What is acupuncture?

The general theory is based on channels of energy that flow through the body. The energy that flows through the channels is called Qi (pronounced chee). The channels correlate to the organs and tedino-muscular system. When the energy flow is disrupted due to poor diet, medications, stress, trauma or other conditions, pain or illness result. Acupuncture focuses on correcting these imbalances by inserting ultra-thin needles under the skin to stimulate specific points along the channel. Stimulation of the these points along the channel encourages and even flow of Qi, restoring the body’s balance relieving pain and other symptoms. Acupuncture treats and strengthens the physical condition, normalizes physiological functions, and controls pain. The aim of receiving acupuncture is not just to eliminate or alleviate symptoms, but rather to treat the underlying cause, increase the ability to function, and improve the quality of life.

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) help me become pregnant?

Yes.

TCM is an appropriate modality for treating women that are trying to conceive naturally and for women having ART (assisted reproductive therapy) such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (invitro-fertilization). Studies done with IVF embryo transfer show that acupuncture given just before and just after the transfer inproves the success rate 40%. Studies also show that at least 3 months of TCM treatments is optimal for a healthy pregnancy and baby. Women trying to conceive naturally or that plan to go through ART should invest at least 3-6 monhts of acupuncture and herbal medicine to prepare the body for pregnancy. But, sometimes women don't discover the benefits of TCM for fertility until they have alread begun their first cycle of ART, so in this case even doing acupuncture days, weeks, or months is beneficial to the success rate of ART.

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How long are treatments?

Your first visit will be 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Follow up visits are usually one hour.

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What should I wear?

Loose fitting/comfortable clothing is preferred.

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Should I eat before my visit?

Yes, acupuncture is best received when one has eaten. Avoid caffine before your visit, and avoid brushing your tongue.

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Should I exercise before or after my treatment?

It is best to plan your exercise before your acupuncture treatment. This will allow the treatment to work optimally.

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Is it OK to receive massage or chiropractic on the same day as acupuncture?

Yes, these modalities are both best before an acupuncture treatment.

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Does acupuncture hurt?

At times one feels the brief prick of the needle, other times one feels nothing. Some points in large muscular areas produce a gentle ache which subsides within moments. On some points, an aching sensation is brief and therapeutic.

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Will insurance cover my treatments?

Check with your insurance provider to find out if your plan covers acupuncture, how many visits you are allotted per year, and if I am an in-network provider for your insurance. I bill to most major insurances, but will provide a superbill to submit to your insurance for reimbursement if I am out of network. If I am unable to verify that your plan does cover acupuncture, I ask that you pay for your visit up front and you will be reimbursed once I have proof of eligibility.

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Are herbs and supplements safe if I take prescription medications?

A review of your history from the intake form you fill out in my office will allow me to determine what course of herbal or nutritional therapy is appropriate and safe for you.

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What are some conditions commonly treated with acupuncture?

• accident/injury
• acne
• allergies
• anxiety
• arthritis/joint problems
• asthma
• back pain
• bladder/kidney problems
• blood pressure problems
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• colds/influenza
• constipation/diarrhea
• depression
• diabetes
• disease of the prostate
• drug addiction/smoking cessation
• gastrointestinal disorders
• gynecology
• headaches/dizziness
• health maintenance
• immune system dysfunction
• impotence
• infertility
• irregular menses/dysmenorrhea
• low energy
• mastitis
• menopausal discomfort
• muscle strain
• neck pain/stiffness
• paralysis/numbness
• post-partum depression
• post-partum fatigue
• pregnancy labor induction
• sciatica
• sports injuries
• tendonitis

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How does Chinese medicine help improve IVF success rates?

1. It improves the function of the ovaries to produce better quality eggs.
2. It regulates the hormones to produce a larger number of follicles.
3. It increases the blood flow to the uterus and increases the thickness of the uterine lining.
4. It relaxes the patient and decreases stress.
5. It helps prevent uterine contractions.
6. It lessens the side effects of the Western drugs used in IVF.
7. It strengthens and regulates the patient’s immune system.
8. It improves male semen to create better quality and quantity of embryos.
9. It decreases the chance of miscarriage.

For best results, Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and Chinese dietary and lifestyle therapy, should be used before, during, and after IVF. Chinese medicine can help prepare both partners before IVF to strengthen the function of the ovaries, regulate the immune system, reduce stress, and improve the quantity and quality of sperm and the quality of the seminal fluid. This is accomplished in the female partner by treating any menstrual irregularities, such as amenorrhea, PMS, endometriosis, uterine myomas (a.k.a. fibroids), or heavy bleeding due to lack of ovulation. Such preparatory treatment usually lasts 3-6 months. After successful implantation of the embryo has taken place, Chinese medicine can also be used to help prevent miscarriage.

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What is In vitro fertilization and when is it used?

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 9 million American women are currently using Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services to help them cope with fertility issues. Of available ART services, one of the most widely used is In Vitro Fertilization, or IVF. This consists of harvesting a woman's eggs and fertilizing them outside her body. The embryo that results from this fertilization is introduced into the woman's uterus to develop as a normal pregnancy.

In vitro fertilization is used in cases of fallopian tube blockage, low sperm count, abnormal cervical factors, immunologic factors affecting either partner, infertility after tubal surgery, infertility after treatment for endometriosis, and for unexplained infertility. This procedure was first successfully used in the United States in 1981. A widely published recent German study found that using acupuncture with IVF achieved a 42% clinical pregnancy rate compared to only 26% in the control group that did not receive acupuncture. When acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are used in conjunction with IVF, clinical experience suggests the pregnancy rate can be raised. Click here to view the study.

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