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ACUPUNCTURE AND INFERTILITY
Complimentary and eastern therapies are a common part of today’s treatments for infertility.  Acupuncture has been successfully used to treat infertility for over 3000 years and is an accepted healing practice to restore and maintain health.  Integrative Med Solutions is an advanced center for natural medicine and acupuncture founded by Dr. Fred Lisanti.

Our philosophy is whole-patient wellness where we coordinate care with you, your obstetrician/gynecologist and fertility specialists in a true team approach.

Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, sterile needles into the body that coincide with meridians or points that can regulate and balance how the body functions.  It is a safe and effective therapy that can be used to complement your other fertility treatments.  Studies continue to document the benefits to patients undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) and acupuncture with enhanced success rates in fertility 1.  The American Society of Reproductive Medicine published a study from Fertility & Sterility finding acupuncture provides dramatic improvement in becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other ART 2. Researchers have found that acupuncture:

  • Strengthens overall health and immune system
  • Improves the outcome of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) by supporting you physically and psychologically
  • Enhances circulation and blood flow to the uterus improving chances of implantation
  • Reduces anxiety and hormones that are secreted during stress
  • Normalizes endocrine systems that regulate ovulation to produce larger number of follicles and better eggs
  • Balances and regulates the menstrual cycle

Dr. Lisanti, naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist, works in unison with some of Westchester’s renowned fertility centers and reproductive endocrinologists including:

  • Dr. Melvin Thornton
  • Dr. Michael Blotner
  • Dr. Jeff Klein
  • Dr. Rachel Bennett

Although it is not a requirement, patients planning for a future IVF cycle should ideally begin preparatory treatment with acupuncture three months prior to beginning their hormonal treatment.  It is preferable to treat both partners, as most fertility issues affect both males and females.

PREGNANCY
This combined complimentary method can also very well increase the chances of a successful pregnancy by preventing miscarriage, supporting pre- labor concerns, encouraging delayed labor and maintaining postpartum care.

Beginning Stage: Preventing Miscarriage, Morning Sickness and More
Strengthening and nurturing the lining of the uterus is one of the main concerns when applying pre and post conception acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatments. Discomforts and challenges that manifest during the crucial first trimester may be alleviated with this combined remedy. Some afflictions potentially alleviated are:

  • Morning sickness
  • Fatigue or insomnia
  • High and low blood pressure
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Stress and anxiety
  • Sciatica and back pain
  • Indigestion
  • Constipation

Trimester Care: Pre Labor Initiative

Fetal Positioning
Malposition of a fetus can be a trying experience for both doctor and patient usually resulting in a cesarean section. Moxibustion, also known as moxa, can help. This is a Chinese herb called mugwort that is burnt from a cigar shaped application to safely and effectively infuse warmth into specific acupuncture points. The result, which has been used for centuries, can gently encourage the fetus to move into a progressive birthing position. Moxibustion is usually applied between thirty-two to thirty-four weeks.

Labor: Before the Push
Starting at approximately week thirty-seven, once a week acupuncture sessions can fortify and ready the system to give birth. These treatments may prevent elongated labor, help deliver close or on the due date and limit medicinal and/or surgical participation. Precise points have been known to help myofascial (soft and connective tissue) release as well as relaxation and dilation of the cervix.

Failure to Progress: Postponed Labor
A past due date or a failure to progress (the fetus is not moving down the birth canal prompting a cesarean section) can also be addressed with acupuncture. Working with your obstetrician, Dr. Lisanti can schedule a session that may induce labor within twelve to seventy-two hours after treatment. By working points for optimal relaxation, effacement and dilation can result in positive fetal motion.

POSTPARTUM CARE: ASSISTANCE, MAINTENANCE AND STRENGTHENING
Post childbirth recovery can present a multitude of challenging symptoms due to vitamin, mineral, hormonal and energy depletion. By rebuilding these deficiencies, acupuncture and herbs can bring the body back to optimal health so beginning child rearing is more manageable. Some afflictions that may be alleviated are:

  • Depression
  • Lactation difficulty or infection (mastitis)
  • Bladder, urinary or gynecological disorders
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue or insomnia
  • Constipation
  • Hot flashes
  • Hemorrhoids

At Integrative Med Solutions, we will design an acupuncture treatment program that works for you.  In many cases, insurance covers portions of the treatment. Allow us to support you to achieve optimal health.  To make an appointment or find out more about how acupuncture can benefit you, please call our office at 914.337.2980 or CLICK HERE to schedule an online appointment.

*Please CLICK HERE to see a current list of Insurance Companies that commonly carry acupuncture benefits for its members. Please call 914.337.2980 or securely email info@intmedsolutions.com to verify your specific benefits. If you are emailing, please include your full name, date of birth and insurance identification card number

1. Paulus W., et al. Influence of Acupuncture on the Pregnancy Rate in patients who undergo Assisted Reproduction Therapy.  Fertility & Sterility, volume 77, April 2002, 721-724
2. Dieterle, S. et al.  Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Fertility & Sterility Copyright ©2006 American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Published by Elsevier Inc.