How can Acupuncture and herbal medicine help enhance fertility?

• Regulate menstrual cycles.
• Regulate hormones to produce a better quality eggs and to produce a larger number of follicles during ART; decreasing FSH levels if elevated and increasing oestrogen levels if these are low.
• Increase inplantation rates in IVF and IUI by 40%.
• Decrease uterine contractions, thus increasing inplantation rates and decreasing the chance of miscarriage.
• Increasing blood flow to the reproductive organs and nourishing the thickness of the uterine lining.
• Improve sperm quality and quantity.
• Help to relieve the side effects of stimulation drugs during ART.
• Easing stress, anxiety and depression, and promoting deep relaxation.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Oriental medicine, a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 2000 years. Oriental medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology and bodywork, dietary therapy and exercise based on traditional Oriental medicine principles.

Acupuncture is a treatment method of applying disposable, ultra-thin needles to specific points on the body. The needles influence the flow of energy and work to re-establish or maintain health. The improves energy and balance stimulate the body's natural healing abilities, relieves physical disorders, and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

How does Acupuncture work?
The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced "Chee"). In developing an understanding of the prevention and cure of disease, these healing practioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called 'meridians'. Each pathway is accociated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. Disease is considered to arise due to a deficiency or imbalance of energy in the meridians and their associated physiological systems.

Western scientists have found evidence that acupuncture points are strategic conductors of electromagnetic signals. Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of hormones essential to fertility. Acupuncture impacts centrally on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which is the foundation of healty fertility. Acupuncture has also been documented to affect parts of the central nervous system related to sensation, pain and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions, blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.

What can I expect from treatment?
Clinically, conception rates are improved by 40% with the use of acupuncture and herbs.

Many conditions may be alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture and herbal medicine. However, some conditions, which have arisen over a course of years will be relieved only with slower, steady progress. As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination and life-style will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process.

The number of treatments you will need depends on your overall health, your body's response to acupuncture and/or Western reproductive treatments, and the nature and duration of your condition.

Is Acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled acupuncturist is performed without discomfort. There may be a sensation of Qi at the point of insertion.

Most patients find the treatments very relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.

Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes. When performed by a qualified, Licensed Acupuncturist, acupuncture and related techniques have proven to be extremely safe. Only sterile disposable needles are used. Complications due to acupuncture are extremely rare and there are virtually no side effects.

Services Provided by  Johanna B. Flynn, M.TCM, L.Ac.

• Acupuncture
• Chinese herbal supplements
• Electro-Acupuncture
• Acupressure
• Tui Na massage
• Cupping
• Nutritional Counseling

Service Description
Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Oriental medicine, a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 2000 years.  Oriental medicine's ability to treat the following conditions has been recognized by the World Health Organization and National Institute for Health:

• Gynecological Disorders
• Supportive Therapy for cancer and chronic illness
• Musculoskeletal Issues
• Respiratory Disorders
• Circulatory Disorders
• Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Urogenital Disorders
• Neurological Disorders
• Emotional and Psychological Disorders
• Addictions

Fees

• First office call: $125 - please allow 1 1/2 hours for this initial appointment
• Return visit: $75 - appointment will last 30 minutes to one hour
• Payments are due at time of service

Seattle Clinic Hours
Acupunture is now available at Seattle Reproductive Medicine. Schedule an appointment  online or call 206-301-5000.

Insurance Coverage
Insurance billing is not available at this time.  The acupuncturist will issue "Super-bills" to interested clients, which can be submitted to insurance carriers for reimbursement.

Revised December 11, 2006