Fertility acupuncture combines the art of East Asian medicine with evidence based protocols developed around the world. Our Seattle based practice blends the best of traditional East Asian Medicine with modern clinical protocols. We also offer:
- preconception preparation
- natural fertility
- whole systems TCM
- IVF/IUI support
- miscarriage prevention and recovery
- diets to support fertility
- injection therapy for fertility
The first clinic in Seattle to offer LED and Low Level Laser therapy for fertility. We additionally offer injection therapy, abdominal massage for fertility, prenatal massage and counseling for fertility.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture uses very fine, sterile needles to affet pathways in the body. Acupuncture points are areas of decreased electrical conductivity where qi, or the body’s energy flows freely. The goal is better health through a balancing of this energy and the internal organs. Additionally, diagnosis through the pulse, tongue and observation can often uncover imbalances that modern methods cannot. Most people find their fertility acupuncture treatments to be quite relaxing.
East Asian medicine is rooted in a deep connection with nature and natural processes. Better fertility can be achieved by harmonizing the body’s natural cycles. This leads to a healthier mom and baby both during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.
How does fertility acupuncture improve fertility?
For the past several decades, modern research has shown that acupuncture improves fertility and it has been integrated into more mainstream fertility treatments. Acupuncture:
- naturally improves your fertility
- regulates hormones
- regulates the menstrual cycle
- increases blood flow to the pelvis and reproductive organs (uterus, ovaries and testes)
- regulates endocrine function and hormone production
- improves sperm count and motility
- regulates immune function to improve fertility
- moderate pains through the production of opioids and endorphins
- decreases inflammation that may be causing infertility
- decreases stress and the effects of stress
- treats PCOS
- improves pregnancy rates in IUI (Intrauterine insemination) and IVF (In vitro fertilization)
- decreases chances of miscarriage
- improves live birth rates
Fertility Acupuncture Treatments
Not all clinics who say they offer fertility acupuncture have experience or additonal training. We have complied an excellent team of specialy trained acupuncturists who know how to help you. We also offer innovative and cutting edge therapies, to help maximize your chances of conception. Our treatments are the best of East and West and tailored to your needs. Whether you are hoping for natural conception or getting acupuncture in conjunction with Western reproductive technologies, such as IUI or IVF, we can support you on your journey.
What to expect in your treatment.
Our treatments may include infrared heat, cupping, gua sha, food therapy, moxibustion, meditation, and/ or Chinese herbal therapies in addition to acupuncture. We often recommend adding low level laser therapy to our fertility acupuncture especaiily for those with low ovarian reserve and PCOS . Another option is injection therapy with glutathione, MICC and b complex which can be especially useful in fertility. We encourage our patients to use our program on its own, or integrated with conventional medicine.
When should I get treatment?
We recommend you start acupuncture treatments 3 months before trying to conceive. If that is not possible, it is never too late to start acupuncture and experience benefits. As a general rule, starting treatment as soon as possible is best. Treatments are generally given 1-2 times a week. It is especially important to have more frequency around IUI and IVF, or in severe conditions. Finally acupuncture is dose dependent. When trying to impart change it is important to do it often enough.
What protocols will be used in my treatment?
We will always treat both your underlying constitution (as determined by your medical diagnosis and East Asian Medical pattern,) as well as where you are in your cycle. So, if you are in the follicular phase of your cycle we help your body makes eggs. While your are bleeding we encourage a clean shedding of your lining. If you are not cycling, we work to address that. If you are on medications we support them to give you the best results, as well as working to eliminate side effects. Additionally, we are trained in protocols to support IUI and IVF transfer.