Fertility
Fertility treatments
Depending on each individual’s needs, fertility treatments typically include the following modalities either alone or in combination:
Lab testing kits
Dutch test complete
Immuno Labs-Food sensitivities
NutraEval
Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by inserting needles into specific points of the body. These points lie along meridians, or channels that run throughout and over the body. Acupuncture works by regulating the energy flow and function with the use of needles to stimulate and balance the energy along the meridians. Acupuncture is said to increase vital blood and energy flow to the reproductive organs to allow them to work optimally and increase fertility.
Herbal formulas
Herbal formulas are used and prescribed either alone or with acupuncture to supplement treatment. The properties of each herb in a formula is considered and used in a manner that will bring about balance to the body. Many herbs are safe and can be used along with western medications. It is important to inform your practitioner of any medications you are taking or are allergic to.
Dietary Therapy
Diet is key during fertility treatments. Dietary suggestions are based on nutritional values as well as using Traditional Chinese medicine’s approach to help optimize reproductive health through dietary nourishment. Individual menu plans are available.
BBT
Basal Body Temperature counseling and guidance is an important tool during fertility treatments. This information can reflect individual changes and nuances that are specific to each woman and can assist with directing treatments.
Lifestyle
Cultivating a healthy, and holistic lifestyle should be the goal of most women trying to conceive or carry a baby. By implementing basic, yet important lifestyle habits, fertility naturally increases.
Massage
Lymphatic drainage massage, prenatal massage and general massages is also offered at Upright Health. In addition to feeling good, massage can be great for improving blood and energy flow throughout the body.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many treatments will I need?
A typical treatment course is about three menstrual cycles with 1-2 acupuncture treatments per week as appropriate per patient. When doing a medicated cycle, going through IUI or IVF, treatment and timing change accordingly and can be discussed for proper planning.
How much are treatments?
Acupuncture Initial fertility consultation and treatment is $140. All follow up appointments are $85.
The comprehensive lab testing and fertility counseling program is $1,200. This includes the initial virtual consultation and evaluation, the lab kits, 3 virtual follow up assessments for lab findings, reviewing your treatment protocol, and assessments for questions, concerns, and treatment progress. It also includes the individualized nutrition plan and herbal prescription plan.
Will acupuncture interfere with my IUI or IVF?
Acupuncture is great for supporting the body so that when using a medicated cycle, IUI or IVF, the body is more receptive and has higher chances of healthy conception.
Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?
All contraindicated points during pregnancy are omitted during treatments. Acupuncture when performed properly is safe.
Why should you work with me?
With over fifteen years of experience working closely with women, I’ve had the privilege of supporting hundreds through their health journeys — from managing complex conditions to helping many successfully conceive. My practice is rooted in compassion, expertise, and a deep understanding of women’s health needs. As a Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine, I bring a high level of clinical knowledge and dedication to evidence-informed care. Women who work with me can expect a respectful, empathetic, and results-focused approach tailored to their unique goals and challenges.
Resources
Fertility Books
It Starts with the Egg: How the Science of Egg Quality Can Help You Get Pregnant Naturally, Prevent Miscarriage, and Improve Your Odds in IVF, by Rebecca Fett
The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis, PhD, MSOM
Making Babies: A Proven 3-Month Program for Maximum Fertility by Sami S. David, MD & Jill Blakeway, LAc
What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Getting Pregnant: Boost Your Fertility with the Best of Traditional and Alternative Therapies by Raymond Chang, MD and Elena Oumano, PhD
Excellent Fertility Informational Websites
https://www.spinningbabies.com/ | Comprehensive website that helps prepare for birth, tips to improve fetal position, and turn breech babies.
https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/download-booklet/ | Debra Betts offers a useful acupressure booklet that can be downloaded and utilized to help relieve pain during labor.
https://www.blooma.com/ | Twin Cities’ go to spot for childbirth education, lactation support, prenatal yoga, and doula services.
Midwives in the South Metro Twin Cities
Kelly Martin, CPM, LM – Treasured Birth
Location: Elko New Market, MN
Services: Home birth midwifery care
Experience: Over 30 years as a birth doula and midwife
Philosophy: Combines evidence-based practice with holistic midwifery wisdom
Twin Cities Midwifery
Midwives: Kate Saumweber Hogan, Mary Stemper, Kelsi Hines
Services: Licensed home birth midwifery care
Coverage Area: Minneapolis, St. Paul, and a 60-minute radius
https://twincitiesmidwifery.com/
Twin Cities Birth Center
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Midwives: Rachel Stapleton, Brooke Eischens, Jessica Kesterson, Amy Johnson-Grass, Sadie Sigford, Brittany Jerez, Belinda Clary, Adele Moss, Katrina Wu, Olivia Erickson
Services: Comprehensive midwifery care in a birth center setting
https://www.twincitiesbc.com/midwives
Willow Midwives
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Midwife: Suzanne
Services: Personalized midwifery care
https://www.willowmidwives.com/suzanne