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Whether you are planning to use high tech fertility treatments, or take the more natural approach, acupuncture can increase your chances of achieving a pregnancy and a Take Home Baby.
Acupuncture uses the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine as well as herbal prescriptions for maintaining a balanced system. Our goal is to allow patients to conceive naturally. By strengthening the patient’s health, it allows the inborn ability of conception to take place. A healthy more balanced body will conceive more naturally. Many women feel a sense that their “biological clock” is running out, it stands to reason that pregnancy is more likely to occur in a “healthy” 40 year old versus an “unhealthy” 40 year old.
It will take more than three months to improve the quality of oocytes. Acupuncture and Herbal therapy can improve the oocytes by bathing them in a soup of nourishing blood and Qi.
This doesn’t mean lost time; it means giving your body a head start. If you do not conceive naturally and decide to use ART, IVF or IUI;you can rest assured that the time spent on improving your health will give you the best possible outcome and that is a Take Home Baby (THB).
At East Winds Acupuncture, Diane Cridennda, L.Ac. NCCAOM has dedicated a significant amount her practice to the treatment of infertility. She has teamed with Reproductive Endocrinologists and Infertility Specialists to assist in the treatment of In Vitro Fertilization patients.
TCM & Herbs
- Blood and Yin Tonics
- Stimulate estrogen production
- Increases hemoglobin production, lowers FSH
- Improves motility of sperm (bathes in fluid so sperm can move more easily)
- Yang tonics
- Stimulates production of sperm
- Regulates thyroid hormone
- Improves sperm motility and count
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How Traditional Medicine Can Enhance Fertility
- Regulates menstrual cycles
- Regulate hormones by reducing stress
- Improves ovarian function; encourages production of follicles; enhances their quality
- Improves blood flow to ovaries and uterus
- Reduces miscarriages
- Enhances immune system
- Lessens uterine contractions after embryo transfer
- Improves thickness of uterine wall lining
- Lessens side effects of medications
- Improves sperm parameters (takes 3 mos.)
- Improves quality of oocytes (takes 3 mos.)
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Two major studies were done which demonstrated increased pregnancy rates combining Acupuncture with ART/IVF
Cridennda/Magarelli Protocol
- Nine treatments before retrieval
- Start twice a week treatments about 5 weeks before retrieval
- Point Locations (all points are needled bilaterally)
- UB 23 (black clip) to UB 28 (red clip) (one lead)
- SP 6 (black clip) to UB 57(red clip) (one lead)
- Electro-stimulation set from 0 – 100 Hz for 30 minutes
- TDP lamp on the low back is optional for the patient
- Needles
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- Treat 12-24 hours before embryo transfer
- Treat within 1 hour after embryo transfer
- Pre transfer points
- Du 20, PC 6, ST 29, SP 8, LIV 3
- Ear points
- Rt. Shen, brain
- Lt. Uterus,endocrine
- Place press tacks in each ear using the same points and ask patient to stimulate them during transfer.
- Post transfer points
- LI 4, SP 10, ST 36, SP 6
- Ear Points
- Rt.uterus, endocrine
- Lt. Shen brain
- Place press tacks in same pattern instruct patient to remove in 3 days.
- Needles
- 32 g 1 ½ inch needles
- Stimulate to obtain deqi (Qi)
- Re-stimulate after 10 minutes, leave another 15 minutes Total Retention 25 minutes.
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East Winds Acupuncture has been conducting research with premier IVF programs in Colorado since 1999. Diane has worked with Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Center™ , Center for Reproductive Medicine ™ , Conceptions ™ Fertility Center of Colorado ™ and RMFC @ UNM ™ to provide acupuncture services to infertility patients.
Breaking News
Test Tube Babies
Our Research using acupuncture combined with IVF (In Vitro Fertilization)
Dr. Paul C Magarelli at RMFC and Diane Cridennda at East Winds Acupuncture have been conducting research combining high-tech fertility treatments with acupuncture
Diane and Dr. Magarelli have been invited to speak in London, England in June 2006 at the ARRC (Acupuncture Research Resource Centre) at Thames Valley University.
East Winds Acupuncture and RMFC have been selected to present an Oral Presentation for the 2005 Pacific Coast Reproductive Society’s Annual Meeting in Indian Wells, CA. This will be the first publication addressing the issues of Acupuncture’s impact on the quality, quantity and function of embryos created in patients receiving acupuncture.
Venice, Italy 2005: EWA and RMFC traveled to Venice, Italy where they presented data demonstrating a 25% improvement in Pregnancy Rates (statistically significant at < 0.05 level) for patients receiving IVF and Acupuncture and a statistically significant reduction in miscarriages, ectopics, and more “Take Home Babies” (THB) in the Acupuncture + IVF group versus controls. Acupuncture: Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF Patients Click here to link to this article.
Diane is involved with ongoing research projects with Reproductive Medicine & Fertility Center ™ adding acupuncture to high tech fertility treatments, IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). Her research with IVF demonstrated that a higher percent chance of pregnancy, and more importantly, more babies were born to those who have acupuncture. Her research on Poor Prognosis IVF patients is published in the supplement of Fertility and Sterility Vol 81 Sup.3 April 2004: it won the Private Practice Physician’s award for Research Click here to link to this article. She has also recently presented her work on Good Prognosis IVF patients at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) annual meeting in Philadelphia. Click here to link to this article
Acupuncture is an option for infertility whether you are using high tech fertility treatments or if you want to take a more natural approach. Diane will set up a treatment plan for your individual needs.
Diane believes “We must take advantage of the breakthrough in modern technology, but we can’t lose touch with ancient wisdom of Chinese Medicine."
Testimonials:
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"I would like to thank-you for helping me with my headaches. I am a true believer of acupuncture. Steve and I are now proud parents of Zachary Tyler."
Thanks Dawn S
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"Seven years ago I first decided to try acupuncture/ Chinese Medicine to help with some infertility issues. I found East Winds Acupuncture in the Phone book and when to see Dr. Diane Cridennda. I decided to let go of my western mind and give these foreign ideas a chance, and I figured that after all, medicine that’s been around for 5,000 years has to have something going right?
"I hate needles. I always cried when I had to get a shot, even as an adult and probably would still cry to this day. I can’t say I enjoy having the acupuncture needles put in, but I definitely enjoy the results I get when the treatment is done. The discomfort is over pretty quickly and I have had great results from many different treatments.
"Over the past 7 years I have had three children and almost no colds. I usually try acupuncture and/or Chinese medicine as my first resort for anything that ails me. The best part about it is that there are no adverse side effects and the treatments go after the root cause of the problem – not just the symptoms like western medicine does. We had to use IVF to get pregnant both times and the acupuncture was a wonderful compliment to having the IVF treatments work and to support me during my pregnancies. My second pregnancy was with twins and I was put on bed rest at 28 weeks to prevent preterm labor. I immediately contacted Dr. Diane to start weekly treatments to prevent preterm labor and I carried the twins to 38 weeks and a scheduled C-Section.
"When I walk into Dr. Diane’s office, I immediately relax and start to feel better. I know she will care about my problem, take the time to understand it, and do everything she can to treat me. She has always helped me manage my health in a holistic way – I have learned a lot about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle from her that compliments the Chinese approach to medicine. The best way to avoid problems is to prevent them from occurring in the first place.
"I have referred many people to Dr. Diane over the years, and some of them have had a quick and impacting results and some of them found that acupuncture wasn’t for them. No one I spoke with ever regretted giving it a try. I believe that it is certainly worth a shot, and I feel very empowered and in control of my own health by having access to Chinese Medicine."
Elizabeth Fugitt
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"I wanted to express my appreciation for working me in on a Friday afternoon (last minute) and also being available to treat me the next day – (on Saturday) for my post transfer treatment. I’m really grateful for the work you do, for your willingness to work on the weekends and the various sacrifices you make on behalf of the patients needing to be seen after hours or on the weekends.
"I am a patient of Dr. Magarelli and coming up from Albuquerque was I was so impressed to receive such care & kindness & prompt service. As you would want to know I’m sure…… I am pregnant with twins and almost 12 weeks along. I often think of all the people who blessed my life helping me through the process. You all are among those people who made sacrifices for m. I want to sincerely thank you for helping so many women like myself be able to have the chance at giving life to another. It is among the greatest gifts I’ve ever received."
With great Appreciation,
Delane Meredith
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"I would highly recommend Dr. Diane at East Winds Acupuncture not just for infertile couples needing assistance but to any pregnant woman. After a few months of treatments and support through my 1st cycle of in-vitro my husband and I were successful. I was excited to continue treatments through my pregnancy. Many of my friends and family members talked tome of their battles with morning sickness that for some lasted for 20 weeks and as I went through my 1st trimester I had none! I truly believe it was greatly due to Dr. Diane’s treatments and advice on a healthy pregnancy. Through my once a month treatments n my 2nd trimester I suddenly began having 20-25 contractions a day and after 3 consecutive acupuncture treatments in 10 days the contractions decreased to only around 5 daily, allowing me to continue enjoying my pregnancy worry-free. Dr. Diane is an angel on earth – schedule time with East Winds and you will not be disappointed."
Elizabeth Younts
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 At the age of 41 I was diagnosed with pre-mature ovarian failure and
was in the midst of premature menopause. This was the diagnosis of two
infertility physicians, my Ob endocrinologist and my primary care
physician. My FSH was over 30 for three months in a row and my
menstrual cycle had completely stopped. I was given less than 1% chance
of conceiving using my own eggs.
I had already been seeing Dr. Diane for fertility issues but we both
agreed that we should focus on the menopausal issues that were turning
my life upside down. Dr. Diane continued to treat me weekly and through
regular acupuncture visits, Chinese herbal prescriptions and topical
crèmes, my periods were back within three months. The hot flashes were
gone and my libido was back. My husband also received acupuncture and
took herbs and nutritional supplements to help sperm quality.
In late January I became pregnant!
In the first trimester I was experiencing a lot of spotting and my Ob
gave me grim news that I may miscarry. I saw Diane for several
acupuncture treatments and soon the spotting stopped.
My son was born September 25, 2004 one month early, but in perfect
health. I wound (and do) encourage anyone who finds themselves in a
similar situation to seek out acupuncture/Chinese Medicine. I found
acupuncture to not only be affordable but less invasive than most
fertility treatments.
I cannot fully express my gratitude to Diane for being there during this period of my life.
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 Seven years ago I first decided to try acupuncture / Chinese medicine
to help with some infertility issues. I found East Winds Acupuncture in
the phone book and went to see Dr. Diane Cridennda. I decided to let go
of my western mind and give these foreign ideas a chance, and I figured
that after all, medicine that’s been around for 5,000 years has to have
something going right.
I hate needles. I always cried when I had to get a shot, even as an
adult, and probably would still cry to this day. I can’t say I enjoy
having the acupuncture needles put in, but I definitely enjoy the
results I get when the treatment is done. The discomfort is over pretty
quickly and I have had great results from many different treatments.
Over the past 7 years I have had three children and almost no colds. I
usually try acupuncture and/or Chinese medicine as my first resort for
anything that ails me. The best part about it is that there are no
adverse side effects and the treatments go after the root cause of the
problem – not just the symptoms like western medicine does. We had to
use IVF to get pregnant both times, and the acupuncture was a wonderful
compliment to having the IVF treatments work and to support me My
second pregnancy was with twins and I was
put on bed rest at 28 weeks to prevent preterm labor. I immediately
contacted Dr. Diane to start weekly treatments to prevent preterm labor
and I carried the twins to 38 weeks and a scheduled c-section.
When I walk into Dr. Diane’s office, I immediately relax and start to
feel better. I know she will care about my problem, take the time to
understand it, and do everything she can to treat me. She has always
helped me manage my health in a holistic way – I have learned a lot
about nutrition and a healthy lifestyle from her that compliments the
Chinese approach to medicine. The best way to avoid problems is to
prevent them from occurring in the first place!
I have referred many people to Dr. Diane over the years, and some of
them have had quick and impacting results and some of them found that
acupuncture wasn’t for them. No one I spoke with ever regretted giving
it a try. I believe that it is certainly worth a shot, and I feel very
empowered and in control of my own health by having access to Chinese
medicine.
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 We had started trying to conceive our first baby in February 2003. I
charted my basal body temperature and there seemed to be no obvious
health problems, month after month my pregnancy test was negative.
Realizing that we might have a problem, we started the western
infertility route with my Ob/Gyn by having all blood labs checked in
January 2004. All values came back within normal limits, so my Ob/Gyn
advised me to start seeing an RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist) for
more aggressive treatments. I was bothered by the fact that so many
things seemed to be “unexplained” “no problem" - my short luteal phase
(9-11 days), my short and light period, my progesterone just barely
being over the lower threshold... I felt like all I needed was a little
nudge in the right direction, not chemical bombs or a full-blown IVF.
Finally, in May 2004, somebody told me about acupuncture and that it
can help with infertility problems. I looked up www.acufinder.com and
luckily found a TCM practitioner specializing in infertility in my area
- Dr. Diane Cridennda. I have to say that I was quite skeptical at
first, but the very first appointment, which included a long interview,
already laid a lot of my doubts to rest. Finally somebody was
interested in what I had to say about my own health, not just about
obvious fertility-related issues, but others like digestion, emotions
etc. She continued to impress me by telling me things that I hadn't
told her, like my kidney issues or my bad night vision.
During the next weeks, I learned more about the philosophy of TCM by
reading a book Diane had recommended to me - "The Infertility Cure" by
Randine Lewis. Diane was always happy to answer any questions I might
have and discuss ideas. She continued to adapt my herb combination. In
my third month, she used electro-acupuncture just before I ovulated.
That was the month I conceived, just as she had predicted. (She had
told me that if there are no additional problems, she expects her
patients to conceive after 3-6 months of treatment). I am now well in
my 4th month and continue my acupuncture treatments. I am convinced it
is the reason I had virtually no morning sickness. I now hope she will
be willing to help me with labor pains as well.
I am deeply grateful to Diane, for being such a compassionate, caring
person and for being a great listener. I look forward to sharing a
large bottle of champagne with her, once the baby is born! She told me
that it feels like a boy, so we will see if she is right again :-)."
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 Dear Diane
Thank you for all of your patient and kind support as I worked my way
through (not quite past) a needle phobia. I used your advice on rising
out of bed and as a result am much more aware of using and not using my
stomach muscles. I really appreciate your help and believe that you
played a major role in enabling us to become pregnant. We’re expecting
twins at the end of April. Thank-you.
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 I tried to get pregnant for three years. First we tried artificial
insemination. I got pregnant after the third try, but had an ectopic
pregnancy. After three more unsuccessful inseminations, we were
referred to Dr. Magarelli. We did two IVF cycles. I got pregnant both
times, but miscarried. When we decided to do a third IVF cycle Dr.
Magarelli. suggested we try acupuncture. We met Dr. Diane Cridennda and
did the IVF protocol. I only had time to do six of the eight
recommended electro stimulation acupuncture treatments. I did the pre
and post transfer treatments. Then Dr Diane set up a miscarriage
protocol for me. I found the acupuncture to be very relaxing. I had
calm feeling when I left the office after a session. I believe the
acupuncture helped increase the blood flow to my uterus. I also had
very little nausea throughout my pregnancy because Dr. Diane asked
about which symptoms I was having and used those acupuncture points.
Now I have a beautiful baby boy.
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One to three percent. That’s what we were told were our chances for
conceiving using IVF with my own eggs. This was after five years of
infertility including two miscarriages, two unsuccessful IVF attempts,
being diagnosed with severe endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine
fibroids, and premature ovarian failure, and then having two pelvic
surgeries to try to fix everything. Despite the odds, we decided to try
one more IVF cycle with a new doctor and anything he might recommend.
Of course, being a needle-phobia, I cringed when he told me acupuncture
would be a non-negotiable part of my treatment. I figured if this was
my last hope, I might as well try everything. I started to become a
believer in the effects of acupuncture when my blood work on IVF
stimulation drugs was four times more favorable than it had been in my
previous attempts. Then, we had three times the number of embryos. We
were cautiously optimistic when we learned I was pregnant, and we
continued with Dr. Diane’s anti-miscarriage protocol throughout the
pregnancy. This also likely contributed to my complete lack of morning
sickness, back pain, constipation, and immediate resolution of two head
colds during the pregnancy. We gave birth to our beautiful baby
daughter in August 2005, no doubt due in part to the benefits of
acupuncture.
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 When a couple decides to start a family there is a great sense of
excitement and expectation while they wait for the test strip to turn a
different color or shape. For some, that wait is a long one. My husband
and I are in the latter category. So we went to a specialist to find
out what the hold up was. After a lot of testing, we agreed to undergo
IVF with ICSI. Having never been to visit many, if any Drs. in my
lifetime, this was a huge step for me. Our first attempt was
unsuccessful. However with the second attempt the final verdict call
told us that the “test strip changed colors”. We were finally pregnant.
Unfortunately a miscarriage followed several weeks later. So we kept
trying; and kept trying. We had some success followed by another
miscarriage.
Throughout the IVF process, my Dr. had recommended acupuncture
to assist in getting pregnant. This again was a huge step for me as
prior to this I had a fear of needles and tended to pass out when I had
to give blood. Well, anyone that has undergone IVF will tell you such
fears pass in the blink of an eye. So I went for treatments. I had read
that many women called these treatments their needle naps. How could
they? It’s a bunch of needles stuck in you! But after my first
treatment I was hooked. And I did indeed fall asleep!
On our 6th and last IVF attempt, we had a positive result call and this
time the Dr. told me to go in immediately for acupuncture treatments.
Prior to this I had gone as a preparation for getting pregnant. This
time he wanted me to go throughout my pregnancy. He explained that
studies show acupuncture helps high risk patients maintain their
pregnancy. So off I went to visit Dr. Diane again! I went in weekly for
treatments (or needle naps). I find the sessions help to balance me. I
feel more peaceful, calm and rested after a treatment. Around my 9th
week, Monday evening, I started to bleed and was put on immediate bed
rest. The only reason I could get up (or even leave the house) was for
my acupuncture treatment. The bleeding had continued all day Tuesday
and was still going on Wednesday. So off I went to my acupuncture
treatment on Wednesday. After my treatment with Dr. Diane the bleeding
stopped. I was checked again on Friday at my IVF Dr’s office and
whatever had happened had resolved itself and my babies (Twins!) were
just fine.
As I write this, I am in my 28th week. There have been no complications
at all and I am joyfully looking forward to my children’s arrival.
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I just wanted to say thank you for all your kindness, encouragement,
etc. while you treated me. I truly believe that the acupuncture made a
difference in getting and keeping that pregnancy. I hope someday I get
to do acupuncture again as I really enjoyed it But, I have NO time to
do anything these days! It’s crazy! Greg and I feel doubly blessed
after have those 4 miscarriages. All we went through and the rough
pregnancy was so worth it in the end! They are healthy and beautiful!
Thanks again and enjoy your picture and give you patients my success
story so they have hope. I know I needed to hear success stories when I
was going through it. Take care and God Bless
Cindy and Greg
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I just wanted to pass along the great news from my Doppler ultrasound….
My PI went down from 4.1 three months ago to 1.9! Things are looking
great for my transfer tomorrow afternoon.
Thanks for everything!
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 I hope your holidays are wonderful; I want to thank you for everything
you did for me. Steve and I are expecting our first child around June
12th
Thanks again
Dawn and Steve
Follow-up
Dear Diane
I wanted to let you know that I gave birth to a baby girl June 8th. Thank-you for all your help last summer.
Thanks
Dawn and Steve
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Remember Me?
Sorry I took so long in getting this to you. I did want to thank you for all your services and in taking me at the last minute.
Well as it turns out I am pregnant with a singleton
I am 14 weeks along as of Wed Dec 24 and finally entered into my 2nd trimester.
Thanks so much for everything
Lisa
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Steve and I would like to thank you for helping us during our IVF
cycle. We are pleased to announce “IT WORKED”! You were great, and I
appreciate all your help.
Thanks Again
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 Sorry it has taken me so long to write you this note! Our twins are
here! They were bone on April 27, 2004 at Memorial Hospital. I had a
tough pregnancy with SEVERE nose bleeds. I was hospitalized for one
week at 29 weeks with preterm labor (put me on magnesium, not a fun
drug!) and them on bed rest after that. The boys were born at 35.2
weeks via emergency c-section. I was at Memorial seeing the high risk
doctor for a regular appointment when they discovered Baby A’s hear
rate was in the 70’s. They immediately put me under and did a
c-section. Baby A had the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck twice.
Someone was watching out for us on that day, we are so thankful I had
that appointment. The twins stayed in the NICU for 8 days with no major
problems (had some jaundice, Baby A had oxygen for two days, etc) Baby
B weighted 5lbs 2oz and Baby A 5lbs 13oz I was very proud I had two
five pounders! I was HUGE to say the least! They are doing well and
gaining lots of weight! I am back to work and missing them a lot!
Just wanted to say thank you for all your kindness,
encouragement etc. while you treated me. I truly believe that the
acupuncture made a difference in getting and keeping that pregnancy. I
hope someday I get to do acupuncture again as I really enjoyed it But,
I have NO time to do anything these days! It’s crazy! My husband and I
feel doubly blessed after having those 4 miscarriages. All we went
through and the rough pregnancy was so worth it in the end! They are
healthy and beautiful! Thanks again and enjoy your picture and give you
patients my success story so they have hope. I know I needed to hear
success stories when I was going through it. Take care and God Bless
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Dr. Diane,
My family and I were referred to you by Dr. Paul Magarelli back in
April 2005 and we want to personally thank you for all your hard work
and kindness. Your treatment helped my wife and I relax and allowed us
to focus on making a baby. Mere word can’t express our sincere
gratitude, but since I don’t have a bucket of money…words will have to
do. Thanks again.
Keith, Nydia, Aubree, Malcolm, and Mason
Go AIR FORCE!!!
Mason was born Dec. 10 (3 weeks early). He was 6 pounds 1 ounce and
22 inches long. He was born at 1133 am. The only complication was that
he was facing up and his head was lodged against my wife’s pelvis. The
way his head was in the birth canal prevented a vaginal delivery. In
the Super baby picture, Mason is 2 months old and he weighs 11 pounds
14 ounces.
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Dr. Cridennda runs a very professional and caring practice.
With the help of Dr. Cridennda at East Winds Acupuncture, I was able to conceive my daughter, now a very healthy 5yr old.
Dr. Cridennda has also been able to manage my gall bladder issues for the last 3 years, with both herbs and acupuncture.
I highly recommend Dr. Diane!!
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"Dr. Diane took the time to thoroughly diagnose my fertility issues. She patiently worked with once a week. My fertility Doctor gave me less than a 5% chance of conceiving every month. With lots of hope, patience, acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, it I became pregnant! Thank you Dr. Diane for believing in me and my body's ability to respond..... and ultimately to create my family"
Karen McKay, proud mother of a 7 month old.
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