Acupuncture For Fertility
Acupuncture is Awesome!
I’m a huge fan of acupuncture. My first experience with this form of treatment was in Calgary, back in 2013. I was on a health kick and explored a variety of treatments to improve my overall health and wellbeing. I had a number of acupuncture treatments specifically targeted at my arthritic knee, and found it brought a great deal of relief.
For those who haven’t tried acupuncture, don’t be put off by the idea of needles – I swear it doesn’t hurt at all! The needles are very thin and are gently inserted at strategic points on your body with quick and gentle tap. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat pain, stress management, and fertility issues. Traditional Chinese Medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy in your body through pathways or meridians. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, energy flow can be rebalanced. Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue – this stimulation can boost the body’s natural painkillers.
Anyway, back to my story… A few years later, I discovered a wonderful registered acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medical Doctor named Dr. Erin Tremblay, R.AC, TCMD. She is a magical soul. Seriously. If you’re in the Calgary area, you really should look her up. Erin has an indescribable healing energy about her. Just being in her treatment room made me feel happy and healthy and cared for. I saw Erin on and off for several years, and only stopped because I moved to Ontario. I wish I could have packed her in my suitcase and moved her to Ontario with me. Alas, she remains in Calgary practicing acupuncture and TCM and caring for her community.
Fertility & Acupuncture
Fast forward to present day, and here I am embarking on my fertility journey. My best friend reminded me of her own fertility story and the role that acupuncture played in her journey to motherhood. She had faced some difficulties conceiving and swore that fertility acupuncture and TCM teas were two significant things that ultimately led to her successful pregnancy.
After discussing the idea of acupuncture with my fertility doctor, and getting his blessing, I decided that I would give it a try. Best case scenario, it would help prepare my body and womb for pregnancy. Worst case scenario, it would be a relaxing treatment to look forward to each week.
Michelle Kapler RAc
Again I turned to my good friend Google to find an expert practitioner near me. My search led me to Michelle Kapler, a Registered Acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Certified Feminist Life Coach. She is one of only five practitioners in the province of Ontario who have challenged the exam to become a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, the governing body for fertility specialists in the USA. Her clinical practice is focused exclusively in fertility, pregnancy, gynecology and hormonal health.
Michelle is wonderful, very knowledgeable, and has such a calming presence. We spent a good portion of our first appointment just talking about my fertility journey and hopes of becoming a mother. I was instantly at ease with her and have never felt judged by her about my age, size or single status. In fact, she often tells me how cool it is that I’m going to be a single mom by choice!
Treatments
I started seeing Michelle about a month before my scheduled embryo transfer, and booked weekly appointments. My early treatments focused on improving pelvic blood flow, thickening the uterine lining, and regulating the nervous system. Very fine acupuncture needles were applied at various points of my body: my ankles, knees, lower abdomen, hands and forehead.
As my pregnancy progresses the treatments can help with the side effects from my hormone medications, and any pain that I might be experiencing (like my arthritic knee, and occasional migraine headaches).
I will continue to see Michelle weekly until my 12th week of pregnancy, which is such a nice treat to look forward to! Once I’m in my second semester I will see her every 4 – 6 weeks. And as I get closer to my due date, our treatments will focus on preparing for delivery.
Cost
The cost of each treatment is $95, and I’m very grateful that my employee benefits plan covers these costs. If you are open to trying something new, I highly recommend fertility acupuncture, and Michelle Kapler if you’re in Toronto or York Region. Go ahead and treat yourself!
Total Costs to Date:
$265 Fertility Counseling
$16,000 Donor Eggs (6 eggs)
$700 Donor Sperm (1 vial)
$10,100 Fertility Clinic Treatment Plan
$1,425 Fertility acupuncture (weekly up to week 12 of pregnancy)
$28,490 Total costs to date (CAD$)
