Additional information regarding our acupuncture services is available within the services section of our site.
Q. What types of conditions can be treated by acupuncture?
The World Health Organization cites acupuncture for treatment of over 43 conditions, including fertility; pregnancy wellness; allergies; anxiety; asthma; back, hip, neck & shoulder pain; depression; digestive disorders; dizziness fatigue; headaches; migraines; insomnia; menstrual issues; nausea; sciatica; skin problems; sports injuries; stress; and joint & muscle pain.
Q. Why should I try acupuncture?
Acupuncture, as the main component of Oriental Medicine, helps improve your body's natural ability to become pregnant. The primary concept guiding acupuncture and Oriental Medicine is balance. When a person is out of balance it can become more difficult to achieve a healthy pregnancy. Every person has unique patterns of imbalance and acupuncture provides a personalized treatment based on the needs and medical history of each patient.
Q. How does it work?
When your body is out of balance, any number of symptoms and conditions may result, including infertility. Acupuncture seeks to help your body achieve its own unique balance and consequently, greater overall health. The treatment consists of two main parts: strengthening the areas that are too weak and calming the areas that are too strong. Fertility treatments tend to focus more on the strengthening aspect, as it provides a natural boost to the reproductive system. After diagnosing how your body is out of balance, a treatment plan is created to help guide your body back toward balance while focusing specifically on your reproductive system.
Q. What is the course of treatment?
In Vitro Fertilization
For an IVF cycle, the course of treatment is one office visit per week for approximately 3 - 4 weeks prior to the procedure, a treatment pre-embryo transfer and one follow-up treatment approximately 2 - 5 days after the transfer.
The initial 3 - 4-week period helps create a healthier environment for a successful pregnancy. On the day your embryo transfer takes place, a treatment directly prior to the procedure can significantly increase your chances of getting pregnant. Additionally, a follow-up treatment 2 - 5 days after the transfer will help ensure that your body remains in balance during the period when the embryo should implant and continue to grow.
Artificial Insemination
For artificial insemination, the course of treatment is one office visit per week for approximately 3 - 4 weeks prior to the procedure, followed by treatments near the beginning and end of your insemination procedures.
Natural Fertility
For natural fertility, it is most beneficial to have treatments once a week for the last three weeks of the menstrual cycle. The second and third weeks of a woman's cycle should be her most fertile time, and a treatment in the fourth week can help alleviate symptoms associated with her period.
Q. Does it hurt?
There is little or no pain during a treatment. An acupuncture needle is as fine as a human hair and many times a patient is not even aware that it has been inserted. Patients often describe a sense of deep relaxation during treatment.
Q. What should I wear?
Loose-fitting, comfortable clothes. Most of the main acupuncture points are located on the legs, abdomen and back and are easily accessible on a patient wearing loose fitting clothes.
Q. Does insurance cover acupuncture treatments?
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover acupuncture and Indiana Reproductive Acupuncture does not accept insurance as payment. If your insurance covers acupuncture, we will collect payment upon treatment and you can then submit a receipt to your provider for reimbursement.
Q. How long do the treatments last?
The initial consultation and treatment lasts approximately one hour. Subsequent office visits last approximately 45 minutes. Pre-IVF treatments last about 45 minutes.
Q. Are the needles sterile?
Yes. The needles are pre-packaged, used only once on each patient and immediately disposed of properly, according to the regulations of the State of Indiana.
Q. Does it matter what my specific fertility issues are?
No. A unique treatment plan is created for each patient, based on their needs, history and concerns.
Q. Do you treat male fertility issues?
Yes. Although most treatments focus on the woman, many fertility issues stem from the male, in which case a course of acupuncture treatment may be appropriate to balance the body so the reproductive system can function properly.
"Words cannot express how thankful I am to David and the entire office for their support and encouragement throughout this experience. From the moment I first walked into IRA, I felt a sense of calm and peacefulness. With each treatment, I became more positive and encouraged that I would find success and eventually become pregnant."
- K.B., Indianapolis
2/09
Additional information regarding our 
