Frequently Asked Questions:

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?  

While some points may feel like quick pinch, many are not even felt.  Acupuncture needles are hair thin so they do not feel the same as getting an injection from a doctor.  Most of the discomfort I have observed comes more from the patient's anticipation than the actual needle insertion.

How long does it take to see results for fertility conditions?

This is always a tough question to answer because this really varies from person to person. I always say a minimum of (about) three months. Why? Because it takes a little over three months for eggs to mature and as they grow, they get the benefits of the protocols we implement which include increased blood flow and pattern regulation via acupuncture, nourishing from diet and supplement customization (which differs from patient to patient) and possibly herbs if they are trying naturally. That being said, I have had people conceive within a week or so after starting with me (and these are cases who have been trying for years) and I’ve also had patients who have stuck it out for up to a year and a half and eventually conceived and had a full term healthy pregnancy which led to a healthy birth and baby (this is important to note because a healthy full term live pregnancy - not just a pregnancy - is the main goal!!).

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I COME IN?  

At the beginning, it would be optimal to come in twice a week if possible. If that is not a possibility, then once a week also yields results but twice per week for the first month is optimal. I have observed that the patients who don’t come in consistently and take frequent brakes do not get the same results as those who are consistent with the treatments.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Think of your body as a genius organism consisting of a circuit of energy feeding it just as a machine would need in order to work. If the lines in the circuits of a machine are blocked, it will not receive the proper amount of electricity needed to function optimally so it may glitch or not be as efficient. My job is to find the areas that are either blocked (excess) or deficient - acupuncture has a beautiful way of regulating excess or deficiency depending on what the body needs. Once the blocks are removed or deficiency is tonified, the body will automatically regulate itself and healing will occur on its own. We as acupuncturists are just creating an ideal environment for the body to heal - the healing itself is the body’s own doing.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE UNTIL I GET RESULTS?

I too wish I knew that answer! But even though I see loads of cases, I can never predict the time it will take for everyone. Some people respond right way. Others take a few weeks. But everyone does get better at one point or another. Some cases are very complex and therefore may need more time to regulate.

Do you support assisted reproductive technology (ART)?

Absolutely! Many of my patients begin treatments while they are already in the process of preparing for retrieval or transfer, as well as patients who are doing IUI’s or simply taking medicines to help their ovulation. I believe that in some cases, couples can really benefit from ART and we are lucky to have access to this type of technology! Regardless of natural vs ART, I always support egg quality and uterine lining so that the body is in an optimal state of preparation prior to their treatments. Even though many of my patients do find me within a month before their procedure and acupuncture can still help, it would be ideal to have at least a few months to prepare with both lifestyle protocols such as diet, supplements, and mindset as well as acupuncture!