Acupuncture and your fertility
A unique collaboration between Reproductive Science Center of NJ and Ancient Arts Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a Chinese, time-tested medicine dates back more than 4,000 years. It is the oldest, literate, professionally practiced medicine in the world. Western and Eastern medicine have worked together to treat health issues, including infertility, with stunning success and efficacy.
In a unique collaboration, Ancient Arts Acupuncture, LLC and Reproductive Science Cener of NJ are offering access to acupuncture throughout your fertility treatment, specifically during your egg retrieval and implantation phases.
Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture provides a safe, natural approach to treating infertility and has done so for centuries. It promotes healing, good health and helps maximize a woman's childbearing potential. In fact, according to a landmark study published in the medical journal Fertility & Sterility (April 2002), acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques.
What does acupuncture do to promote fertility?
Specific to your IVF treatment, your acupuncture treatment will:
- Increase blood flow to the uterus improving chances of implantation
- Enhance uterine thickness leading to stronger embryo implantation
- Normalize hormone and endocrine systems that regulate ovulation
- Positively affect the hypothalamic-pitutary-ovarian axis
- Regulate the menstrual cycle
- Reduce stress improving your overall fertility
What makes acupuncture important to you?
For these reasons, the most important treatments are immediately following your egg retrieval and transfer appointments. This is why your acupuncture practioner is available on site during those days.
It has also been shown that the number of eggs produced at retrieval time can be increased when you have been treated with acupuncture 1-2 times weekly for 3 weeks prior to your egg retrieval.
What can I expect from my acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture treatments are gentle. Needle insertion is practically painless and many people fall asleep during their treatment. In some cases, you will not even notice the needles in place. In others, there may be a feeling of tingling, warmth or heaviness at the needle site. Patients report a deep state of relaxation and physicial relief from pain. Acupuncture is safe and without undesirable side effects.
ANCIENT ARTS ACUPUNCTURE
Heather Poole Smith, MS. Ac, CA, Dipl. of NCCAOM - Director
A highly respected expert in advanced acupuncture techniques, Heather Poole Smith specializes in the treatment of fertility issues in both male and female patients. Heather has worked extensively with many local physicians and has had great success treating her patients with infertility. She is honored to be working with the Reproductive Science Center of NJ.
Heather believes in treating each patient as a individual. Every patient's course of treatment is customized to meet his or her specific needs with a combination of traditional therapies and advanced medical approaches including gentle styles of Japanese acupuncture.
Heather holds a four-year clinical Masters of Science degree in Acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York City. She has studied at Southwest Acupuncture College in Boulder, Colorado and received her Bachelors degree from Drew University with majors in Biology and Chemistry giving her a unique insight into both Eastern and Western science, medicine and medical practice.
A member of the New Jersey Association of acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the Acupuncture Association of New York and a Diplomat of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Mediine (MCCAOM), Heather is a Nationally Board Certified Acupuncturist and holds licenses in New Jersey, New York and Colorado. She is the recipeint of the prestigious Helio Scholorship Award for Academics and Leadership from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine.
Heather is available at any time to answer all questions regarding your care. You may call her office at 732-842-4412.