Frequently Asked Questions

Yoga FAQs

Why is Pulling Down the Moon's Yoga for Fertility different from other yoga classes?

The intention is different. People in our yoga program are focusing their time, energy, mind and body solely on the intention of creating a healthy environment (both mind and body) to harbor new life.

It is a support group. There are very few support groups available to couples going through infertility. Pulling Down the Moon^® brings individuals together so they might have the support and companionship of others going through the process.

Only those going through infertility treatment or who are having a difficult time getting pregnant will be in the class.

All of the teachers have either gone through fertility treatment or have worked in a fertility-related environment. They are sensitive to the process, emotions and physiological difficulties relating to infertility.

Similar to the sciences of acupuncture or massage therapy where energy channels in the body are stimulated, Yoga for Fertility gives special attention to postures and meditation techniques that open reproductive energy channels in the body.

Meditation and breathing techniques as well as specific postures have been designed to help students deal with the stresses and emotional ups and downs of the fertility process.

Do I have to bring my spouse/partner to the classes?

While many students choose to bring their spouse or partner to the class, others prefer to take the class alone or with a friend experiencing infertility. Roughly 1/3 of our classes are couples. The choice is yours.

Will this class make me pregnant?

Although there is some research that might suggest incorporating mind-body techniques such as yoga, meditation, and self-expression might increase pregnancy success rates, this type of scientific research is very limited. You should not expect pregnancy as a result of this class but you can expect to feel relaxed and learn techniques to help cope with the emotional struggles of infertility.

Have you had pregnancy successes?

Yes. Many of our students have become pregnant. We do not, however, consider the class a success contingent upon whether or not a student has a child. Rather, success is defined by the individual's ability to bring emotional, physical and spiritual healing into their lives. It is our belief that each of us will find the children we are meant to have.

What if I've never done yoga before?

Most of our students are new to yoga. The program is taught in such a way that both experienced and new students will benefit and learn.

Do I have to be going through medical treatment to take this class?

No. Although most of our students are currently seeking medical treatment through a Reproductive Endocrinologist, some simply want to explore more natural methods before going to a doctor or starting with drug therapy. Still others choose to take the program as a "break" between procedures or IVF.

Can I do this program during my medical treatment?

Most students choose to do this program during the course of medical treatment or procedures and have little, if any, side-affects. Some students experience distention or bloating of the abdomen during "stimulations" and prefer not to do any physical postures. In these cases, Pulling Down the Moon instructors provide alternate, restorative postures to the individual. In many cases, students like to come for the discussion, lecture and relaxation portions of the program. Please remember to always check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

What if I can't make all the sessions?

If you know ahead of time that you will not be able to attend a session, notify the instructor and you will be given the choice to make-up the class at another location.

Acupuncture FAQs

When is the best time to start?

It is never too early to start getting yourself back into balance. The sooner you start, the better your chances of remedying your imbalance and restoring your reproductive capacity. For couples choosing ART, it is recommended that you start acupuncture treatments as early as three months prior to an ART cycle.

It is also never too late to begin acupuncture. From a TCM perspective, even one or two treatments before a medical fertility procedure can calm and balance your system.

How many treatments will I need?

Treatment frequency depends on each patient’s need and in most cases, is determined during the initial consultation. Generally speaking, one or two treatments per week is recommended for most patients.

What about herbs?

Most reproductive endocrinologists discourage the use of herbs during a medicated cycle. This is because there is very little scientific data on the interaction between prescription fertility drugs and medicinal quality herbs. Herbs, however, can help restore the body to balance. During natural cycles, and between ART cycles, they can be very helpful if used under the proper guidance of a trained and licensed practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. An herb or a formula that helps one woman get pregnant could actually impair another woman’s ability to conceive. Chinese herbology is extremely individualized.

How do I choose an acupuncturist to best help me with fertility?

First, make sure that they are licensed by the state and nationally board certified. Also ask the practitioner about their training and experience with treating infertility. Many practitioners may claim to specialize in treating infertility, but they may not have the specific training necessary to treat it. The practitioners at Pulling Down the Moon have extensive training and experience with treating infertility and keep abreast of all the current developments in the field. They understand the journey that you are on and work closely with the reproductive endocrinologists to tailor your treatment to achieve the best possible outcome.

Does it hurt?

It is unfortunate that the needles used in acupuncture share the same name as the needles that we all have experienced during blood draws and injections; because the experience is very different. No one likes needles, because all the needles we have ever experienced hurt. The needles used in acupuncture are much thinner than the needles used for injections or blood draws. In fact, they are only slightly thicker than a strand of hair. Most times, patients do not even feel the needles being inserted. You may feel a little “pinch” as the needle breaks the skin, but that pain usually only lasts one to two seconds. Once the needles are in place, no pain is felt and patients usually enter a state of deep relaxation.

How can acupuncture help with fertility?

Acupuncture can help with all stages in the fertility journey from conception to delivery. Please refer to our acupuncture page for more information.