Acupuncture can be an excellent natural method for enhancing fertility in both men and women, says Dr. Fred Lisanti, a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist and the owner of Integrative Med Solutions in Eastchester. “Studies have shown that acupuncture for women can increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus while stimulating sperm production for men with low sperm counts,” he says.

According to Dr. Lisa Lilienfield, a family practice and pain management specialist at the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine in McLean, Virginia, acupuncture “helps get the body primed and maximizes the potential effects of fertility treatments.”

At Integrative Med Solutions, acupuncture is just one of the natural tools Lisanti uses to enhance the health of his patients. He incorporates his expertise in the ancient practice of Classical Chinese Medicine to create individualized naturopathic care using a variety of holistic approaches—not just acupuncture, but also botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, nutraceutical supplementation, environmental medicine and even clinical hypnosis. Through these custom treatments, he can address specific health concerns like fertility and targeted pain management.

He also uses acupuncture for stress reduction, an application scientifically supported by research conducted by Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, associate professor at Georgetown University School of Nursing and Health Studies. Seeking to pinpoint the molecularlevel effects of acupuncture on stress in mice, Eshkevari found that it blocks the stress-induced release of hormones produced by the hypothalamus and the pituitary and adrenal glands, as well as a peptide involved in the “fight or flight” response.

Reducing stress has clear physiological benefits, Lisanti says, and doing so naturally, through treatments like acupuncture, means that the benefits aren’t outweighed by negative side effects.

“Preserving health requires our full attention, and sometimes utilizing natural methods to keep you going are the best prevention,” he says.

Integrative Med Solutions is located at 266 White Plains Rd., B-1, Eastchester, NY. To arrange for a naturopathic consultation for an individualized health management plan—in office or by telephone or FaceTime—contact Integrative Med Solutions at 914.337.2980 or [email protected]. In many cases, insurance covers portions of the acupuncture treatment. For more info, visit IntMedSolutions.com.