By: Katherine Rowe, LAc, FABORM, Triangle Acupuncture
Do the words, “just relax,” have the opposite effect on you? Nothing like a reminder of how stressed you feel and how difficult it is to lower stress levels on your own. It is well recognized that struggling with infertility is one of the most stressful life events one can have, but what to do about it? This is where acupuncture comes to the rescue! Just ask anyone who has had acupuncture, and they will tell you how wonderfully relaxing an acupuncture session is.
At Triangle Acupuncture Clinic we understand that if you’ve never had acupuncture, getting poked with needles doesn’t sound relaxing. Don’t let the fear of needles keep you from trying something that is good for you! When we’re working with fertility patients, our intention is for the acupuncture sessions to be first and foremost a space for your body and mind to finally “just relax.” The following are the most popular frequently asked questions from people considering acupuncture while trying to conceive:
What Makes an Acupuncturist a Fertility Specialist?
Triangle Acupuncture Clinic stands apart from other clinics for many reasons. Our fertility practitioners have spent hundreds of hours in extra coursework studying the western and eastern medical approach to treating infertility. Katherine Rowe, founder and director of the fertility program at Triangle Acupuncture, is ABORM certified. Each diplomat of ABORM has demonstrated the highest level of competency in the clinical application of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as it pertains to current ART practices. As a patient of Triangle Acupuncture Clinic’s Fertility Program, you will find that our practitioners are familiar with all aspects of infertility from the emotional to the highly technical.
What Happens at the Initial Consultation?
The Triangle Acupuncture Team
All of your questions are welcome and will be answered at your initial consultation. Here is what you can expect: The first visit will last approximately 1 ½ hours. You will discuss your fertility and menstrual history, as well as daily habits such as digestion, sleep and exercise. Bring any information you have easily available such as BBT charts, lab reports, etc. Acupuncture treatment may consist of needling points on your lower back and legs and/or your abdomen, arms and head. The needling itself should be painless. Sometimes a heavy or achy sensation will surround the location of the needles. This is a positive sign that the treatment is effective and overall it should be a deeply relaxing experience. After the acupuncture, you will discuss any questions and review the treatment plan designed for you. This may or may not include a prescription of Chinese herbs. Subsequent visits will include acupuncture, updates and check-ins on diet and lifestyle health as well as relaxation exercises when needed.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
We generally recommend patients undergo acupuncture treatment for three months while working on ovulation disorders or other changes in their menstrual cycles. If patients are undergoing IUI or IVF we modify the schedule so that it synchs up with your medication schedule. Typically patients come in once/week and sometimes twice/weekly. Most patients see positive changes in their health as soon as after the first or second treatment whether it is better sleep, less PMS and a decrease in stress and tension.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture should not be painful. The needles are extremely thin (about the width of 2 human hairs), solid, disposable, and flexible. First-timers are usually uneasy about the prospect of needles and have a hard time believing that needles will be able to facilitate a deeply relaxed state. Do not be afraid! We are very gentle and interested primarily in your comfort. Once you feel (or don’t feel) the first needle, all your fears will vanish.
How Do I Make an Appointment?
To make an appointment for your initial consultation at our Chapel Hill or Raleigh office, call (919) 933-4480. We encourage you to set up your initial appointment as early in your fertility journey as possible but it is also never too late to add the benefit of our services to your plan.
CC Patient Discounts for April 24 – May 5:
Space is filling up fast- so book your appointment and take advantage of these offers today. Triangle Acupuncture was voted “Best of the Triangle” for Acupuncture in 2016 by IndyWeek’s voters.