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.
Friday, July 8, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
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.
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.
Monday, February 7, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
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
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
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Don't Give Up Pregnant at 42
As emotionally devastating as infertility can be there is hope. Our most recent patient came for acupunture after being on Clomid for 12 months and having had 4 failed IUI's. The couple was desperate and exhausted. They decided to try one more IUI but this time they added our expertise to their fertility treatments.
The husband saw my husband, Tony A. Burris, L.Ac. , M.S.T.O.M. for advice about herbal supplements and vitamin therapy to increase his virility. The wife sought my expertise for unexplained infertility. She sufered from side-effects from her fertility drugs including PMS, bloating, exhaustion and freezing cold. After only a few treatments the patient was markedly warmer and felt better overall with more energy. I prescribed a personalize herbal prescription with intensive vitamin therapy. She came for acupuncture twice a week. She felt the best she had going into this most recent IUI but was not hopeful due to her past 4 failures. After the IUI I gave her treatments first to help with implantation and then followed up with securing pregnancy.
When it came time to test for pregnancy she nearly threw out the pregnancy test without looking at the stick.
But something caught her eye.
It was the bright double stripe that jumped out at her. Still in shock she had a blood test at her Reproductive Endocrinologists office with extremely high numbers. Twins? Only time will tell.
Don't give up for it is at that time the tide may turn in your favor and your dreams come true.
The husband saw my husband, Tony A. Burris, L.Ac. , M.S.T.O.M. for advice about herbal supplements and vitamin therapy to increase his virility. The wife sought my expertise for unexplained infertility. She sufered from side-effects from her fertility drugs including PMS, bloating, exhaustion and freezing cold. After only a few treatments the patient was markedly warmer and felt better overall with more energy. I prescribed a personalize herbal prescription with intensive vitamin therapy. She came for acupuncture twice a week. She felt the best she had going into this most recent IUI but was not hopeful due to her past 4 failures. After the IUI I gave her treatments first to help with implantation and then followed up with securing pregnancy.
When it came time to test for pregnancy she nearly threw out the pregnancy test without looking at the stick.
But something caught her eye.
It was the bright double stripe that jumped out at her. Still in shock she had a blood test at her Reproductive Endocrinologists office with extremely high numbers. Twins? Only time will tell.
Don't give up for it is at that time the tide may turn in your favor and your dreams come true.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)