Many women take it for granted one day they will have children. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always happen that easily. Infertility is an experience that more and more women are sharing. According to research, one in 10 American couples are diagnosed with infertility problems.

Patti Safian, a nationally Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist at the NJ Acupuncture Wellness and Fertility Center in Montclair—and who has been practicing for more than 10 years—has been the answer to many women’s prayers. “Many women come to me after seeing countless doctors without getting the results they want. They have had IVF and IUIs that have failed. They just want a baby,” said Safian.

She takes an East-meets-West approach to handle every situation. “When I see a new client, I absolutely look at bloodwork and other medical tests that have been done,” she said. However, she takes tests one or two steps further. “Many women will come to see me and say that they had their thyroid tested and the doctors assured them that their results were normal," she said."I look at what is called functional medicine.”

For example, she said “a normal thyroid level ranges from .4 to 4.5. That in and of itself is such a broad range. The functional range however is 1.8-3.0 so you can see the difference. The functional level shows us exactly how the organ is working.” Based on these tests, Safian may suggest additional tests that had been overlooked.

She looks at the patient from head to toe. “In addition to the standard medical tests, my clients have to fill out forms that answer questions like ‘do you get irritable before or after meals?’ to ‘do you have weak nails?’ or ‘do you crave salt?’" she said. "Their answers give me a better picture of what’s going on aside from the test results.”

In her experience, acupuncture can increase the chance of getting pregnant by around 30 percent to 40 percent. “In an ideal situation, I will see a client on a weekly basis for three months before they start IVF. Of course that doesn’t always happen. I have had clients come in from out of the country just for IVF. I will see them for pre- and post-IVF for acupuncture.” Safian said acupuncture is especially critical before and after any procedure. “It helps relaxation and increased blood flow to the uterus before the procedure and it helps relax the uterus after the procedure to prevent cramping," she said.

If a client is able to see Safian on a regular basis, she is able to include Chinese herbs along with acupuncture. “Chinese herbs can help the egg quality,” she said. Safian also helps her clients with dietary needs. “I love the book, The Fertile Kitchen. Many times simple changes such as reducing sugar, dairy and gluten can stabilize and balance the body," she said.

Safian also points out she sees men as well: “Women tend to believe infertility is only their problem, but men need to be tested as well.”

Safian is also a Yogini. “I’ve been teaching Anusara-inspired yoga since 1996. It helped me pay for acupuncture school! I feel it’s a great addition to my acupuncture practice,” she said. She admitted she becomes more than just an acupuncturist with her clients. “I feel so honored to be able to share this special part of their lives," she said. "It is very rewarding and I feel privileged.”

Since she has witnessed firsthand with these women are going through, Safian decided to create a yoga class called Yoga For Fertility. The next session will be held at Yoga Montclair on Sunday evenings. “Yoga is known to help with stress reduction and relaxation. If you have been struggling with trying to conceive a baby, you may be feeling anxious and stressed. Yoga can and will help,” said Safian, who will lead the class with poses and techniques that are specifically designed to enhance fertility. “Knowing that all the women attending the class are going through a similar situation is comforting.”

Yoga For Fertility will begin on Sunday, Jan. 9, running from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. For more information, please refer to Safian’s site.