and birth. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture has been found useful for preventing miscarriages, relieving labor pain, nausea, vomiting, and significantly reducing the duration of labor. Acupuncture has even been known to help with a breached birth. 5,6

References

1. Paulus W, et. al., Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, volume 77, April 2002, 721-724.
2. Liang, Lifang. Acupuncture and IVF: Increase IVF Success by 40% – 60%. Blue Poppy Press. 2003.
3. 5 Ways Acupuncture Con Boost Fertility. Prevention.com, 2002.
4. Human Reproduction Journal, Volume 11, Number 6, 1996.
5. Acupuncture: Review and analysis of reports on controlled clinical trials, World Health Organization, Geneva, 2002. www.who.int/medicines.
6. Deadman, Peter, et. al. , A Manual of Acupuncture. Page 326.

Patient Testimonials

Acupuncture Miracles: Infertility

I had been trying to conceive for 11 months – unsuccessfully. In April 2006 the doctors diagnosed me with 5 % chance of conceiving if we use IVF, 2% chance of conceiving using clomid with IUI and a 2% chance of conceiving if we just relied on Mother Nature. I tried various alternative diets which didn’t seem to yield results. Finally, I decided to seek help in Chinese Medicine with Dr. Lee.

My first treatment cycle with Dr. Lee started in June 2006 which then extended until the end July. I fully committed to my good foods and herbal remedies. When it was time to test for the cycle result, I scored a 56.5% improvement. As a registered nurse, I was irritable and having headaches frequently prior to all her treatments. Many of my stress symptoms and health concerns had gone away or reduced significantly.

And after 1 1/2 months, I was able to see the two lines for the first time. My husband and I couldn’t believe it. We retested 3 times. It was unbelievable. I am now on my second cycle, and I trust that Dr. Lee will make sure I’ll be in good health for my baby.

- Anne D., R. N.

P.S. Now nine months later, I have a healthy baby girl!

Acupuncture Miracles: Infertility with polycystic ovary

My husband and I have been trying to have a baby for two years with no luck.I had a history of polycystic ovary ever since my puberty.

My doctor has put me on clomid for six months and femara for 5 months, plus three IUI’s in one year.

After all the treatments, my right ovary still was not able to produce any eggs.
A fertility doctor gave me the idea of acupuncture and saw Dr. Lee’s website, so I thought why not give it a try. After only two weeks of seeing Dr. Lee, I had an ultrasound and found that my right ovary was producing eggs for the first time. Within one month I got pregnant by using standard infertility treatments, acupuncture and herbs with Dr. Lee.

- Angela Hebert-Johnson