Whether you are planning to use high tech fertility treatments, or take the more natural approach, acupuncture can increase your chances of achieving a pregnancy and a Take Home Baby.
Acupuncture uses the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as herbal prescriptions for maintaining a balanced system. Our goal is to allow patients to conceive naturally. By strengthening the patient’s health, it allows the inborn ability of conception to take place. A healthy more balanced body will conceive more naturally. Many women feel a sense that their “biological clock” is running out, it stands to reason that pregnancy is more likely to occur in a “healthy” 40 year old versus an “unhealthy” 40 year old.
It will take more than three months to improve the quality of oocytes. Acupuncture and Herbal therapy can improve the oocytes by bathing them in a soup of nourishing blood and Qi.
This doesn’t mean lost time; it means giving your body a head start. If you do not conceive naturally and decide to use ART, IVF or IUI;you can rest assured that the time spent on improving your health will give you the best possible outcome and that is a Take Home Baby (THB).
TCM & Herbs
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Blood and Yin Tonics
- Stimulate estrogen production
- Increases hemoglobin production, lowers FSH
- Improves motility of sperm (bathes in fluid so sperm can move more easily)
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Yang tonics
- Stimulates production of sperm
- Regulates thyroid hormone
- Improves sperm motility and count
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At East Winds Acupuncture, Diane Cridennda, L.Ac. NCCAOM has dedicated a
significant amount her practice to the treatment of infertility.
She has teamed with Reproductive Endocrinologists and Infertility Specialists
to assist in the treatment of In Vitro Fertilization patients.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine can Enhance Fertility
- Regulates menstrual cycles
- Regulate hormones by reducing stress
- Improves ovarian function; encourages production of follicles; enhances their quality
- Improves blood flow to ovaries and uterus
- Reduces miscarriages
- Enhances immune system
- Lessens uterine contractions after embryo transfer
- Improves thickness of uterine wall lining
- Lessens side effects of medications
- Improves sperm parameters (takes 3 mos.)
- Improves quality of oocytes (takes 3 mos.)
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TCM & IVF Published Protocols (click for more info)
The following research has been done on the efficacy of acupuncture being used in conjunction with IVF or ART:
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Acupuncture and IVF Poor Responders: A Cure?
Magarelli & Cridennda 2004.
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Acupuncture and Good Prognosis IVF Patients: Synergy
Magarelli, Cridennda, and Cohen 2004
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Acupuncture: Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF Patients
Magarelli, Cridennda, and Cohen 2004
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Improvement of IVF Outcomes by Acupuncture: Are egg and embryo qualities involved?
Magarelli, Cridennda, and Cohen 2005
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Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilization: Does the Number of Treatments Impact Reproductive Outcomes?
D.K. Cridennda L.Ac.(1), P.C. Magarelli MD, Ph.D. (2) , and M. Cohen, MBA (2). Oct 2005
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Two major studies were done which demonstrated increased pregnancy rates combining Acupuncture with ART/IVF
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Stener-Victorin et al Protocol
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Paulus et al. Protocol
- Treat 12-24 hours before embryo transfer
- Treat within 1 hour after embryo transfer
- Pre transfer points
- Du 20, PC 6, ST 29, SP 8, LIV 3
- Ear points
- Rt. Shen, brain
- Lt. Uterus,endocrine
- Place press tacks in each ear using the same points and ask patient to stimulate them during transfer.
- Post transfer points
- LI 4, SP 10, ST 36, SP 6
- Ear Points
- Rt.uterus, endocrine
- Lt. Shen brain
- Place press tacks in same pattern instruct patient to remove in 3 days.
- Needles
- 32 g 1 ½ inch needles
- Stimulate to obtain deqi (Qi)
- Re-stimulate after 10 minutes, leave another 15 minutes Total Retention 25 minutes.
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Test Tube Babies
Our Research using acupuncture combined with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
Dr. Paul C Magarelli at RMFC and Diane Cridennda at East Winds Acupuncture have been conducting research combining high-tech fertility treatments with acupuncture
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East Winds Acupuncture has been conducting research with premier IVF
programs in Colorado since 1999. Diane has worked with Reproductive Medicine
& Fertility Center™ , Center for Reproductive Medicine ™ , Conceptions ™
Fertility Center of Colorado ™ and RMFC @ UNM ™ to provide acupuncture
services to infertility patients.
BREAKING NEWS
Diane and Dr. Magarelli have been invited to speak in London, England in June 2006 at the ARRC (Acupuncture Research Resource Centre) at Thames Valley University.
East Winds Acupuncture and RMFC have been selected to present an Oral
Presentation for the 2005 Pacific Coast Reproductive Society’s Annual Meeting in
Indian Wells, CA. This will be the first publication addressing the issues of
Acupuncture’s impact on the quality, quantity and function of embryos created in
patients receiving acupuncture.
Venice, Italy 2005: EWA and RMFC traveled to Venice, Italy where they presented data demonstrating a 25% improvement in Pregnancy Rates (statistically significant at < 0.05 level) for patients receiving IVF and Acupuncture and a statistically significant reduction in miscarriages, ectopics, and more “Take Home Babies” (THB) in the Acupuncture + IVF group versus controls.
Acupuncture: Impact on
Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF Patients Click here to link to this
article.
Diane is involved with ongoing research projects with Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Center ™
adding acupuncture to high tech fertility treatments, IVF (In Vitro
Fertilization). Her research with IVF demonstrated that a higher percent chance
of pregnancy, and more importantly, more babies were born to those who have
acupuncture. Her research on
Poor Prognosis IVF patients is published in the
supplement of Fertility and Sterility Vol 81 Sup.3 April 2004: it won the
Private Practice Physician’s award for Research Click here
to link to this article. She
has also recently presented her work on
Good Prognosis IVF patients at the
American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) annual meeting in
Philadelphia. Click here to link to this article
Acupuncture is an option for infertility whether you are using high tech
fertility treatments or if you want to take a more natural approach. Diane will
set up a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Diane believes “We must take advantage of the breakthrough in modern
technology, but we can’t lose touch with ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine."
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Based on our research, for Poor Responder IVF patients, pregnancy rates were “corrected” to match Good Responders. What was particularly exciting was the observation that Birth Rates were improved by 11% in those patients receiving both IVF and Acupuncture! This we believed was due to fewer miscarriages and no ectopic pregnancies in the IVF + Acupuncture groups.
Similar results were obtained when Good Prognosis IVF patients were treated with acupuncture. Diane found that although there were no statistically significant differences in pregnancy rates (there was a 5 % increase in pregnancy rates even in Good Prognosis patients treated with acupuncture); she did find significantly more patients achieved a take home baby! Again, this represents the first time any publication has demonstrated an improved outcome (i.e., births) utilizing acupuncture.
In Venice 2005, at the 12th Congress on Human Reproduction we found on overwhelming increase in pregnancy rates when all patients having Fresh IVF cycles and adding Acupuncture to their treatment regimens. We also determined a significant reduction in ectopic rates (as we have already seen in Good and Poor Prognosis patient) and a trend in fewer multiples:
Acupuncture and In Vitro Fertilization: Does the Number of Treatments Impact Reproductive Outcomes? Click here to read this article
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At the age of 41 I was diagnosed with pre-mature ovarian failure and was in the midst of premature menopause. This was the diagnosis of two infertility physicians, my Ob endocrinologist and my primary care physician. My FSH was over 30 for three months in a row and my menstrual cycle had completely stopped. I was given less than 1% chance of conceiving using my own eggs.
I had already been seeing Dr. Diane for fertility issues but we both agreed that we should focus on the menopausal issues that were turning my life upside down. Dr. Diane continued to treat me weekly and through regular acupuncture visits, Chinese herbal prescriptions and topical crèmes, my periods were back within three months. The hot flashes were gone and my libido was back. My husband also received acupuncture and took herbs and nutritional supplements to help sperm quality.
In late January I became pregnant!
In the first trimester I was experiencing a lot of spotting and my Ob gave me grim news that I may miscarry. I saw Diane for several acupuncture treatments and soon the spotting stopped.
My son was born September 25, 2004 one month early, but in perfect health. I wound (and do) encourage anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation to seek out acupuncture/Chinese Medicine. I found acupuncture to not only be affordable but less invasive than most fertility treatments.
I cannot fully express my gratitude to Diane for being there during this period of my life.
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Seven years ago I first decided to try acupuncture / Chinese medicine to help with some infertility issues. I found East Winds Acupuncture in the phone book and went to see Dr. Diane Cridennda. I decided to let go of my western mind and give these foreign ideas a chance, and I figured that after all, medicine that’s been around for 5,000 years has to have something going right.
I hate needles. I always cried when I had to get a shot, even as an adult, and probably would still cry to this day. I can’t say I enjoy having the acupuncture needles put in, but I definitely enjoy the results I get when the treatment is done. The discomfort is over pretty quickly and I have had great results from many different treatments.
Over the past 7 years I have had three children and almost no colds. I usually try acupuncture and/or Chinese medicine as my first resort for anything that ails me. The best part about it is that there are no adverse side effects and the treatments go after the root cause of the problem – not just the symptoms like western medicine does. We had to use IVF to get pregnant both times, and the acupuncture was a wonderful compliment to having the IVF treatments work and to support me My second pregnancy was with twins and I was
put on bed rest at 28 weeks to prevent preterm labor. I immediately contacted Dr. Diane to start weekly treatments to prevent preterm labor and I carried the twins to 38 weeks and a scheduled c-section.
When I walk into Dr. Diane’s office, I immediately relax and start to feel better. I know she will care about my problem, take the time to understand it, and do everything she can to treat me. She has always helped me manage my health in a holistic way – I have learned a lot about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle from her that compliments the Chinese approach to medicine. The best way to avoid problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place!
I have referred many people to Dr. Diane over the years, and some of them have had quick and impacting results and some of them found that acupuncture wasn’t for them. No one I spoke with ever regretted giving it a try. I believe that it is certainly worth a shot, and I feel very empowered and in control of my own health by having access to Chinese medicine.
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We had started trying to conceive our first baby in February 2003. I charted my basal body temperature and there seemed to be no obvious health problems, month after month my pregnancy test was negative. Realizing that we might have a problem, we started the western infertility route with my Ob/Gyn by having all blood labs checked in January 2004. All values came back within normal limits, so my Ob/Gyn advised me to start seeing an RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) for more aggressive treatments. I was bothered by the fact that so many things seemed to be “unexplained” “no problem" - my short luteal phase (9-11 days), my short and light period, my progesterone just barely being over the lower threshold... I felt like all I needed was a little nudge in the right direction, not chemical bombs or a full-blown IVF.
Finally, in May 2004, somebody told me about acupuncture and that it can help with infertility problems. I looked up www.acufinder.com and luckily found a TCM practitioner specializing in infertility in my area - Dr. Diane Cridennda. I have to say that I was quite skeptical at first, but the very first appointment, which included a long interview, already laid a lot of my doubts to rest. Finally somebody was interested in what I had to say about my own health, not just about obvious fertility-related issues, but others like digestion, emotions etc. She continued to impress me by telling me things that I hadn't told her, like my kidney issues or my bad night vision.
During the next weeks, I learned more about the philosophy of TCM by reading a book Diane had recommended to me - "The Infertility Cure" by Randine Lewis. Diane was always happy to answer any questions I might have and discuss ideas. She continued to adapt my herb combination. In my third month, she used electro-acupuncture just before I ovulated. That was the month I conceived, just as she had predicted. (She had told me that if there are no additional problems, she expects her patients to conceive after 3-6 months of treatment). I am now well in my 4th month and continue my acupuncture treatments. I am convinced it is the reason I had virtually no morning sickness. I now hope she will be willing to help me with labor pains as well.
I am deeply grateful to Diane, for being such a compassionate, caring person and for being a great listener. I look forward to sharing a large bottle of champagne with her, once the baby is born! She told me that it feels like a boy, so we will see if she is right again :-)."
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Dear Diane
Thank you for all of your patient and kind support as I worked my way through (not quite past) a needle phobia. I used your advice on rising out of bed and as a result am much more aware of using and not using my stomach muscles. I really appreciate your help and believe that you played a major role in enabling us to become pregnant. We’re expecting twins at the end of April. Thank-you.
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I tried to get pregnant for three years. First we tried artificial insemination. I got pregnant after the third try, but had an ectopic pregnancy. After three more unsuccessful inseminations, we were referred to Dr. Magarelli. We did two IVF cycles. I got pregnant both times, but miscarried. When we decided to do a third IVF cycle Dr. Magarelli. suggested we try acupuncture. We met Dr. Diane Cridennda and did the IVF protocol. I only had time to do six of the eight recommended electro stimulation acupuncture treatments. I did the pre and post transfer treatments. Then Dr Diane set up a miscarriage protocol for me. I found the acupuncture to be very relaxing. I had calm feeling when I left the office after a session. I believe the acupuncture helped increase the blood flow to my uterus. I also had very little nausea throughout my pregnancy because Dr. Diane asked about which symptoms I was having and used those acupuncture points. Now I have a beautiful baby boy.
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One to three percent. That’s what we were told were our chances for conceiving using IVF with my own eggs. This was after five years of infertility including two miscarriages, two unsuccessful IVF attempts, being diagnosed with severe endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and premature ovarian failure, and then having two pelvic surgeries to try to fix everything. Despite the odds, we decided to try one more IVF cycle with a new doctor and anything he might recommend. Of course, being a needle-phobia, I cringed when he told me acupuncture would be a non-negotiable part of my treatment. I figured if this was my last hope, I might as well try everything. I started to become a believer in the effects of acupuncture when my blood work on IVF stimulation drugs was four times more favorable than it had been in my previous attempts. Then, we had three times the number of embryos. We were cautiously optimistic when we learned I was pregnant, and we continued with Dr. Diane’s anti-miscarriage protocol throughout the pregnancy. This also likely contributed to my complete lack of morning sickness, back pain, constipation, and immediate resolution of two head colds during the pregnancy. We gave birth to our beautiful baby daughter in August 2005, no doubt due in part to the benefits of acupuncture.
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When a couple decides to start a family there is a great sense of excitement and expectation while they wait for the test strip to turn a different color or shape. For some, that wait is a long one. My husband and I are in the latter category. So we went to a specialist to find out what the hold up was. After a lot of testing, we agreed to undergo IVF with ICSI. Having never been to visit many, if any Drs. in my lifetime, this was a huge step for me. Our first attempt was unsuccessful. However with the second attempt the final verdict call told us that the “test strip changed colors”. We were finally pregnant. Unfortunately a miscarriage followed several weeks later. So we kept trying; and kept trying. We had some success followed by another miscarriage.
Throughout the IVF process, my Dr. had recommended acupuncture to assist in getting pregnant. This again was a huge step for me as prior to this I had a fear of needles and tended to pass out when I had to give blood. Well, anyone that has undergone IVF will tell you such fears pass in the blink of an eye. So I went for treatments. I had read that many women called these treatments their needle naps. How could they? It’s a bunch of needles stuck in you! But after my first treatment I was hooked. And I did indeed fall asleep!
On our 6th and last IVF attempt, we had a positive result call and this time the Dr. told me to go in immediately for acupuncture treatments. Prior to this I had gone as a preparation for getting pregnant. This time he wanted me to go throughout my pregnancy. He explained that studies show acupuncture helps high risk patients maintain their pregnancy. So off I went to visit Dr. Diane again! I went in weekly for treatments (or needle naps). I find the sessions help to balance me. I feel more peaceful, calm and rested after a treatment. Around my 9th week, Monday evening, I started to bleed and was put on immediate bed rest. The only reason I could get up (or even leave the house) was for my acupuncture treatment. The bleeding had continued all day Tuesday and was still going on Wednesday. So off I went to my acupuncture treatment on Wednesday. After my treatment with Dr. Diane the bleeding stopped. I was checked again on Friday at my IVF Dr’s office and whatever had happened had resolved itself and my babies (Twins!) were just fine.
As I write this, I am in my 28th week. There have been no complications at all and I am joyfully looking forward to my children’s arrival.
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I just wanted to say thank you for all your kindness, encouragement, etc. while you treated me. I truly believe that the acupuncture made a difference in getting and keeping that pregnancy. I hope someday I get to do acupuncture again as I really enjoyed it But, I have NO time to do anything these days! It’s crazy! Greg and I feel doubly blessed after have those 4 miscarriages. All we went through and the rough pregnancy was so worth it in the end! They are healthy and beautiful! Thanks again and enjoy your picture and give you patients my success story so they have hope. I know I needed to hear success stories when I was going through it. Take care and God Bless
Cindy and Greg
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I just wanted to pass along the great news from my Doppler ultrasound…. My PI went down from 4.1 three months ago to 1.9! Things are looking great for my transfer tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks for everything!
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I hope your holidays are wonderful; I want to thank you for everything you did for me. Steve and I are expecting our first child around June 12th
Thanks again
Dawn and Steve
Follow-up
Dear Diane
I wanted to let you know that I gave birth to a baby girl June 8th. Thank-you for all your help last summer.
Thanks
Dawn and Steve
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Remember Me?
Sorry I took so long in getting this to you. I did want to thank you for all your services and in taking me at the last minute.
Well as it turns out I am pregnant with a singleton
I am 14 weeks along as of Wed Dec 24 and finally entered into my 2nd trimester.
Thanks so much for everything
Lisa
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Steve and I would like to thank you for helping us during our IVF cycle. We are pleased to announce “IT WORKED”! You were great, and I appreciate all your help.
Thanks Again
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Sorry it has taken me so long to write you this note! Our twins are here! They were bone on April 27, 2004 at Memorial Hospital. I had a tough pregnancy with SEVERE nose bleeds. I was hospitalized for one week at 29 weeks with preterm labor (put me on magnesium, not a fun drug!) and them on bed rest after that. The boys were born at 35.2 weeks via emergency c-section. I was at Memorial seeing the high risk doctor for a regular appointment when they discovered Baby A’s hear rate was in the 70’s. They immediately put me under and did a c-section. Baby A had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck twice. Someone was watching out for us on that day, we are so thankful I had that appointment. The twins stayed in the NICU for 8 days with no major problems (had some jaundice, Baby A had oxygen for two days, etc) Baby B weighted 5lbs 2oz and Baby A 5lbs 13oz I was very proud I had two five pounders! I was HUGE to say the least! They are doing well and gaining lots of weight! I am back to work and missing them a lot!
Just wanted to say thank you for all your kindness, encouragement etc. while you treated me. I truly believe that the acupuncture made a difference in getting and keeping that pregnancy. I hope someday I get to do acupuncture again as I really enjoyed it But, I have NO time to do anything these days! It’s crazy! My husband and I feel doubly blessed after having those 4 miscarriages. All we went through and the rough pregnancy was so worth it in the end! They are healthy and beautiful! Thanks again and enjoy your picture and give you patients my success story so they have hope. I know I needed to hear success stories when I was going through it. Take care and God Bless
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Dr. Diane,
My family and I were referred to you by Dr. Paul Magarelli back in April 2005 and we want to personally thank you for all your hard work and kindness. Your treatment helped my wife and I relax and allowed us to focus on making a baby. Mere word can’t express our sincere gratitude, but since I don’t have a bucket of money…words will have to do. Thanks again.
Keith, Nydia, Aubree, Malcolm, and Mason
Go AIR FORCE!!!
Mason was born Dec. 10 (3 weeks early). He was 6 pounds 1 ounce and 22 inches long. He was born at 1133 am. The only complication was that he was facing up and his head was lodged against my wife’s pelvis. The way his head was in the birth canal prevented a vaginal delivery. In the Super baby picture, Mason is 2 months old and he weighs 11 pounds 14 ounces.
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Dr. Cridennda runs a very professional and caring practice.
With the help of Dr. Cridennda at East Winds Acupuncture, I was able to conceive my daughter, now a very healthy 5yr old.
Dr. Cridennda has also been able to manage my gall bladder issues for the last 3 years, with both herbs and acupuncture.
I highly recommend Dr. Diane!!
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