Fertility Health
You are not alone! At least one in six couples in the United States struggles with issues of infertility. This statistic means that every month more than 7 million US couples experience the pain and disappointment of failing to conceive.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years to treat infertility and optimize fertility functions. This is achieved by the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs to manipulate the flow of Qi and to nourish, support, and strengthen the Qi, the Blood, and the internal organs. By correcting imbalance and restoring health to the body, mind, and spirit, TCM can help enhance or restore both men’s and women’s fertility.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine Increases Fertility By:
• Reducing anxiety and stress
• Strengthening the immune system and improving overall health & well-being
• Regulating menstrual cycle and treating endometriosis, fibroids and cysts
• Improving the ovarian function and blood flow
• Normalizing hormone and endocrine systems (such as FSH levels)
• Increasing blood flow to the uterus and increasing the thickness of the uterine lining
• Improving sperm counts, motility and morphology
• Significantly improving the success rate of IVF, IUI, and other assisted technologies
• Lessening side effects from hormonal treatments
• Increasing live birth and decreasing chances of miscarriage
Dr. Eileen Zhuo, founder of the ACM Center, was an OB/GYN doctor in China. She has performed nutritional consulting for the Federal Women, Infant, and Children Program (WIC). She has also worked as a laboratory assistant at the Reproductive Laboratory of the University of Washington. With knowledge, experience, and passion, Dr. Zhuo had started her TCM private practice in the States since 1996. One of her specialties is women’s health care, with cases related to fertility care comprising up to 60% of her total patient care.
Although all acupuncture clinics have treatments for infertility, they are not all the same. The care you receive at ACM Center feels comfortable, safe, and trusted. At ACM Center, we provide comprehensive and supportive programs for our patients. Whether you are interested in enhancing your fertility naturally or alongside Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) such as IUI or IVF, we will work with you as a team through the difficult journey of getting pregnant and having healthy babies.
Our Fertility Health Care Includes:
A. Preconception Care and Education – Planning for a healthy baby
The health of the parents before and at the time of conception, in addition to the mother’s health during the early times of her pregnancy have an important influence on the health of the baby. We recommend that patients start their fertility care (regular acupuncture treatments, Nutritional supplements/Herbs and healthy lifestyle changes) 3-4 months prior to conception (especially for an IVF cycle).
B. Consultation and Treatments
Over 45% of infertile couples are medically diagnosed as having an “unknown cause” for their infertility. Using TCM theories and diagnosis methods in conjunction with the medical diagnosis and test results, we provide acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle recommendations.
1. For natural cycles (and non-medicated IUI):
Specific treatments are used based on where you are in your cycle as well as on any imbalances during parts of your cycle (i.e. PMS). Treatments will always be aimed at regulating the menstrual cycle through acupuncture and Chinese herbs in order to optimize conception.
2. For Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)-IVF, ICSI, IUI & Superovulation:
Each of the above technologies has its specific protocols. Studies have shown that acupuncture can improve IVF results.
C. Support during pregnancy
Treatment will be given to decrease the chance of miscarriage, morning sickness, depression, and back pain/sciatica, baby in breach position. Treatment will also be performed in preparation for labor (or labor induction) and breastfeeding.
D. Postnatal support
Treatment will be performed for poor lactation, depression, and healing after C-section.