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Clinic research on Acupuncture for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency

Data Over Doubt: Acupuncture for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Assisted Fertility, Fertility, Infertility, Pregnancy, Research, Women.

Data Over Doubt: Acupuncture for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

When a woman is told she has Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI), she’s often told what she’s losing:
  • Time
  • A first or second or third biological child
  • Options to grow a family
But emerging research suggests there may be more to the story.
A systematic review article published in the journal Frontiers of Endocrinology examined 13 randomized controlled trials involving 775 women and found acupuncture significantly improved several markers of ovarian function in women with POI.
Researchers found:
  • Lower levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
  • Higher levels of estradiol (E2)
  • Increased anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)
  • Improved overall treatment effectiveness
The strongest results were seen when acupuncture was combined with Chinese herbal medicine and hormone replacement therapy.
Translation: This isn’t about turning back the biological clock.
It’s about helping the body make the most of the function that remains and giving women more tools, more support, and more hope as they navigate a difficult diagnosis.
No, acupuncture is not a replacement for reproductive endocrinology or hormone therapy.
But the research continues to suggest it can be a powerful complementary approach working alongside conventional medicine to support the body’s natural physiology. Because women deserve more than being told, “There’s nothing else we can do.” They deserve options.
Learn more about our holistic approach to Premature Ovarian Insufficiency by setting up a fertility consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac, DACM. Contact us at 512-686-0777 to get started!
The Stress-Fertility Connection: How Cortisol Impacts Implantation Success

The Stress-Fertility Connection: How Cortisol Impacts Implantation Success

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Appointments, Assisted Fertility, Fertility, HeartMath, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Motherhood, Pregnancy, Women. No Comments on The Stress-Fertility Connection: How Cortisol Impacts Implantation Success

Let’s talk about the one phrase that every person on a fertility journey absolutely dreads: “You just need to relax, and it’ll happen.”

If you’ve heard this from a well-meaning relative or a friend, you probably wanted to scream. And honestly? We don’t blame you. At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we know that “relaxing” isn’t a magic switch you can just flip: especially when you’re navigating the high-stakes world of IUI or IVF.

But here’s the thing: while “just relaxing” is terrible advice, there is a very real, very scientific link between your nervous system and your ability to conceive. It’s not about your “vibe” or your mindset; it’s about your physiology. Specifically, it’s about a hormone called cortisol and how it interacts with your reproductive system during that critical window of implantation.

Did you know that your body has a built-in “priority list” for survival? When your brain perceives stress, it doesn’t distinguish between a prehistoric predator and the crushing anxiety of a failed transfer. It just knows it needs to survive. And in survival mode, making a baby is: biologically speaking: a luxury the body can’t always afford.

The Science of Survival: Understanding the HPA Axis

To understand why stress impacts fertility, we have to look at the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. This is your body’s central stress response system. When you’re stressed, the HPA axis kicks into high gear, signaling your adrenal glands to pump out cortisol.

In short bursts, cortisol is great! It helps you meet a deadline or slam on the brakes in Austin traffic. But when that stress becomes chronic (ike the month-after-month grind of fertility treatments) sustained cortisol levels begin to wreak havoc on your hormonal balance.

High cortisol directly inhibits Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH). This is the “command center” hormone that tells your pituitary gland to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH). When this signaling is disrupted, the delicate cascade required for ovulation and implantation starts to falter.

The “Pregnenolone Steal”: Why Your Progesterone Disappears

Have you ever felt like you’re doing everything right: taking the supplements, eating the “fertility foods” but your progesterone levels are still lagging?

There is a fascinating (and frustrating) physiological process called the “Pregnenolone Steal.” Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone; your body uses it to make both cortisol and progesterone. However, in the hierarchy of survival, cortisol wins every time.

If your body is stuck in a chronic “fight-or-flight” state, it will divert its resources away from making progesterone: the very hormone needed to maintain the uterine lining and facilitate implantation: to feed the production of cortisol instead.

This means that even if you are undergoing an IVF cycle with progesterone supplementation, high levels of internal stress can create a physiological environment that is less than ideal for an embryo to tuck in and stay.

Impacting the Implantation Window

The “window of implantation” is a narrow period where the uterine lining (the endometrium) is most receptive to an embryo. Research has shown that elevated cortisol can actually compromise the quality of this lining.

When your system is flooded with stress hormones, blood flow is redirected. Your body sends blood to your heart, lungs, and limbs (to help you run or fight) and away from “non-essential” organs like the uterus. For successful implantation, we want the exact opposite: we want rich, oxygenated blood flow directed toward the pelvic floor to nourish the endometrium.

Shifting from Survival Mode to Healing Mode

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, led by Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM, we don’t just tell you to “relax.” We provide the clinical tools to help your nervous system move from Autonomic Dysregulation back into Physiological Coherence.

We view regulation as the first step toward resolution. If your nervous system is regulated, your hormones are more likely to follow suit. This is why our approach is highly sought after by IVF and IUI patients in the Dripping Springs and Austin areas. We aren’t a “spa” offering a temporary escape; we are a results-oriented clinic focusing on the science of your recovery.

How We Measure Your Progress: HeartMath and HRV

How do we know if your nervous system is actually shifting? We use Heart Rate Variability (HRV).

HRV is a powerful marker of your autonomic nervous system’s health. A high HRV generally indicates that your body is resilient and can easily switch between stress and rest. A low HRV often signals that you are “wired but tired”: stuck in a state of chronic depletion.

We incorporate HeartMath technology into our treatments to help you visualize this shift in real-time. HeartMath tools teach you how to synchronize your heart, mind, and emotions. By achieving heart-brain coherence, you can actively lower your cortisol levels and signal to your body that it is safe to prioritize reproduction. It’s about giving you back the steering wheel in a process that often feels completely out of your control.

The Role of Acupuncture in Regulation

Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to “force quit” the fight-or-flight response. By stimulating specific points, we can encourage the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that downregulate the HPA axis.

For our fertility patients, this means:

  • Increased blood flow to the uterine arteries.
  • Balanced hormonal signaling between the brain and the ovaries.
  • Improved sleep and digestion, which are essential for hormonal health.

Many of our patients find that these treatments become the “anchor” of their week: a time where they can truly return to themselves. If you’re curious about how this fits into your specific journey, you might find Dr. Michelle’s personal journey toward motherhood incredibly relatable.

You Are Not to Blame

It is vital to hear this: Your stress did not cause your infertility.

We see too many patients who carry the heavy burden of guilt, thinking that if they were just “stronger” or “calmer,” they would be pregnant by now. That is simply not how biology works. Stress is an inevitable byproduct of the fertility process itself. It is a feedback loop: the longer the journey takes, the higher the stress, which then impacts the physiology.

Our goal is to help you break that loop. We want to support your body so that it has the resources it needs to succeed. Whether you are prepping for an upcoming transfer or trying to conceive naturally, we focus on making your body a hospitable, vibrant environment for life to take hold.

Taking the Next Step in Austin and Dripping Springs

You deserve a care team that understands the complex intersection of endocrinology and neurology. At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we provide award-winning, doctor-led care that treats you as a whole person, not just a set of lab results.

If you are ready to move beyond the “just relax” advice and start working with your body’s natural rhythms, we are here for you. Let’s work together to regulate your nervous system and optimize your chances for implantation success.

Ready to shift from survival mode to healing mode?

We invite you to experience the difference that expert, integrative care can make. Whether you’re in the heart of Austin or nestled in Dripping Springs, our doors are open.

  • Visit us: 14141 Hwy 290, Suite 510, Austin, TX 78737
  • Call us: (512) 686-0777
  • Explore more: Learn about our 10 reasons for holistic pregnancy support and how we can support you through every trimester and beyond.

Your best life (and your path to parenthood) starts with a regulated nervous system. Let’s begin today!

Beyond the Lab: Holistic Support for IUI and IVF in the Austin Area

Beyond the Lab: Holistic Support for IUI and IVF in the Austin Area

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Assisted Fertility, Fertility, HeartMath, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Meditation, Tools, Women. No Comments on Beyond the Lab: Holistic Support for IUI and IVF in the Austin Area

Let’s talk about the “in-between” moments of a fertility journey. If you are navigating the world of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Austin or Dripping Springs, you already know that the process is a masterclass in logistics. There are the meticulously timed injections, the early morning monitoring appointments, and the high-stakes calls from the embryology lab.

But what happens to you during this time? How do you ensure your body isn’t just a vessel for medical procedures, but a receptive, regulated environment ready for success?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we believe that the best outcomes happen when state-of-the-art reproductive technology meets rigorous, science-backed assisted fertility support. Led by Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM, our approach focuses on one thing: optimizing your physiological readiness to ensure that when the lab does its part, your body is ready to do its part, too.

Why “Holistic” Doesn’t Mean “Hobbyist”

When you’re a professional, perhaps balancing a career in tech, law, or medicine while trying to conceive, you don’t have time for vague promises or “woo-woo” theories. You value data, expertise, and results.

In the world of integrative medicine, “holistic” simply means looking at the whole system. We aren’t just looking at a single hormone level; we are looking at your physiological coherence. Are your nervous system and your reproductive system speaking the same language? Or is your body stuck in a chronic “fight or flight” loop that is redirecting resources away from your uterine lining and ovaries?

The Science of Blood Flow Optimization

One of the most critical factors in IUI and IVF success is pelvic hemodynamics: essentially, how well blood is flowing to your reproductive organs. During a stimulated cycle, your body is working overtime.

Acupuncture is not about “unblocking energy”; it is a clinically proven method for blood flow optimization. By utilizing specific neuro-functional points, we can signal the body to:

  • Dilate the uterine arteries: Improving the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining (essential for implantation).
  • Enhance ovarian perfusion: Ensuring that the hormones your doctor is prescribing actually reach the developing follicles with maximum efficiency.
  • Regulate local inflammation: Creating a more hospitable environment for an embryo.

Dr. Michelle Wendt brings a doctoral level of understanding to these protocols, ensuring that your acupuncture sessions are perfectly timed to support: never interfere with: the medications prescribed by your Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE).

Nervous System Regulation: Moving Out of Survival Mode

Did you know that your nervous system can actually “veto” the reproductive process? When we are under the immense stress of fertility treatments, the sympathetic nervous system (our “gas pedal”) often becomes dominant. This sends a signal to the body that it is not a safe time to carry a pregnancy.

We focus heavily on nervous system regulation. Using a combination of specialized acupuncture and HeartMath techniques, we help our patients achieve a state of “coherence.” This isn’t just “relaxing”: it is a measurable physiological state where your heart rhythm, breathing, and blood pressure are in sync.

When you achieve this level of regulation, you:

  1. Lower cortisol levels that can interfere with delicate reproductive hormones.
  2. Improve sleep quality, which is when the majority of cellular repair and hormonal regulation happens.
  3. Enhance your resilience, allowing you to navigate the “two-week wait” without the debilitating anxiety that so often accompanies it.

Collaborative Care: Your Team in Austin and Dripping Springs

We see ourselves as a vital wing of your medical team. We aren’t here to replace your RE or your OB/GYN; we are here to make their work even more effective. Whether you are working with clinics in downtown Austin or closer to home in Dripping Springs, our protocols are designed to integrate seamlessly with standard IVF and IUI timelines.

The Indigo IUI/IVF Protocol

Our structured treatment plans generally focus on three key phases:

  • Preparation (3 months prior): Optimizing egg quality and regulating the cycle. This is the “soil preparation” phase.
  • Stimulation & Retrieval: Focusing on blood flow to the ovaries and managing the side effects of medications (bloating, mood swings, fatigue).
  • Transfer Support: This includes the famous “Pre- and Post-Transfer” acupuncture sessions. Research suggests that acupuncture performed shortly before and after an embryo transfer can significantly increase clinical pregnancy rates by relaxing the uterus and reducing the risk of contractions.

Beyond the Needles: Evidence-Based Supplementation and Lifestyle

In a luxury healthcare setting like Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, every detail of your care is curated. Dr. Wendt provides high-level guidance on supplements and nutrition that are grounded in current reproductive research.

We don’t do “one-size-fits-all” vitamins. We look at the data. Are you taking the right form of folate? Is your CoQ10 dosage optimized for mitochondrial support? We help you cut through the noise of the “fertility internet” and focus on what actually moves the needle for your specific physiology.

We also address the lifestyle factors that Austin professionals struggle with most:

  • Work-Life Integration: How to maintain a high-performance career without burning out your endocrine system.
  • Anti-Inflammatory Living: Practical, realistic ways to reduce systemic inflammation through nutrition and movement.
  • Sleep Architecture: Ensuring you are getting the deep, restorative sleep necessary for hormonal balance.

You Deserve a Doctor-Led Support System

The journey to parenthood should not feel like a cold, clinical transaction. You deserve a space that feels as elevated as the care you receive. At Indigo, we provide a clinic environment that is both luxurious and clinical: a sanctuary where you are seen as a person, not just a patient number.

Are you ready to move beyond the lab and take an active, evidence-based role in your fertility success?

We invite you to experience the difference that doctor-led, integrative care can make. Let’s work together to optimize your body, regulate your nervous system, and move you closer to the life you are working so hard to build.

Take the Next Step

If you are currently undergoing or preparing for an IUI or IVF cycle in the Austin or Dripping Springs area, the time to start regulating your system is now.

Ready to get started?
Explore our appointments page to book your initial consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt. Let’s create a structured, science-backed plan to support your journey and help you return to your “best life” with the family you’ve been dreaming of.

Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage
Acupuncture | Massage | Holistic Fertility Support
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our team.

Mayan Abdominal Massage, hands on abdomen

Abdominal Therapy is Available in Dripping Springs!

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Clinic, Fertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Pain, Pain Relief, Postpartum, Women. No Comments on Abdominal Therapy is Available in Dripping Springs!

Abdominal Therapy (Formerly Mayan Abdominal Massage) for Fertility & Whole-Body Wellness

When you’re on a fertility journey, every piece of support matters. At Indigo Healing, we’re proud to offer Abdominal Therapy—a gentle, specialized form of massage that restores circulation, releases tension, and encourages balance in the abdomen and pelvis.

If you’ve spent time in fertility forums or support groups, you may have seen this therapy called Mayan Abdominal Massage. While the official name has changed, the therapy itself has not. It remains a trusted, time-honored approach to reproductive and digestive wellness.

And here’s the exciting part: Faith Charfauros, LMT, is one of the only certified Abdominal Therapy practitioners in the U.S. and the only one within an hour of Dripping Springs.

What Is Abdominal Therapy?

Abdominal Therapy is a non-invasive, external massage that gently works the abdomen, pelvis, and low back. The goal is to release restrictions, improve circulation, and restore alignment of the reproductive and digestive organs.

This therapy is deeply relaxing and offers a powerful way to connect with your body. Many patients describe it as both physically relieving and emotionally grounding.

Abdominal Therapy for Fertility Support

For women preparing for pregnancy, actively trying to conceive, or undergoing fertility treatments, Abdominal Therapy (formerly Mayan Abdominal Massage) offers natural support by:

  • Increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
  • Supporting natural conception and enhancing IVF/IUI outcomes
  • Regulating menstrual cycles and easing painful or heavy periods
  • Relieving symptoms of endometriosis, fibroids, or pelvic congestion
  • Encouraging postpartum healing and core realignment after childbirth

By improving circulation and alignment, this therapy helps create the optimal internal environment for fertility and reproductive health.

Benefits of Abdominal Therapy Beyond Fertility

While fertility is the most recognized application, Abdominal Therapy supports whole-body wellness for both women and men.

For women:

  • Relief from menstrual pain and irregular cycles
  • Improved digestion and reduced bloating
  • Postpartum recovery support

For men:

  • Prostate and bladder health support
  • Improved digestive function
  • Relief from pelvic and low back tension

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abdominal Therapy the same as Mayan Abdominal Massage?

Yes. Abdominal Therapy is the updated name for Mayan Abdominal Massage. While the name has changed for legal reasons, the techniques, training, and benefits remain exactly the same.

Why is Abdominal Therapy popular for fertility?

This therapy improves blood flow to reproductive organs, supports regular cycles, and reduces pelvic congestion. It’s widely chosen by women as a natural fertility boost, either on its own or alongside IVF and IUI.

Can men benefit from Abdominal Therapy?

Absolutely. Men often experience improvements in prostate and bladder health, digestion, and relief from deep pelvic or back tension.

Who provides this treatment at Indigo Healing?

We’re proud to offer this therapy with Faith Charfauros, LMT, one of the only certified practitioners in the country and the only one within an hour of Dripping Springs.

Why Choose Indigo Healing for Abdominal Therapy?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we blend compassionate care with advanced expertise. Every Abdominal Therapy session is customized to your unique health needs—whether you’re trying to conceive, seeking relief from menstrual pain, or simply wanting better digestive balance.

Exclusively available at Indigo Healing in Dripping Springs—Abdominal Therapy (formerly Mayan Abdominal Massage) offers specialized, nurturing support for fertility, reproductive health, and whole-body wellness. Book your consultation today!

4 women hugging

Modern Medicine Ignored Women Until 1993—Here’s Why Acupuncturists Didn’t

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Fertility, IVF, Motherhood, New Patients, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Research, Women. No Comments on Modern Medicine Ignored Women Until 1993—Here’s Why Acupuncturists Didn’t

For most of history, modern medicine treated men as the default—and women as an afterthought.

It wasn’t until 1993, with the passage of the NIH Revitalization Act, that U.S. researchers were even required to include women in clinical trials. That means virtually every drug, diagnostic guideline, and treatment protocol developed before that point was based on the male body.

Let that sink in.

Women, with our fluctuating hormones, menstrual cycles, pregnancies, postpartum phases, and menopause transitions, were largely left out of medical research. This oversight has led to misdiagnoses, incorrect prescriptions, and a deep sense of frustration for many women navigating a healthcare paradigm that often doesn’t understand them.

But while modern medicine is only just beginning to catch up, acupuncturists practicing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been supporting women’s health for over 2,000 years.

TCM Always Knew Women Were Different

From its earliest texts, TCM made clear distinctions between male and female biology. The ancient Chinese recognized:

  • The Liver governs the menstrual cycle
  • The Kidneys are the root of reproductive health and longevity
  • The Chong and Ren meridians (unique to women) regulate fertility and menstruation
  • Life stages unfold in 7-year cycles for women (vs. 8-year cycles for men)

In other words, TCM didn’t just include women—it centered them.

Rather than pushing one-size-fits-all protocols, TCM adapts treatment plans to the phases of your cycle, your hormonal rhythms, and the transitions unique to womanhood. Conditions like PMS, endometriosis, infertility, and perimenopause are seen not as isolated issues, but as imbalances that can be gently corrected with time-tested methods like:

  • Acupuncture
  • Customized herbal formulas
  • Cupping, moxibustion, and bodywork
  • Nutritional guidance based on your constitution

Whole-Person Healing, Not Just Symptom Suppression

Modern medicine often responds to women’s symptoms with pills, birth control, or dismissal:

“It’s just stress.”
“Let’s wait and see.”
“It’s part of getting older.”

But TCM asks why. Why are you tired all the time? Why are your cycles irregular? Why do you feel anxious or inflamed? And what can we do to restore balance?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we create a personalized care plan that reflects your body’s unique needs—not a textbook average based on male biology. You’ll feel listened to, validated, and supported with holistic care that integrates modern research and ancient wisdom.

You Deserve Better

If you’ve ever felt like you were falling through the cracks of the modern medical system or just completely misunderstood, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been advocating for women’s health for over two millennia. Isn’t it time we trusted the system that saw us from the very beginning?

Want to experience healthcare designed with your body in mind?
Book a consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage today. Let’s restore balance, together.

Acupuncture and IVF. What to Know Before Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer

Acupuncture and IVF: What to Know Before Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Anxiety, Assisted Fertility, Emotions, Fertility, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Pregnancy. No Comments on Acupuncture and IVF: What to Know Before Egg Retrieval and Embryo Transfer

Starting IVF is a big step—and it’s normal to have questions about what can support your body and increase your chances of success.

One question we hear often at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage is:

“Does acupuncture really help during IVF?”

The answer is yes—acupuncture can be a powerful ally throughout your fertility journey. Whether you’re preparing for egg retrieval, embryo transfer, or navigating the emotional ups and downs of medicated cycles, acupuncture has been shown to offer real benefits.

How Acupuncture Supports IVF

Acupuncture offers several benefits during the IVF process:

  • Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture can enhance blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, potentially improving the quality of eggs and the receptivity of the endometrium
  • Hormonal Regulation: By stimulating specific points, acupuncture may help balance hormones involved in ovulation and implantation
  • Stress Reduction: The IVF journey can be emotionally taxing. Acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety, which can positively influence fertility outcomes.
  • Enhanced Implantation Rates: Some studies suggest that acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer can increase the likelihood of successful implantation

Timing Acupuncture with IVF Stages

Before Egg Retrieval

Starting acupuncture sessions 4–6 weeks prior to egg retrieval can prepare the body by:

  • Enhancing ovarian response to stimulation medications
  • Improving egg quality through increased blood flow to the ovaries
  • Reducing stress levels, which can impact hormonal balance

During Ovarian Stimulation

Receiving acupuncture 2 times per week during this phase helps:

  • Support follicular development by improving blood flow to the ovaries
  • Reduce bloating and discomfort
  • Alleviate side effects from fertility medications

On Embryo Transfer Day

Acupuncture sessions immediately before and after embryo transfer have been associated with:

  • Improved uterine blood flow
  • Reduced uterine contractions, promoting embryo implantation

After Embryo Transfer

Continuing acupuncture sessions during the “two-week wait” until the first beta blood test can:

  • Maintain a calm and balanced nervous system with reduced anxiety
  • Support the body’s natural processes and energy levels during early pregnancy

Personalized Care at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we specialize in supporting individuals through their fertility journeys. Our tailored acupuncture protocols are designed to align with your IVF schedule, aiming to optimize outcomes at each stage. You’ll meet one-on-one with Dr. Michelle Wendt, DACM, L.Ac. (also an IVF mama) to review your timeline, goals, and IVF protocol—and receive a personalized Care Plan to guide you every step of the way. Give us a call at 512-686-0777 to get started and improve your chances of a successful IVF cycle!

Child on Beach at Sunset with words My Fertility Journey by Dr. Michelle Wendt

My Fertility Journey by Dr. Michelle Wendt

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Assisted Fertility, Endometriosis, Fertility, Fibroids, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Miscarriage. No Comments on My Fertility Journey by Dr. Michelle Wendt

Infertility is a journey filled with hope, heartbreak, and resilience—one I know intimately.

Hi y’all, I’m Dr. Michelle Wendt, proud IVF mama and owner of Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage in Dripping Springs, Texas.

One of the primary specialties of my clinic is caring for fertility patients, as my own journey was filled with joy, despair, perseverance, and ultimately, transformation.

If you’d like to know more, step into my personal time machine… ready…set… launch!

Like many GenXers, most of my fertile years were spent actively trying NOT to get pregnant. I used prescription birth control religiously for over 10 years while building my career in corporate America. Deep down, I suspected fertility might be a challenge since I had a history of fibroids and ovarian cysts in my 20’s. One gynecologist even suggested freezing my eggs when I was 28, but I dismissed it—it seemed like an unnecessary hassle at the time.

Fast forward to my early 30s: my career was thriving, I was newly married, and it felt like the perfect time to start a family. But the Universe had other plans.

The first hurdle was an abdominal myomectomy to remove an ovarian cyst the size of a lemon. After eight weeks of recovery, we started trying to conceive (TTC). Four cycles later, I was pregnant. Ecstatic, I booked my first OB appointment. But before I could make it to my eight-week ultrasound, I woke up one morning with severe cramping and bleeding. My heart was shattered. The emotional weight of miscarriage is impossible to describe to those who haven’t experienced it. Everything in the world feels different.

After four more months of trying, we sought help at a fertility clinic. Our reproductive endocrinologist was confident he could help, so we embarked on medicated Clomid cycles and eventually nine rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI). Each time my period arrived, it wasn’t just another disappointment—it felt like another piece of my heart breaking. Meanwhile, my pelvic pain worsened, like knives stabbing me for a week each month.

When all nine IUI cycles failed, we turned to in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). First, I underwent another surgery, which revealed Stage IV endometriosis. Multiple endometrial lesions covered my ovaries, fallopian tubes, intestines, and abdominal wall. With this new diagnosis, we felt hopeful for a fresh start and pressed on.

At our fertility clinic, a panel of seven doctors reviewed our case for IVF. Their vote? Four approved us for IVF; three deemed us unlikely candidates. It was far from reassuring, but we held onto hope.

Balancing a full-time job and graduate school, we treated IVF like our full-time jobs. We meticulously followed protocols, giving follicle-stimulating injections at the exact time, even if it meant disrupting our normal lives. I received acupuncture nearly every day—something my professors and classmates were eager to help with.

At egg retrieval, we got eight mature eggs. Four fertilized. By Day 3, we had two viable embryos for a fresh transfer. I continued daily acupuncture to support implantation and ease the anxiety of the two-week wait. Using Chinese pulse diagnosis, I checked my pulse obsessively, seeking confirmation I was pregnant.

Then came the devastating call: my first hCG test was negative. I sobbed for hours. Yet, my pulse still indicated pregnancy. Desperate, I called the clinic the next day, begging for another test. They hesitated but agreed as my hCG was 6—just high enough to qualify for a follow-up. Two days later, it was 15. Low, but doubling as needed. I was pregnant!

At our eight-week ultrasound, my pregnancy pulse was strong, but my hCG levels were still considered low. The doctor entered the room prepared to deliver bad news. Instead, to her complete shock, there was a flicker on the screen—a heartbeat. Against all odds, one of our little embryos was thriving.

I was labeled high-risk and put on moderate bed rest—no exercise, travel, or swimming (which was tough, considering I was living in Hawaii!). I continued acupuncture for pregnancy support, stress relief, and better sleep.

At 39 weeks, our rainbow baby was born—healthy and strong.

A few years later, another miscarriage followed. The return of Stage IV endometriosis made cycles unbearably painful. We decided to stop TTC and focus on healing my body.

My IVF journey was a daily blend of anxiety and hope. Through all the highs and lows, I learned firsthand how much unwavering belief in the body can make a difference. I also believe you can’t truly understand the emotional and physical toll of infertility unless you’ve been through it yourself.

My experience shaped me into the doctor I am today. Because I’ve walked this path, I provide my patients not just with treatments, but with understanding, strategies, and hope. It’s a remarkable honor to support women and couples with acupuncture, research-backed treatments, and heartfelt guidance to help bring more rainbow babies into the world.

If you’ve read this far, thank you, but now I’d love to hear your fertility story! You can share in our Facebook group Dripping Springs Fertility and IVF Community or message me directly at drmichelle@indigohealingacupuncture.com 

 

The Balancing Act logo and show times

See Our Fertility Acupuncture on Lifetime Channel’s “The Balancing Act” with Montel Williams

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Appointments, Clinic, Fertility, Infertility, IVF, Life, Male Infertility, Marriage, New Patients, News, Referrals, Relationships, Sex, Treatment Plan. No Comments on See Our Fertility Acupuncture on Lifetime Channel’s “The Balancing Act” with Montel Williams

Indigo Healing Acupuncture Featured on Lifetime Channel’s “The Balancing Act” with Montel Williams

Dripping Springs, May 31, 2023 – Indigo Healing Acupuncture, a leading provider of holistic healthcare services, is thrilled to announce its selection to be featured on an upcoming segment of the renowned TV show “The Balancing Act.” Hosted by Montel Williams, the award-winning show has been a trusted source of inspiration and education for viewers across the nation.

 

Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac, DACM, founder of Indigo Healing Acupuncture, has been recognized as a trailblazer in the field of holistic medicine. With her expertise and compassionate approach, she has helped countless individuals achieve optimal wellness. Dr. Wendt’s profound knowledge extends to supporting couples facing fertility challenges, and her groundbreaking methods will be highlighted in the show’s local Austin edition.

 

Infertility has become a prevalent concern in today’s society, affecting both men and women. The pressures associated with conceiving can be overwhelming, and Indigo Healing Acupuncture is dedicated to providing effective solutions. Through the power of a holistic and natural approach, patients can find hope and support on their fertility journey.

 

The upcoming segment on “The Balancing Act – Local Edition Austin” will delve into the ways acupuncture can aid in fertility-related issues. Whether individuals are seeking assistance in natural conception or require support during in vitro fertilization (IVF) procedures, Dr. Wendt’s comprehensive and personalized treatments have showcased an impressive success rate of over 85 percent.

 

Indigo Healing Acupuncture’s participation in “The Balancing Act” serves as a testament to the clinic’s commitment to excellence in patient care and its dedication to empowering individuals to achieve their optimal health. This recognition solidifies their position as a leader in the field of holistic medicine, particularly in the realm of fertility.

 

The segment will air on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 12:30 PM on KVUE-ABC and Sunday, June 11, 2023 at 10:30 AM on KNVA-CW. The Austin community is eagerly encouraged to tune in and discover the unique strategies developed by Indigo Healing Acupuncture to help individuals overcome fertility challenges and embrace the joy of parenthood.

 

Start your own success story by booking a New Patient Consultation with us!

heart hands on pregnant belly

Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid While Trying To Conceive and Pregnancy

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Antiperspirant, Assisted Fertility, Endometriosis, Fertility, Fibroids, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Miscarriage, Morning Sickness, Motherhood, New Patients, Postpartum, Pregnancy. No Comments on Skin Care Ingredients to Avoid While Trying To Conceive and Pregnancy

Common Skin/Body Care Ingredients to Avoid While Trying to Conceive and Pregnancy:

  • Aluminum chloride hexahydrate: Look for it in antiperspirant; also check for aluminium chlorohydrate.
  • Beta hydroxy acids: Typically found in anti-aging skincare products. Look for salicylic acid, 3-hydroxypropionic acid, trethocanic acid and tropic acid.
  • Chemical sunscreens: Read label and look for avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, menthyl anthranilate and oxtocrylene.
  • Diethanolamine (DEA): Found in hair and body products under the names diethanolamine, oleamide DEA, lauramide DEA and cocamide DEA.
  • Dihydroxyacetone (DHA): Found in spray self-tanners.
  • Fluoride: Found in toothpaste, mouthwash, municipal water sources; scientific studies have linked it to lower IQ scores in children exposed to it in utero.
  • Formaldehyde: A preservative found in hair straightening treatments, nail polishes and eyelash glue; look for formaldehyde, quaternium-15, dimethyl-dimethyl (DMDM), hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, and 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (bromopol).
  • Hydroquinone: A skincare lightening agent; abstain from using products containing idrochinone and quinol/1-4 dihydroxy benzene/1-4 hydroxy benzene.
  • Parabens: Has been linked to cancer in clinical studies. Keep away from propyl, butyl, isopropyl, isobutyl and methyl parabens.
  • Phthalates: Found in synthetic fragrances and nail polishes; avoid diethyl and dibutyl.
  • Retinol: Linked to birth defects in clinical studies; Found in anti-aging skin care products; Look for the names Vitamin A, retinoic acid, retinyl palmitate, retinaldehyde, adapalene, tretinoin, tazarotene and isotretinoin.
  • Thioglycolic acid: Found in chemical hair removers; also look for the names acetyl mercaptan, mercaptoacetate, mercaptoacetic acid and thiovanic acid.
  • Toluene: Found in nail polishes; skip methylbenzene, toluol and antisal 1a.
Pregnancy

10 Reasons for Holistic Pregnancy Support

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Back Pain, Breech Baby, Fatigue, Fertility, Headache, Heartburn, Insomnia, Miscarriage, Morning Sickness, Postpartum, Pregnancy, Stress. No Comments on 10 Reasons for Holistic Pregnancy Support

Did you know we offer Holistic Pregnancy Support for…

  • Miscarriage Prevention
  • Morning Sickness
  • Placenta Previa
  • Breech Presentation
  • Back Pain
  • Acid Refux/Heartburn
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia & Fatigue
  • Stress & More!

Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM was also recently nominated as the Best Acupuncturist and Best Herbalist by the 2019 Austin Birth Awards!

We want pregnancy to be an enjoyable phase of your life! From the first positive test to the end of postpartum, we can help you relieve pain, have more energy, and recover from labor & delivery.

Give us a call at 512-686-0777 to schedule a consultation.