Fertile Essence - Acupuncture and Holistic Fertility Solutions

All too often we find that the root of fertility problems comes from a cultural prioritizing of 'more is better' and the subtle messages that we receive to 'achieve, do, and go'. We are put in a constant state of stress, disrupting our body's ability to stay in balance. This is worsened by years of poor nutrition and eating on the go. When we are stressed and poorly nourished our bodies may be unwilling to support another life. We are in overdrive just trying to keep ourselves going. When we slow down and listen then we are able to hear what our bodies and spirits truly need for healing.

The term "infertile" has a fairly drastic feel to it, and in many cases is a very unfair label. Think of the word when applied to the earth: if the earth is infertile and barren we think of a harsh dry desert landscape where very little will grow and prosper. But, any piece of ground can be turned into an abundant garden with some time, care and nourishment. This can be a very helpful way to think of your body and your fertility.

We promote a method of building the soil - your body - adding water, and creating a healthy environment for the plants - your child - that you are trying to cultivate. It may be that Western medicine offers the answer for you. Western medicine has helped many women conceive children, but the allopathic/conventional approach is not going to help you heal and nourish yourself. We believe it is extremely helpful to prepare yourself for any procedures you may elect to undergo by taking a few months to nurture and care for your body, mind, and spirit.

Acupuncture and Asian Medicine is a system that can work alone or in combination with any of the allopathic approaches. Whether you are trying to conceive on your own or with the assistance of modern technology, such as In-vitro Fertilization (IVF), Intra-uterine Insemination (IUI), or with ovulatory-stimulating medications, acupuncture has been proven to increase your chances of conception.Recent research also shows that stress management techniques will improve your chances to conceive. Yoga, meditation, and acupuncture have been developed over thousands of years to help harmonize and de-stress the body. We use specific techniques from these modalities to help you with your particular situation.

Eva and Susan have years of training and practice in yoga and meditation. We believe that daily yoga and meditation is extremely helpful for cultivating and nourishing your fertility and reducing the impact of stress. We offer (link) regular classes and workshops in yoga and meditation.

Susan Moore, M.Ac., L.Ac. has been helping others with acupuncture for over 10 years. She specializes in women's health, including fertility and children's health and uses a gentle form of acupuncture called Toyohari, which was developed by blind-acupuncturists in Japan. This form of acupuncture is great for all but in particular those sensitive to needling. Susan was formerly a Clinical Faculty member at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (now a part of Bastyr University), and a board member of the Seattle branch of the North American Toyohari Association. Susan has practiced yoga and meditation for over 25 years.

Eva Pannabecker, L.Ac. is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist. She is nationally board certified in both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine and has been in practice for 10 years. She was a clinical and didactic faculty member at the Northwest Institute of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and Bastyr University, where she taught obstetrics and gynecology and supervised a specialty maternity clinic. In her private practice she specializes in treating women's health and infertility. Eva is an avid practitioner of yoga and has studied extensively. She teaches a yoga class designed to enhance fertility.