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Common Questions

  • What can I expect during my first appointment?
    In Chinese Medicine, we look at your whole being to help us determine our course of treatment. Acupuncturists ask questions you have probably not been asked by other health care providers. The answers to these questions, along with feeling your pulse and looking at your tongue, help us create a treatment plan specific to you. We will discuss your treatment plan so you know how we plan to move forward with your care. This treatment plan will likely include weekly acupuncture sessions, herbal formulas, and suggestions around supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes. You can plan on comfortably relaxing during your acupuncture treatment for approximately 30-45 minutes. Your first appointment lasts about 90 minutes overall. All follow-up sessions are for one hour.
  • Does acupuncture hurt?
    Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and they are inserted gently and shallowly. While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only a minimal amount of sensation as the needles are inserted. Once the needles are in place, most of our patients tell us that they experience a feeling of relaxation and wellbeing that lasts for many hours after the treatment. Acupuncture treatments are based on the idea that all areas of body are interconnected. That means that even when working on reproductive issues, needles are not placed into the reproductive organ areas. Most of the points are located from the elbows down, the knees down, and on the back and abdomen above the pubic bone.
  • How can I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
    The best way to prepare is to eat a snack or a light meal before treatment so the body has sufficient energy to work with. You will be provided with a cozy robe to wear during your treatment that will allow access to all the areas of the body needed for treatment — mainly your arms, legs, and belly. After treatment we recommend you drink a glass of water to help stabilize your energy.
  • How many acupuncture treatments will I need?
    Because everyone is unique that answer varies, person to person. Saying that, ....
  • Do you bill insurance for acupuncture treatments?
    We do not process insurance in-house; however, we are happy to provide you with a receipt that has the necessary coding for you to submit to your provider for reimbursement. We recommend checking with your insurance company to see if you are covered for acupuncture and, if so, what specific conditions your insurance company covers acupuncture for.
  • How does acupuncture help improve fertility?
    Scientific research has shown acupuncture boosts the blood flow to the pelvis and uterus to increase the thickness of the uterine lining, promotes healthy follicles and ovulation, and helps reduce inflammation to aid in embryo implantation. Acupuncture can also be used to correct hormonal imbalances that prevent conception.Acupuncture has also been shown to help improve emotional well-being and address lifestyle factors that can contribute to fertility issues.
  • When is the right time to start fertility acupuncture?
    You can start acupuncture anytime! We work with patients at every stage of the fertility journey, whether they are just starting out or have been trying for a while. You do not need to wait until you have been diagnosed with any fertility or other reproductive issues. If you are trying to get pregnant or plan to try in the near future, it’s best to get started right away. The full benefits of acupuncture can take time, so the sooner you start the better. If you are working with any other fertility specialists, we will collaborate with their treatment plan to insure you receive patient-focused care.
  • How many times do I need to get acupuncture to boost my fertility?
    Acupuncture is highly personalized so there is no magic number of treatments that is the same for every person. Everyone responds to treatment differently so your results will depend on your particular situation. Often, patients will notice relief from a specific symptom straight away, though more time may be needed to work on the underlying root of the issue. Weekly acupuncture for 2 to 3 months is typically recommended to see significant changes in cycle irregularly, egg quality, menstrual flow and ovulation. During that time you will likely experience positive changes in sleep, stress, energy and mood as well.
  • Can acupuncture help with male fertility issues?
    Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been used for all types of men’s health problems for thousands of years. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can be used to address sperm count, motility, and morphology as well as manage testosterone fluctuations. Acupuncture and herbs can also be used to treat libido issues and erectile dysfunction. Research has also shown that acupuncture combined with nutritional supplements, diet, and lifestyle changes can be an incredibly effective treatment regimen to significantly boost sperm health.
  • When should I start acupuncture treatments for IUI and IVF?
    If you are scheduled or planning to go through an IUI, IVF, or other assisted reproductive technology procedure we recommend that you begin treatment 3 months prior to your IVF cycle as this is the the cycle of egg development. However, if that is not possible, we still see good success with treatment while you are in the cycle, and we will often increase frequency of visits.
  • After I get pregnant, do I need acupuncture again?
    Studies have continued to reinforce acupuncture’s safety in pregnancy. Not only is acupuncture safe, it is recommended in the first trimester to help reduce stress, prevent miscarriage, boost the immune system and mitigate pregnancy side effects. ​ We highly recommend that you continue treatment to "hold and stabilize the baby." There are many safe acupuncture points that are used during pregnancy to prevent miscarriage and reduce the chances of severe morning sickness. Especially in cases of conception after infertility we recommend you continue treatment one time per week until the 12th week of pregnancy when the chance of miscarriage is greatly decreased.
  • Can pregnant women use Chinese herbs?
    Yes, if prescribed by a professional TCM practitioner, Chinese herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years to treat many diseases and symptoms that arise during pregnancy without harm to the baby. As well, lactating mothers can take Chinese herbal medicine safely as long as they are prescribed by a certified Chinese medicine herbalist.
  • Can acupuncture help turn my breech baby?
    A TCM technique called moxibustion, or moxa, therapy has been used for thousands of years to help turn breech babies. Moxa provides gentle warmth to specific acupuncture points that help increase circulation and stimulates the body’s energy to help the baby turn into an optimal, head-down position. Women with a breech presentation may seek treatment with moxibustion from 32–38 weeks but it is preferably performed around 34 weeks of pregnancy. The baby at this stage is small enough to turn and big enough to remain in the head-down position.
  • Can acupuncture help induce my labor?
    When the time is right for both mom and baby, acupuncture can offer a gentle way to help promote labor. Through the use of specific acupuncture points, treatments can help encourage the baby to descend as well as promote contractions and help speed up birth times. Treatments vary between 4-10 sessions, and for some just one session before labor begins, as each woman’s situation varies.
  • How can acupuncture help postpartum?
    Postpartum acupuncture can offer several benefits for new mothers. Acupuncture can help regulate hormonal levels after childbirth, which may aid in the recovery process. It can support the body in re-establishing hormonal balance, potentially alleviating postpartum symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and depression. Acupuncture may help regulate the hormonal changes associated with breastfeeding, such as prolactin release. It can potentially aid in establishing a steady milk supply and promote lactation.
  • Can acupuncture help with irregular periods?
    Periods that come irregularly each month are very common and can make it difficult to conceive. Even if you are not trying to have a baby, Chinese medicine considers a regular menstrual rhythm to be an important sign of good health. Irregular menses can be caused by an imbalance that results in hormone fluctuations throughout the month. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs have been used for hundred of years to balance hormones, restore rhythm, and encourage a more predictable ovulation, which helps regulate the menstrual cycle
  • Does acupuncture treat endometriosis?
    Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of pelvic pain. It can seriously affect your ability to conceive and can also cause uncomfortable, heavy or irregular periods. Sometimes there are no symptoms associated with endometriosis and it is only discovered when a patient is seeking treatment for infertility. We use a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs aimed at improving blood circulation, clearing inflammation, relieving pain and treating the patient’s underlying condition associated with their endometriosis. Patients with this condition may also benefit from making specific dietary changes to reduce their symptoms.
  • Can acupuncture help with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome?
    Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine and metabolic syndrome that affects 5% – 10% of women of reproductive age. The cysts associated with PCOS cause a hormonal imbalance which can disturb ovulation and lead to fertility issues. A combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine help patients regain hormonal balance, restore ovulation, and manage the side effect of PCOS such as metabolic problems.
  • Can acupuncture help with perimenopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats?
    Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can offer many solutions for hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, low libido, weight gain, cloudy mind and more. At Root Fertility & Wellness, we treat hormone imbalances, mood swings, fatigue, and more, in order to help you manage the transition smoothly.
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