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| Infertility Generally it takes a minimum of three months and often six, to correct the underlying imbalance. Weekly acupuncture treatments along with herbal remedies are important. If a woman misses an appointment during a monthly cycle, an opportunity has been lost for that particular cycle. Diet, exercise, stress and personal habits are examined. Recommendations are made to improve one’s lifestyle which will increase the potential for success. If a couple has made the decision to undergo Assisted Reproductive Therapy (ART), acupuncture can be used to strengthen, support and balance overall health and well being, so that other fertility procedures are more effective. The effectiveness of acupuncture combined with IVF has been in the news recently. In 2001 a study of women receiving acupuncture in conjunction with IVF was done at the Chrisitian-Lauritzen-Institut, in Ulm, Germany. The pregnancy rate was 42.5% for women receiving acupuncture while only 26.3% for those who did not. While this study proved that acupuncture improves the chances for success with IVF, it is still recommended that a woman begin acupuncture treatment prior to ART. The more that the system is brought into balance before ART, the more likely one is able to conceive. In November 1996 Human Reproductive Journal published a study where an ultrasound was used to evaluate blood flow to the uterus during acupuncture treatments. The study found that during the acupuncture treatment the uterus calmed, which allowed for increased blood flow to it. A relaxed uterus with increased blood flow allows for the successful implantation of an embryo within the uterine lining
Many Blessings, Dear Lynn, Words cannot express how I feel about all you have done for me. Before I came to see you I’d been to see a reproductive endocrinologist and had test after test performed. My RE informed me that my husband and I had less than a ten percent chance of conceiving naturally because of a partially blocked fallopian tube caused by my cancer surgery 12 years ago. He recommended Invitro fertilization. My husband and I resigned ourselves to the physical, emotional and financial stress of IVF and I met with you to prepare my body for the ordeal. I thought that if my doctor was so pessimistic about my prognosis, why should I feel positively about it? From the moment we first spoke, I felt at ease with you and reassured by my decision to pursue acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture was not an area with which I had been at all familiar and I greatly appreciated the time you took to explain how it worked and how we would begin. The treatments were always so relaxing! After working all day driving over an hour to your office from work (in horrible traffic), I always looked forward to leaving the stress behind me and entering the tranquil environment you designed for your clients. After very few weeks of acupuncture treatments (with IVF as my goal) you can imagine my astonishment when I learned that I was pregnant. My husband and I were overwhelmed with joy! Not only did I never undergo IVF (saving a lot of time, money and heartache), but I also became pregnant far sooner than I ever expected to. I can’t thank you enough! Throughout my pregnancy you helped me with fatigue, nausea and all of the other less than pleasant physical ailments that pregnant women experience. Every week I looked forward to my acupuncture treatments. Now my husband and I are raising a beautiful, healthy and (usually) happy baby girl. You helped me achieve the greatest joy I have ever experienced. I feel truly blessed! I think it is very important for women who are experiencing fertility problems to seriously consider acupuncture. I highly recommend you to people in the DC and Virginia Beach areas (and to all of my family regardless of where they live). I would love to bring Maddie to meet you soon! Fondly, I want to pass on my sincere appreciation and belief in Lynn Almloff and the power of her miraculous acupuncture and herbal treatment. I am a 33 year old nurse who had experienced over ten years of menstrual misery. My periods were ten days long and the majority of those days I suffered in severe uterine, ovarian, rectal and bladder pain with intense bleeding. For years my belief was that because I was single, I didn’t let the pain get too much in the way of my lifestyle…I still had 20 days to be thankful for. I didn’t see a need to take hormones or undergo any type of surgery to find out why I was in such unbelievable pain. Then, at 31 years old, I got married and started trying to get pregnant in January 2005. After more than a year of trying, my husband and I decided to seek advice from a gynecologist in February 2005. He ordered an HSG and discovered that I had a blocked right fallopian tube. He immediately sent me to a Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). The RE and I decided to undergo a laparoscopy in April 2006 and was diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis. The RE who performed the laparoscopy told me that women with that severity of endometriosis normally undergo a hysterectomy because of the severe pain and bleeding. Needless to say, I was devastated and we were immediately directed to In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) as our only hope for a baby. After doing extensive research, I learned that women with stage IV endometriosis needed to undergo two to three cycles of IVF before achieving a successful pregnancy. Afraid of undergoing more than one cycle, I was determined to find a way to enhance IVF by making myself an optimal IVF candidate/recipient. I read about ways to increase blood flow to the uterus, relax my body and hormones, and increase my egg production by undergoing acupuncture. I was skeptical but desperate to try something on my own to increase my chances of a successful one time IVF pregnancy. In May 2006, I met Lynn who immediately learned everything there is to know about me, including my situational depression. She informed me that she would like to treat my endometriosis and depression first. Then, she would move on to prepare my uterus, ovaries and body for IVF. She advised about proper exercise, decreasing stress, eating the appropriate food, and increasing my water intake. She recommended that I see her once a week until my IVF cycle in July. I thought she was amazing and felt hopeful after only our first meeting. My husband and I discussed the cost of the treatment and the difficult hour one-way drive. IVF was already expensive, but we thought if we could just do something to increase our chances; it would all be worth it! After only three treatments of acupuncture, changes had already taken place in my body. My period was lighter and lasted only five days. More importantly, the pain was less severe! In early June 2006, I learned that my package for IVF was incomplete and therefore was pushed to the November cycle. In my tears, Lynn was the perfect friend. She consoled me and allowed me to vent my frustrations. She encouraged me to accept the situation and press on with acupuncture to make my body stronger for IVF. Again, she gave me hope and assured me that there was light at the end of the tunnel. From mid-June to the end of one of July 2006, she prescribed Chinese herbs to “breakdown” my endometriosis. Consulting one of the IVF docs, I was approved to take the herbs as long as there was a month between taking the herbs and starting IVF medication. In August 2006, after two months of herbs and 17 acupuncture treatments, I really felt like a “normal” woman with light, tolerable periods. I felt so encouraged and strong that I wanted to try a natural conception for two months before starting IVF. After a disappointing August, my husband and I accepted that September was going to be the same. Then on September 25, my husband reminded me that I needed to take my prescribed birth control pills needed for IVF on the second day of my period. Wait a minute! I was supposed to get my period a few days ago. What happened to my period? Four positive pregnancy tests later, we couldn’t believe it. We are miraculously pregnant! The ultrasound revealed a normal intrauterine pregnancy with a strong heartbeat! We firmly believe that God worked through the power of Lynn’s hands, heart and TLC. Lynn has been our angel on earth. Both acupuncture and traditional herbal treatments were keys to creating a healthy environment for an optimal pregnancy. I am currently in my second trimester and am feeling strong. I saw Lynn weekly for the first trimester and experienced no nausea or vomiting! Since acupuncture has worked so well for me, my husband and I decided to see Lynn until after the baby is born. There are not enough words to express how we feel about Lynn and her practice. Hopefully this testimonial will help you decide to give acupuncture a chance. After a heartbreaking ectopic pregnancy that ended in emergency surgery, and left me with only one fallopian tube, my husband and I tried for almost two years to get pregnant again. After months of disappointing negative pregnancy tests, I had a test done on my one remaining fallopian tube, and found out that it was totally blocked. The doctor told me that my best chance for having a baby would be the IVF procedure. In April 2006, I underwent my first IVF treatment, which did not result in a pregnancy, again heartbroken. So, I did more research on what could help prepare my body for the next IVF cycle. That is when I read about acupuncture and the success that it has had with people going through IVF, and other infertility treatments. I then began looking for a local acupuncturist that specialized in Infertility, which is when I found Lynn. Although I was scared about the thought of needles being put into all different places on my body, the want to have a family of my own was much stronger then the thought of a few seconds of pain from a needle. Much to my surprise it was not at all painful and was actually surprisingly relaxing. I think I fell asleep at every appointment. I was signed up to start IVF cycle #2 in August 2006, so I immediately called Lynn and scheduled my first appointment with her in early June. I went to see her every week leading up to the IVF cycle. The results were totally amazing. With my 1st IVF they were only able to retrieve 6 eggs, 5 were mature, only 3 fertilized and only 1 was good enough to make it to transfer day. After about 8 weeks of acupuncture with the 2nd IVF they retrieved 10 eggs, 9 were mature, 9 fertilized and all 9 made it to transfer day. They transferred 2 eggs, and were able to freeze 2 other eggs for future use. Those numbers were just totally amazing to me. I am happy to say that I am entering my 2nd trimester and I am expecting my TWINS in early May 2007. I continued to see Lynn through my 1st trimester and it really helped with all of the pregnancy side effects, like nausea and sleepiness, and again was totally relaxing. My family was so impressed with what acupuncture had done for me that my mother is now seeing an acupuncturist for arthritis in her knee, and my sister will be starting soon for treatment of migraines. I owe so much to Lynn for helping our dream of a family come true. She will be one of the first ones that I send a picture of the twins to when they arrive. Thanks Lynn!! After three years of trying to conceive a child and numerous failed intrauterine inseminations, it became clear that we could likely require Invitro fertilization if my husband and I were ever to realize our dream of having a child of our own. I was fearful that IVF would not work for us. We also knew that given the expense of IVF, if it didn’t work the first time, we would likely have to wait a year before attempting a second cycle. In an attempt to maximize our chances of conceiving with the first IVF cycle, I began to do research on what I could do to increase our chance of conception. After reviewing several medical studies, I learned that acupuncture increases a woman’s chance of conception during her first IVF cycle by up to 70%. My reproductive endocrinologist told me that she believed based on her years of experience that acupuncture can dramatically increase the chances of conception of any given IVF cycle. After searching for a qualified and experienced Licensed Acupuncturist, I found Lynn Almloff. I waited six months before attempting my first IVF cycle. Lynn worked very closely with me over those six months and made my fertility a top priority, but also gave me treatments that supported my general health and well being. By the time my husband and I underwent our first IVF cycle in April of 2006, I could tell the difference. My menstrual cycles were more regular and I had more energy and felt better generally. Lynn was extremely supportive in many ways through the very stressful process of undergoing an IVF cycle. I am overjoyed to report that the first IVF cycle was a success. We are now the proud parents of a perfect baby boy that was born December 28, 2006. I firmly believe that acupuncture played a significant role in helping us to conceive during our first IVF cycle. Thank you so much, Lynn! How do you say enough about a person who cared enough to help me regain my daily life, and also enabled my husband, daughter and I to look forward to welcoming a new life in January 2007? Lynn, when I came to you in August 2005 I had hit rock bottom. I was a chronic migraine sufferer with no conventional relief in sight. You name it and I had tried it, yoga, aroma therapy, medical massage, watching my diet, regulating sleep patterns, no treatment option was left unexplored in an effort to control my illness. I was on three medications daily, and an additional interrupter medication to help control the pain when I was struck with a migraine. Quality of life had become something my family and I remembered eight years earlier prior to the illness. There was never a doubt in my mind as to your unrelenting dedication to working with me in order to regain my life. You showed true compassion and caring each and every visit. By December 2005, under your care, I had gained control of my migraines. In approximately four months I was off all my daily medications and found my need for the interrupter almost nonexistent. I was able to return to aerobic classes at the gym, began socializing with friends once again, slept well, and began to enjoy day to day living. I had returned to the person I remembered from almost eight years earlier, happy and fun loving. In January 2006, my husband and I felt my health had recovered to the point we could consider having another child. My husband and I have been trying to conceive another child for the last 10 years. We had gone through Invitro fertilization five years earlier. We conceived and then miscarried triplets. Psychologically I was crushed and never thought I would be willing to try the procedure again. But with my 40th birthday quickly approaching, and my renewed sense of self, because you were able to restructure my current treatment for migraines to incorporate infertility treatment as well, we decided to try again. When my husband and I began the procedure with a local fertility clinic we were told we only had a 40% chance of conception due to my “advanced” age. We later learned the odds of conception were even lower, due to my unusually low estrogen levels. Our baby is due, against very low statistical expectation, January 2007, and we could not be more excited! I attribute our success in conceiving and carrying this child, to the treatment I received and still continue to receive today. Your dedication to ensuring I was prepared both mentally and physically was very calming and reassuring during that stressful time. Lynn, we will never be able to fully express the love and admiration we feel for you and your professionalism. I never hesitate to share my experience of how your care changed my life with anyone who will listen; in the hope I am able to help another human through you. Deepest Sincerity, My husband and I had tried for three long, emotionally trying years to conceive a child. After many failed attempts, we decided to pursue In-vitro Fertilization (IVF). Our initial attempt was devastatingly disappointing; we resolved to try again. I had read several magazine articles and seen a television program about the therapeutic benefits of acupuncture during an IVF cycle. And decided give it a try. Lynn’s approach to my situation was holistic, encompassing not only acupuncture but relaxation, meditation and lifestyle changes as well. As my treatments progressed, I noticed a distinct change in my levels of vigor and energy. I also found that I was much more optimistic about the entire process. Gone were the gut wrenching fears of failure and the despair that was sure to follow. I was significantly less tense. I went into my second IVF cycle with a remarkable sense of calm and well being. I am now expecting, and believe that Lynn’s therapy played a vital role in making this miracle possible. As an added benefit, Lynn performed a few procedures at the beginning of my treatment to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness. They have worked brilliantly thus far; I have not suffered morning sickness yet! For the past two years, my husband and I have been trying to conceive a child. We have tried several different fertility methods in our quest to become parents. These methods have included three separate cycles of Invitro fertilization which sadly, were unsuccessful. On our fourth and final attempt, we decided to add acupuncture to the process and I started visiting Lynn Almloff. I had read articles that proclaimed that the process IVF is extremely stressful both emotionally and physically, and this stress can be managed and reduced with the help of acupuncture. Lynn helped me understand my body and the changes that it was going through better. Armed with this knowledge, and with her assistance, I learned to relax. I would recommend that any couple going through any type of infertility treatment give acupuncture the chance that it deserves. Thankfully, we were able to conceive on our final try at IVF and we are expecting in June of 2005. Sincerely and gratefully yours,
I started going to Lynn in July of 04. From the moment I met her, I felt assured that I had picked the right acupuncturist for me. Lynn was very informative and a true believer in her profession. I had read about acupuncture and natural fertility in an issue of Organic Style magazine, after another failed IVF. My husband and I discussed it and then we agreed that I should go to Lynn, we definitely made the right decision. Lynn was up-front about how long my treatments should be before we tried another attempt at IVF. My husband and I agreed that this last attempt, our third would be our last. I was under a lot of stress to say the least. I quit my job as a first grade teacher in December of 04. I had my weekly acupuncture treatments, and took the herbs that Lynn had prescribed. At my initial visit to the doctors to check my uterus and follicles before stimulation, the doctor counted 15 follicles!! On my previous tries the most follicles located were eight. We began stimulation in February of 05. On February 21, the doctor placed three grade A embryos in my uterus. During the whole process I was still going to Lynn. She was just wonderful and so positive through all of it. On March 7, 05, we got the wonderful call from our doctor that we were pregnant! We are now expecting our first child, a little boy in November. Have I mentioned that I am 43 years old?? I attribute our success to God, our doctor, and Lynn who gave us another tool – an alternative treatment to traditional Western medicine - acupuncture. Grateful in Norfolk,
I found Lynn Almloff via the internet and she was so kind to answer all of my questions on a Saturday morning. I assumed I would just leave a message. During my first appointment, it was quite obvious that she had a lot of experience treating male and female infertility. During the appointments, she was always pleasant and very hygiene conscious. At every appointment she made time to talk about how I was doing, both emotionally and physically, as she understood the many stressors that go along with IVF. I attribute my successful IVF mainly to the acupuncture treatments. Lynn has been an important part of our lives and will always be remembered as an integral part of getting me pregnant. Debbie J.
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