Wisconsin's Only Holistic Fertility Enhancement Center

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At Isthmus Acupuncture Center, LLC (IAC) we specialize in providing treatments and education to enhance fertility or treat infertility with treatments including acupuncture and herbal medicine, Maya Abdominal Massage, Reiki, and Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage).

The path to pregnancy for some is not pleasant or free of tribulations. Some experience delays, unexpected losses, frustration, and emotional stress on the way to becoming parents. For those experiencing fertility challenges, the diagnosis of infertility can be devastating. Women who use TCM to enhance fertility or in combination with western infertility treatments find peace of mind knowing they have done everything in their power to encourage their bodies to achieve pregnancy.

During the initial consultation, we review treatment options and expected length of treatments, and develop a treatment strategy based on your specific needs. In general, most of our clients conceive within six to eight months of starting treatments. We have clients who conceive within the first two menstrual cycles and we have some clients with us for a year or more before they become pregnant. All patients should see improvements within three months.

We understand and respect the treatment choices made by our clients. We support western Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART). There have been several published studies demonstrating acupuncture can increase the success rates of IVF.

Our goals in supporting western IVF or IUI treatments are to:

  • Increase ovarian responsiveness and reduce FSH level if elevated
  • Increase estrogen levels if they are low
  • Enhance follicle and egg quality
  • Improve sperm vitality
  • Increase endometrium thickness where it is too thin
  • Increase implantation rates
  • Decrease chance of miscarriage
  • Prevent uterine contractions occurring with IVF and IUI
  • Reduce side effects of drugs
  • Relax the patient by reducing stress and anxiety
  • Support treatments for patients with auto-immune disorders

Women who suffer from fertility challenges can encounter difficulties carrying their babies to term without complications. Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to promote a healthy pregnancy and delivery. Carefully chosen acupuncture points and herbal formulas are used to improve health and stabilize the pregnancy without side effects or adverse reactions. Pregnancy massage can also promote a healthy pregnancy, prevent complications, and encourage this time to be enjoyable and special.

Recommended Schedule for IVF Cycle

Preparation for IVF Cycle:

  • A combination of weekly acupuncture treatments and supporting holistic treatments including Maya Abdominal Massage, Reiki, therapeutic massage, and dietary changes will be recommended for two to six months prior to an IVF cycle. Individual treatment plans will be outlined during the initial consultation.

Eight to three weeks pre egg transfer:

  • Weekly acupuncture treatments should be continued for the two months prior to the estimated egg transfer date or as soon as birth control pills or suppression is started, whichever is earlier.
  • Monthly Maya Abdominal Massage and self-care should be continued during this time except during menses
  • Discontinue Chinese herbs that influence hormones and the ovaries. Nutritional supplements and prenatal vitamins should be continued.

Three weeks pre egg retrieval to egg transfer:

  • Acupuncture should be scheduled 1 to 3 days prior to estimated menstrual period, again within 2 days of beginning the ovarian stimulation medications, and thereafter every 3-4 days for a total of 3 treatments during the ovarian stimulation cycle.
  • Maya Abdominal Massage self-care should be continued during the first week of the stimulation cycle.

After egg retrieval:

  • Schedule acupuncture on the afternoon of the egg retrieval to relieve bloating, pain, and potential side effects of an ovarian stimulation.

Morning of embryo transfer:

  • Schedule acupuncture to relax the uterus, increase blood flow, and to promote overall relaxation.

Afternoon/evening of embryo transfer:

  • Schedule acupuncture immediately after transfer to encourage implantation and regulate hormones.

With positive pregnancy test:

  • Schedule weekly acupuncture for 3 weeks until heartbeat is confirmed on ultrasound. Schedule weekly acupuncture through the first trimester to promote a healthy pregnancy. If there is a history of miscarriage, weekly or bi-weekly acupuncture is recommended to support the pregnancy.

Research and Journal Articles

A Study of the Treatment of Threatened Abortion with Self-composed An Tai Yin (Quiet Fetus Drink) and Its Influence on Immunoglobulins

by Zhu Yong-Chang, Li Guo-wei, and Ying Jian-Jin, He Nan Zhong Yi (Henan Chinese Medicine), #2, 1995, p. 106-107

Threatened miscarriage was treated in 55 cases with the Chinese herbal formula An Tai Yin (Quiet Fetus Drink). The main symptom was vaginal bleeding after becoming pregnant. Abdominal pain and low back pain was also present in many cases. In 47 cases, women gave birth full term with no birth defects. Seven cases miscarried within one week and one case miscarried at 11 weeks. Chromosomal analysis of the eight dead fetuses showed two chromosomal abnormalities, one case could not be identified, and five fetuses appeared normal.

A Clinical Survey of the Chinese Medicine Preventive Treatment of 155 Cases of Miscarriage

by Wang Yu-Lin, Bei Jing Zhong [Beijing Chinese Medicine], #4, 1995, p. 30-31

Threatened or habitual miscarriage was treated in 155 cases with Chinese herbal medicine. The symptoms included slight bleeding after confirmation of pregnancy with abdominal pain, low back pain, or heavy emesis gravidarum. One hundred thirty two cases, or 85%, were defined as successful. There were 68 normal deliveries, 60 surgical deliveries, and three early deliveries. Of the 132 babies, 127 or 97% were normally developed. Two babies or 1.5% were deformed.

The Treatment of 188 Cases of infertility with Bu Shen Yu Jing Tang (Supplement the Kidneys & Foster the Essence Decoction)

by Li Shi-lin, Shan Xi Zhong Yi (Shanxi Chinese Medicine) #1, 1995, p. 25-26

Chinese herbal medicine was used to treat 188 cases of infertility, of which 179 suffered from primary infertility and 9 cases from secondary infertility. The length of infertility included 168 patients who been infertile for two to four years and 4 cases had been infertile more than 20 years. The results were 157 women delivered healthy babies within one year of treatment. Five cases conceived then miscarried. Sixteen cases saw improvement in their symptoms and 10 cases experienced no results.

The Treatment of 96 cases of Anovulatory Infertility with Tiao Jing Zhong Yu Tang (Regulate the Menses & Jade Seed Decoction)

by Mi Yang, Shan Xi Zhong Yi (Shanxi Chinese Medicine), #1, 1995, p. 28-29

Anovulation was treated with Chinese herbal medicine in 96 cases, of which 67 cases suffered from primary infertility and 29 cases of secondary infertility. The duration of treatment ranged from 30 to 180 days. The results included 39 patients who became pregnant, 42 patients with improvements including a normal biphasic BBT and normal endometrial secretions, and 15 patients experienced no result.

Acupuncture Before and After Embryo Transfer Results in Higher Pregnancy Transfer Rates

Highlights in Fertility and Sterility Vol. 77, No.4, April 2002

Two groups of 80 patients each participated in this study. Acupuncture treatments were given 25 minutes prior to and 25 minutes after embryo transfers for one group. The control group was made of similar patients and received the same IVF procedure. Results were based on pregnancy six weeks after the IVF procedure. In the control group, 21 out of 80 patients, or 26.3% became pregnant. In the group that receivedacupuncture treatments, 34 out of 80 patients, or 42.5% became pregnant.