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Twelve Pathways ACUPUNCTURE & ORIENTAL MEDICINE
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The Twelve Pathways Fertility Protocol

ACUPUNCTURE & IVF
65%+

higher odds of clinical pregnancy when acupuncture is timed around embryo transfer, across seven trials (BMJ meta-analysis, 2008).

Acupuncture relaxes the uterus and uterine contractions after embryo transfer, and increases blood flow to the ovaries during the stimulatory process, working in correlation with the drugs used by your reproductive endocrinologist.

Eric works in conjunction with some of the best medical doctors in the area and will time sessions around your retrieval and transfer.

Coordinate your IVF support
WHAT THE RESEARCH SHOWS

The evidence behind acupuncture & fertility

Two decades of clinical research point the same way: well-timed acupuncture tends to improve the odds of pregnancy, both naturally and with IVF.

42.5%

clinical pregnancy rate with acupuncture around embryo transfer, versus 26.3% with IVF alone (Paulus et al., 2002).

+65%

higher odds of clinical pregnancy across seven trials, about one extra pregnancy for every ten women treated (BMJ meta-analysis, 2008).

63.9%

pregnancy rate with acupuncture versus 33.3% without, in women with unexplained infertility doing IVF (Guven et al., 2020).

Sources: Fertility and Sterility (2002); BMJ (2008); Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (2020). Acupuncture is a complement to medical care, not a guarantee of pregnancy.

GO DEEPER

Fertility & IVF, explained

ACUPUNCTURE & IVF
Benefits of Acupuncture & IVF

The documented increases in IVF pregnancy rates, in plain English.

Read the article →
NATURAL FERTILITY
Alternatives to IVF

Improve your odds of conceiving naturally, for a fraction of the cost.

Read the article →
EGG QUALITY
Acupuncture for Egg Quality

How blood flow and lower stress support egg quality and ovarian response.

Read the article →
COMMON FERTILITY ISSUES

How acupuncture and Oriental Medicine can help

Acupuncture works by rebalancing the cycle, reducing stress to improve ovarian response, increasing egg quality, and improving blood flow to the uterus and reproductive organs.

Irregular menstruation

Acupuncture and herbal formulas regulate hormones and balance the body to restore a normal cycle, allowing for better accuracy of the ovulatory window.

Endometriosis

This condition can cause pain and irregular periods, with a major impact on conceiving. Herbal medicine paired with acupuncture resolves clotting, reduces blockages and inflammation, and decreases pain.

PCOS

A common condition marked by infrequent or prolonged cycles. Most women with PCOS are not ovulating; acupuncture and herbal formulas rebalance hormone levels to restore menstruation and promote the ovulatory phase.

Uterine fibroids

These noncancerous growths can affect the ability to conceive. Acupuncture and formulas aid in shrinking fibroids and restoring normal menses, western intervention is referred when masses are too large.

Other causes

Hormone imbalance from stress, ovarian cysts, male factor issues, elevated FSH, decreased ovarian response, egg quality, increasing maternal age, and unexplained infertility.

WHAT THE PROTOCOL INCLUDES

Personalized to your body, adjusted as you go

01

Oriental Medicine evaluation

A complete evaluation of the couple or woman to understand your constitution, cycle, and history.

02

Traditional acupuncture

Regular sessions to regulate hormones, reduce stress, and increase blood flow to reproductive organs.

03

Chinese herbal medicine

Custom formulas chosen for your diagnosis, symptoms, and individual constitution.

04

Dietary adjustments

Nutrition guidance to bring your body into balance and support conception.

05

Yin & Yang balance

Understanding your body’s energetics and achieving balance through Oriental Medicine.

06

Cycle & breath work

Awareness of disharmony in the menstrual cycle and learning to breathe correctly.

Most couples begin the protocol 1 to 3 months before trying to conceive, though results can be achieved sooner.
THE PRENATAL PLAN

Support that carries through pregnancy

Once pregnancy has been established, a prenatal plan is implemented, protecting and nourishing you and your baby from the first trimester through delivery.

Decrease risk of miscarriage and control morning sickness and fatigue
Promote relaxation and reduce stress while achieving deep sleep
Decrease pain and swelling associated with pregnancy
Encourage the release of oxytocin from the pituitary gland
Increase lactation and aid in delivery close to your due date
Induce naturally if necessary
"Eric's wife Deena is living proof that through acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, dreams of conceiving new life can become reality, even later in life."

Eric is happily married and a father. His son Kai was conceived when Deena was 42, through the same protocol he uses with patients. He firmly believes in this work, and the results speak for themselves.

FROM OUR GOOGLE REVIEWS

Fertility journeys that ended in a baby

A few words from patients who found us on their path to parenthood. Shared from verified Google reviews.

★★★★★

“As a doctor I was ambivalent about acupuncture but have become a firm believer in it, and I recommend it to my patients now. I would highly recommend Eric for anyone preconception to enhance fertility, or those who are doing IVF.”

Verified Google review · physician & patient

★★★★★

“After my first failed IVF cycle I learned about the benefits of acupuncture. In the months leading up to my egg retrievals and embryo transfer I saw Eric twice a week, which resulted in a twin pregnancy. Both babies are healthy!”

Verified Google review · IVF patient

★★★★★

“He took the time to understand my fertility journey and adjusted treatments as my cycles changed. Throughout my journey, which ultimately led to IVF, I got pregnant on my first transfer and I truly believe the acupuncture played a crucial role.”

Verified Google review · fertility & IVF patient

Read more patient stories
QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Fertility & IVF, answered

Yes. A number of studies show acupuncture can improve the odds of pregnancy, both for couples trying naturally and for those going through IVF. The landmark 2002 Paulus study found a clinical pregnancy rate of 42.5% when acupuncture was added around embryo transfer, versus 26.3% without it, and a 2008 BMJ meta-analysis of seven trials found acupuncture raised the odds of clinical pregnancy by about 65%. It works by improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, calming the nervous system, and helping to regulate the hormones that drive your cycle.

Most couples start one to three months before they plan to conceive, though results can come sooner. That window gives the body time to regulate the cycle, improve egg quality, and build blood flow to the reproductive organs. For IVF, Eric times sessions around your egg retrieval and embryo transfer in coordination with your fertility clinic.

Yes, and the two are designed to work together. Acupuncture relaxes the uterus and reduces uterine contractions after transfer, increases blood flow to the ovaries during stimulation, and lowers the stress that often runs high during a cycle. Eric works alongside many of the area’s reproductive endocrinologists and schedules sessions around your retrieval and transfer dates.

Fertility acupuncture is a small fraction of the cost of IVF. A single IVF cycle in the U.S. typically runs $15,000 to $25,000 or more with medications, while acupuncture sessions are usually a modest per-visit fee. For many couples, a course of acupuncture is an affordable first step, and a valuable add-on if they do move to IVF.

Very little. Treatments use hair-thin, single-use, pre-sterilized needles, and most patients feel only a brief, dull sensation at most. Many people find fertility sessions so relaxing that they fall asleep.

Yes. Eric collaborates with reproductive endocrinologists and OB-GYNs throughout the Naperville and Lisle area. Traditional Oriental Medicine and Western fertility care complement each other, and are often most effective when used together.

Begin your fertility journey

Eric offers a free consultation to discuss your goals and concerns before you start. No pressure, just an honest conversation about whether this is right for you.

Book a free consult Call (630) 442 2654