Your Fertility Dream Becoming a Reality

By: Dr. Deborah Rothman

I often wish I had a crystal ball for my patients going through the fertility process. The waiting, the unknown, the frustration, more waiting, the empty hope, the failures, it can all be very demoralizing. For my patients going through the struggle, the anxiety genuinely hinders their well-being and may have a direct impact on successful implantation as well. As we begin the new year, after so many have prayed for their fertility dreams of having a family becoming a reality, allow the healing powers of acupuncture and holistic medicine to help you see that dream to fruition.

I love what I do for a living as an acupuncturist. Being able to help people heal is truly something I am endlessly grateful for. Whether it is their emotional or physical well-being, usually a combination of both. With that said, being able to help someone realize their goals of being able to have a family is endlessly rewarding. Acupuncture can be utilized on its own, as well as in conjunction with IUI and IVF. The reason it works so well is simple. Every person is treated as an individual. Not every person’s underlying cause for infertility is the same, and neither should their treatment approach be. Acupuncture is unique to each person as an individual and treats specifically their health concerns. Let me give an example with some specific acupuncture points and how they help towards achieving success in the fertility arena.

Lung 7 paired with Kidney 6 are acupuncture points that open the Conception Vessel, otherwise known as Ren Mai. This is an incredible opening for a fertility treatment to allow the nourishing of the meridians that are deficient in strengthening the root cause preventing conception to take place. These points help regulate the cycle. They help prep for IVF by nourishing yin or fluids, as well as blood flow to the pelvic region. By doing so, it fosters a healthier environment for ovulation to occur and for reproductive success.

Spleen 6 is an acupuncture point that directly correlates to the uterus as well as improving blood circulation to regulate the period, and to allow for implantation. It is a necessary point for those who have PCOS and endometriosis where the uterine lining needs to be regulated, along with blood flow. By doing so, it regulates the hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis.

Stomach 36 is one of the most nourishing acupuncture points on the body. It is useful for a multitude of ailments, including supporting one’s immune system, helping with fatigue, overall strength, inflammation, and rheumatoid illnesses, as well as support during chemotherapy. It is essential for treating people with digestive issues. Because it is such a nourishing point, it is vital to support blood flow to the uterus for implantation success. It is also a point that is vastly beneficial to support a healthy pregnancy, as well as threatened miscarriage for those who have had multiple losses and are high risk.

Du20 located at the vertex or top of the head is an essential point for support for IVF and fertility in general. It has amazing benefits to clear the mind, raise yang Qi or energy; it regulates the adrenals and endocrine systems encouraging optimal embryonic implantation. It can help relieve stress overall. Because it is such a lifting acupuncture point, it also helps prevent uterine prolapse and miscarriages.

Feeling stressed during fertility treatments about the outcome is unavoidable. Stressing if there will be enough eggs, and if they will be good quality for those suffering with low ovarian reserve, inhibits the natural way the body fosters a nurturing environment. Feeling depressed about the long fertility process can be debilitating. Having acupuncture on your side is crucial to help you feel more relaxed and be able to trust the process. Studies show significantly greater success with IVF effectiveness when done in conjunction with acupuncture. Many fertility specialists now recommend acupuncture for their patients. They encourage starting acupuncture before the transfer to get things moving during and after. It helps the success rate and helps keep the nerves at bay.

I often see patients who were initially classified as “unexplained infertility.” This can be so frustrating as we are taught to try and determine the cause of an ailment so we can take a pill to quickly fix it. Unexplained infertility in the Western medicine world simply means you are ovulating, your hormone levels are normal, there are no blockages on imaging, etc. If they cannot clearly see in black and white a reason for not becoming pregnant, they classify it. In Chinese medicine we do not classify a disease. We do not classify a patient by a syndrome. Instead, I treat according to what is represented to me by my patient. With a thorough evaluation I use this information in conjunction with what I see in their tongue, which is a microcosm of the whole body, as well as what their pulse tells me in terms of the health and imbalance between the meridians in the body. This portrays a complete story of your health, and the root cause of the imbalance. As we go through treatment, it is incredible to see things change.

It is absolutely amazing to share the experience of a positive pregnancy test after someone has struggled for years on end. There are no words to properly explain the joy I feel together with my patients when I view the baby pictures. I do not keep a baby wall of pictures in my office. I try to be sensitive to my patients who are amid the process. They cannot help but notice every pregnant woman on line in the supermarket or walking Central Avenue. It is all they take notice of when they are going through the stressful time. I am however grateful for my patients who send me pictures of what they call “my baby.” I have been blessed to help people on their second and even their third child.

I welcome you to explore what acupuncture can offer in a holistic approach to treating you on your fertility journey. You have nothing to lose, and so much to gain! 

Dr. Deborah Rothman is a doctor of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, as well as a Diplomate of Acupuncture. She is in private practice and runs a wellness center in Lawrence, offering a complete solution for all your health and wellness needs. Comments and questions are welcome. She can be reached at 516-203-4500 or [email protected]. Please visit AcuZen.com and follow AcuZenWellness on Facebook and Instagram.