Does Acupuncture for Postpartum Depression Help?

For many new mothers, the joy of finally meeting their baby can be overshadowed by overwhelming sadness, anxiety, or emptiness. Known as postpartum depression (PPD), this condition is more common than you think, affecting up to 1 in 7 women, and can severely disrupt what is supposed to be one of life's happiest transitions.

While treatable with professional help, the hormonal imbalances and emotional weight of PPD can feel incredibly heavy during those early postpartum months. That's why we offer women help through this challenging time by seeking out acupuncture as a valuable complementary therapy for addressing their postpartum depression symptoms. For women looking for drug-free alternatives or additions to their PPD treatment plan, acupuncture offers a safe and effective, low-risk option.

Acupuncture is an effective complementary therapy for postpartum depression. It helps regulate hormonal imbalances, reduces stress levels, improves mood by boosting neurotransmitters like serotonin, and promotes better sleep quality - all crucial for emotional healing after childbirth. Regular acupuncture sessions provide a safe, natural way to restore balance during this delicate postpartum period.

What is postpartum depression?

Understanding postpartum depression In the weeks and months following childbirth, up to 80% of mothers experience some level of the "baby blues" - mild mood swings, sadness, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed. Usually, this emotional upheaval is short-lived and resolves on its own within about 2 weeks as hormone levels stabilize and you establish new parenting routines.

However, for 1 in 7 women, the emotional distress doesn't disappear and escalates into a more severe, longer-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression (PPD). 

Even with conventional medical care up to 50% of women still experienced symptoms more than a year after birth and without some treatment 30% of women continued to experience up to 3 years after giving birth.

This condition affects women differently but may include symptoms such as:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

• Excessive crying or emotional numbness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Overwhelming fatigue and decreased energy

• Significant changes in appetite or sleep patterns

• Brain fog, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness

• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt

• Irritability, anger, or restlessness

• Withdrawal from friends and family

• Lack of interest in the baby or inability to bond

The effects of untreated PPD can deeply impact the emotional and physical health of both you as a mother and your baby. That's why it's crucial for women experiencing PPD to seek help from their doctor or mental health professional. The good news is that PPD is temporary and treatable through a variety of support strategies and therapies - including PDP acupuncture which we offer at our clinic.

While there is no single cause of postpartum depression, most experts agree the dramatic hormonal shifts occurring after birth play a key role, along with factors like sleep deprivation, physical recovery from labor, previous history of trauma or abuse, including experiencing infertility in addition to major life adjustments of new parenthood. Understanding these underlying contributors, acupuncture can relieve PPD's physical and emotional distress.

Acupuncture regulates postpartum hormones 

The rapid drop in reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin immediately after delivering your baby can throw your whole body out of balance and contribute to depressive symptoms. Studies suggest that acupuncture can help stimulate and regulate the production of these key hormones by positively influencing the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

 Underlying hormonal imbalances often contribute to postpartum mood disorders, and that is where acupuncture can naturally release feel-good chemicals that address symptoms like sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. Regular acupuncture treatments during the postpartum months can support the healing process from the delivery and help with lactation, and hormonal balancing, allowing for a smoother transition into motherhood, and promoting an overall sense of l well-being.

Acupuncture reduces stress 

The demands of caring for a newborn are both joyful and emotionally as well as physically challenging for any new parent, so do not worry if you are finding the first days, weeks, or months exhausting - this is a normal part of becoming a new parent! 

If you feel the increased stress is more than new parent exhaustion and are struggling to cope, it could be that you are experiencing PPD, acupuncture has been shown to lower stress hormones like cortisol while prompting the body's natural relaxation response. Less stress allows prolactin and oxytocin (feel-good hormones) to flow more freely.

Acupuncture boosts mood and energy 

In addition to stabilizing hormone levels, studies show that acupuncture also impacts the production and circulation of "happy" neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. The release of these natural mood regulators can lift emotional heaviness, promote calmness, decrease pain, and restore vital energy stores depleted in the postpartum period.

Acupuncture can provide better sleep 

Between cluster feedings, diaper changes, and general newborn care, quality sleep is hard to come by for new moms - and sleep deprivation is a major trigger for PPD. Many studies indicate acupuncture can significantly improve sleep quality by increasing melatonin production, reducing sleep disturbances, and enhancing sleep efficiency.

Acupuncture supports postpartum weight loss

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy can range from  25-45 lbs. A woman’s body goes through a major metamorphosis during pregnancy and then the postpartum period producing milk and then metabolically recovering, healing, and adjusting to motherhood.  A history of disordered eating can be part of PPD, and worry about body weight and image.

Acupuncture offers a powerful solution by metabolically supporting your body, leading to healthy postpartum weight loss. Specific points and protocols can enhance metabolism, improve glucose and insulin sensitivity, optimize digestion, and regulate appetite hormones like ghrelin and leptin. Acupuncture's overall reduction of chronic stress also plays a key role in your postpartum weight loss journey.

By facilitating hormonal harmony and a calmer state of being, as a new mom you can finally break the cycle of fatigue, cravings, and weight stagnation - making diet and exercise efforts that much more effective.

An integrative approach for best results 

While the benefits of acupuncture for PPD are promising, this practice is most effective when combined with other evidence-based treatment approaches in a comprehensive, integrative plan. 

Receiving regular acupuncture pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy can support a woman throughout her journey as a mom and is ideal for addressing PPD before it occurs.

At our clinic, your journey begins with an in-depth evaluation to understand your full postpartum picture - from medical history and PPD symptoms to lifestyle factors and support system. From there, our skilled practitioners develop a customized treatment protocol thoughtfully combining consistent acupuncture sessions (usually 1-2 times per week), therapeutic massage therapy, herbal medicine remedies, and postpartum support. 

This multi-modal approach works to support your body's physical and emotional healing on all levels. Acupuncture targets the internal imbalances fueling PPD, while other therapies provide stress relief, healthy coping strategies, and the nurturing you need during this delicate time.

Book your first appointment today

Those first few months and years as a new parent can feel overwhelming and it is important to be proactive in seeking support, book your first appointment today.

Acupuncture provides a safe, medication-free therapy that does not interfere with allopathic therapies.  Postpartum is an intense period and is considered the 4th trimester because of the immense hormonal, physical, and emotional shifts following delivery. But, most importantly, acupuncture meets you where you are as an individual and customizes a treatment plan around your unique needs during the postpartum healing process.

If you feel the heaviness of postpartum depression is weighing you down, call us today. At Integrative Healing Arts, our compassionate and experienced team is here to help you embrace motherhood and lighten your load.

6 Herbs for Hormonal Balance

For women with frustrating symptoms,  like irregular periods, PMS, fatigue, weight fluctuations, and mood swings it can feel like an endless battle. Metabolic and hormonal imbalances are often the root cause and unfortunately, these women end up on years of medications that only treat their symptoms.

While medications can potentially help regulate hormone levels, many women are exploring natural, holistic approaches like herbal medicine to support bringing their hormones into balance. Herbs have therapeutically been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine systems to positively address women's hormonal health issues.

Customized protocols including traditional Chinese herbs like black cohosh, chasteberry, dong quai, primrose oil, and maca, can address hormonal imbalances, restoring your body’s natural hormonal rhythm. 

Black Cohosh for Menopause Relief 

One of the most well-known herbs for balancing hormones during perimenopause and menopause is black cohosh (Actaea racemosa), in Chinese medicine it is called Sheng Ma. This member of the buttercup family has also been used extensively in traditional medicine in Native American and European countries to ease the transition into menopause.

As hormone levels like estrogen decline with age, many women experience hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleep disruptions. Black cohosh works by mimicking estrogen's effects in the body without containing hormones. Studies have found black cohosh to be effective in reducing uncomfortable menopause symptoms, plus it may also reduce bone loss related to declining estrogen levels.

Vitex for PMS and menstrual regulation 

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) can make the days leading up to your period uncomfortable from mood swings and bloating to headaches and breast tenderness. If you experience moderate to severe PMS each cycle, the herb vitex (Vitex agnus-castus) known as Man Jing Zi, is used in formulas for menstrual conditions and could support pain-free cycles.

Vitex, commonly known as chasteberry, works as a natural remedy and alternative to traditional over-the-counter pain relief for PMS. Studies show that chasteberry aids the pituitary gland in regulating the production of key reproductive hormones like luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). This enables more balanced estrogen and progesterone levels throughout your menstrual cycle.

In addition to reducing PMS symptoms, studies show Vitex can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles and promote more consistent ovulation for those struggling with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Some women have even experienced improved fertility after supplementing with chaste berry.

Dong Quai for Menstrual Cramps 

If you routinely experience crippling menstrual cramps each month, the ancient Chinese herb dong quai (Angelica sinensis) could be a game-changer in managing your period pain. Research confirms dong quai's effectiveness as a natural remedy for dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps). Dong quai contains compounds that can help relax the smooth muscle lining of the uterus, allowing for easier menstrual flow and less severe cramping. It may also help increase blood circulation to the pelvic area while providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

While dong quai is unlikely to cause concerning side effects when taken properly, it may interact with certain medications like anticoagulants due to its blood-thinning properties. As with any supplement, check with your doctor first before adding dong quai to your hormonal balance supplement routine.

Maca for Hormone Balance 

If you're experiencing symptoms related to an imbalance in estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or other key hormones, the superfood maca root (Ginseng Andin) may help restore much-needed equilibrium. This nutrient-dense Peruvian plant has been used for centuries, and many women are turning to maca for relieving issues like estrogen dominance, low libido, hot flashes, irregular periods, infertility, and other hormone-related concerns across all life stages.

Maca is considered an adaptogen, meaning it can naturally help modulate your body's stress response while optimizing overall endocrine function. By supporting the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, maca enables more regulated hormone production based on your body's needs. Studies suggest that the alkaloids and sterols in maca may also enhance energy levels, mood, and sexual function by helping balance hormone levels.

As a food-based supplement, maca is generally considered safe, however, because it has the potential to disrupt thyroid function, it is advised that you work with a licensed herbalist before taking it for hormonal imbalances.

Evening Primrose Oil for PMS 

If breast tenderness and feeling bloated are your biggest PMS woes, supplementing with evening primrose oil (EPO), in Chinese medicine called Yue Jian Cao, could provide substantial relief. Evening primrose is one of the richest plant sources of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies suggest GLA from evening primrose can help alleviate PMS discomforts by providing a direct source of this beneficial fatty acid. Women may experience cyclical deficiencies in GLA during the luteal phase (1 to 2 weeks before menstruation) that can contribute to breast pain, bloating, and other PMS issues each cycle. Research also shows evening primrose oil supplementation is effective in reducing the severity of breast pain and feelings of bloating related to PMS.

Licorice Root for Adrenal Support 

When it comes to restoring hormonal harmony, sometimes the root cause of imbalance stems from excessive stress on your adrenal glands. Licorice root known as Gan Cao is found in almost every Chinese herbal formula combined with ginger. Licorice soothes the throat and digestive system. It's beneficial for the immune system, hot flashes, and stress.

Licorice is believed to work by reducing the effects of cortisol, your body's primary stress hormone. By gently inhibiting an enzyme that deactivates cortisol, licorice root can help maintain circulating levels of this critical hormone within a healthier range during periods of high stress or adrenal fatigue. Studies show licorice may reduce serum testosterone levels in women suffering from PCOS hormonal imbalances.

 Licorice can potentially raise blood pressure in some, it's important to take it in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any underlying conditions like heart or kidney disease before supplementing.

Get in touch with us today

At Integrative Healing Arts, we support incorporating herbs into your health, immunity, and wellness routine to help manage your hormonal imbalances.

During your initial consultation, our experienced herbalist will attentively listen to your medical history, fertility goals, and any hormonal imbalance concerns you may have. Book your first appointment today and you can be confident that you’ve taken the first step to improving your hormones and supporting your journey towards optimal reproductive health.

6 Benefits of Acupuncture for Perimenopause

Did you know that for women after 35 years old is considered the start of perimenopause? For many women, these years leading up to menopause can bring an array of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal shifts, this also can coincide with challenges to getting pregnant Known as perimenopause, this transitional period typically begins in a woman's 40s as her ovaries gradually produce less estrogen though some symptoms can appear earlier. The fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels can trigger everything from irregular periods and hot flashes to sleep troubles and mood changes. 

While these perimenopausal experiences are common, they are not a sign of health. It is not natural or normal for women to suffer for years with the symptoms attributed to perimenopause and menopause. It takes a tremendous toll on physical and emotional well-being.

The important news is there are many methods to address the underlying health imbalances that are the root cause of perimenopause symptoms, such as herbal medicine and acupuncture. Acupuncture is a fantastic safe and drug-free method to support your health and address perimenopausal symptoms.  Where there is a health imbalance the always a need to address inflammation, metabolic, and hormonal imbalances. Women’s health follows a reproductive cycle and life stages that continue to shift. 

Acupuncture helps regulate hormonal imbalances that cause common perimenopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. Acupuncture may also help with anxiety, depression, and joint pain by promoting the release of endorphins and regulating neurotransmitters. 

What is perimenopause? 

Perimenopause refers to the years or months before a woman's last menstrual period, marking the transition in the reproductive cycle toward menopause. It typically is noticeable in the mid-to-late 40s but can begin as early as the 30s. During perimenopause, your hormones and metabolism can begin to shift, with estrogen and progesterone levels becoming erratic before they become low enough to stop the menses.

This transitional hormonal change triggers perimenopausal symptoms like:

• Hot flashes and night sweats

• Irregular or skipped periods

• Sleep disruptions and insomnia

• Digestive disorders such as acid reflux

• Mood swings, irritability, anxiety

• Brain fog and memory lapses

• Vaginal dryness

• Loss of libido

• Fatigue

• Weight gain

These symptoms can continue into menopause. For some women, perimenopausal effects can significantly impact their quality of life and emotional well-being. That's where acupuncture may offer relief, and where our dedicated team can help!

Acupuncture helps manage hot flashes & night sweats 

Hot flashes and night sweats are among the most disruptive and troublesome symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Triggered by hormonal fluctuations and shifts in the body's temperature, these sudden sensations of intense heat and flushing can happen day or night, disrupting sleep and daily activities. The resulting sudden sensations of intense heat, flushing, sweating, and chills can strike at any time, interrupting sleep, work, and daily activities.

Up to 80% of women experience hot flashes and night sweats during the menopausal transition, with symptoms often beginning in the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause). While hormone therapy can provide relief, many women prefer non-hormonal treatment options. This is where acupuncture shows remarkable promise in managing these stubborn symptoms.

Studies have shown that regular acupuncture treatments can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes and night sweats in perimenopausal and menopausal women. This is down to acupuncture’s ability to modulate neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and β-endorphin levels. When we insert acupuncture needles into your body, we target these neurochemical pathways involved in thermoregulation, "resetting" the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in your body that becomes elevated during a hot flash episode. 

Acupuncture can reduce mood changes 

The drop in estrogen levels around perimenopause doesn't just affect the body - it can take an emotional toll too. Lower estrogen has been linked to increased irritability, mood swings, anxiety, and even depression in some women as well as fatty liver. Studies suggest acupuncture can help stabilize mood by regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and endorphins while decreasing inflammation that may contribute to emotional disturbances.

Acupuncture can aid sleep troubles 

The combination of hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal shifts can majorly disrupt your sleep quality during perimenopause. Yet getting quality sleep is crucial for overall health and longevity. Insomnia increases the chances of more serious conditions such as diabetes and heart disease as well as mood changes, foggy thinking, weight gain, and metabolic syndrome. 

Multiple studies show acupuncture treatments may enhance sleep by increasing melatonin production, reducing night wakings, and ensuring you get a good night’s sleep.

Acupuncture can help ‘brain fog’ 

That feeling of mental cloudiness "brain fog" or poor memory is a common symptom, likely triggered by hormonal shifts impacting cognition, sleep, and memory. According to various studies, acupuncture can help improve cognitive function and alleviate brain fog during perimenopause by regulating hormone levels and enhancing blood flow to the brain. The insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body is believed to stimulate the body's natural healing processes and restore balance to the hormonal system.

Acupuncture regulates hormones & enhances blood flow 

Proper blood circulation is essential for your overall health and well-being - blood transports vital nutrients, oxygen, and hormones to every cell and tissue in your body. During perimenopause, compromised blood flow can impede the transport and regulation of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Acupuncture is thought to positively influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis that controls reproductive hormone production. This can help normalize levels of estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and other key hormones disrupted during perimenopause.

Studies show that acupuncture can significantly improve blood flow and circulation in several ways. Firstly, when we insert the thin acupuncture needles at specific points on your body, it prompts a biochemical response that increases blood flow in the treated areas. This improved circulation helps nourish and oxygenate the cells and tissues, while also facilitating the efficient removal of metabolic waste products and carbon dioxide.

Acupuncture also stimulates the release of nitric oxide and other vasodilators that relax and widen blood vessels. This dilation reduces vascular resistance and enhances overall blood flow throughout the body, including to vital organs like your ovaries. With increased ovarian blood flow, the transportation and uptake of hormones are optimized, which may help support hormone regulation during your perimenopausal transition.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we use acupuncture to directly target specific areas of your body experiencing poor blood flow. For example, improving circulation to your abdomen, back, and legs to enhance pelvic floor dysfunction and blood flow to reproductive organs. This localized increase in circulation can help address issues like vaginal dryness, irregular periods, and other gynecological issues during perimenopause.

Acupuncture can reduce inflammation 

Menopause literally means the stopping of the menses and is considered a transition in a woman’s reproductive cycle. Levels of estrogen and other hormones involved in regulating inflammation can be erratic. These hormonal fluctuations can contribute to systemic l, inflammation throughout your body causing joint pain as well as weakened connective tissue and aging skin. While inflammation is a natural immune response (fever), chronic inflammation is not a healthy response and can cause a spiral of perimenopausal symptoms.

Research shows acupuncture helps release natural anti-inflammatory compounds like proteins and opioids to counteract excess inflammation. After inserting the acupuncture needles into specific points in your body, they trigger the release of proteins and opioids that have potent anti-inflammatory effects. These natural compounds help counteract inflammation by reducing proinflammatory molecules like cytokines and prostaglandins.

Contact us today

While perimenopause is a reproductive cycle stage, you don't have to nor should you suffer. If you’re struggling with the challenges of perimenopause, acupuncture may offer a safe, effective, and natural way to address the underlying causes of your symptoms.

At Integrative Healing Arts we can help provide relief from symptoms related to perimenopause like hot flashes, insomnia, mood changes, and brain fog through our acupuncture sessions. Our skilled practitioners are here to develop a personalized treatment plan and guide you towards optimal health and a balanced harmonious transition through menopause.

If you're struggling with irregular periods and mood swings, these can be the disruptive effects of perimenopause, consider adding acupuncture to your wellness strategy and book your first appointment today. 

Chinese Herbs for Egg Quality Over 40

At Integrative Healing Arts, we understand how daunting it can feel to get pregnant after age 40. Many women assume their window of fertility has closed once they reach their 40s and beyond. But we've guided countless mothers successfully through this journey, proving it's very possible to conceive naturally even after 40.

The key is taking a holistic approach to optimize your overall health and hormonal balance. While age does make conception more difficult, supporting your body through nutrition, stress management, and natural therapies like herbal medicine can dramatically improve your fertility after 40.

Why do women over 40 struggle with infertility?

As women age, ovarian reserve, and egg quality diminish over time. Hormone levels, particularly those involved in the menstrual cycle like estrogen, progesterone, and FSH, can become imbalanced. This makes it harder for the ovaries to release an egg for fertilization each cycle. 

Being 40 is one of those milestone birthdays that culture likes to label as “middle-aged”, and unfortunately Western medicine considers over 35 to be geriatric when it comes to maternity.

In their early and late 40s, many women enter perimenopause - that transitional period leading into menopause where hormone fluctuations really kick in. The natural aging process, combined with factors like stress, poor diet, and environmental toxins can throw your whole endocrine system out of whack.

But you're not alone in facing these challenges. With some lifestyle adjustments and the right natural fertility plan, getting pregnant over 40 can be possible, just as we've seen with our many success stories at the clinic.

Chinese herbs to boost egg quality after 40

While conventional fertility treatments like IVF and IUI can be invasive and costly, traditional Chinese herbal medicine provides a gentle yet powerful approach. Specific herbal formulas can nourish and restore hormonal balance, stimulate ovulation, enhance egg quality, and revitalize your overall reproductive function.

Drawing from centuries of ancient wisdom, at Integrative Healing Arts we craft customized herbal protocols using these key botanicals to encourage healthy fertility for our over 40 patients trying to conceive.

Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) 

Considered the "female ginseng" in TCM, Dong Quai has long been used to treat various menstrual and fertility issues in women. Studies show it works by enhancing blood flow and oxygen to the uterus and ovaries, helping promote healthy ovulation while supporting hormone regulation and egg quality.

Dong Quai is particularly helpful for women over 40 experiencing irregular cycles or lack of ovulation due to low estrogen and progesterone. Its warming properties help generate more yang energy to restart the reproductive engine.

Ren Shen (Panax Ginseng) 

As a powerful adaptogen, Ren Shen helps the body better cope with stress - one of the biggest enemies of fertility at any age. This ancient root boosts energy levels and helps normalize hormone imbalances that can prevent ovulation and implantation.

For women over 40 trying to conceive, Ren Shen's ability to regulate the HPA axis hormones involved in the stress response can be game-changing. Lowering stress restores hormonal harmony for improved egg health and increased chances of successful conception.

Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta) 

This herb has been revered for centuries for its rejuvenating effects, especially for the reproductive organs and kidneys. Tu Si Zi helps promote healthy ovulation and menstruation by nourishing the yin/yang balance. Many of our patients over 40 have low ovarian reserve and find it harder to produce fertile quality eggs.

Danggui (Angelica sinensis) 

Another fertility powerhouse, Danggui shares similar properties to Dong Quai in its ability to increase blood flow and circulation to the uterus. This ensures the uterine lining is properly thickened and ready for implantation.

Danggui is extremely effective at regulating the menstrual cycle - a must for women over 40 whose cycles may have become irregular, absent, or too light for ovulation to occur. It can help promote a healthy, steady flow to restore fertility.

Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 

Part of what makes conceiving over 40 so difficult is hormones like estrogen and testosterone can become imbalanced and stuck in a stagnant pattern. Chai Hu helps get that stuck energy moving again to improve hormonal flow. By facilitating better hormone balance, Chai Hu makes for more regular ovulation.

Ban Xia (Pinellia) 

Excess dampness and phlegm can disrupt the reproductive channels and impair fertility. Ban Xia helps drain that excess moisture and clear out hormonal byproducts that may be gumming up the works. For women over 40, Ban Xia’s ability to reduce internal dampness while boosting digestive and metabolic function can improve hormonal detoxification and balance.

Other herbs to try

Black Cohosh 

Long used by Native Americans for female reproductive issues, black cohosh is incredibly effective at restoring hormonal balance. It acts as a phytoestrogen, providing a gentle estrogenic effect that can help regulate irregular cycles and alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flashes that disrupt fertility.

For women over 40 dealing with estrogen decline, taking black cohosh helps raise low levels while also promoting healthy progesterone production needed for ovulation and implantation.

Red Clover

Like black cohosh, red clover is rich in isoflavones that mimic estrogen's effects. This botanical can be incredibly useful for women over 40 experiencing estrogen deficiency which impacts cervical mucus production, endometrial lining, and overall fertility health.

Red clover has also been shown to help increase the production of luteinizing hormone, a reproductive hormone that's pivotal for ovulation and supporting early pregnancy.

Evening Primrose Oil 

This oil is packed with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid that helps regulate reproductive hormones and cycles. For women over 40, evening primrose oil can help combat hormonal imbalances, sluggish follicle development, and lack of ovulation. For women over 40 it can help with hot flashes and mood shifts. Studies state that GLA in evening primrose has also been found to increase cervical mucus production - an important factor for fertility as you age and cervical fluids decrease.

Maca 

An adaptogenic root vegetable from Peru, maca is revered for its ability to restore hormonal harmony and boost fertility in both men and women. For women over 40, it helps gently raise low estrogen levels while promoting ovulation and enhanced egg quality. For women in perimenopause, it can help with inflammation. Maca is also rich in nutrients like vitamin C, amino acids, and plant sterols that can counteract the negative effects of estrogen deficiency and stress on fertility after 40.

Flax Seeds

These little seeds offer a big fertility boost thanks to their concentration of lignans - beneficial compounds that have antioxidant and weak estrogenic properties. The lignans in flax can help modulate estrogen levels and ratios for improved ovulation and cycle regulation.

The omega-3s in flax also play a role by reducing inflammation and enhancing blood flow to increase responsiveness to hormones involved in ovulation like GnRH, LH, and FSH.

Always seek professional advice when using Chinese Herbal Medicine

At Integrative Healing Arts, we believe Chinese herbal blends help women overcome fertility issues and improve their overall reproductive health.

Herbs can be incredibly powerful and can provide different effects on different people. 

We understand that every woman is different, therefore we strongly suggest against using herbs without professional guidance. Selecting the wrong herbs, or even using the right herbs for longer than needed, can worsen your condition.

If you’re considering using herbs to boost your fertility, seek out professional guidance first and work with an experienced, trained herbalist like those at Integrative Healing Arts to determine which formulas will work best for you.

Book your appointment today

Trying to conceive can be an anxious time, regardless of how old you are. If you’re over 40 and struggling to get pregnant, you don’t have to take this journey alone.

When you book your first appointment with Integrative Healing Arts, you can be confident that you are on the right track to improving your fertility.

During your visit, Tsao will help create a plan that suits your needs for a healthy pregnancy. She will take the time to learn about your history, health concerns, and fertility goals, guiding you to start your journey. You can trust Tsao’s years of experience and wealth of knowledge to help you conceive naturally and have the baby you’ve always dreamed of. 

How Often Should You Do Acupuncture For Fertility?

Are you trying to conceive but struggling with infertility? You're not alone. Many couples face challenges on their journey to starting a family. In fact, 1 in 8 couples experience infertility. If you've been looking for natural ways to boost your fertility, you may have become aware that acupuncture can improve fertility. Many fertility clinics now not only encourage receiving acupuncture, but they recommend it. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. But how frequently should you receive acupuncture treatments for maximum benefit? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all. At Integrative Healing Arts, we tailor treatment plans to your unique needs and cycle. Let us guide you to optimize your fertility journey.

Acupuncture helps regulate hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and FSH/LH to promote ovulation. It also helps increase blood flow and oxygen delivery to the ovaries and uterus, supporting egg quality and implantation.

Egg development starts early

Did you know that the eggs you'll ovulate in any given cycle started developing 3 months earlier? It's true - your eggs take about 3 months to fully mature before ovulation. This means that to optimize your egg quality and boost your fertility, you'll want to start receiving supportive therapies like acupuncture at least 3 months before you hope to conceive.

At Integrative Healing Arts, we recommend beginning weekly acupuncture sessions 3 months before your conception window. Our fertility acupuncture treatments can help improve egg development, balance hormones, and enhance overall egg quality. By supporting your body well in advance, we can help you produce the highest quality eggs for a healthy pregnancy, even for women trying to have fertility success in their 40s.

Acupuncture boosts IVF success rates

If you're pursuing IVF, acupuncture 2-3 months before IVF transfer can significantly increase your chances of taking home a healthy baby. Numerous studies show that having acupuncture done before and after your embryo transfer can nearly double your pregnancy rates compared to not receiving acupuncture.

Our practice follows best practices by offering acupuncture at our clinic on the day of embryo transfer - just before and after your transfer. This ensures you receive the maximum benefits without added stress from traveling off-site.

Research also indicates that having acupuncture sessions leading up to your IVF cycle, in addition to the transfer day treatments, can further boost your live birth rates. Our fertility acupuncture programs are customized to optimize your natural cycle or enhance the success of IVF procedures.

Cycle tracking for optimal fertility timing

While weekly treatments are the general recommendation, your acupuncturist may adjust the frequency around your menstrual cycle. For example, we may suggest coming in more often around the time of ovulation - during your fertile window, you may receive acupuncture every 2-3 days. The added frequency helps to ensure healthy ovulation and creates ideal conditions for conception. By syncing your acupuncture schedule with your cycle, you can maximize its fertility-enhancing benefits when your body is most fertile.

The importance of being consistent

Like any therapy, consistency is key when using acupuncture to enhance fertility. Sporadic, infrequent sessions are less likely to be effective compared to regular, ongoing treatments. While weekly or cycle-tracked sessions are the norm, some may require a different acupuncture schedule to see results, and that's okay. What's most crucial is staying consistent with your treatments, whatever the frequency.

We understand that some challenges on your fertility journey may arise that force you to miss appointments. Keeping up with weekly appointments can be difficult while balancing work, life, and your fertility journey. But do not worry, our caring team is here to accommodate your schedule and ensure you can adhere to your customized treatment plan.

Prenatal acupuncture for a healthy pregnancy

The journey doesn't end once you conceive. Acupuncture provides vital support throughout pregnancy to nurture your baby's development and your overall wellness. As acupuncture is safe during pregnancy, we suggest you have weekly prenatal acupuncture, especially during the first trimester when miscarriage risks are highest.

Our prenatal acupuncture helps reduce morning sickness, vomiting, anxiety, and insomnia in early pregnancy, particularly in the second and third-trimester pregnancy. Perhaps more importantly, receiving consistent prenatal care like acupuncture has been linked to lower miscarriage rates. Regular treatments continue balancing your hormones and increasing nutrient-rich blood flow to the uterus for proper fetal growth.

Whether you're just starting to try or are pursuing fertility treatments, our team will develop a customized plan leveraging acupuncture to provide full-cycle support.

Additional ways to boost your fertility

While acupuncture is powerful on its own, integrating other natural therapies can provide a multifaceted boost to your fertility efforts. At Integrative Healing Arts, we develop holistic, personalized protocols drawing from different practices.

Herbal medicine

Chinese herbal medicine can work alongside acupuncture to combat fertility issues at the root. Specific herbs promote circulation, regulate hormone levels, enhance egg quality, and more.

Massage & bodywork 

Massage therapy helps reduce physical and emotional stress - two factors that can hinder fertility. Abdominal massage also aids with increased blood flow to the reproductive organs.

Dietary counseling 

What you eat has a significant impact on your hormones and fertility. Our nutritionists guide foods and supplements to improve your fertility through diet.

By combining the power of multiple natural, time-tested techniques, we take an integrative approach to overcoming infertility from all angles.

Book your appointment today

At Integrative Healing Arts, we've helped countless couples achieve their dream of conceiving through personalized acupuncture and holistic treatment plans. In most cases, weekly acupuncture is recommended, but we may adjust the cadence around your cycle timings. We'll also incorporate other supportive therapies like herbs and massage for maximum benefit.

Don't let infertility put your dreams on hold. Take the first step towards optimizing your fertility naturally by contacting our welcoming team today to start your fertility acupuncture journey. At Integrative Healing Arts, we're committed to helping you reach your goals while empowering your overall health and well-being.