Testimonials

After suffering repeated miscarriages I decided to open myself up to alternative treatments. When I first decided to try acupuncture I was unsure of what to expect, or if it would help.

Kathleen was very informative as well as compassionate and caring regarding my situation. Right away I felt hopeful after meeting with her. She educated me not only about acupuncture, but also about other things I could modify in my life to help achieve and maintain a healthy body and pregnancy. I spent several months following her instructions and doing acupuncture treatments. Soon after I discovered I was pregnant. Her care and attention throughout the whole process was a great support for me. I continued to have regular acupuncture appointments throughout the pregnancy. Kathleen always treated me based on what I was experiencing at the moment - everything was customized to me and my situation. She also spent a great deal of time with me trying to make sure that she addressed what was needed. I felt cared for on both on a physical and emotional level.

I feel so indebted to Kathleen and Isthmus Acupuncture for their care during this challenging period of my life. The result was a healthy and beautiful baby girl. I never could have gotten to this place without Kathleen's care. I whole heartedly recommend Kathleen and Isthmus Acupuncture to anyone who is facing fertility issues or any other type of health issue.

I would recommend Amy Guinther to anyone... My husband and I went through many trials and tribulations while trying to conceive over the past 18+ months. After many tests (FSH levels, Thyroid, HSG and Sonohysterogram to name a few) which came back clear and the use of clomid for 5 months our doctor told us we have “unexplained infertility.” Knowing we were both in good health, we decided to take the next step and went to fertility clinic where we started the IUI process using both Femera and Ovidril. On our third IUI, we decide to incorporate acupuncture due to all the health benefits we had read about. We became pregnant during this third process, only to find out we would miscarry 7 weeks later. This was one of the hardest things I’ve had to go through, but I feel that my continued use of acupuncture helped me both physically and mentally deal with the situation. With a positive attitude, we proceeded with two more rounds of IUI and are proud to say we are expecting a new addition to our family in June 2012. I am continuing my treatments with Amy throughout my pregnancy to assure I continue to stay grounded and connected to the life that is now growing inside of me. Without Amy’s expertise and assurance, I’m certain this journey would not have had the same great ending!

H and M

I am so thankful for Kathleen's help. I had a sinus infection that was giving me headaches and misery for a month. 2 rounds of antibiotics didn't clear it, but the acupuncture did! I was amazed, after the first couple sessions my sinuses completely cleared! Kathleen also gave me great nutritional advice that drastically improved my health overall. I suffer from IBS too, but with diet changes and acupuncture it has basically turned into a non-issue! So grateful for Isthmus Acupuncture and all it has done for me. Thanks!

Shawn, I loved your gentle caring touch during my Maya Abdominal Massage. I completely trusted you to work on that sensitive part of my body. Tthank you for being attuned to my needs.

Kelly-Ann

I received acupuncture, essential oils, and functional medicine food sensitivities testing with Michelle for infertility. After a failed IVF treatment, acupuncture was my final attempt at any assistance.

I’d had this issue for 5 years and it was frustrating, emotionally painful, and a hardship on my family. It also caused a feeling of hopelessness and made it difficult for me to think about other things, progress in life, and feel good about myself.

I began to feel improvements in my condition three months later when I was pregnant and at this time I feel 100% better.

I would recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, functional medicine, and essential oils.

Michelle’s energy and compassion and experience put me at ease and truly gave me hope. I followed her instructions to the best of my ability and got amazing and life-changing results.

Kate A

I received acupuncture and essential oils with Michelle for migraines.

I’d had this issue for 20 years. It caused me to be unable to work almost every month. I only felt well 2 weeks a month. It also caused fatigue, difficulty sleeping, nausea, dizziness, headaches every day, and caused me to be unable to lose weight. My condition made it difficult for me to plan for events because I never knew if I would feel up to participating.

I began to feel improvements in my condition in two weeks and at this time I feel

90% better. My fatigue is 100% better, nausea is 90% better, difficulty sleeping is 100% better, and all other problems that were making me feel poor have improved 100%.

I would – and have – recommended acupuncture and essential oils.

Getting acupuncture has literally changed my life. I’m happier, feel good when I wake up, and I no longer have to worry about those “bad days” that happened so often.

I received acupuncture, body feedback oil testing, and functional medicine (blood test for food sensitivities) with Michelle because I was suffering from IBS – multiple stools a day, usually diarrhea.

I’d had this issue for 5-7 years. It became very bad last summer and was causing gas and gurgling.

It caused fatigue, difficulty sleeping, depression, irritability, and hopelessness. It made it difficult for me to exercise and perform daily tasks at home and work.

I began to feel improvements in my condition after a month and a half and at this time I feel 70% better. I now have 1-2 stools a day, with occasional loose stool. I usually have energy. I’m more functional than I have been in years.

I would recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and essential oils.

I received acupuncture and functional medicine testing (blood test for food sensitivities) with Michelle for infertility problems and irregular menstrual cycles.

I’d had this issue for 14 years and it has made getting pregnant impossible; I could not ovulate on my own. Undiagnosed food sensitivities also caused irritability, irregular bowel movements, and chronic sinus infections.

I began to feel improvements in my condition immediately and at this time I feel

100% better. I got my period almost immediately (about 2 weeks) after changing my diet and ovulated and got pregnant immediately after that.

I would recommend acupuncture and functional medicine testing. Taking the food intolerance test and changing my diet has completely changed my health. In addition to getting pregnant, I have more energy, lost excess weight quickly, and have an improved digestive system.

After five years of trying to conceive, and three failed IUIs, I was ready for a new approach. I was referred to Isthmus Acupuncture through a friend, and met with Amy Guinther for my initial consult. I instantly felt very at ease in her presence, as her energy is very calming. I decided to come for regular sessions to promote fertility. Along with acupuncture, Amy showed me an easy way to cut processed sugar from my diet, which made a difference in my overall health and mood. A few months later, I found out that I had no antral follicles remaining, and I was not a candidate for IVF with my own eggs. I was devastated, and lost some trust in my body. During this time, Amy was very supportive, and I continued to see her for stress reduction. Several weeks later, my husband and I made plans for a donor IVF cycle in Europe. Leading up to our trip, Amy worked on preparing my body for the procedure, and through it all, she was a calming influence. When we got back, I found out the good news that I am expecting twins! Amy has been instrumental in my journey, and I would recommend her to anyone struggling with infertility.

Shannon

I received acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and essential oils with Kathleen Stoneman for infertilty/anovulation and a sore neck.

I’d had this issue for 1 year. It caused hopelessness and worry.

I began to feel improvements in my neck pain in two weeks and at this time I feel 90% better. I have not had to go to the chiropractor since beginning treatment. I would recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and essential oils.

Within 3 months of treatment I ovulated for the first time after discontinuing birth control for a year. I got pregnant immediately and there is no doubt in my mind it is a result of the thorough and professional care of Kathleen. I am so glad that I didn’t wait any longer to try alternative treatments. I strongly encourage anyone dealing with the hopelessness of fertility to give it a try.

Jackie G.

I had acupuncture with Kathleen Stoneman for chronic back pain. I’d had this issue for a year; it was constant and worsened in the mid-afternoon. It caused difficulty sleeping, depression, and irritability. It made it difficult for me to breathe without pain, vacuum, lift things, change bedding, and stand for extended lengths of time.

After two acupuncture treatments, I began to feel improvements in my condition immediately. My condition is 80% better at this time. I can actually breathe without pain.

I would recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and essential oils.

Thank you, Kathleen. I had forgotten how painless breathing can be.

I received acupuncture from Amy for trigeminal neuralgia. I had sporatic episodes and never knew when it would come. I walked into IAC on my last visit with the aid of a cane; I could not even walk on my own! I had extreme nerve pain in the right sde of the face. This pain in my head made it too difficult to walk. It caused fatigue, depression, and hopelessness.

For this episode I saw Amy Guinther for my first time with acupuncture. I had wonderful results! I got my life back. I walked in with a cane and in tears but I left smiling and without using a cane. It was a miraculous recovery.

I began to feel improvements in my condition immediately and am at this time 99% better. I recommend acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and essential oils.

Thank you, Amy!

Katherine DeForest

I came to Isthmus Acupuncture Center 1 1/2 years ago with acute gastritis and acid reflux. I was dependant on Prylosec and Zantac from western doctors. Through acupuncture with Michelle Buchanan, my clean diet, and supplement support I was able to get OFF the horrible anti-acid medications that were shutting my system down.

I am now med free and reflux free. I have more work to do, but have gained 20 pounds back and am much happier thanks to Michelle.

Andy L.

I received acupuncture, nutritional supplements and stool/blood testing from Amy Guinther because I was experiencing food allergies that became a more prevalent problem over seven years, eventually restricting my diet from almost all unprocessed foods. My condition caused pain in my chest after eating and an itchy reaction to many foods which made it difficult to enjoy social events and dinners. I also had fatigue, insomnia and sense of hopelessness. I had been to numerous western medical specialists over the past few years and they all told me to "stop eating the offending foods", which became almost all foods. Meeting Amy and being treated has been such an uplifting experience due to her caring manner and understanding of my problem. I am currently 90% better and happily on the road to recovery. Amy, I cannot thank you enough for your dedication and expertise which has led to a much better quality of life for the past 2 months.

My husband and I had been trying to conceive for over a year when I first went to see Amy. I had decided that I wanted to try acupuncture before venturing into Western fertility treatments. As is the case with most infertile women and couples, I was extremely depressed and I felt incredibly desperate when I began treatment. I was convinced that my husband and I would remain childless and the stress of infertility was affecting my work, my overall health and putting an incredible strain on our relationship. Amy not only worked intently on figuring out what was causing our problems and coming up with a treatment program to address these issues, but she was one of the few people that I could talk to about both my physical and emotional health. I began seeing Amy in November and I was pregnant by late March. During those five months of trying to conceive while working with Amy, I was much better equipped to deal with the stress of infertility. I felt empowered because I was not just trying to get pregnant, but improving my overall wellbeing so that I could be the best wife, sister, daughter, friend and future mother that I could be.

My beautiful daughter is the best testament of Amy’s excellence as a healthcare provider. I know that most infertile couples who are considering acupuncture do so to get pregnant. But I cannot stress enough how working with Amy greatly improved the process of trying to conceive. My husband and I were able to enjoy our last months together as a child-free couple and I do not think that would have happened without Amy’s care.

I saw Amy for the pain, bruising, swelling and numbness from cosmetic surgery. The surgery had caused my eyes to be swollen shut, very dark bruising, swelling on my cheeks and ears and great deal of pain. I began to see improvements immediately after beginning acupuncture and nutritional supplements. Treatment by Amy was given several times per week and resulted in my healing occurring in half the time that was expected! The bruising subsided along with the swelling so that in two weeks I was feeling much better and in 10 days I was out in public. Amy is very knowledgeable, caring and easy to talk to. She was very thorough, listened attentively and truly cared about helping me. Her past training in facial rejuvenation was helpful. Isthmus, being a wonderful healing facility, has a wonderful, talented practitioner in Amy. I am most appreciative of her talented help, through a difficult healing.

KMC

I went to see Amy for PMS and low mood. She was empathetic, caring and patient in helping me to find the protocol that worked best for me. With the right supplements and acupuncture, my symptoms improved dramatically in only a few months of treatment. Amy is intelligent, well-informed, patient and caring. I would recommend her to anyone looking for a natural and holistic treatment option.

Angie Roherty is more than a professional massage therapist, she is a true healer. Her technique is unsurpassed and her intuitive sense uncanny. Cognizant of the interdependence between body and mind, Angie is devoted to holistic treatment. For two years of countless massages, Angie has consistently provided miraculous liberation from anxiety and alleviation of pain. I am forever indebted for my relief and I will continue to see Angie exclusively for as long as she remains in the field. I saw Amy for problems with digestion that progressed over time.

I was unhappy when doctors told me “you have IBS, good luck”. I had problems with my digestion that progressed over several years. After eating anything, I was uncomfortable, bloated, had stomach pain and was lethargic. The fatigue I was experiencing made it difficult to function. I began to feel improvements immediately after starting acupuncture, herbal medicine and the dietary changes that Amy suggested. At this time my condition is 99% better, I rarely feel discomfort, and have more energy. I never knew that I could feel this amazing after eating. Thanks to acupuncture with Amy, I enjoy food and eating and am living a better life.

Nicole D.

I received acupuncture from Amy for chronic headaches, which were accompanied by nausea. Over the past two years, I would wake with severe headaches that would occur 2-3x week. This made it difficult for me to attend school, concentrate on homework and keep up with classes. I felt relief from my headaches immediately after beginning acupuncture and am now 100% better.

Anonymous

I received acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine from Amy for recurrent miscarriages with no known medical cause. Over a period of 1-1/2 years we had 3 miscarriages and our doctors ran all of the tests, said we were healthy and declared our troubles as “bad luck”. This caused us frustration and worry and made it difficult to have the confidence to try again. Amy’s acupuncture and herbs gave us a sense of power! I had been charting my fertility signs and I believe the acupuncture and herbs really helped to create a higher chance of conceiving. We tried to conceive a few months after starting with Amy and we got pregnant the first cycle we tried while using acupuncture and herbs. We are currently 28 weeks into a healthy twin pregnancy. Note: This person was seen throughout her first trimester of pregnancy to receive support during her most vulnerable time for pregnancy loss. She later delivered 2 healthy babies!

I scheduled my first Maya Abdominal Massage without knowing how profoundly I would be changed by the experience. I became fascinated with the idea of abdominal massage when I realized my tendency to keep my stomach perpetually tense. When I arrived for treatment, Chandon’s presence put me at ease. I lost any sense of insecurity and felt compelled to be honest and to really focus on what I wanted to get out of the experience. With Chandon’s help I set an intention for the session. I held that in mind during treatment and my life has been profoundly altered.

Chandon is a very intuitive, gifted healer. Beyond the physical treatment itself, Chandon recommended classes, books and lifestyle modifications that would help me achieve the goals that I set. She provided me with exactly what I was ready and able to handle. The physical shifts in my body were profound but not overwhelming. The pace, pressure and mechanics with which she works are smooth, pleasant and relaxing. Both back and belly were addressed during treatment. I felt the tension in my mid to low back disappear and then the tightness in my belly released. My organs moved naturally into new, more efficient positions. I could feel my midsection literally transform before me. What an exciting experience!

As a result of my treatment I have noticed several lasting effects. My digestive function is noticeably stronger and more efficient. I feel motivated to continue on my journey to wellness by exploring Chandon’s excellent recommendations. Finally, I intend to incorporate Maya Abdominal Massage into my health regimen. It is truly a nourishing experience that I believe will help unlock hidden potential in each of us. Chandon’s expertise is a blessing and this service is highly recommended.

I have had digestive issues for a good portion of my life and was constantly being told that it was “just IBS or stress” by my doctors/allergists. I soon learned to ignore these issues. Little did I realize, some of the stress was caused by my chronic condition.

A couple of years ago, I started seeing Kathleen. In time, she was able to figure out that I had Leaky Gut Syndrome and we would then have to figure out what was causing my issues. In doing some lab tests, it was found that I had an intestinal parasite, bacteria, food sensitivities and Candida. No wonder why I was having digestive issues! With the help of prescribed medicine from my doctor to rid me of the parasites, my treatment with Kathleen, and my change in lifestyle/eating habits, my journey to better health had begun. Now, a year later, I am feeling so much better! I am still healing, but I feel like a new person!

Healing is a journey, not something that happens overnight. Patience is key and in time, the results are well worth the wait! If it weren’t for Kathleen, I don’t know where I’d be now."

Carla

I injured my back trying to carry too much laundry down the basement stairs. I went to Urgent Care twice and they gave me Vicodin and Flexaril to alleviate my pain. Neither of them helped! They just made me sleepy and gave me a headache. After seeing me in pain for almost a week, my husband, who is a massage therapist, suggested that I go to an acupuncturist. I was kind of scared of the needle aspect, but I was willing to try anything to get rid of my pain. Kat helped me almost immediately. I still had pain, but it was lessened as each day and week went by. She put me on a healing diet, prescribed cleansing vitamins and put little tacks on my elbows and legs. She also used magnets to help releive my pain. I had more energy after each visit. My husband got massages while I was getting acupuncture, so he was happy to go along with me. I've been telling all of my friends about Isthmus Acupuncture and have suggested that they go there instead of taking medication. Kat has helped me so much. I'm now going periodically for a "tune up" and I continue to feel energized after going. They have great recipes too!

Helen

I had tried IVF twice and we were unsuccessful both times. We had enough money and embryos for one last try. Our physician suggested I try acupuncture. I started acupuncture with Kat in May of 2007. I was unsure about the procedure, but thought I would give it a try. After just a few sessions I was feeling better and the side effects of all the hormones were less. I thought by the end of June, 'This just might work.' I kept up with the diet restrictions and vitamins suggested. On July 7th we transferred our last four embryos had acupuncture – then prayed and waited. Two weeks later we had our pregnancy test. It was finally positive. Two weeks after that I saw our son's heartbeat for the first time on ultrasound. The pregnancy went smoothly and we delivered a healthy boy at 37 weeks on March 6, 2008. Thank you Kat for being an integral part of bringing us our boy. He is a joy and we are grateful for everything you did.

S.H. and S.H.

I had an acupuncture session with Kathleen to help turn my baby from breech position. She gave me moxabustion sticks to use at home. I used them twice and the next day had an ultrasound and the baby was turned head down. He is still head-down and doing well! Thank you very much for helping us!

T.S.

After 3-1/2 years of trying to have a baby, two years of which included Western fertility treatments, we were frustrated, heartbroken and ready for a new approach. My body was a wreck. Western medicine had achieved conception, but had resulted in miscarriage. Our doctors said we should just "keep trying until it sticks," but I couldn't put my body, my heart, or my husband through that again. It was time to move on.

At my very first appointment at IAC, Michelle uncovered issues that Western medicine simply isn't trained, or equipped, to look for. In my case, they happened to be the very reasons I couldn't conceive and maintain a pregnancy. My body was unbalanced and in no shape to provide the healthy, nurturing environment that a baby needs in order to grow. And so I began a fantastic journey toward health by way of acupuncture, an herbal routine, nutrition, massage and biofeedback.

After a lot of hard work and outstanding care at IAC, we finally achieved a healthy pregnancy. I was unbelievably nervous! And yet, I knew that my body was finally able to provide that nurturing environment for our baby. The IAC staff was wonderful about working with my Western OB to make sure I was getting exactly what our baby and I needed to stay healthy and strong. I looked forward to my weekly acupuncture appointments during those early months as my touchstone and reassurance that everything really was O.K. I knew that Kat literally had her fingers on the pulse of my pregnancy and if anything in my body started to become unbalanced, we could balance it again. The expertise of the IAC staff helped me stay sane during a time when worry was a constant companion. As an added bonus, I was also able to help control my severe nausea during my first trimester through techniques that the IAC staff taught me.

Today, I am a very healthy 2 months postpartum and my husband and I have a gorgeous, healthy, vibrant little girl who is the light of our life! We are so grateful to IAC. They not only helped me change my long-term health and habits, they helped us to achieve our dream of a family!

Jenny S.

My husband and I had been trying to conceive our first child for 16 months when I went to Michelle on the recommendation of a friend. With her educated guidance, I began my treatment of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and a change of my diet that included switching to organic foods and foods that, based on Michelle’s TCM diagnosis, would work toward my greater health both reproductively and overall.

With the above treatment as well as the discontinuation of my grocery store-bought multivitamin and the addition of a food-grade, high-quality B-complex vitamin, my daughter was born on September 13th. She was my dream come true and the perfect end to my long journey. Even one year later I am in awe of her.

I'm now 17 weeks pregnant with my second child after no additional treatment. My body was able to conceive naturally and easily even though conventional medicine would have labeled me advanced in maternal age. It's a relief to know that my body now "knows" what to do after the help of TCM during my first pregnancy. I will be forever grateful to Michelle and her staff for the care and compassion they extended to me. Without them I truly believe my husband and I would either still be trying or would have had to move on to the more invasive Western treatments we were trying to avoid. I would highly recommend Michelle and TCM to anyone having difficulty conceiving or wishing to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Carrie S.

Dear Michelle,

I am writing this letter to pay tribute to you and Isthmus Acupuncture Center. In the past two years, you have listened to me tell you about myself, felt my pulses, and looked at my tongue. Then, you performed acupuncture and created custom herbs that keep me happy and very healthy. I have not seen a doctor for an illness since taking your herbs.

With that taken care of, I wanted to concentrate on my skin. The skin around my eyes and neck were beginning to look less than great. You recommended I see Chandon Williams in your office for facial acupuncture and skin care. Since then, I have seen an improvement each month for the past three months. I look forward to continued improvements.

Thank you, Michelle, for creating a place that is beneficial in so many ways. I highly recommend you and Isthmus Acupuncture Center.

Elaine M.

I suffer from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and recently the symptoms had become more frequent and severe. The medication was not helping and I was frustrated with the lack of relief. A colleague recommended the Isthmus Acupuncture Center as a possible resource. I met with Kathleen and was amazed at the results. After my first visit, my episodes went from daily to one over the next seven day period. Over the course of the last three months, I have had a total of five episodes. I am very grateful to Kathleen; she has given me the ability to live a normal live without the constant worry of IBS episodes. Thank you, Kathleen.

Diana

I received my first treatment from Kathleen one morning after I started spotting 6 weeks into my pregnancy. Her quiet reassurance and professionalism were as instrumental as the acupuncture needles in calming my nerves, and helping me to believe that everything was okay.

She is a perfect fit to the caring, supportive atmosphere that is an integral part of the Isthmus Acupuncture Clinic.

6 weeks later, I'm delighted to say that my pregnancy is progressing wonderfully, and I continue to see Kathleen for my first trimester weekly appointments when my schedule allows.

S.V.

My son has been seeing Chandon for acupressure since he was six years old. Initially, he was a little apprehensive about the unknown. Chandon's calm and caring demeanor put him completely at ease during the first session. She truly listens to any concerns that have arisen since his last treatment. As a result she is able to tailor the session so he receives the maximum benefits. Now my son looks forward to his sessions with Chandon and I believe they are making a difference.

Timara

Chandon’s Maya massages helped me with my infertility problems. While Chandon was working with me I could feel my uterus change position. I didn’t realize that there were ligaments that held my uterus in an incorrect position. I was able to expel a year of built up tissue and old blood. This is a very unique experience that I truly believe allowed my uterus to accept a pregnancy after 8 years of unsuccessful traditional medicine.”

Christine

Michelle was with me throughout my struggle to conceive. Michelle’s acupuncture and herb treatments not only helped me feel great, but complimented my in vitro fertilization treatment and optimized its success. With the help of her acupuncture and herb treatments, I was able to successfully conceive and have a beautiful baby boy after years of trying. As important, Michelle never gave up hope that I could get pregnant and have a successful pregnancy. Her treatments also helped me feel great throughout my pregnancy. Michelle was an integral part of a team of people who helped me get pregnant and have my son. I am so thankful for Michelle!”

Chris

Hope is a feeling that is quickly lost when your doctor starts using the term “infertility issues.” After years of an irregular cycle and being diagnosed with hypothyroidism it shouldn’t have been a surprise that I was having problems conceiving. But, what was a surprise was my medical option: a prescription for Clomid. I told my doctor that I wanted to try anything naturally first and she gave me the name of an acupuncturist with high recommendations.

After my first appointment with Michelle Buchanan I felt a sense that my body had the potential to be wholly healthy—and hope was restored! Michelle is a very gifted and compassionate healer! After seeing Michelle for regular visits, taking my herbs religiously, and integrating dietary changes my cycle began to change. I also was skillfully supported by Chandon Williams with Maya massages.

Clearly the combination of both Acupuncture and Maya Massage was what my body needed to bring about ovulation and regular cycles. I began seeing Michelle in April, by June-July I could see obvious changes, and by November I had conceived. I am now my second trimester with a healthy body and baby on the way and have so much gratitude and respect for all of the employees at Isthmus Acupuncture and am eternally indebted for my doctors recommendation to see Michelle Buchanan.”

Rachel

I had been trying to get pregnant for 2 years, and had had three IUI's, and my doctor told me I had "no other option but IVF." I'd been doing acupuncture for about 7 months, but not very specialized acupuncture (I live in a state where it was basically illegal until last year). I was referred to Michelle by a friend in Madison, and she very generously agreed to work by phone with a new acupuncturist in my town. Only three months later, I got pregnant while not even officially trying! (We'd wanted to wait four or five months after starting the herbs and specialized acupuncture treatments to maximize our chances). I have a beautiful daughter, Amelia, and I recommend acupuncture to everyone I know who's trying. I'm so proud that she was conceived naturally, and so grateful that folks like Michelle have learned so much and work so hard, so that more of us can.”

Susan

We will always be thankful to Michelle ... for helping us conceive and carry to term our first child. A combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and lots of caring and support made our dream come true in only 4 months of treatment! We highly recommend considering this more natural approach before embarking in any kind of chemical or invasive fertility methods. We will definitely do it again whenever we are ready to expand the family!”

Maria and Federico

Two and a half years into my journey for a family, I became involved with an acupuncturist. Not long after seeing her she recommended me to Michelle. Right away, they took my under their wing and were very understanding and hopeful. Even though I live in South Carolina, they never let the distance hinder their service. They always made sure my herbs arrived on time. Four months after I began the herbs I went through in vitro. Michelle prescribed specific herbs that would not affect the drugs I would be taking. Good news arrived and we were pregnant. I truly believe that the herbs played a significant role in getting pregnant but more importantly maintaining my pregnancy. I am so grateful for the wonderful treatment I received from Michelle and her staff and know I will return to them when it is time for number two to come! Thanks again for all that y'all did. I am 13 weeks and am now herb free!”

Amy

After two years of trying to have a child, my husband and I visited a fertility specialist who informed me I had PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). I began a regimen of metformin, fertility drugs including clomiphene and Follistim, frequent ultrasounds to monitor the development of eggs in my ovaries, and intrauterine inseminations. After eighteen months of such treatments, I still wasn’t pregnant, and my husband and I were emotionally exhausted. I felt toxic and depressed. We decided to stop the fertility treatments, and tried to reconcile ourselves to a life without children of our own.

When I first met with Michelle, my only hope was that acupuncture would be able to help regulate my menstrual cycles. Since I had been diagnosed with PCOS, Michelle stressed that changing and improving my diet would be as important to my well-being as the treatments she could provide. She said something that stays with me even today—“You have to think of the food you eat as medicine for your body.” I began to eat healthier and take herbs and supplements recommended by Michelle, I started monitoring my basal body temperature, and I had weekly acupuncture treatments. Almost immediately, my depression resolved and I felt much healthier. Within three months, my nearly nonexistent menstrual cycles became around 35 days long. I considered this success enough, but within the next month, I became pregnant! I continued to see Michelle weekly through my first trimester. I am now almost 20 weeks pregnant with my first child, and I know that Michelle’s support, in the form of acupuncture, herbal supplements, and advice, has helped me to get to where I am now.”

C.M.A.

How can I write about something that has changed my life so very much? I was diagnosed with Endometriosis almost 12 years ago. I was told at that point to have a hysterectomy or get pregnant right away. I was single and not ready to be a parent yet. For the past 10 years I have had many surgeries, traveled all over the United States to doctors who specialize in endometriosis, to sustain my fertility and also deal with the horrible pain.

I was married in 2001, I immediately started infertility treatments. Again having 3 more surgeries, trying all kinds of fertility meds. We did IUIs in 2002 and then in 2004 I did one cycle of invitro fertilization. Nothing worked. The only thing it did do, was make my pain worse. I was in pain constantly.

I was referred to Michelle by Karin Clark Edmiston (Center for Conceiving health). I had been attending her support group for infertility. My goal in coming to Michelle was not to get pregnant, my husband and I had sent our paperwork in for adoption. I had scheduled a hysterectomy 4-05 but decided that I just did not have the time off from work, so I rescheduled it for the fall. I came to Michelle to just see if she could help some of my pain. After her treatment, my pain would be gone for at least 4 days. Wow, first time in 12 years. Acupuncture was a new thing for me but I was willing to try anything to get rid of my pain. I would tell anyone in the world about Michelle. She is amazing at her job! She is not a salesperson or just trying to talk you into more and more treatments. She is straight forward. She is confident and you will know that you are in good hands. She is very good at giving excellent care!

Oh, did I forget to tell you? I got pregnant! No one can believe it! Especially me. I was open to this new way of care. Not battling my disease but accepting that my body was not working healthy. This is the best thing I could of ever done for myself.”

Kimberly

After trying to get pregnant for about 2 years, we became pregnant but I miscarried after 8 weeks. After a few months, we returned to western treatment and I also started treatments with Michelle. On our first round of western medication combined with acupuncture, we became pregnant and Michelle treated me through the first 16 weeks of our pregnancy. She was very understanding, made me feel very comfortable and was a great resource during a very stressful time. We are anxiously awaiting our first baby and I believe that Michelle was instrumental in getting us here. I would highly recommend her to anyone struggling with infertility.”

Kim

After two miscarriages in 2004, western medicine wrote me off as “old” (I’m 39) and looked no further into possible causes of the miscarriages. Instead, the recommended course of action was a barrage of expensive tests that are designed for those who couldn’t conceive at all. Michelle treated me as an individual with specific needs as opposed to pigeonholing me into a predetermined system. With acupuncture and herbs, she treated my endometriosis (another condition for which western medicine has few options for treatment) and other health issues affecting my ability to sustain a pregnancy, and in less than six months I was pregnant! I am due in September and couldn’t feel better. She was also able to treat my depression, which was of major concern to me, esp. during pregnancy. No other treatment for depression has been as effective, and there have been no negative side effects as there are with western treatments. I’m referring other “old” friends that western medicine was unable to help to Michelle. I can’t say enough about Michelle’s competence and fabulous “bed-side manner.”

Marcia

I was referred to Michelle and Isthmus Acupuncture by our infertility doctor as one more addition to our IVF cycle. We had one successful cycle 3 years ago and had a daughter. We had tried a frozen embryo cycle and another fresh cycle without success, we were trying one more time and I wanted to add anything I could to make the process successful.

Working with Michelle was very relaxing and helpful. I looked forward to every appointment I had with her. I would encourage anyone who has had trouble with infertility to talk to Michelle and try her protocol. We had a very successful cycle this last time and are expecting twin boys in late November or early December. We are very excited and I credit part of our success to including acupuncture with our IVF protocol.”

Melissa

My husband and I tried having children for three years before we underwent a barrage of tests and discovered that we suffered from "unexplained infertility." After six attempts of intrauterine insemination combined with Clomid, we decided to give in vitro fertilization one try. Because I was going to pay an exorbitant amount of money for one IVF cycle, I wanted to do everything possible to make that one attempt as successful as possible.

In general, I am not a big believer in alternative medicine. However, I had read several studies that acupuncture increased IVF success rates and learned that Michelle Steffens (now Buchanan) specialized in acupuncture for those suffering from infertility.

I was so fortunate to have found her! Her combined treatment of acupuncture, herbs and helpful advice provided me with strength, hope and serenity during what could have been a very stressful process. Needless to say, I breezed through the IVF process and was prepared for whatever outcome came of it. That attitude itself was worth every penny I spent seeing Michelle. However, I truly believe that Michelle's treatment enhanced the effectiveness of the IVF treatment and ultimately led to a successful outcome. I am happy to report that after one IVF attempt, I am the proud mother of boy/girl twins! I would highly recommend anyone facing infertility issues to turn to Michelle for help. Thank you, Michelle!”

Barbara

Michelle was with me through every step of the process and is a true asset to the Oriental Medicine community! I truly believe that I would not be holding my beautiful baby girl if it wasn't for her help, love and support! I will be forever grateful to her for all she has done for me! I was able to conceive, carry and give birth in a natural way without the use of any pharmaceutical drugs. Thank you Michelle! I recommend her to anyone who is trying to get pregnant with fertility issues and for anyone who wants a healthy pregnancy and birth!”

Lori

Who would think getting pregnant would be so difficult. My husband and I tried for more than a year using every trick in the book, but nothing worked. I finally heard about acupuncture and found Michelle. We used a combination of both our regular western doctor and Michelle's acupuncture and herb treatments and within 6 months we were pregnant! Through our difficult wait, Michelle was the only medical professional who seemed to truly care about not only about my health, but my mental well being as well. I'm convinced that without her help we would still be trying to get pregnant today. I continue to see Michelle during my pregnancy. The herbs have kept me morning sickness free and I feel great. For anyone struggling to have a baby, I highly recommend Michelle.”

Chris

Isthmus Acupuncture Center - Traditional Chinese Medicine and Massage

Testimonials