A recent study showed that one in five couples has seen their physician for fertility issues. Chinese Medicine can be a powerful and effective tool to help couples conceive and carry healthy babies to term. Chinese Medicine can be very beneficial for those who are just starting to try to conceive, as well as for those who are doing assisted fertility treatments such as IUI’s or IVF.

Fertility acupuncture now has hundreds of reputable research studies demonstrating how acupuncture can effectively increase a woman’s chance of conception. The practice of acupuncture has been shown to aid fertility in many powerful ways, first by reducing stress, often a key factor in the fertility of both men and women. When people are under stress, cortisol is released in the brain, altering its neurochemical balance. This change in hormone levels disrupts the pituitary balance that is key to the reproductive cycle.

Acupuncture treatments can not only reduce stress, but also have been shown to increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. It is essential to have a healthy uterine lining to support implantation and early pregnancy. Our acupuncture sessions also use point combinations that can provide balance to the endocrine system (via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis), which helps to regulate hormonal imbalances causing irregular periods or dysfunctions in ovulation.

Because we are experts in fertility care this is where we shine. We can customize our sessions to you specific reproductive and hormonal needs. When available we can take your western lab results, treatment protocols and medications and use that information to create an energetic diagnosis of what your body needs. This also allows us to give specific fertility recommendations for diet and lifestyle as well. Unlike many fertility treatments, our sessions produce few or no side effects while working towards the same goal and optimal overall health as well.

For Those Going Through Assisted Fertility Treatment (IUI’s or IVF):

Chinese Medicine is not a therapy that can be rushed. It is said in order to grow a healthy crop one must prepare the soil before planting. Such is the case with a pregnancy. When you visit Sage, we will shift the focus on your health and goals, suggesting changes that you can make in order to prepare your body for a strong and healthy pregnancy. Traditionally, Chinese Medicine practices recommend waiting three months to present a significant change in the body. During the course of our treatments, we will provide regular acupuncture treatments designed to soothe you and strengthen your reproductive system. We work to enhance each phase of the cycle: follicular, ovulatory, luteal and menstrual.Prior and during this period of time we can make significant improvements to benefit fertility.

It typically takes an ovarian follicle approximately 90 days to fully develop. Prior and during this period of time we can make significant improvements to benefit fertility. Our specialists at Sage will gladly serve as your guide to help you track your cycles, systems and reach your fertility goals. We will recommend dietary and lifestyle modifications to support the goal of pregnancy. In addition, we can offer you optional customized Chinese Herbal Medicine to improve the function of your body throughout the pregnancy process.

We are unique in that we have an established strong network with local ObGyn offices and Fertility Centers and are trained to work synergistically when desired. We can safely and effectively use acupuncture to enhance any phase of fertility treatments.

For Those Doing an IVF Cycle the Minimum Recommendation Protocol Is:

Although three months of preparation for an IVF cycle is ideal, many simply do not have that much time available. If that is the case for you, we recommend a minimum of eight acupuncture sessions prior to retrieval. In addition to this “prep” acupuncture, we highly recommend acupuncture treatments before and after transfer. These pre and post transfer acupuncture sessions alone have been shown to increase the success of a cycle from 26-42%! In addition to acupuncture, Sage can incorporate additional Chinese Medicine modalities that can increase the success of your fertility goals.

At Sage, we have created a seven-day week schedule with on-call acupuncturists for transfer day sessions. That way if your cycle falls on a weekend or holiday we usually still can accommodate your needs during this crucial time. We also have several affiliate offices that may offer on-site acupuncture or house calls when required.

Sage Fertility acupuncture treatments can give you a range of benefits, including:

• Improved quality and quantity of ovarian follicles
• Improvement in the lining of the uterus
• Reduced side effects form Western medication
• Reduced stress associated with the fertility process
• A Stronger immune system
• Increased success of implantation
• Decreased chance of miscarriage once pregnant
• Improved male issues such semen quality and quantity

Below, we have listed many of the recent research articles showing the benefits of Chinese Medicine for fertility. As Western Medicine is learning and seeing the ability of Eastern Medicine to increase successful pregnancies, it is becoming a recommended therapy by many doctors and fertility centers. At Sage we have taken great measures to attend advanced trainings and become familiar with medical tests, procedures, and medications. When visiting our centers, you can be assured that the sessions you receive at Sage will be customized to enhance your medical treatments, not conflict with or negate them.

Below are research articles available for you to download and print. Just click on the link to download the Word document.

IVF Fertility Research

Fertility Research

Male Fertility Research

What makes an ABORM Licensed Acupuncturist a Fertility Specialist? Click here and learn more!

Contact the Sage Wellness Center today to experience true relaxation and the highest grade of wellness care.
Please call (650) 343-7899 to schedule your complimentary acupuncture consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.