The Berkley Center

Enhancing Fertility with Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Low-Level Light Therapy

Enhancing Fertility with Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, and Low-Level Light Therapy: A Comprehensive Approach at NYC’s Premier Complementary Medicine Center

Introduction

Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, and the journey to parenthood can be challenging and emotional. At The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness in New York City, we specialize in complementary reproductive medicine, combining the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with current low-level light therapy to optimize fertility for both men and women.

This integrative approach, utilizing acupuncture, herbal medicine, and low-level light therapy, offers a holistic path to improve sperm and egg quality, increase the likelihood of conception, and support overall well-being.

The Power of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient TCM practice that involves the insertion of ultra-thin needles at strategic points on the body to balance the flow of energy or Qi. It has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including infertility.

Regarding reproductive health, acupuncture has been shown to regulate hormonal imbalances, increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reduce stress – all factors affecting fertility.

For women, acupuncture has been proven to improve egg quality, regulate the menstrual cycle, and create a more receptive environment for embryo implantation. In men, it can boost sperm count, motility, and morphology, thereby increasing the chances of successful fertilization.

Herbal Medicine for Enhanced Fertility

Herbal medicine is another cornerstone of TCM that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health issues, including infertility. Customized herbal formulas are prescribed based on an individual’s unique needs and constitution, targeting the root cause of the fertility problem. These natural remedies work synergistically to improve overall reproductive health and fertility in both men and women.

For women, herbal medicine can help regulate hormones, promote ovulation, and improve the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining. In men, it can help improve sperm count, motility, and morphology and support overall reproductive health.

Low-Level Light Therapy: A Modern Addition

Low-level light therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive technique that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair and regeneration.

Although it is a relatively new addition to fertility treatments, LLLT has shown promising results in improving sperm and egg quality.

Research suggests that LLLT can increase cellular energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance the function of mitochondria – the cell’s powerhouse – in both sperm and eggs. Improved mitochondrial function translates to higher-quality sperm and eggs, thus increasing the chances of conception.

The Benefits of an Integrative Approach

Combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and LLLT, our complementary medicine center in New York City provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to enhancing fertility. This integrative method addresses multiple aspects of infertility, targeting both the physical and emotional components of the reproductive process.

For infertile men and women, this combination of treatments offers an opportunity to improve their chances of conceiving naturally or to optimize their success with assisted reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Conclusion

As the leading complementary medicine center in New York City, The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness is dedicated to providing the highest quality care in complementary reproductive medicine.

Our integrative approach of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and low-level light therapy is designed to improve sperm and egg quality, enhance fertility, and support the overall well-being of our patients.

If you’re struggling with infertility, our expert team of practitioners is here to guide you on your journey toward parenthood, providing compassionate and personalized care every step of the way.

References

Chen, J., Liu, L. L., Cui, W., Sun, W., Zhang, D., & Zhang, Z. (2019). Effect of electroacupuncture on the endometrial morphology and expression of pinopode and integrin β3 in rats during the implantation window. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu, 44(2), 79-84. doi:10.13702/j.1000-0607.180154

Cochrane, S., Smith, C. A., Possamai-Inesedy, A., & Bensoussan, A. (2016). Acupuncture and women’s health: An overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women’s reproductive health. International Journal of Women’s Health, 8, 89-103. doi:10.2147/IJWH.S55321

Domar, A. D., Rooney, K., Hacker, M. R., Sakkas, D., & Dodge, L. E. (2018). The impact of acupuncture on in vitro fertilization success rates and symptoms of anxiety and depression during treatment: a randomized controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility, 110(4), e283-e284. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.07.834

Gromski, P. S., & Xu, F. (2008). A systematic review on the usage of traditional Chinese medicine in vitro fertilization. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(4), 365-372. doi:10.1089/acm.2007.7166

Paul, J. M., Yovich, J. L., Stanger, J. D., Hinchliffe, P. M., & Keane, K. N. (2018). Examining the effects of red and infrared light emission by the in-vitro culture incubator as a non-invasive strategy to improve IVF outcomes. Reproductive Biology, 18(4), 390-395. doi:10.1016/j.repbio.2018.10.005

Salazar, T. E., Richardson, M. R., Beli, E., Ripsch, M. S., George, J., Kim, Y., & Khanna, R. (2016). Electroacupuncture promotes central nervous system-dependent release of mesenchymal stem cells. Stem Cells, 34(5), 1304-1315. doi:10.1002/stem.2330

Zhang, M., Huang, G., Feng, W., Zhang, J., Huang, X., & Wang, W. (2018). Effects of acupuncture on sperm parameters: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrologia, 50(2), e12876. doi:10.1111/and.12876

Author

  • mike berkley

    Mike Berkley, LAc, FABORM, is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist and a board-certified herbalist. He is a fertility specialist at The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, New York.

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