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Personalized
We aim to treat the whole person, emotionally, physically and mentally, and to help a person gain and maintain optimal health.
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Research Based
Western medical research has established that acupuncture treatment for infertility can have a positive endocrine effect that influences the hypothalamus, pituitary glands and the ovaries — all of which influence egg production and ovulation.
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Collaborative
We work directly with fertility clinics and their reproductive endocrinologist in the Salt Lake area. We love being a crucial part of our patient’s fertility team.
WHAT WE TREAT
Conception Support
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For people trying to conceive without IUI or IVF, we recommend 3-4 acupuncture sessions during a menstrual cycle.
First session on cycle day 2, 3, or 4.
Second session on cycle day 10, 11, or 12.
Last session is recommended for 3-5 days after ovulation.
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Acupuncture can help with many underlying hormonal issues leading to difficulty conceiving.
Specifically, acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus, regulates the endocrine system, helps with implantation, decreases inflammation of all gynecological organs, decreases cramping, and decreases abdominal pain and distention.
In addition, acupuncture can relax the cervix, calm the mind, and decrease anxiety.
Hormone Balancing
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For balancing hormones to treat imbalances like dysmenorrhea, PMS, irregular cycles, endometriosis, PCOS, & menopausal symptoms we generally recommend treatments 2-4x/month.
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We use acupuncture to treat many symptoms related to hormone imbalance, including dysmenorrhea, PMS, breast tenderness, hot flashes & night sweats, and amenorrhea.
Acupuncture regulates the body’s neuro, endocrine, and immune network, which helps the body’s hormone system to come into balance.
See research studies here:
Acupuncture modulates the neuro–endocrine–immune network
Electro-Acupuncture Affects the Activity of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovary Axis in Female Rats
Acupuncture in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Current Experimental and Clinical Evidence
IUI Preparation
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3-4 sessions during a menstrual cycle.
First session on cycle day 2, 3, or 4.
Second session on cycle day 10, 11, or 12.
If your schedule allows, we can do a session on day of IUI.
Last session is recommended for 3-5 days after IUI.
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Benefits of acupuncture for IUI include increased blood flow to the uterus, regulation of the endocrine system, implantation support, decreased inflammation of all gynecological organs, decreased cramping, and decreased abdominal pain and distention. Acupuncture also can relax the cervix, calm the mind and decrease anxiety.
IVF Egg Retrieval Preparation
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1x/week for 4 weeks before the follicle stimulation starts, and the 2x/week during the stimulation phase.
Ideally a total of eight sessions.
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Benefits of acupuncture for IVF include increased blood flow to the uterus, regulation of the endocrine system, implantation support, decreased inflammation of all gynecological organs, decreased cramping, and decreased abdominal pain and distention. Acupuncture also can relax the cervix, calm the mind and decrease anxiety.
See research study:
IVF Embryo Transfer Preparation
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1x/week for 4 weeks leading up to the transfer date.
Your last session would ideally be 3-4 days before the frozen transfer.
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Benefits of acupuncture for IVF include increased blood flow to the uterus, regulation of the endocrine system, implantation support, decreased inflammation of all gynecological organs, decreased cramping, and decreased abdominal pain and distention. Acupuncture also can relax the cervix, calm the mind and decrease anxiety.
See research study:
Pre & Post IVF Transfer
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On the day of the transfer, we provide pre and post IVF acupuncture treatments at our clinic using a modified version of the Paulus Study Protocol.
If our schedule allows we might be able to do on-site treatments at the fertility clinic.
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Studies show that acupuncture seems to be a useful tool for improving pregnancy rate after embryo transfer, increasing clinical pregnancies by 16%.
Benefits of acupuncture for IVF include increased blood flow to the uterus, regulation of the endocrine system, implantation support, decreased inflammation of all gynecological organs, decreased cramping, and decreased abdominal pain and distention. Acupuncture also can relax the cervix, calm the mind and decrease anxiety.
See research studies:
Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy
Breech Baby Support
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One cupping & acupuncture treatment + a take-home “moxibustion kit” for 10 day use
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Studies show that moxibustion (a Chinese medicine heat therapy) increases fetal activity, which will increase the chances of the baby turning head-down.
See research study:
Moxibustion for correction of breech presentation: a randomized control trial
Labor Preparation
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1x/week for 4 weeks, during the last month of pregnancy.
Closer to your due date, you can come more frequently.
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Studies show that stimulating specific acupuncture points supports cervical ripening at term and can shorten the time interval between the due date and the actual time of delivery.
Research also indicates acupuncture and acupressure may have a role with reducing pain, increasing satisfaction with pain management and reduced use of pharmacological management.
See research studies:
Acupuncture for cervical ripening and induction of labor at term: a randomized control trial
Impact of acupressure on onset of labour and labour duration: A systematic review
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We offer a prenatal and postpartum package, which includes 3 labor prep acupuncture treatments, 1 virtual postpartum check-in, and 1 postpartum acupuncture treatment.
We recommend booking this package one month leading up to your due date to ensure you have support during this important time.
Pregnancy & Postpartum Support
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We recommend coming in 1x/week during the first trimester.
1x/month during second and third trimester.
1x/week during the last month of pregnancy.
We recommend coming back three weeks after giving birth.
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We have experience treating pregnancy-related nausea, back and hip pain, heartburn, digestive issues, anxiety/depression, fatigue.
See research studies:
The safety of using acupuncture during pregnancy: a systematic review
Acupuncture for depression during pregnancy: a randomized control trial
Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomized control trial
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Typically patients lay on their side, supported by pillows.
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Acupuncture can improve milk production, rebuild energy after labor and delivery, support the healing process from a cesarian delivery, and treat postpartum depression & anxiety.
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We offer a prenatal and postpartum package, which includes 3 labor prep acupuncture treatments, 1 virtual postpartum check-in, and 1 postpartum acupuncture treatment.
We recommend booking this package one month leading up to your due date to ensure you have support during this important time.
Fertility treatment FAQs
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Acupuncture, herbs and nutrition can increase sperm vitality.
If a man has been diagnosed with a low sperm count, morphology and or motility problems, acupuncture can help.
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Acupuncture can:
Increase blood flow to the ovaries and improve ovarian function, which may improve the quality of eggs and lead to a larger number of follicles.
Increase blood flow to the uterus to promote implantation.
Reduce side effects of drugs used in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures.
Increase endometrial thickness.
Balance hormones and regulate menses.
Decrease uterine contractions, which may encourage implantation and prevent miscarriage.
Reduce stress hormones and anxiety by inhibiting sympathetic nervous system outflow.
Strengthen the immune system and support general health.
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There have been many studies to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture for fertility.
See under individual fertility conditions for more information.