Ancient Wisdom Treats Modern Diseases

Fertility Support

Chinese Medicine Fertility Support

Natural Fertility Support - You're Not Alone

Trying to conceive can feel overwhelming — emotionally, physically, and mentally. A couple is considered to have fertility issues if they have been trying to conceive for a year without success. This difficulty with conception may affect up to 20% of all couples planning a child.

If you’re struggling to conceive, you may feel frustrated, exhausted, or unsure of what to try next. Many patients come to me after months or years of doing “everything right,” yet with little clarity or support. Fertility challenges are rarely just one thing. They’re often influenced by hormones, stress, inflammation, digestion, and overall nervous system health. This is where a holistic approach can make a meaningful difference.

If you’re seeking support that goes beyond tests and prescriptions, I can help you optimize your reproductive health in a natural, intentional way. I combine traditional wisdom with modern science to support your fertility journey at every stage — whether you’re planning naturally, preparing for assisted reproductive technologies (ART), or navigating IVF cycles.  I am Board Certified in Reproductive Medicine and have had excellent success over the years.

I have a separate website dedicated to fertility and perinatal care that highlights the offerings at my Stow clinic. 

Please contact me for a free fertility consult to determine whether I can support your reproductive health. 

Consider Fertility Support if you’re:

  • Experiencing unexplained infertility
  • Dealing with irregular cycles or ovulation issues/pain/PMS
  • Preparing for IVF or IUI
  • Navigating recurrent pregnancy loss
  • Addressing male factor fertility concerns
  • Planning ahead for a healthy pregnancy
  • Wanting to feel healthier with more energy



Why Fertility Challenges Are Often More Complex Than They Seem

Commonly Overlooked Contributors to Infertility

  • Chronic or unmanaged stress
  • Immune or inflammatory patterns
  • Subtle hormonal imbalances
  • Nutritional deficiencies (even with supplementation)
  • Male Fertility Deserves Equal Attention
  • Male factor infertility is as common as female factor
  • A “normal” semen analysis doesn’t tell the whole story
  • Hormones, inflammation, lifestyle, and metabolic health all matter
  • Why a Functional & Chinese Medicine Approach
  • Focuses on root causes, not just symptoms
  • Supports both partners, not just one
  • Helps improve overall health—not only fertility
  • Can be used before or alongside IVF and other ART options

Many people arrive feeling frustrated, confused, or exhausted by the fertility process—and for good reason. In many cases, the underlying issue isn’t a single diagnosis but one or more health imbalances that haven’t yet been fully addressed.


These imbalances can range from chronic stress and immune dysregulation to hormonal patterns and nutritional gaps—even among people who are “doing everything right,” including taking supplements.


Another reality I often see is that fertility care falls disproportionately on women. Early-morning appointments, testing, and medications—these can feel like all the responsibility rests on one person. Yet research consistently shows that male factor infertility is nearly as common as female factor infertility. Unfortunately, this area is often underexplored in conventional medicine. A normal semen analysis is only one small piece of a much larger picture.


From a functional and Chinese medicine perspective, fertility is not limited to the reproductive organs alone. It reflects overall health, resilience, and balance in both partners.
That’s why I focus on improving the internal environment of the body—using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, functional nutrition, and lifestyle support—before or alongside more invasive interventions. When the body is better supported, people often notice improvements not only in fertility outcomes, but in energy, mood, digestion, and overall well-being.


Research increasingly shows that a child’s health begins well before birth. Preparing the body thoughtfully and thoroughly is one way to support not only conception but also a healthier pregnancy and baby.


For some patients, this also means exploring a functional approach before moving directly into assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as IVF. While ART can be incredibly helpful and appropriate in many cases, it does not always address the underlying causes of infertility. Taking time to improve the body’s readiness may offer meaningful benefits—whether conception occurs naturally or with medical support.

Fertility FAQ

What happens on the first appointment?

At your first appointment, we will spend about 1 hour reviewing your entire health history. I will also review all laboratory tests you have brought in. We will create a plan moving forward for acupuncture, nutritional changes, supplements, and possibly herbal medicine. You will also receive an acupuncture session at that first appointment.

I have a website dedicated to perinatal care and fertility support.  We offer Shiatsu, Maya Abdominal Massage, Prenatal massage and of course, Chinese herbal medicine and Nutritional support.

If you do not have insurance coverage for my services, the initial out-of-pocket cost is $160 in Stow and $175 in Belmont. Follow-up check-ins and acupuncture are $80 in Stow and $90 in Belmont.

Most fertility patients are seen weekly, with frequency adjusted according to cycle timing and treatment goals.  More complex cases may start out twice per week.

I have a Chinese herbal pharmacy where I prepare custom formulas and use them extensively for most of my fertility patients, both male and female. However, during a medicated ART cycle, herbs are not used. Chinese herbs may be recommended after your initial assessment, depending on your needs and medical plan.

Chinese herbal medicine has one of the longest continuous safety records of any medical system in the world. Its use spans more than 2,000 years, with hundreds of thousands of documented case studies recorded in classical medical texts and continually expanded through modern clinical practice. These records don’t just describe which herbs were used but also how, when, for whom, and in what combinations—creating an accumulated body of knowledge that prioritizes both effectiveness and safety.


Chinese Herbal Medicine has a long history of use for reproductive health and during pregnancy. The Shang Han Za Bing Lun 傷寒雜病論, originally written over 1800 years ago, includes an entire chapter on pregnancy. The formulas from this classic text have been used and tested for millennia.


One of the key reasons Chinese herbal medicine is so well tolerated is that it is rarely prescribed as a single, isolated herb. Instead, formulas are carefully constructed to balance actions, reduce side effects, and support the body as a whole. Herbs are chosen based on an individual’s constitution, symptoms, medications, and overall health picture, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. This personalization is central to why adverse reactions are uncommon when herbs are prescribed appropriately. Its long history, emphasis on individualized prescribing, and integration with modern safety practices are exactly why it remains trusted and used worldwide today.

*In July 2007 I was diagnosed with PCOS and recommended hormonal treatment by my gynecologist. As I did not feel ready to go this way, my husband and I decided that I should to try acupuncture. In November 2007 I began acupuncture treatment with George Mandler. For 2 1/2 months I had weekly appointments, which were not only relaxing and enjoyable but also helped me get back into a good balance. After having had irregular periods for almost a year, they came back - the combination of the acupuncture and George's knowledgeable advice for dietary changes worked tremendously. I appreciated his calm and reflective approach to Eastern medicine and Western science, as well as the peaceful atmosphere in the clinic. I became pregnant in Feb 2008 and I am feeling fantastic.
Margaret
Cambridge,MA

*These testimonials do not imply that similar results will happen for you by using our services. The testimonials displayed in the text are shown verbatim and in their full length and no compensation was received in return.

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