Jane Gregorie M.S., L.Ac., Dipl.Ac., Dipl.C.H.

I have compiled a list of questions relevant to qualifications (below) for a potential acupuncturist that will be helpful in assessing their educational background, experience, and ability to treat your particular concerns, especially if you are seeking treatment for fertility issues:

1. Do you have any advanced training in fertility treatment beyond acupuncture school classes?

Most acupuncture schools offer little, if any, specialization in terms of TCM gynecology or the treatment of infertility. Some academic programs do not teach the zang-fu diagnostic paradigm that is relevant to the treatment of infertility from a Chinese Medicine perspective, especially when it comes to Chinese Herbology. I would recommend that a practitioner has a minimum of a Masters level education in Oriental Medicine that includes Differentiation of Disease, Chinese Herbal Materia Medica, and Chinese Herbal Formulas. I would also be sure any acupuncturist you work with has advanced, postgraduate training in the TCM treatment of infertility. While there are not many programs that offer these classes, conscientious and dedicated practitioners should have sought out and completed advanced training in treating infertility if they are calling themselves a specialist in this field. Also, beginning in 2008, The American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine offered its first annual Board Exam. Jane Gregorie and Merry Reasons passed this exam to become a Fellows of the ABORM.  For more information about the ABORM, see www.aborm.org.

Both Merry and I  have participated in multiple advanced trainings in Fertility Enhancement with Randine Lewis, L.Ac., Ph.D., author of The Infertility Cure and founder of The Fertile Soul. I have also worked closely with her as an intern at her Fertile Soul Retreats. I was honored to be invited by Dr. Lewis to become a Charter member of the Fertile Soul’s Clinical Excellence in Fertility Program™. As part of the program, I participate in bi-weekly conference calls with Dr. Lewis and the Fertile Soul team and also in regular trainings and retreats. This elite group of practitioners includes some of the best fertility specialists in the country and we share cases for peer review in addition to keeping abreast of the latest research in the field of fertility.

My Masters education at Southwest Acupuncture College included TCM Gynecology and I had extensive clinical and didactic training in differential diagnosis in the eight principle and Zang-Fu paradigms, including intensive training in Chinese Herbal Medicine. I also completed advanced training in Acupuncture for Infertility with renowned scholar and Taoist master, Jeffrey Yuen and am currently working on my postgraduate certification in TCM Gynecology with Bob Flaws. I attend continuing education seminars regularly and consult with some of the most reputable and renowned fertility acupuncturists, including Dr. Lewis and Jane Lyttleton, on a regular basis.

2. Are you NCCAOM (National Board) certified in BOTH acupuncture AND Chinese Herbology?

Some acupuncture practitioners never study herbs as part of their formal education, but can, with an acupuncture license in most states, recommend and sell herbs to their patients, even without any academic training. If your practitioner will be recommending herbal formulas, be certain they are NCCAOM certified in Chinese herbology–the minimum standard certification they should hold to dispense herbs in their practice. It is also advisable to seek a practitioner who can create custom formulas to match your individual patterns and presentation. Being able to offer custom loose-herb formulas or granules is a good sign that the practitioner is not just practicing “cookbook” style herbology and can make a sophisticated formula that not only meets your needs but will be safe in all phases of your menstrual cycle. Also, if you are taking pharmaceutical medications, your practitioner should be aware of potential herb-drug interactions and contraindications. Some herbs are potentially toxic and some are contraindicated in pregnancy. An uneducated “herbalist” could potentially cause more harm than good by recommending a formula that is inappropriate for you.

I have been National Board Certified in both Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology (license #12506) since 1999. I only use the highest quality herbs and prescribe custom formulas for my patients using granular teas, tablets or capsules. I can also prescribe loose herbs from an outside pharmacy if you prefer to take fresh decoctions. I am well aware of herb-drug interactions and what precautions to take when a patient is on a particular drug regimen. In particular, I have studied herbal prescriptions that relate to gynecology and fertility extensively and can create a sophisticated, custom formula to meet your needs in each phase of the monthly cycle.

3. How much of your practice is devoted to working with patients facing fertility challenges? Do you have any success stories or references?

It is important that your practitioner is familiar with western medical conditions associated with infertility and is aware of any testing you may have had. They should be able to interpret your basal body temperature charts and be able to understand basic hormonal lab values that are pertinent to your case. Greater levels of experience and education will make them aware of important factors that could be crucial to your success in conceiving.

For instance, a former patient of mine exhibited a symptom that I knew could indicate imbalance in a hormone that impairs ovulation. I immediately referred her to her MD for testing and after being properly diagnosed and treated, she continued acupuncture and was pregnant within a month. If I had continued to treat her with Chinese medicine only, not recognizing her possible need for further evaluation and medication, she would have lost valuable time and money and potentially not conceived. While licensed acupuncturists are not qualified to make a medical diagnosis, fertility specialists should be able to recognize “red flags” that would alert them to your need for further medical testing.

Additionally, your practitioner needs to be well-versed in the protocols and treatments used by reproductive endocrinologists. In order to properly work in conjunction with your RE and not counteract any of their protocols, your practitioner needs to be familiar with assisted reproductive techniques, their actions, and their potential side effects. Someone who has more experience and facility working with fertility issues can be a great ally and support as you go through the intense and often stressful processes of IUI, IVF, and hormonal suppression or stimulation.

The majority of our patients come to our clinic for assistance with fertility issues. Some of their testimonials can be viewed on my fertility success stories page and I can provide references upon request. I have a great deal of experience with patients who are undergoing all types of assisted reproductive techniques. Whether you want to try a strictly natural Eastern approach, or a combination of TCM with hormonal stimulation, IUI, or IVF, I will tailor your treatments to fit your specific needs. I am familiar with the protocols requested by REs to increase uterine blood flow prior to IVF and have performed pre and post transfer treatments both in my clinic and on site at the time of transfer. Having worked through this process with so many patients enables me to help make your experience more relaxed and less intimidating.

4. Who is your practitioner as a person? How can they support you in the healing process?

Most practitioners who have devoted themselves to this field are genuinely concerned, compassionate, and deeply empathetic people. The journey that fertility patients take can be an especially painful and frustrating one. Trusting your practitioner’s experience, education, and commitment to this work is vitally important. Because the fertility struggle affects us on so many levels, working with someone with whom you can connect on a deeper level is of great benefit to the healing process.

Your practitioner should be a healer, not just a technician; having a heart-centered approach to Chinese medicine is the hallmark of an exceptional acupuncturist. Randine Lewis’ success in this field is due, not only to her immense knowledge of both western and eastern medicine, but to her depth of being, her connection to spirit, and her skillfulness in terms of giving patients just what they need in the moment. I am grateful to her for not only teaching me how to practice this medicine more effectively, but also for giving me a perspective on life that is deeply rich and ever-fulfilling.

My patients’ words speak for themselves, but I can attest that working with people facing fertility challenges has been the most rewarding aspect of my career. I am truly passionate about helping make your journey towards conception rich and fruitful.

Please feel free to call me directly at 303-929-9582 if you have any questions, or email me at jane@acudenver.com.