Our Specialties
Fertility Support
Cara specializes in fertility for all genders, centering queer/trans/solo folks seeking to become parents with or without assisted technologies. First we discuss your stage in your fertility journey and whether any structural issues such as blocked fallopian tubes, fibroids, low sperm count, etc. have been addressed with your primary care team. Multiple research studies have proven acupuncture to be effective at complimenting primary fertility treatments, including medications, intrauterine insemination, intracervical/intravaginal insemination, and in-vitro fertilization. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help to stimulate more healthy blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, enhance hormone regulation and better regulate menstrual cycles, enhance sperm count and motility, reduce the mental-emotional burden of the fertility navigation process via normalizing the autonomic nervous system, nourish and strengthen the body in folks with a history of miscarriage, reduce medication side effects such as hot flashes, brain fog, headaches, bloating, nausea, and cramping, and improve overall well-being. Our philosophy is that it truly takes a village to bring and sustain humans into this world, and conception starts with the heart and mind. Therefore, all intended parents, bio parents, non-gestational parents, egg and sperm donors, and gestational carriers can benefit from and optimize fertility outcomes with acupuncture and herbal medicine.
Optimizing acupuncture dosage is ideal, so acupuncture can be helpful at any stage of your journey, however, the benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so the earlier and more regularly it is incorporated into your overall treatment plan, the better. We recommend weekly acupuncture to affect the menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases, so that we can support the regulation of cycles for at least 3 to 4 months; weekly acupuncture during IUI cycles; and weekly treatment starting at least one month before IVF retrieval and embryo transfer, with a treatment scheduled ideally 24 hours before procedures, and then within one week post-procedure. It’s never too late to incorporate acupuncture, we can tailor our recommendations based on your unique needs.
Pregnancy & Postpartum
Acupuncture is an effective and safe natural remedy and complementary medicine that can be utilized throughout all trimesters of pregnancy, when administered by a licensed TCM practitioner. It helps to reduce symptoms and common discomforts such as morning sickness, heartburn, sciatica, constipation and hemorrhoids, fatigue, and edema, has potential to prevent complications, support folks with breech presentations, and can help prepare the body for better childbirth and postpartum outcomes. During the postpartum period, also known as Zuo Yue Zi “Sitting the Month,” the body is naturally depleted of vital blood and qi, and acupuncture and herbal medicine can help strengthen the body and immune system, nourish blood flow, support lactation if desired, and prevent postpartum depression by calming the nervous system. We have in-person and telehealth services available.
Menstrual/Perimenopausal Health + Menopause
Acupuncture is essential medicine to support healthy maintenance of the reproductive system, and all phases of reproductive care - including puberty and menstruation, childbirth, and/or menopause/andropause - are considered the “Three Golden Opportunities” when the nourishment of processes that replenish vital body energy and fluids (Jing) can serve as a reset and strengthening of the entire mind-body system. Cara’s experience treating folks with menstrual, perimenopausal, and menopausal health has successfully helped with management of irregular cycles, painful cycles, lack of menstruation, PMS and PMDD, endometriosis, fibroids, adenomysosis, PMOS, premature ovarian failure, hot flashes, insomnia, vaginal discharge imbalances, fatigue and memory challenges, hormone therapy side effects, pelvic floor weakness, and libido changes.
Reproductive Procedure Support
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective at supporting optimal procedural outcomes and recovery. TCM can help minimize surgery and outpatient procedural complications when administered in advance, and it can also support a more rapid recovery for connective tissue and scar healing post-procedure. Cara has experience supporting individuals with gender-affirming surgeries, hysterectomy, myomectomy, abortion care, laparoscopic surgery, prolapse surgery, and more. Both in-person and telehealth services are available.
Mental Health Support
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective complementary care for a multitude of medical conditions, including mental health. As always, Cara partners with you with respect for your primary care team’s recommendations, and supports your healing process by providing stress relieving support with TCM modalities from a trauma-informed approach to care. Acupuncture has been proven to reduce anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms, improve sleep, and naturally stimulate the release of norepinephrine, acetylcholine, and several opioids, and also reduces pain and common side effects from medications.
Chronic Illness + Pain Support
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine has been proven to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and stimulate the brain to release natural pain-relieving hormones. Cara has extensive experience treating individuals managing symptoms associated with acute and chronic injury pain, chronic illness, including autoimmune diseases such as MS, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, chronic musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and nerve pain, and management of pain related to cancer care side effects.