Reproductive Acupuncture Specialists

Fertility Enhancement through Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

No matter if you are taking a modern approach to fertility treatment (through IVF, IUI, etc.), or want to take a natural approach, acupuncture and herbal medicine can increase the chances of becoming pregnant and having a child. Research suggests:

  • Acupuncture helps to regulate the menstrual cycle
  • Acupuncture treatment regulates hormones by improving the neuroendocrine axis
  • Acupuncture helps to improve blood flow to the ovaries & uterus
  • Acupuncture helps ovarian function: encourages production of follicles and normalizes ovulation
  • Acupuncture significantly improves pregnancy rates and reduces miscarriage rates when used in conjunction with IVF
  • Acupuncture reduced uterine contractions after embryo transfer
  • Acupuncture improves the thickness of the uterine wall (endometrial) lining
  • Acupuncture reduces the side effects of pharmaceuticals
  • Acupuncture regulates the immune system
  • Acupuncture helps to improve sperm parameters (at least 3 months of treatment)
  • Acupuncture reduces your body's reaction to stress to help you feel more resilient during your fertility journey

Director of Reproductive Acupuncture

Hope Peek, LAc, MSOM, Dipl OM, FABORM, CEFP

Hope Peek is the Director of Fertility Acupuncture services at Charlotte Acupuncture and Wellness Center. Known for her compassionate heart, as well as her years of experience, Hope has helped many patients since 2005.

As the first acupuncturist in the Charlotte metro area to specialize in fertility-focused acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments, Hope has been played an important role in the acceptance of acupuncture amongst conventional providers in Charlotte. Hope was the first acupuncturist in Charlotte, and one of the first practitioners in the entire nation, to attain status as a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). The ABORM is the national organization dedicated to testing practitioners and increasing the standards of clinical practice and research in reproductive acupuncture and herbal medicine. Hope was one of only 55 fellows in the entire nation to be first certified by the ABORM. She is also a charter member of the Clinical Excellence in Fertility Program (CEFP), a North Carolina Licensed Acupuncturist, and is nationally board certified in acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Charlotte Acupuncture and Wellness Center

Hope graduated from Southwest Acupuncture College with a masters degree in Oriental Medicine (MSOM). She further studied acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in China, and she completed hospital internships at the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center and the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Hope has also completed advanced training in reproductive medicine and the treatment of women's health issues with acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Hope is a member in good standing of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), the American Association of Oriental Medicine (AAOM), the National Certification Commission for Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and the North Carolina Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCAAOM).

Hope blends the use of her knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine & nutrition with her strong compassion and desire to help women achieve their health goals.

Fertility Acupuncture Journal Articles

General Acupuncture & Infertility

IVF & Acupuncture

Treatment Programs

All acupuncture treatment plans are tailored to the specific needs of each patient. However, gathering what we know from research and past experience, there are some general guidelines to be aware of and follow. Ideally, it is best to consult with an acupuncturist at least 3-4 months before beginning any fertility treatment. This allows the time to make the necessary diet, lifestyle, and exercise changes necessary to get the body into a more balanced, supportive state for increased fertility. It also allows the time for the optimal number of acupuncture & herbal medical treatments.

Acupuncture & Assitive Reproductive Technology

This is a combination of the best of both worlds. It is ideal to consult with your acupuncturist 3-4 months before beginning a fertility treatment involving Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) to develop a treatment plan. Generally, when combining acupuncture with ART (such as IVF, IUI, etc.), it is optimal to begin at least 2 acupuncture treatments per week for at least 3 months prior to the ART procedure. During the follicular stimulation phase (by pharmaceuticals), the acupuncture treatment frequency may be increased to 3 times per week. Also, it is optimal to receive an acupuncture treatment within 24 hours prior to an IVF transfer.

Natural Fertility Treatment

If you are attempting to achieve a pregnancy through natural means only, the average treatment course is between 3-9 months. Treatment frequency will depend on many factors, including: age, previous pregnancy history, general health, menstrual irregularities, and the etiology of infertility (both Western & Eastern diagnoses). In addition to acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine plays a large role in the natural infertility treatment plan. Lifestyle, dietary, and exercise changes will also be a very important part of the treatment plan.

Influencing Factors

These following factors may warrant a longer acupuncture treatment plan and/or more frequent acupuncture treatments:

Female:

  • near the age of 40
  • previously taken fertility drugs
  • undergone previous ART procedures
  • polycystic ovaries
  • experiences PMS
  • elevated FSH level
  • history of endometriosis
  • produces antibodies to sperm

Male:

  • history of sexually transmitted disease
  • history of urinary tract infections
  • history of prostatitis or other urological issues
  • chronic low back pain

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