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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!
Headache and Migraines During Pregnancy

Pain During Pregnancy: Navigating Migraines

Written by Michelle Wendt on . Posted in Acupuncture, Chronic Pain, Headache, Hormones, Migraine, Motherhood, New Patients, Pregnancy, Women. No Comments on Pain During Pregnancy: Navigating Migraines

Let’s talk about the reality of pregnancy that doesn’t always make it into the glowy maternity photos: the crushing, debilitating migraine.

If you are currently navigating pregnancy in the Dripping Springs or Austin area, you’ve likely been told that your options for pain relief are “limited.” Perhaps you’ve been told to “just take some Tylenol and rest,” but when you’re dealing with a throbbing temples, light sensitivity, and the overwhelming task of preparing for a new human, “just resting” feels impossible.

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we view these migraines differently. We don’t see them as a localized “head problem” or an unfortunate side effect of hormones. Instead, we see them as a vital signal from your nervous system, a message that your body is struggling to find its center amidst the most profound physiological transformation a human can undergo.

The Signal vs. The Symptom

In conventional medicine, the focus is often on symptom suppression. While monitoring blood pressure and ensuring fetal safety is paramount, the actual management of the migraine often stops at “wait and see.” But a migraine is rarely just a headache; it is a neurological event.

Did you know that for many women, migraines actually improve during the second and third trimesters? This is often due to the stabilization of estrogen levels. However, for those who continue to suffer, or for those whose migraines begin during pregnancy, the body is essentially communicating that it has hit a limit in its ability to maintain homeostasis.

Homeostasis is your body’s internal thermostat. It regulates everything from your heart rate to your hormone levels. During pregnancy, that “thermostat” is being asked to work overtime to support two lives. When the demand exceeds the available resources, the nervous system can become hypersensitive, leading to the activation of the trigeminovascular system and the onset of a migraine.

The “Hidden” Risks: Why We Don’t Ignore the Signal

While we always aim for comfort, addressing pregnancy migraines is also about proactive health. Research shows that women who experience migraines, particularly migraines with aura, have a significantly higher risk of developing gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. In fact, some studies suggest a 40% higher risk of preeclampsia in migraine sufferers.

This isn’t meant to cause alarm, but rather to highlight why “powering through it” isn’t the best strategy. By focusing on nervous system regulation, we aren’t just stop-gapping the pain; we are helping your body manage the vascular and neurological stress that can contribute to these more serious complications. We want you to enjoy this phase of your life, but we also want to ensure your body is resilient and regulated.

The TCM Perspective: Pattern Differentiation

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we don’t treat “migraines.” We treat the person experiencing a constellation of symptoms we view as a dusregulated pattern. Through tongue and pulse diagnosis, we determine which specific physiological system is out of balance. This allows us to provide a level of personalized care that goes far beyond a generic “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Here are the three most common patterns we see in our pregnant patients:

1. Liver Yang Rising (The Stress & Heat Pattern)

This is the “classic” throbbing migraine. It often feels like the pain is localized behind the eyes or at the temples. It is frequently triggered by stress, lack of sleep, or even a sudden change in temperature.

  • The Feeling: Sharp, bursting, or throbbing pain, often accompanied by irritability or a “hot” feeling in the body.
  • The Nervous System View: This is a state of sympathetic dominance, your “fight or flight” system is stuck in the ‘on’ position.

2. Blood Deficiency (The Depletion Pattern)

During pregnancy, your body’s primary directive is to grow the baby. The baby is an “efficient parasite”, it will take exactly what it needs from your nutrient and blood stores, often leaving you depleted. This is a common cause of migraines in the late second and third trimesters.

  • The Feeling: A dull, lingering ache that gets worse when you are tired or after a long day. You might also feel dizzy, fatigued, or have “floaters” in your vision.
  • The Nervous System View: This is a lack of “resource availability.” Your nervous system is sounding the alarm because it doesn’t have the metabolic fuel it needs to maintain stability.

3. Phlegm/Dampness (The Foggy & Heavy Pattern)

Pregnancy involves a massive shift in fluid dynamics. If the body struggles to transform and transport these fluids, we see what TCM calls “dampness.”

  • The Feeling: A heavy sensation, as if a wet towel is wrapped around your head. This is almost always accompanied by digestive health issues, intense nausea, or a “foggy” brain.
  • The Nervous System View: This relates to the gut-brain axis. When the digestive system is overwhelmed, it triggers inflammatory signals that affect neurological clarity and pressure.

Regulation Before Resolution

Our philosophy at Indigo Healing is simple: Regulation before Resolution.

Before the pain can fully resolve, the nervous system must feel safe. When we perform acupuncture, we are sending signals to the brain to down-regulate the stress response and improve blood flow. We aren’t introducing foreign chemicals; we are facilitating the body’s natural ability to find its own balance.

For our Dripping Springs and Austin clients, we provide a sanctuary where this regulation can happen. Our treatments are designed to be a “reset” button for your physiology. By stimulating specific points, we can:

  • Inhibit the release of pain-signaling neurotransmitters.
  • Promote the release of endogenous opioids (your body’s natural, pregnancy-safe painkillers).
  • Regulate vascular tone to prevent the “spasm and dilate” cycle of migraines.

Why Integrated Care Matters

Conventional medicine is excellent at monitoring for “red flags”, the life-threatening issues. But there is a wide gap between “not dying” and “thriving.” That gap is where integrative medicine lives.

We work alongside your OB-GYN or midwife to provide a secondary layer of support. While they monitor your protein levels and fetal heart rate, we monitor your nervous system and your ability to adapt to the stress of pregnancy.

If you are struggling with migraines, please know that you don’t have to wait until the baby is born to feel like yourself again. You deserve a pregnancy that is defined by connection and preparation, not by days spent in a dark room with an ice pack.

Your Path Back to Balance

If you’re ready to move beyond just “managing” your symptoms and want to start truly regulating your system, we are here to help. Dr. Michelle Wendt and her team specialize in women’s health and pregnancy offering a luxury experience grounded in clinical excellence.

How to get started:

  1. Schedule a Consultation: We’ll sit down and look at your specific migraine patterns, your health history, and your pregnancy goals.
  2. Assessment: We’ll determine if your migraines are rooted in depletion, heat, or fluid imbalance.
  3. Treatment: Relax (or take a rejuvenating nap) in our serene environment while we use science-backed tools to bring your nervous system back into a state of homeostasis.

You are doing the incredible work of bringing a new life into the world. Let us do the work of supporting yours.

Ready to find relief?
Visit us at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage in Dripping Springs.
Click here to book your initial consultation and take the first step toward a more comfortable, balanced pregnancy.

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!

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!

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.
Unwavering faith

The Ultimate Test of Unwavering Faith

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Assisted Fertility, Consultation, Cysts, Endometriosis, Fibroids, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Miscarriage, Pregnancy. No Comments on The Ultimate Test of Unwavering Faith

What do you see in this moment?
A) Laughter
B) Love
C) Pure joy
D) All of the above?

I’m sharing this private family photo for a reason. I’m sharing it because of what you can’t see:

  • 10 years of Stage 4 endometriosis
  • 2 lemon-sized uterine fibroids
  • A long history of ovarian cysts rupturing
  • 3 years of fertility acupuncture
  • 2 miscarriages
  • 5 gynecological surgeries
  • 9 IUIs
  • 2/5 reproductive endocrinologists voting against me as an IVF candidate
  • 2 viable ICSI embryos
  • A negative Beta hCG test (3mIU/mL)
  • 8 months of modified bed rest
  • A geriatric pregnancy
  • A mandatory C-Section
  • 1 successful IVF birth

Infertility is a hidden affliction. The ultimate test of unwavering faith.

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture, we help you through fertility challenges with the support of holistic medicine.

Always there, always hopeful. 

​To book a fertility consultation, call (512) 686-0777 or click the button below to learn more.

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.

Conquering Mastitis in the 4th Trimester & Beyond

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Breastfeeding, Pain, Postpartum, Pregnancy. No Comments on Conquering Mastitis in the 4th Trimester & Beyond

Mastitis
Breastfeeding is a gift, but when mastitis appears, it can quickly become a nightmare. The good news is ancient Chinese Medicine has proven to effectively prevent its onset and boost recovery.

What is mastitis?
Mastitis is inflammation of a milk duct due to infection in a clogged duct. It can arise quickly and will leave you feeling like you’ve been run over by a bus. Common symptoms include acute breast tenderness, an engorged milk duct, red skin over a milk duct, fever/chills, fatigue, and body aches. If left untreated, mastitis can rupture into an abscess requiring surgical intervention. Therefore, it’s important to be as vigilant as you can about clearing clogged ducts.

Mastitis is most likely to occur within the first three months of breastfeeding and is the second most common infection during postpartum (for those who want to know, urinary tract infections are the most common postpartum illness).

The most common Western treatment for mastitis is a course of antibiotics to kill off an overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. S. aureus bacteria is generally transmitted from the baby’s mouth to the breast. If your immune system has been weakened by stress or fatigue, the bacteria can take up residency in a milk duct causing inflammation and engorgement.

How can I prevent mastitis?
Twenty centuries ago, Chinese doctors discovered the root cause of 99% of mastitis infections… anger, frustration, and/or resentment! Have you ever been so mad at someone/something you felt like you might explode with words or burst into tears? Anger is a powerful emotion that literally brings a rush of energetic heat to the body like a flame shooting upwards. According to Chinese Medicine, that is energy (qi) in the Liver meridian looking to escape.  If you’re a nursing mama and the sudden rush of Liver qi is not expressed, it lodges in the breasts inflaming milk ducts and establishing ideal conditions for an infection. To prevent mastitis, your best bet is to find a safe outlet for any anger, resentment or frustration. An outlet could be talking to someone you trust, taking a walk, writing in a journal, or creating art.

If I get mastitis, what should I do?
Mastitis is best-treated sooner rather than later. If you notice a clogged duct not clearing with feedings, self-massage or heat, it’s best to seek professional help right away as mastitis can escalate quickly. Your family doctor or gynecologist can prescribe antibiotics, while an acupuncturist can perform a treatment aimed at getting the stuck energy (qi) moving and will likely send you home with Chinese herbs to clear the infection naturally over the course of a few days. To keep mastitis from recurring, stick to a regular feeding schedule, take the time needed to clear clogged ducts as soon as you notice them, and find a healthy way to release any unresolved feelings of resentment or frustration.

To schedule a consultation for all of your postpartum challenges, contact us at 512-686-0777 today!

Get Real: IVF

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on . Posted in Assisted Fertility, Fertility, Infertility, Motherhood, Pregnancy. No Comments on Get Real: IVF

Reality: IVF is brutal. The bruises are real. The fear of failure can be overwhelming. The financial burden is heavy.

The antidote to this challenging reality is faith.

Faith in the Universe to unite a mother with the soul of her unborn child.

Faith in doctors to expertly prescribe the exact dose of Follistim or Gonal-F, Lupron, hCG,  Prednisolone,  Estradiol, and/or Progesterone needed to hijack a menstrual cycle and optimize the body’s conditions for conception & pregnancy.

Faith in holistic medicine to support & protect the body, mind, and spirit from such an invasive process.

Faith in traditional Chinese herbs to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit and nourish the Uterus.

Faith in yourself to answer the sacred calling of a Mother.