Most of my patients are new to acupuncture, and have a lot of questions about what to expect.  Here are some of the most common questions:

Q. How do I know which treatment will help me?

Every woman is different, so my approach to fertility also changes for each patient.  Working together, we will create a completely personalized fertility program for you, one that addresses your particular imbalances and health needs.

During your first visit with me, we'll spend a lot of time getting to a better understanding of your unique health needs, and we'll work together to design a program that addresses those needs.  Want to get a taste for this approach?  Take a fertility quiz.

Q. Can I try acupuncture or herbal medicine if I'm taking other medicines?

A. Yes. In most cases, there is no conflict between our gentle therapies and modern treatments like drugs and surgery.  In fact, acupuncture can be an incredibly powerful adjunct to drug therapy.  Just make sure to keep all of your healthcare providers informed so that they can work together to help you heal.

Q. What is the first visit like?

A. Calm and relaxing. For your first visit, you will spend at least one hour with me, having a detailed conversation about your health. We'll talk about your emotions, your lifestyle, your diet, your social life and your general health history. It's important for me to get a complete picture of your health. Of course, I will also take time to explain your condition, and my recommended course of treatment.

This is also an opportunity for us to get familiar with each other and plan our treatment strategy together. We'll finish with an acupuncture treatment to get you on your way to better health. Your follow-up visits will be shorter, though we'll still want to know about changes in your health before performing the acupuncture treatment.

Q. How soon will I notice the results?

A. You will feel the positive effects of acupuncture very quickly - usually after just one or two visits. Most of my patients feel an immediate - and often dramatic - reduction in stress.  You will feel many symptoms of imbalance - for example, insomnia, hot flashes, or dry skin - also start to get better quickly.  Within a few weeks, you can expect an improvement and regulation of your menstrual period -- this is the best sign that your reproductive system is functioning properly, and a great sign that your fertility is improving!

Q. What should I bring for my first visit?

A.  Please bring any relevant medical reports and lab results.  If you have been monitoring your basal body temperature, ovulation, and menstrual cycle, please bring all of your charts and notes.  Please bring anything that will help me better understand your health history.

Q. Does acupuncture hurt?

A.  No, it doesn't.  The needles are ultra-fine (about the thickness of a human hair) and you will rarely feel any pain upon insertion.  Some spots, like the hands and feet, are more sensitive and may hurt a little, like a quick pinprick. 

At each visit, we'll spend a few minutes talking, then we'll start the session.  You will lie on a comfortable massage table.  You usually don't need to undress - often I will just ask you to roll up your sleeves or pant legs.    I may use 4 to 15 needles, carefully inserted at different points in your body.   It sounds surprising, but you won't feel them - they're nothing at all like hypodermic needles used for injections.  Once the needles are in place, you'll rest comfortably for 15 - 20 minutes, then we're done.  Many patients fall asleep!  Almost everyone finds it deeply relaxing.

Q. Is acupuncture safe?

A.  Yes!  Acupuncture is part of Chinese medicine, a healing tradition that is more than 3,000 years old.  Acupuncture is a gentle way of helping the body heal itself, and it is always focused on addressing each patient's underlying causes of disease. Because of this, there are no side effects.  The needles used are sterile, disposable, and extremely thin. Treatments are not painful. The needles are inserted at key points to directly influence the flow of energy in the channels of the body.  Most patients experience a profoundly relaxing effect.

Q. Does acupuncture really work?

A.  Yes! The effectiveness of acupuncture has been proven through modern medical research, and every day new studies confirm the ancient Chinese medical knowledge - acupuncture works. The World Health Organization, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the insurance industry have all recognized its safety and effectiveness.

Acupuncture works by helping the body to restore its balance.  Chinese Medicine is a holistic medicine, which means that it is focused on the patient as a unique individual with unique health problems. When balance is restored, the body heals itself and symptoms disappear.  It is amazingly gentle, safe, and effective.   In contrast to modern treatments like hormone therapy, acupuncture is enitrely free of side effects.

Q. How does acupuncture improve fertility?

A. According to recent medical research, acupuncture promotes the circulation of blood in the pelvic cavity and improves ovarian function. Acupuncture treatment may promote follicle production, enhance uterine blood flow and improve uterine lining thickness. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture restores balance to the body, treating the underlying causes of infertility by bringing the body into a state of health and balance.

Q. I will be undergoing IVF. When should I start acupuncture?

A. While many patients respond to acupuncture quickly, most patients require a series of ongoing treatments over several months. I will explain my recommendations to you, based on your individual needs, the first time that we meet.  In many cases, I'll recommend that you start acupuncture treatment at least two months prior to the commencement of the IVF cycle and that you continue for one to two times a week until the day of the transfer. If your transfer is scheduled soon, there still may be things we can do -- call me right away and we'll see what we can do to maximize your chances of conception. I am also available to treat you on the day of the transfer, at your doctor's office or fertility center.
 

Q. Do you take insurance?

A.  Sadly, infertility treatment programs are usually not covered by insurance plans.  In the case that your plan does cover fertility treatments, we can provide you with detailed billing paperwork, medical reports, and anything else you might need to get reimbursed directly by insurance.  Please talk to my office staff (510) 444-2772 for details. They are experts in helping patients deal with insurance companies.

Q. How do I start?

A.  After reading the Getting Started page, please call my office and make an appointment, or please request a free telephone consultation with me. I'd be happy to answer your questions and tell you if, and how, I can help you.