Why I Focus on Infertility Treatments
Over the past 18 years, I have had the privilege of treating many women struggling with infertility. As a result, I have dedicated more time and effort to helping women conceive through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
A Personalized Approach to Fertility
Every case of infertility is unique. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, treatment is never a one-size-fits-all approach. While some general recommendations may apply to many patients, each individual requires a customized plan based on the root cause of their infertility. This is why the initial consultation is crucial—it allows me to assess the patient’s health, review any medical exams, and understand their physician’s diagnosis.
I have worked with women who have undergone multiple unsuccessful IVF cycles, as well as those experiencing unexplained infertility for years. The encouraging news is that acupuncture, when combined with consistent treatments and lifestyle adjustments, has proven to be highly effective. I have helped for the past 18 years to bring 961 babies coming from infertile diagnosed parents.
For patients who conceive, I continue acupuncture treatments throughout the first trimester to reduce the risk of miscarriage. If a woman has a history of miscarriages after 14 weeks, I may extend treatments longer to ensure a stable pregnancy.
As the due date approaches (around 35 weeks), I provide additional sessions to promote a smoother delivery and minimize complications. Women experiencing severe morning sickness beyond 14 weeks also benefit from acupuncture, as it significantly reduces or eliminates nausea. Many of my patients with previous pregnancies and intense morning sickness report feeling much better with acupuncture support.
Frequency of Treatments
- I typically see infertility patients once a week.
- During their fertile window, I recommend two sessions per week.
- I track progress using a Traditional Symptothermal Chart to monitor ovulation patterns.
Acupuncture & IVF – A Powerful Combination
In my experience working as a physician in Brazil, I collaborated with fertility clinics, where acupuncture was an essential part of the IVF process. In one clinic, patients who combined acupuncture with IVF had a 65% higher success rate compared to those who underwent IVF alone.
Unfortunately, in Canada, most fertility clinics have not yet incorporated acupuncture into their standard protocols. However, many women today are researching acupuncture’s effectiveness on their own and seeking treatment. As a result, I have received increasing referrals from gynecologists and fertility specialists who have seen firsthand the success of acupuncture in their patients.
Are You a Good Candidate for Acupuncture?
If you:
✔ Have been trying to conceive for over two years without success ( under 35 years old) or have been trying to conceive for over 6 months without success ( 36 years old and over)
✔ Have experienced multiple miscarriages before 12 weeks
✔ Are preparing for IVF or fertility treatments
✔ Are taking ovulation-regulating medications ( Letrozole) with no success
✔ Prefer a natural approach before resorting to medical interventions
Then acupuncture may be the right option for you!
Understanding Infertility and IVF
Infertility affects millions worldwide, posing emotional and physical challenges for couples. In vitro fertilization (IVF) has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a scientific approach to conception. This process involves combining eggs and sperm outside the body, creating embryos that are then implanted into the uterus. IVF has revolutionized reproductive medicine, providing a viable path to parenthood for many who otherwise might not have had the chance. Its significance lies not only in its success rates but also in its ability to empower individuals and couples, giving them control over their reproductive futures.
It may seem surprising to you but not to me, that research suggests that acupuncture could improve the chances of pregnancy through IVF if done just before or after embryo transfer. And when it s performed 3 months prior the results can be even better.( in my professional experience)
A review of seven studies, involving 1,366 women from the U.S., Germany, Australia, and Denmark, showed that women who had acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer were 65% more likely to conceive compared to those who didn’t. Let’s hear another perspective of many sides of IVF x acupuncture.
Overcoming Infertility: A Personal Story of IVF Success using Acupuncture
I recently completed the journey of supporting a remarkable woman through her fertility struggles, and I wanted to share this story that touched my heart. I first met her in March 2022, shortly after my dad passed away. She was 34 at the time and facing immense challenges trying to conceive naturally during the pandemic. Despite the hurdles, she responded well to acupuncture, and she eventually got pregnant. Unfortunately, miscarriages followed, and we discovered her partner had sperm quality issues, but his constant travel made it impossible to treat him regularly.
Her journey was not easy. She had blocked fallopian tubes, and through acupuncture, we were able to clear them. A hysterosalpingography confirmed that they had reopened. However, despite her efforts, she still had difficulties conceiving, likely due to her tubes closing again. After completing 10 acupuncture treatments, she decided to take a break to reflect on her next steps. She eventually chose to pursue IVF after consulting with Heartland, who advised testing embryos due to the possibility of poor quality triggering miscarriages.
Six months later, she returned with a decision to try a few cycles of Letrozole while undergoing all the necessary testing. After some time, she committed fully to IVF. We began acupuncture sessions to prepare her for egg retrieval, as she was concerned about her low follicle count. We did daily treatments for a week, and the results were amazing—her follicle count went from just a few to 32 eggs being retrieved! Of those, 27 were injected, 22 fertilized, and by day 5, 15 embryos were left. Out of the 10 embryos sent for genetic testing, 5 came back normal.
Before the embryo transfer, she underwent a saline sonohystogram (SSH) to check for fibroids or polyps. Finally, on January 30, 2024, she had her first IVF transfer with a genetically tested, high-quality embryo. We did acupuncture before and after the transfer using the Paulus Protocol, which studies have shown increases pregnancy rates in IVF patients.
The conclusion of this journey highlights the power of perseverance and the value of genetic testing, especially if you’ve experienced recurrent miscarriages. While it’s true that testing adds to the cost, based on my experience helping over 965 women achieve successful pregnancies, I strongly recommend considering it if you’ve faced IVF failures or multiple miscarriages. Each case is unique, so it’s essential to consult with your fertility specialist to see if genetic testing is advisable for you. In this case, out of 32 eggs, only 5 were genetically normal and viable. One of those embryos led to a successful pregnancy, which I supported up to 15 weeks, with great ultrasound results. She returned at 39 weeks for acupuncture to help with labor induction. As a small gesture, I gave her a gift—a cozy hooded bear robe for the baby, which matched her bear-themed nursery, a sweet coincidence that touched us both.
She teared up reading the card I wrote with best wishes for her big day and told me she couldn’t have gone through this journey without my support. It’s been an honor to walk this path with her from the very beginning. She’s already planning to return for the transfer of her remaining embryos—she dreams of having a big family.
Scientific Support for Acupuncture & Fertility
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of acupuncture for fertility:
📌 A German study (2002) found that women undergoing IVF had significantly higher pregnancy rates when they combined it with acupuncture.
📌 Scandinavian research encourages acupuncture before and after embryo transfer to improve success rates.
📌 Observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggest that the most effective fertility treatments combine acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medicine.
📌 A Danish fertility clinic study concluded that acupuncture greatly enhances IVF and ICSI success rates.
📌 Acupuncture has been a part of fertility treatments in China for centuries, helping restore balance and improve reproductive health.
📌 Some researchers suggest acupuncture improves blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, enhances hormonal function, and reduces miscarriage risk.
🔗 Read more at American Pregnancy Association
This version makes the information clear, professional, and compelling, while maintaining a warm and personal touch. Let me know if you’d like any refinements! 😊