This page discusses Acupuncture IVF support.
Robert has over a decades experience working with patients who have fertility, pregnancy or women’s health concerns and those undergoing IVF treatments. Robert incorporates the latest scientific research into his treatments and combines these with traditional, holistic approaches. He commonly works with gynaecologists, obstetricians, and reproductive specialists and firmly believes in the integration of medicine, combining the best of East and West, in order to get the best outcome possible. Robert completed his clinical internship in the Gynaecology department of Shanghai Shu Guang Hospital and went on to complete further training in natural fertility and IVF support. Sonia Millett and Alicia Grinter assist Robert in his work with these patients.
If you are interested in making an appointment with our practitioners or would simply like to have a chat, please feel free to contact the clinic on 03 9337 8572 or send us an email at admin@essendonnaturalhealth.com.au.
Many health practitioners may recommend acupuncture as an adjunct treatment that may assist with IVF treatment. There is continuing research about how acupuncture can assist with the effectiveness of IVF treatment and you should consult your treating practitioner/s about how acupuncture may be able to help you.
A typical consultation begins with assessing the health of both partners. The first step is to understand the current state of health and wellbeing in each partner to determine what kind of care is required and for whom. This involves seeing the male partner’s semen analysis (if required), blood tests, and an understanding of the state of his general health. Men are very simple in this regard, for women it’s a little more complex. For the female partner, there is a need to understand the cycle regularity, quality of menstruation, ovulation timing/quality, cervical mucus quality, viewing of Basal Body Temperature charts if available, hormonal panels and other blood tests, internal ultrasound/tubal patency/laparoscopy results (if they have been performed), and a general understanding of her health.
Our practitioners utilise a versatile approach to encourage self-healing that explores both the East Asian and western traditions of medicine. This may involve acupuncture, both traditional Chinese and very gentle Japanese styles of practice, moxibustion (heat therapy), Cupping therapy, soft tissue release techniques such as abdominal massage, dietary and lifestyle modifications, Herbal medicine including Chinese and Western herbs, and integrative natural medicines.
Robert has over decades of experience working with patients who have fertility, pregnancy or women’s health concerns and those undergoing IVF treatments. Robert incorporates the latest scientific research into his treatments and combines these with traditional, holistic approaches. He commonly works with gynaecologists, obstetricians, and reproductive specialists and firmly believes in the integration of medicine, combining the best of East and West. Robert completed his clinical internship in the Gynaecology department of Shanghai Shu Guang Hospital and went on to complete further training in natural fertility and IVF support. Alicia Grinter and Sonia Millett work with Robert and assists in these treatments.
Acupuncture consultations last for one hour and the needles are retained for about 25-30 minutes.
Initial Acupuncture & Natural Medicine Consultation $135.00 (One Hour)
Follow Up Acupuncture & Natural Medicine Consultation $100.00 (One Hour)
Herbal medicine and supplements are an extra cost. These are always discussed with you prior to dispensing. HICAPS is available onsite for instant private health rebates and concession is available for students and pension cardholders.
Yes, all are welcome at the clinic. Our practitioners have a lot of experience in working with same-sex couples undergoing IVF treatments.
Yes, our practitioners work with couples and individuals who are undergoing donor egg or donor sperm programs in Australia and overseas. They have a good knowledge of egg donor programs in Greece, Europe, and South Africa, having worked with patients undergoing these programs over the last ten years.
There are many wonderful, passionate reproductive specialists in Melbourne. The following practitioners are a few who Robert has professionally communicated with over the years and personally recommends:
Dr. Nick Lolatgis (Monash IVF): For his endeavour to understand ‘unexplained infertility’, his willingness to experiment and try new avenues where required, and his dedication in helping those who’s other IVF specialists have long given up on.
Dr. Lynn Burmeister (No.1 Fertility): For her dedication to the field, her thoroughness in investigating the causes of infertility and repeated pregnancy loss, and her ability to think outside the square when faced with the fertility challenges of her patients.
Dr. Joe Sgroi (Melbourne IVF): For his thoroughness and willingness to integrate with complementary medicine and his ability to investigate and treat the causes of recurrent implantation failure.
A special mention to Dr. Manuela Toledo (Formally Melbourne IVF) who had looked after many of our patients over the years and has now moved back to Tasmania. We wish you well on your new venture.
If you are interested in making an appointment with our practitioners or would simply like to have a chat, please feel free to contact the clinic on 03 9337 8572 or send us an email at admin@essendonnaturalhealth.com.au.
For more information about Acupuncture for fertility, see our page here: Acupuncture for Fertility Melbourne
Anderson, B.J., Haimovici, F., Ginsburg, E.S., Schust, D.J., & Wayne, P.M. (2007). In vitro fertilisation and acupuncture: clinical efficacy and mechanistic basis. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 13 (3), 38-48.
Balakier, H. and Stronell, R.D. (1994). Color Doppler assessment of folliculogenesis in in vitro fertilisation patients. Fertility and Sterility, 62 (6), 1211-1216.
Bassil, S., Wyns, C., Toussaint-Demylle, D., Nisolle, M., Gordts, S., and Donnez, J. (1997). The relationship between ovarian vascularity and the duration of stimulation in in vitro fertilisation. Human Reproduction, 12 (6), 1240-1245.
Chen, A., et al. (2011). Effect of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on sperm quality in infertility patients with sperm abnormality. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 9 (4), 219-222.
Collin, P., Kaukinen, K., Valimaki, M., & Salmi, J. (2002). Endocrinological disorders and celiac disease. Endocrine Reviews, 23, 464-483.
Cridennda D., Magarelli, P., and Cohen, M. (2005). Acupuncture and in vitro fertilisation: does the number of treatment impact reproductive outcomes? Society for Acupuncture Research, 301, 85-88.
Dieterle, S., Li, C., Greb, R., et al. (2009). A prospective randomized placebo-controlled study of the effect of acupuncture in infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia. Fertility & Sterility, 92, 1340-3.
Gerfinfkel, E., Cedenho, A.P., Yamamura, Y., et al. (2003). Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities. Asian Journal of Andrology. 5,
Gougeon, A. (1996). Regulation of ovarian follicular development in primates: facts and hypotheses. Endocrine Reviews, 17 (2), 121-155.
Grant, L-E., and Cochrane, S. (2014). Acupuncture for the mental and emotional health women undergoing IVF treatment: A comprehensive review. Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, 9 (1), 5-12.
Hullender Rubin, L.E., Anderson, B.J. & Craig, L.B. (2018). Acupuncture and in vitro fertilisation research: current and future directions. Acupuncture in Medicine, BMJ Journals. Published Online First: 10 February 2018. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011352
Isoyama Manca di Villahermosa, D., Dos Santos, L.G., Nogueira, M.B., Vilarino, F.L., and Barbosa, C.P. (2013). Influence of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation when embryo transfers have failed: a prospective randomised controlled study. Acupuncture in Medicine, 31 (3), 157-161.
Jackson, J., Rosen, M., McLean, T., Moro, J., Croughan, M., & Cedars, M. (2008). Prevalence of celiac disease in a cohort of women with unexplained infertility. Fertility and Sterility, 89, 1002-1004.
Kasius, A., Smit, J.G., Torrance, H.L., Eijkemans, M.J., et al. (2014). Endometrial thickness and pregnancy rates after IVF: a systematic review and meta analysis. Human Reproduction Update, 20 (4), 530-541.
Kim, J.S., Na, C.S., Hwang, W.J., Lee, B.C., Shin K.H., and Pak, S.C. (2003). Immunohistochemical localization of cyclooxygenase-2 in pregnant rat uterus by SP6 acupuncture. American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 31 (3), 481-488.
Magarelli, P. et al. (2009). Changes in serum cortisol and prolactin associated with acupuncture during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women undergoing in vitro fertilization- embryo transfer treatment. Fertility and Sterility, Dec 2009, pp 1870-9.
Nepomnaschy, P.A., Welch, K.B., McConnell, D.S., Low, B.S., Strassmann, B.I. & England, B.G. (2006). Cortisol levels and very early pregnancy loss in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 103 (10), 3938-3942.
Ozturk, O., Bhattacharya, S., Saridogan, E., Jauniaux, E., and Templeton, A. (2004). Role of utero-ovarian vascular impedance: predictor of ongoing pregnancy in an IVF embryo transfer programme. Reproductive Biomedicine Online, 9 (3), 299-305.
Paulus, W.E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility & Sterility, 77 (4), 721-4.
Pei, J., Strehler, E., Noss, U., et al. (2005). Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Fertility & Sterility, 84, 141-7.
Qian, Y., Xia, X.R., Ochin, H., Huang, C., Gao, C., Gao, L., et al (2017). Effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gynecol Obstet, 295(3), 543-558.
Rostami, K., Steegers, E., Wong, W., Braat, D., & Steegers-Theunissen, R. (2001). Coeliac disease and reproductive disorders: a neglected association. European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Reproductive Biology, 96, 146-149.
Reid, k. (2015). Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: an updated meta-analysis. Complimentary Therapies and Medicine, 23 (1), 116-28.
See, C.J., McCulloch, M., Smikle, C., et al. (2011). Chinese herbal medicine and clomiphene citrate for anovulation: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17, 397-405.
Sela, K., Lehavi, O., Buchan, A., Kedar-Shalem, K., Yavetz, H., & Lev-ari, S. (2011). Acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment for women undergoing intrauterine insemination. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 3, (2), 77-81.
Shen, C., Wu, M., Shu, D., Zhao, X. & Gao, Y. (2015). The role of acupuncture in in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Gynecol Obstet Invest, 79 (1), 1-12.
Showell, M.G., Brown, J., Yazdani, A., Stankiewicz, M.T., Hart, R.J. (2014). Antioxidant vitamins and minerals for male subfertility. Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 12. Art.No.:CD007411, DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD007411.pub3
Siterman, S., Eltes, F., Wolfson, V., Lederman, H. & Bartoov, B. (2000). Does acupuncture affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study. Andrologia, 21 (1), 31-39.
Smith, C.A., De Lacey, S., Chapman, M., et al (2018). Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Acupuncture on Live Births Among Women Undergoing In Vitro FertilizationA Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;319(19):1990–1998. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.5336
Sterner-Victorin, E., Waldenstrom, U., Andersson, S.A., and Wikland, M. (1996). Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile woman with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction, 11 (6), 1314-1317.
Stener-Victorin, E., Kobayashi, R., & Kurosawa, M. (2003). Ovarian blood flow responses to electro-acupuncture stimulation at different frequencies and intensities in anaesthetized rats. Auton Neurosci, 108 (1-2), 50-56.
Sun, F. & Yu, J. (1999). Effect of TCM on plasma beta-endorphin and placental endocrine function in threatened abortion. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi, 19 (2), 87-89.
Takakuwa, K., Yasuda, M., Hataya, I., Sekizuka, N., Tamura, M., Arakawa, M., Higashino, M., Hasegawa, I. & Tanaka, K. (1996). Treatment for patients with recurrent abortion with positive antiphospholipid antibodies using a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. Journal of Medicine, 25 (5), 489-494.
Zhang, J., Li, T., Zhou, L., et al (2010). Chinese herbal medicine for subfertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Art. No.: CD007535. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007535.pub2
