5 years waiting

This is always worth the wait! Another miracle, all natural, infertility success. Welcome to the world baby girl!!!! We've been waiting for you and your parents waited nearly 5 YEARS to birth you.
It was a long hard road to find us so you could then become fertile in a couple of months. Even up until the month you conceived you had yet another doctor tell you that you would need IUI (or possibly IVF) due to a new factor found. We corrected that concern in a few days with two simple steps.

It was also a long, hard, road of labor but she is here! She was born yesterday December 10th at 4:20pm. She weighed 8 pounds, 21 ounces and 21 inches long. Mom, baby and Dad are home already, snuggling in bed.


Their story is not unlike many of our patients' painfully, long, stories. Above all, going through infertility feels like a monthly death. It feels like it will never happen. It feels as though you can't possibly take another piece of bad news, or yet another negative pregnancy test or a negative ovulation prediction. Male factor often gets ignored or the options are immediately IUI or IVF. Many of our patients can't afford IVF so they feel they are out of options, hope and try to go on, not being parents. But this is not the end and they are not out of hope.


But then, by some miracle, they find us. Someone mentions our fertility work. A friend encourages and sometimes begs them to see us. The TV does a segment on our miracle work. A doctor, a midwife or a nurse refers them to us. Then, things change. We are magnets for miracles. We are not doing this alone. Our medicine is so old, it never changes. We are rooted so deep in tradition that our medicine is safe, reliable, and predictable. These are gifts, they are our calling. This is not work.

Tony and Kristen Burris, L.Ac. at their natural fertility center, work together to treat both the woman and the man, cultivating a healthy, fertile environment. We help patients all throughout the United States get pregnant, and have a baby, all without drugs or surgery and at a fraction of the cost.

 

All Natural Fertility After Only Several Months of Treatment and An All Natural Birth

A second dream came true for this couple yesterday: they were able to birth naturally with a midwife, with no drugs and no surgery. Your final chapter of your infertility story is now over. You are fertile and your are a Mom and a Dad, finally, and we are so very happy for you. God Bless.

Coo Coo for Coconuts

People are going coo coo for coconuts and it's hard to swallow all of this newly marketed information but it is true.  The health benefits are astounding including: quenching thirst, strengthening physical constitutions, eliminating nose bleeds, and bolstering emaciation.  Coconut water clears the negative effects of too much heat during summer weather or high intensity exercise.  Coconut naturally quenches thirst, helps eliminate edema due to weakened heart function or diabetes.  Coconut is even helpful for male infertility increase the abundance of semen.

Reporter Wants To Know What Makes Me an Expert in the Field of Infertility

1. What makes you an expert in your field?

Experience: After successfully getting hundreds and hundreds of women pregnant for over a decade when they are told they will never, ever have a child of their own makes me a leading expert in my field. Just last week we had 3 pregnancies in women I was treating for infertility and over 40 and a birth of a healthy baby boy too!

Pictures Say a Thousand Words: I attached several fertility success pictures for you to view.

Defying the Odds: My work is miraculous yet most coupes have no idea that my area of expertise is available to them. I have helped hundreds of couples achieve happy, healthy babies and it is indeed the most rewarding work. Patients have traveled as far as London, England to seek my expertise. Many fly in to the city in which I live and receive treatments from me for weeks and sometimes months on end.



Published: My fertility expertise has been printed in various media outlets including Achieving Families (a magazine that supports couples struggling with fertility and habitual miscarriage), Tips and Quips (a fertility blog), The Independent, and next month I will be featured in Idaho Women's Journal to name a few.



Volunteer:I have served on the board of Resolve, a non-profit organization that aids couples devastated by infertility through education, support and expert advice.



Books: I am currently writing two books about infertility addressing the emotional, physical and spiritual challenges couples face during their journey from infertility to joyful parents.



Experts Seeking my Expertise: Many of my patients have actually been OBGYN doctors who treat infertility and have chose to seek my expertise instead of using their own medicine. Currently on of those physicians is pregnant with her second child. Others Acupuncturists expert in women's health throughout the nation email and call me to consult on challenging fertility cases.


Partnering with Fertility Doctors: I treat patients naturally with acupuncture and herbal medicine in my private practice and have over a 74% success rate. I have been one of only a handful of fertility Acupuncturists honored to also accompany my patients who choose IVF as their choice of fertility enhancement giving pre and post acupuncture during embryo transfers to increase their successful birth rate by over 65% (Proven by studies in Fertility and Sterility 2002, 2006, 2008). Outside of my practice I have treated patients at La Jolla IVF, Reproductive Partners, San Diego Fertility Center, Reproductive Science, Infertility, Gynecology and Obstetrics,  & Scripps La Jolla.


In the Press: I have been sought out as an expert in women's healthfeatured in multiple media outlets often times highlighting my fertility success stories including: MSNBC, The San Deigo Union Tribune, Woman's Day, USA Today, Parents, Parenting, Miami Herald, Natural Health magazine, National Public Radio, KPOP radio, KUSI Tv News, KBOI, Today's Local News and Yahoo News to name a few. I was interviewed by Good Morning America Last week and we are scheduling video soon.


Taught College After completing my four year Master's Degree I taught Acupuncture at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego (one of the most respected colleges in our field).

2. How have you earned a living specifically as an expert in your field? I founded and own my own practice and day in and day out I help women feed their souls creating new life in their wombs defying western medical diagnosis welcoming healthy babies in their arms. I treat patients within my practice and am invited as a guest to treat at some of the most prestigious fertility centers in the world. I have earned a living by treating individuals with acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition to enhance and treat infertility. It has enabled me to buy a home, send both of my children to private school, afford a nanny and buy the medical building in which I practice. My practice is solely word of mouth and people consult with me all over the country to enhance their fertility from London, to San Diego, to Louisiana to Idaho.



3. What advice would you give to

someone who wants to earn a living as an industry expert?

Be Passionate: Follow your passion and don't let anything get in your way. I was advised to become a doctor, not an herbalist and acupuncturist, however, after acupuncture and herbal medicine saved my reproductive health (doctors were recommending a hysterectomy by the time I was 21) I was passionate about sharing this time-honored, scientifically proven, wonderfully safe and natural medicine with the world. I initially wanted to become a lobbyist to change laws and promote this medicine but I truly believe that my heart to heart work is far more fulfilling that feeds my soul, my heart and changes my patients life forever.



Read, Write, Publish, Repeat:My advice to anyone seeking to be an expert is: read, write, talk, volunteer, push limits, publish, educate and give your heart every day. Eventually, you will become the leading expert if you follow your passion, work diligently every day and open yourself to any possibility allow no obstacle to stand in your way.



Mentor: I assisted the most famous Acupuncturist and Herbalist in our city (San Diego) for four years before ever treating my own patient. Learning from a mentor was invaluable and gave me knowledge beyond books. I then became a mentor to several other aspiring Acupuncturists and Herbalist that further solidified my expertise.

Meet with leading experts in your field. Call them. Take them to lunch. Ask them questions.

Read, research and read some more. Be passionate and come from a place of integrity every step of the way.

Give Back: Last year alone I donated over $34,000 worth of medical care to my community.

If you know someone struggling to get or stay pregnant please forward this to them!
Thank you.

Inconceivable Fertility Options

1 in 5 couples over 30 suffers from infertility. 1 in 5.




1 in 5 of those couples has been diagnosed with “unexplained infertility” by their doctor.



The harrowing realities that women and men suffer while exhaustively trying to conceive are often hidden from the rest of our oblivious society. There are torturous emotions that gnaw at a couples’ tenacity, perseverance, and even their once indestructible love.



Prior to the development of in vitro fertilization (IVF), no other fertility treatment options were offered to women with premature ovarian failure or diminished ovarian reserve. To this day IVF, Intrauterine Insemination, Surgery and Hormone Therapy are the only options from a western medical perspective. For the majority of those couples the risks are too grave, the expense too enormous and the success rates too low to consider IVF as a viable option.



Shockingly what the majority of women are never told is how effective the 2,000 year old acupuncture and herbal medicine is in improving not only ovarian function but also egg quality, endometriosis, habitual miscarriage, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, hypothyroidism, high FSH levels, premature menopause, and the ever elusive, unexplained infertility. Men too benefit from acupuncture and herbal medicine improving sperm count, quality, motility and again, the dreaded diagnosis of unexplained male factor infertility.



Even with prestigious medical journals publishing the efficacy of acupuncture combined with IVF increasing pregnancy rates by over 65%* many doctors are still not informing their patients of the tremendously effective treatment of acupuncture for fertility enhancement. The astounding pregnancy rates occurred throughout seven different acupuncture trials with 1,366 women in a systematic review and meta-analysis published February, 2008 issue in the British Medical Journal.



As a patient you must be your own advocate and researcher. As a friend of a couple struggling to get or stay pregnant it is critical you educate your friends with your new empowered fertility enhancement facts.



Acupuncture has had thousands of years to figure out the complexities of reproductive function and its physiological short-comings in couples struggling with their fertility. In our time honored medicine there is no diagnosis of “unexplained infertility”. We assess your entire body, emotional temperament, cycle length, pain levels, color and amount of your menstrual blood, and timing of ovulation to assess your diagnosis as to why you are having a difficult time getting or staying pregnant. With men we assess your sex drive, temperament, back pain and energy levels among other aspects of your overall health. More medical evidence continues to prove acupuncture as a viable option for infertility. A study published in the July 2005 issue of the highly acclaimed medical journal Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture helped infertile men by improving sperm quality in their semen.



According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, if a woman’s menstrual flow is too light that is indicative that she doesn’t have enough blood to properly nourish her uterine lining essential for implantation. If she tends to be freezing cold all of the time with menstrual pain then she will be diagnosed with cold in her uterus inhibiting proper timing of ovulation. We systematically choose fertility enhancing acupuncture point prescriptions that are unique to the individual patient’s pattern of reproductive disharmony. Our natural medicine is conveniently prepared in the form of liquid or pills. It is also specifically coordinated with the acupuncture prescription to further enhance fertility.



Fertile Benefits of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Women



Increased blood flow to uterus and ovaries

Balance hormones

Improves function of ovaries

Lowers FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) levels

Increases conception with or without ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology)

Increases live birth rates; reduces miscarriage

Lower rates of ectopic pregnancies

Regulates Luteal Phase

Resolves Endometriosis

Treats Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome

Improves Quality of Uterine Lining

Reduces Stress

Treats Unexplained Infertility

Treats Hypothyroidism



Fertile Benefits of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Men

Improves semen quality

Increases sperm count

Corrects morphology of sperm

Improves sperm motility

Reduces Stress

Improves Well Being

Treats Impotency

Treats Unexplained Infertility







Infertile women seek Fertility Acupuncturists expertise to become a seemingly impossible fertile Mother-to-be. In a moment we transform desperate, empty, souls into thriving vessels of life. To help create life is the most fulfilling career. When our swollen-bellied Mama's waddle through the door we know we have changed not just one life for the better, but an entire family.



When the metamorphosed women joyously push forth their miracles they rejoice and an overwhelming blanket of calm cradles their spirit that has been shattered for so long. They bring their precious babies into the office so we can hold their soft, sweet, bodies and know our work is done. Holding a child of a woman who was been told she will never have a baby makes life worth living and hard work an effortless joy.



For more fertility testimonials, case histories, and studies please visit: www.EagleAcupuncture.com

www.Acufinder.com

www.Resolve.org









• Source: British Medical Journal, doi:10.1136/bmj.39471.430451.BE (February 2008)

• Source: Fertility and Sterility, July 2005





www.EagleAcupuncture.com Kristen Lohman Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac. Voted “Top Doc 2010” and is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in USA Today, MSNBC, AOL Health, Woman’s Day, Parenting Magazine, Parents Magazine Natural Health Magazine, San Diego Union Tribune, The Idaho Statesman, Miami Herald, Yahoo News, National Public Radio (NPR) and KUSI and KBOI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: women’s health, fertility, miscarriage, pregnancy, post partum, difficult menstrual cycles, menopause, and pain. . She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, Eagle Acupuncture in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.

Gift of Egg and Sperm Donation

I have been treating infertile couples for over a decade and served on the board of RESOLVE (the non-profit organization that supports couples struggling to get or stay pregnant) and have improved pregnancy rates at many of the top fertility centers in the nation. I have given pre and post embryo transfer acupuncture treatments to enhance pregnancy rates by over 65% as proven by Fertility and Sterility medical journal study.




My heart has experience both the elation and joy upon receiving news of successful fertility treatments (both naturally and through IVF) for my patients both. I have been witness to many devastated couples who are told by their Reproductive Endocrinologist that they have less than a 1% chance of conceiving with their own eggs or sperm. This medical opinion crushes the spiritual and emotional life within a person. For these couples it is almost unbearable to make it through each day let alone each pregnancy of their friends, families, and co-workers. In extreme cases even witnessing pregnant strangers can be so inhumanely devastating that people feel suicidal.



I have had numerous patients opt for the egg donor and or sperm donor route and not one of them has ever regretted the decision. It is such a precious gift that is given to these women and men who are struggling with their fertility. I have seen women reborn within themselves once they are pregnant. I have watched grown men weep with joy at the news that their wife is pregnant for the very first time. The gift of sperm and egg donation is just as miraculous as organ donation both saving a life of a dieing person in very different ways.

IVF Lottery

I have accompanied hundreds of women during their IVF embryo transfers giving them acupuncture to increase their successful pregnancy rate by over 65%*. I have witnessed the heartbreak, the financial strain and many successes that accompany IVF. I know that patients who attend FREE seminars by IVF centers are entered into a "lottery" for a chance to win a Free IVF cycles here in the U.S.. This attracted more patients to the fertility centers and gave some people who ordinarily couldn't afford an IVF cycle a chance to participate.



In the UK they are offering gambling at $20 a pop for the potential to win a $15,000 IVF cycle.  I am sure there will be conflicting views on this new approach to affordable IVFs but from my perspective I think it's creative and innovative. 
I personally think it's ethically ok as long as a potential patient doesn't go into debt or form a gambling addiction. I can see the allure but I would advise patients to choose a limit as to how much money they will gamble before entering the lottery and sticking to that financial commitment. People enter drawings all of the time for other medical practices to win free treatment and sometimes it costs money to attend the events. The lottery is just another way for people to hopefully offset the enormous cost of IVF cycles.

My husband and I Get Women Pregnant Together

We are both Acupuncturists and Herbalists who have treated complex infertility cases for over a decade using medicine that is thousands of years old. We often co-treat patients or my husband will treat the husband for poor sperm count, morphology and/or motility. We just had our first set of Irish Twins last month treating exclusively with acupuncture and herbal medicine for infertility and habitual miscarriage.




Numerous studies prove acupuncture's efficacy beyond the billions of cases supporting empirical evidence accumulated over thousands of years. This ancient form of medicine actually works according to a western medical model and has been published in respected allopathic medical journals.



A study published in the July 2005 issue of the journal Fertility and Sterility found that acupuncture helped infertile men by apparently helping improve sperm quality in their semen.

Fertility and Sterility July 2005



I treat women for all types of fertility issues including: unexplained infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, High FSH levels (early menopause), annovulation, irregular cycles, hypo-thyroidism, habitual miscarriage, or auto-immune disorders.



Here is yet another ... "study to demonstrate that repeated low-frequency electro-acupuncture and physical exercise can reduce high sympathetic nerve activity seen in women with PCOS,” according to the authors. “Furthermore, both therapies decreased measures of obesity while only low-frequency electro-acupuncture improved menstrual bleeding pattern. "



Source: Stener-Victorin et al. Low-frequency Electro-Acupuncture and Physical Exercise Decrease High Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2009; DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00197.2009







Both my husband and I have treated hundreds of women with acupuncture during embryo transfers (the last stage of in-vitro fertilization cycle) at some of the most prestigious fertility centers in the U.S. increasing pregnancy up to an astounding 65%.



Source: BritishMedical Journal,doi:10.1136/bmj.39471.430451.BE (February 2008)

and

Source: Infertility and Sterility, April 2007



However, in our practice our statistical success in pregnancy rates are even more impressive when combined with IVF at 82.5%.

A 2002 German study that received a lot of attention found significantly higher conception rates (42.5% vs. 26.3%) when acupuncture was combined with IVF. Also, two studies published in May 2006, showed that acupuncture can improve IVF success rates.





Stener-Victorin et al. Low-frequency Electro-Acupuncture and Physical Exercise Decrease High Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. AJP Regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 2009; DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00197.2009





References



1. Paulus, W., et al. Fertility and Sterility. April, Vol. 77 (4):721-724, 2002.

2. Dieterle,S., Ying, G., Hatzmann, W., Neuer, A. Fertility and Sterility, May, Vol. 85 (5):1347-135, 2006.

3. Westergaard, L., Mao, Q., et al. Fertility and Sterility, May, Vol. 85 (5): 1341-1346, 2006.

4. Smith, C., Coyle, M., et al. Fertility and Sterility, May, Vol. 85 (5) 1352-1358, 2006.

5. Pei, J., Strehler, E., Noss, U. et al. Fertility and Sterility, July, Vol. 84 (1), pgs. 141-7, 2005.

6. Cnattingius, S. et al, New England Journal of Medicine Vol.343(25):1839-1845, Dec., 2000.

7. George, L., et al. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, Vol. 20 (2): 119-126, March, 2006.



8. Ibid.

The Decay of the Infertile

Devastation. Revulsion. Regret.


Devastation that their dream of being pregnant, giving birth, breast feeding and being a Mother feels unattainable.

Revulsion of the dysfunction of their body and often even God.

Regret in marrying their spouse or waiting too long to conceive.


The strain on their marriage is equivalent to an affair or death of a child. The forced timing of intimacy expunges the passion they once had. The anger and regret every time a pregnancy test reflects one lonely line proving once again she isn't pregnant is hostile and all consuming. The mood swings are volatile. The depression crushing. The anxiety overwhelmingly colossal. The strain shreds the bond the couple once felt was unconditional and eternal. Their entire existence hangs in a weak and decaying balance.



This is what my patients experience every day of their lives for months or years on end. That is until I am able to gracefully bring balance and fertility to their cold and once barren wombs. Then miraculously the burden of death and inconceivable grief lifts instantly and they plunge into the ecstasy and challenges of pregnancy and parenthood.





Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. is a nationally known and sought after fertility expert in the U.S. Patients have travelled as far as London, England for her fertility expertise. She has been featured in national health magazine such as: USA Today, Woman’s Day, Parenting Magazine, Natural Health, Better Nutrition, Achieving Families, Resolve Newsletter and Parents Magazine. She has also been the subject of newspaper feature stories in the San Diego Union Tribune and the Idaho Statesman, radio spots on NPR, K-POP and Pregtastic and television news magazine segments including: KUSI TV News in San Diego.

She served on the board of Resolve, the non-profit organization helping couples struggling with infertility. She has given treatment to hundreds of couples during the embryo transfers of their IVF cycles at the most prestigious fertility centers in the United States. Ms. Burris was the founder of Fertility Retreats for couples where 75% of the participants are now parents.

New Resolutions

It's a New Year and you still aren't pregnant.  Have you been doing everything you can to get pregnant?
Here is a quick check list to get you back on track for a fertile and successful year!
1. Quit Smoking
2. Stop Drinking
3. Eat Organic Food
4. Throw Out All Food in your pantry that have hydrogenated oils, preservatives and words you can't pronounce
5. Exercise 5 days a week for 30 minutes to 1 hour
6. Find Joy in friends, movies, exercise, love or therapy
7. Read The Infertility Cure
8. Schedule an Acupuncture Treatment with a Fertility Expert
9. Take your Chinese Herbal Prescription especially designed for you to enhance fertility
10. Stop Caffeine

For a personalized herbal or nutritional consult on how to get pregnant call me (208) 938-1277

Holiday Sadness: What to Expect When You Aren't Expecting

One of the most painful experiences of one's life is the inability to conceive or stay pregnant. Our society is not sensitive to this stressful and devastating fact that one in six couples struggle with every day.




What to expect:

During the Holidays people love to tell stories about their children. What their children are doing in school, athletic achievements and funny anecdotal stories. This is so common because everyone can relate to being a child and most people either have children of their own or can't wait to start.



How to cope: Create a one liner you can repeat in your head "I will not be childless forever". "I am doing everything I can to get pregnant now". or "I will have stories like these to share one day too"

If it gets to be too much excuse yourself to the bathroom have a good cry and then go back to the party. Also, by adding acupuncture to current in-vitro fertilization procedures increases your success by over 55% as proven in multiple studies from 2002-2008 Infertility and Sterility Medical Journal



What to expect:

To be invited to every single possible baby shower that you could imagine. Maybe even your distant second cousin removed whom you have never met.



How to cope:

Don't go. It's that simple and don't send a gift. Do not torture yourself by shopping in the baby section wishing it were for you. People tend to invite anyone and everyone to their baby showers and you don't have to go- ever again. If it is a close friend confide and tell them why. If they don't understand or think you are being childish or selfish they aren't a compassionate friend so who needs them- not you!



What to expect:

Everyone will ask you "Do you have children?" or "When are you two going to have kids?" These seemingly benign questions penetrate deep into your most vulnerable wounds.



How to cope:

Answer quickly and succinctly finding what feels best to you: "We are trying right now so hopefully very soon!" "It's out of our hands but we are trying to make it fun" or "For some couples it's not as easy but we have the best experts helping us" or if you DON'T want them to know you are trying you can say "Some day soon"



What to expect:

There are always surprise pregnancies for those not trying and somehow they seek you out like a target missile to share their forbidden secret. They thought they were too old or they were too young or unfortunately too drunk.



How to cope:

Breathe in their baby energy and joy. It's sounds corny but just by faking yourself into a happier state of mind you will actually be a happier person. If that doesn't work seek out acupuncture treatments from an acupuncturist whose expertise is fertility go to: www.acufinder.com to find someone near you. Therapists too specialize in working with couples who are having a hard time getting pregnant and be very supportive during this difficult time.

65% More Likely To Become Pregnant: Here is How

Acupuncture is very effective in treating infertility for many medical reasons. Acupuncture has been proven for over 2,000 years to increase blood flow to reproductive organs, reduce uterine cramping, regulate hormones and induce ovulation; all of which significantly increases a woman's ability to conceive and carry a child full term.

Western medical science explains the efficacy of acupuncture by saying it stimulates the neurotransmitters triggering production of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone. This hormone controls a woman's menstrual cycle and her ability to ovulate in a timely manner. Acupuncture is known to stimulate blood flow to the uterus and increases the production of endogenous opioids which allows the body to relax inhibiting stress, one of the greatest known factors in infertile couples.


A visit to a Licensed, Board Certified, Acupuncturist resembles that to a medical doctor. Prior to a visit the patient fills out extensive paperwork explicitly describing their health history, symptoms ranging from digestive health to mental health to reproductive history. The patient will also share family health history and any western medical problems or diseases including whether the patient has attempted procedure like IVF or IUI.

Various diagnosing skills are employed by the acupuncturist including: pulse diagnosis, tongue diagnosis (this is the only muscle we can see externally therefore it is thought to reflect the internal disharmony within a patients body) and abdominal palpation. We assimilate your information, make a diagnosis and treat accordingly with acupuncture, herbal medicine and supplement or dietary recommendations to increase fertility.



During a treatment patients experience a unique calm and deep relaxation from acupuncture. Once the Acupuncturist assesses your paperwork, examines your body and listens to your concerns they choose anywhere from 10 to 20 acupuncture points to treat your medical problems. You can expect hair-thin, sterile, painless, needles to be inserted on your lower arms, legs, abdomen or back. It is common for patients to fall asleep during treatment. Acupuncture shouldn't hurt, if it does tell your Acupuncturist where you feel sensitive. They should be able to lighten their technique so it's virtually pain-free. If they are unable, and you are uncomfortable, it may be time to seek help from another Acupuncturist.



Your Acupuncturists office should be professional, clean and apply strict needle technique using sterile, disposable, one-time use needles only. The thought of acupuncture can be nerve wracking but the reality is an enjoyable experience that is worth trying. Western medical science gets excited about a mere 1% increase in the effectiveness of any of their drugs or surgeries in relation to infertility. Acupuncture when combined with IVF procedures has been proven in a study to increase a woman's success by a staggering 65% Source: British Medical Journal Feb 2008. It's imperative to include acupuncture to your IVF treatment plan.

Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. is a board certified Acupuncturist and Herbalist whose expertise is infertility for women.  She was featured in Woman's Day, USA Today and Eagle Magazine in June and July of 2010.

Planting the Seed of Life

When we want to grow things we plant a seed.  Ironically this is what women and men attempting to enhance their fertility should do as well.  Seeds strengthen Kidney Jing or rather enhance fertility.  It's easy to incorporate all types of seeds into your diet.  Here are some easy and fun ideas to start today!

Black sesame seeds are potent and should be added to breads, muffins, stir frys and grilled foods

Sunflower seeds are best as a snack or on top salads

Pumpkin seeds surging with zinc should be consumed by both men and women but have proven to have a positive impact on sperm- these are best toasted lightly with sea salt and eat as an evening snack or sprinkled on squash soup

Get creative!  For more fabulous recipes with seeds buy the cookbook in our office or on-line Whole Foods Nutrition Cookbook- you will love it!

Stress Results in Infertility

One of the leading causes of infertility is stress.  Add that to drinking, smoking and a poor diet your fertilty sinks to the deep abyss.  Luckily we have treatment for reducing stress that leads to other health benefits including improved fertility rates.

Replace your evening cocktail and de-stress from the job with an acupuncture session. Acupuncture not only reduces stress but increases energy, libido and improves the quality of your sleep.


A study published in the September issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia found that stimulation of the acupuncture point, Yin Tang, alleviated preoperative anxiety in children.
According to the researchers, these finding are of great clinical important due to the fact that excessive preoperative anxiety causes operative delays and heightens patients pain response.



While traditional acupuncture on Yin Tang has been proven to relieve anxiety in adults before surgery, the researchers wanted to study the efficacy of stimulating the acupuncture point with an adhesive bead which would be easier for a preoperative treatment protocol.



Source: Anesthesia & Analgesia September, 2008; 107: 811-6



www.AmericanAcu.com Kristen Lohman Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac. Voted “Top Doc 2010” and is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in Parenting Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR) and KUSI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: stress reduction, women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, and pain. Ms. Burris has also taught acupuncture to graduate students at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.

Sexy Tips for Getting Pregnant

Trying for a baby may sound fun in the beginning but after months of failed attempts couples excitement usually wanes and feels more like a chore than an exhilarating, intimate moment.




Surprisingly I advise patients to have intercourse at times when they aren't fertile and know they can't get pregnant. It takes the emotional pressure off for once enabling couples to enjoy each other for the sex of it. This way, when they are having sex during fertile times it feels OK that it's more mechanical then sensual.

Fertility and Hidden Household Chemicals

Many people trying to get pregnant aren't aware of the endless chemicals that bombard their bodies even in their own sanctuaries, their homes.  From toilet bowl cleaners, to dish washing soap to air fresheners it's a no wonder our bodies are chemically over loaded.  Here are some simple tips to cleaning out the chemicals in your house especially your kitchen.

A green kitchen is so simple and affordable. All you need is baking soda, vinegar and hot water and you can clean anything healthily and affordably in your kitchen. I buy both the vinegar and the baking soda in bulk at Costo and for about $10.00 and I can clean for 12 months.


For kitchen floors- use one part vinegar four parts hot water

For grout- use 3 parts vinegar, 1 part baking soda, 1 part hot water

For counters- 1/2 water, 1/2 vinegar and put it in a spray bottle.

A green home makes for a happy womb.  Even making a couple of changes could reduce your exposure by up to 50%.  Good luck going green!

www.AmericanAcu.com Kristen Lohman Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac. is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in Parenting Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR), KUSI TV News and was voted "Top Doc of 2010". Ms. Burris' expertise includes: natural medicine, women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, and pain. Ms. Burris has also taught acupuncture to graduate students at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.

First Two Idaho Miracle Babies Born This Week

Our first two miracle babies in Idaho were born last week. Both couples were struggling heart wrenching sadness due to their infertility. They knew the negative repercussions that come with western medical interventions not to mention the astronomical cost. These two couples sought out our expertise due to our international success with infertility.


It only took a couple of months and both women were pregnant. They both have healed that deep, dark, wound of infertility as they hold their sweet baby boys. Their struggle and strife is over after only a couple of months of treatment: the wives saw me and the husbands saw my husband for treatment including acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Ironically they both gave birth to boys and weighed 7 pounds 15 oz. just this past week.

When told I should get a hysterectomy by 7 different doctors in my early twenties I knew there had to be a better way. I was dead set against a hysterectomy and was determined to save my reproductive organs so I could be a Mother some day. Once my health was restored in a mere three months it was the miraculous catalyst that propelled me to educate the world about viable, safe, and effective women's health options. Since then my husband and I have prevented countless hysterectomies and aided in the conception of hundreds of babies that never could have been without our expertise and passion to heal reproductive wounds.

Unexplained Frustrations of Infertility

Even though unexplained infertility may be one of the most frustrating diagnosis of infertility, it is the easiest aspect of infertility for an acupuncturist and herbalist to treat. The reason being is we have no physical obstructions to contend with during treatment. The disharmony that is happening in either you or your husband, or perhaps both, should be simple to re-adjust with some acupuncture and herbal medicine.


To increase your success and speed in which you become pregnant both you and your husband should seek out treatment from an acupuncturist and herbalist whose expertise is infertility. My husband and I practice together and he sees all of the husbands and I treat the wives. This way each sex feels more comfortable talking about personal health history like: "what color is your menstrual blood" and so on and so forth. When a couple is experiencing unexplained infertility the focus tends to inexplicably on the woman. This can inhibit your conception because it could in fact be a deficiency in your husband that isn't being picked up on laboratory tests. Our medicine picks up on imbalance that are more subtle. Western medical tests pick up on obvious imbalances within the body.

Some basic tests including: hsg to see if your tubes are blocked or checking your thyroid to see if you have hypo-thyroidism should be done as soon as possible if you have been trying for longer than a year. However, it is not necessary to have these tests done prior to seeing an acupuncturist and herbalist but the more information you have offer the better.



Good luck!

5 Fast Tips to Heal from the Loss of Your Baby

Miscarriage is a devastating loss to most women and the further along the more haunting the emotions are that follow. Here are 5 Fast tips to help women after they have miscarried whether it happened yesterday or 10 years ago.


1. Acupuncture treats both physiological and emotional imbalances so the best thing to do is to resume treatment. Some women come in while they are in the midst of mis-carrying so acupuncture can reduce and sometime eliminate the cramping, stabbing pain. Others come in days later and we address the grieving aspect of the loss. 2. Have a ceremony or even a burial. This helps bring closure and honors the life you feel so connected to.
3. Join a Support Group- Resolve.org, Empty Cradle or your local hospital may have a group where you can share your sorrow and heal your heart.
4. If Anxiety and Depression sets in see your Herbalist for a personalized prescription to treat the emotional aspects of the heart for joy and the lungs for grief.
5. Once pregnant again, get acupuncture to support pregnancy and prevent miscarriage.



www.AmericanAcu.com Kristen N. Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in Parenting Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR) and KUSI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: women’s health, fertility, recurrent miscarriage, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, and pain. Ms. Burris has also taught acupuncture to graduate students at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.







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Kristen Burris L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M.

Founder and Medical Director

American Acupuncture Center

128 S. Eagle Road

Eagle, Id 83616

(208) 938-1277

www.AmericanAcu.com

http://FertilityFound.blogspot.com/

http://idahoacupuncture.blogspot.com/

Just Be Happy You Have A Baby and Other Hurtful Words

Secondary infertility is just as emotionally devastating as Infertility. Secondary Infertility happens when couple was able to conceive, carry and birth their first baby but are unable during their next attempt at having another baby. Seemingly helpful comments by loving friends and family penetrate deeply into the hearts of those trying for a second child. Too often they hear “You already have a baby, can’t you just focus on the happiness of that?” or “Some people don’t have any children, at least you have one”.


It’s so difficult to ignore the natural desire to have more children. Often parents have an idea of what their family will look like well before they are even married: two children including one boy, one girl, two golden retrievers and a goldfish. Seriously, this fantasy becomes our vision of our future. Veering off this path even slightly can send some women into years of anxiety and depression.

As friends families grow so does our envy. We try to put it out of our mind, be grateful for what we have but it often haunts our every thought.

What can couples do to cope?


Acupuncture and Mind/Body Techniques can enhance fertility, protect ovarian reserve, increase sperm count and improve In-Vitro Fertilization Results by over 160%. November 27, 2009 – New research has revealed that women who took part in a stress management program prior to, or during their second IVF cycle, had a 160% greater pregnancy rate than those that did not. The groundbreaking study conducted by Harvard University and The Domar Center at Boston IVF was presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s 65th annual meeting in Atlanta.

The study, designed to educate women on the benefits of cognitive, relaxation and lifestyle techniques to manage stress and improve conception, revealed a 52% pregnancy rate for those who participated in a stress management program, as compared to a 20% pregnancy rate for those that did not. The stress management programs had an even greater impact on pregnancy rates for women who showed higher baseline symptoms of depression.


Therapy- Find a therapist who specializes in infertility issues as they have the most experience with your specific emotional needs and challenges.

Read- One of my favorite books on this exact subject is: The Infertility Cure by Julia Indichova. It’s touching, personal and can really help both women and men sift through the myriad of emotions that are often times overwhelming.


Pray- Prayer is powerful. The key is to pray for healing your heart and bringing you peace. Constantly praying for a baby can often increase anxiety and hopelessness. Even if you have never prayed before just close your hands and eyes and start talking.


Write- Write down your fears on paper and then burn them in the sink. Let them go. Do no allow the thoughts to haunt you daily.


Make Love- When you aren’t ovulating and there is minimal chance of pregnancy, have fun, wild sex just for the sex of it. Intimacy aids depression and helps you feel good. It’s less stressful being intimate when you aren’t fertile so you don’t mix hopeful fertile thoughts with personal and marital satisfaction.


Consider Other Options- Sometimes investigating other options like adoption or surrogacy can solidify your convictions or soften them. Writing about your family and why a lone pregnant woman may want to give her child to you can strengthen the bond you and your husband have with one another.



www.AmericanAcu.com Kristen N. Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M. is a nationally recognized Acupuncturist and Herbalist who has been featured in Parenting Magazine, Natural Health Magazine, National Public Radio (NPR) and KUSI TV News. Ms. Burris' expertise includes: women’s health, fertility, pregnancy, difficult menstrual cycles, menopausal symptoms, digestive problems, and pain. Ms. Burris has also taught acupuncture to graduate students at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. She and her husband Tony Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M treat patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition as natural medicine in their family-owned, private practice, American Acupuncture Center in Eagle, Idaho. Ms. Burris has treated patients at Top Fertility Centers Nationwide, San Diego Hospice, University of California in San Diego (UCSD) Integrative Clinic, and for UCSD Dental Study. Ms Burris was the creator of fertility retreats for couples and served on the board of RESOLVE, the non-profit organization supporting couples with infertility.