April 29th, 2025 | 5 min. read
Navigating fertility and family building can be tough, but with the help of expert clinicians, a range of treatment options, and complementary therapies like acupuncture, you can still maintain balance throughout your journey. At Illume, many of our practitioners demonstrate their dedication to supporting patients through continued education and training.
In this article:
Celebrating Illume's Newest Doctor(ate)
We are proud to announce that Illume Fertility acupuncturist Elizabeth Alexandre has earned her Doctorate of Acupuncture with a Chinese Herbal Medicine Specialization (DAcCHM), a significant academic milestone that reflects her continued dedication to integrative reproductive care and patient-centered support.
Elizabeth, a licensed acupuncturist, joined Illume's Integrated Fertility & Wellness team in 2022 and has been a vital part of our practice ever since. With this advanced degree, she strengthens her commitment to blending traditional Chinese medicine with evidence-based fertility treatment.
Her doctorate training expands her expertise in the treatment of fertility challenges, hormonal health, and emotional well-being—all crucial aspects of comprehensive fertility care.
"Supporting individuals and couples on their fertility journey is one of the greatest honors of my work," she says. "Earning my Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine reflects my deep commitment to ongoing education and advancing my clinical expertise to provide the highest level of care to those pursuing parenthood."
Supporting Your Journey with Holistic Care
The DAcCHM degree represents the highest level of education available in the field of Chinese medicine in the United States. Elizabeth’s achievement enhances Illume Fertility’s integrative approach, ensuring patients have access to holistic, personalized care during their fertility journeys.
Designed to bridge Eastern and Western medical practices, this advanced training includes coursework in biomedical sciences, patient communication, and integrative care in addition to acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
The Benefits of Fertility Acupuncture
Multiple studies have explored the potential benefits of acupuncture in enhancing fertility and supporting assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. Some of these benefits can include:
- Mental health: Reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in some patients.
- Increased blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which is important when trying to conceive.
- Regulation of the nervous system: Acupuncture releases neurochemicals that promote feelings of wellbeing, which can patients cope with the ups and downs of treatment.
Learn more about the ways acupuncture can support your fertility journey from Nurse Practitioner Monica Moore:
No needles? No problem!
Research also highlights the potential benefits of laser acupuncture (a completely needle-free option) in fertility treatment. A five-arm randomized controlled trial published in Fertility and Sterility found that laser acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer significantly improved implantation rates in IVF cycles.
The study showed a 33.7% implantation rate in the laser acupuncture group, outperforming needle acupuncture, sham laser, and no treatment groups. These findings reinforce the role of integrative therapies in enhancing fertility outcomes.
While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, these studies support the integration of acupuncture as a complementary approach in fertility treatment plans.
Want to work with an Illume acupuncturist?
At Illume, we offer laser acupuncture pre- and post-embryo transfer in our Norwalk, CT office.
Additionally, research published in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation suggests that acupuncture may help regulate hormones, improve blood flow to the uterus, and reduce stress—factors that can all influence fertility outcomes (Stener-Victorin et al., 2010). While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, these studies support the integration of acupuncture as a complementary approach in fertility treatment plans.Want to work with an Illume acupuncturist?Our robust team of fertility acupuncturists offers convenient appointments for patients at all four Illume Fertility locations in Connecticut. Here's what you should know:
- Elizabeth primarily serves patients at Illume's Stamford, CT location. To book an acupuncture session or learn more, please contact her at 760-447-2180 or ask your patient navigator for details.
- To book an acupuncture session at our Norwalk, CT location, please contact Dr. Amy Matton at 203-858-6286 or Dr. Elaine Malin at 203-450-0230.
- To book an acupuncture session at our Danbury, CT location, please contact Dr. Elaine Malin at 203-450-0230.
- To book an acupuncture session at our Trumbull, CT location, please contact Melissa Morone Sommer at 203-536-7394.
Fertility Acupuncture 101
An expert explores how acupuncture can increase your chances of success with fertility treatment, lower stress and anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing.
Honoring a Commitment to Excellence
"We are incredibly proud of Elizabeth and the dedication she brings to her patients every day," said Dr. Amy Matton, Director of the Integrated Fertility & Wellness program at Illume Fertility. "Her continued pursuit of excellence and integrative healing supports our longstanding mission to provide compassionate, comprehensive fertility care."
At Illume, we remain committed to fostering a collaborative environment where both Western and Eastern medicine work hand-in-hand to improve patient outcomes and experiences.
To learn more about our holistic offerings, including both laser and traditional acupuncture, we encourage you to explore our Integrated Fertility & Wellness program.
Looking for holistic care?
Explore our Integrated Fertility & Wellness program, a unique offering that includes in-house nutritionists and acupuncturists.
