Elevating Fertility Support with a New Doctorate in Acupuncture

At Illume, we are united by a shared mission: to provide cutting-edge, comprehensive care that supports every aspect of a patient’s journey. Our team's collective commitment to ongoing education and skill building is clear, as evidenced by the recent academic achievements of Illume acupuncturist Dr. Melissa Morone Sommer.

In this article:

• Advancing Education for Better Outcomes
• Expertise in Reproductive Health & Beyond
• A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Healing
• What This Means for Patients
• Integrating Acupuncture Into Fertility Care
• The Benefits of Fertility Acupuncture
• No needles? No problem!
• Book a Fertility Acupuncture Appointment
• Raising the Bar in Fertility Care

Advancing Education for Better Outcomes

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Melissa Morone Sommer, DAc, Dipl. Ac, L.Ac., has earned her Doctor of Acupuncture degree from Pacific College of Health Sciences—an accomplishment that strengthens her ability to deliver even more effective, integrative care to our patients.

By completing this rigorous doctoral program, Melissa has expanded her clinical expertise in evidence-based acupuncture techniques, reproductive health, and whole-person wellness.

This advanced training allows her to offer patients highly individualized care plans designed to complement fertility treatments, enhance overall well-being, and improve outcomes.

Expertise in Reproductive Health & Beyond

In addition to her doctorate, Melissa holds a Master of Science in Acupuncture from the University of Bridgeport’s Acupuncture Institute, graduating with honors. She is nationally board-certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and licensed in the state of Connecticut.

Her specialized training in women’s reproductive health allows her to address a wide range of concerns, including fertility challenges, pregnancy support, anxiety, depression, pain management, and internal medicine conditions.

A Multi-Dimensional Approach to Healing

"I am dedicated to providing gentle, effective, compassionate, and personalized treatment to all patients," Melissa says. "My approach to healing is multi-dimensional—recognizing the human experience as one of body, mind, and spirit. I love connecting with and supporting each patient as we work in partnership to achieve their health goals."

This warm, patient-centered philosophy guides every session, whether she’s helping to reduce stress before an embryo transfer, supporting postpartum recovery, or creating a holistic plan for chronic pain management.

What This Means for Patients

Earning a doctorate isn’t just a professional milestone—it demonstrates a commitment to providing the most advanced, compassionate care possible.

With this enhanced training, deeper clinical knowledge, and a continued focus on whole-person health, Melissa is now even more equipped to help patients feel supported, empowered, and confident throughout their fertility journey.

Integrating Acupuncture Into Fertility Care

At Illume, acupuncture is a key offering within our Integrated Fertility & Wellness program.

All four of our acupuncturists work closely with each patient’s Care Team, collaborating with reproductive endocrinologists, nutritionists, and mental health professionals to ensure their treatments are aligned with each individual medical plan and personal goals.

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 help patients cope with the ups and downs of treatment.

Learn more about fertility acupuncture 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.

Book a Fertility Acupuncture Appointment

We are proud to offer both traditional acupuncture and laser acupuncture, giving patients a variety of treatment options to choose from. We also offer pre- and post-embryo transfer laser acupuncture sessions exclusively at our Norwalk, CT office.

Booking your first appointment is fast and easy, with direct scheduling at all four Illume Fertility locations in Connecticut. To learn more, please contact our team directly:

• For appointments in Norwalk, CT, contact Dr. Amy Matton at (203) 858-6286 or Dr. Elaine Malin at (203) 450-0230.
• For appointments in Stamford, CT, contact Dr. Elizabeth Alexandre at (760) 447-2180.
  
• For appointments in Danbury, CT, contact Dr. Elaine Malin at (203) 450-0230.
• For appointments in Trumbull, CT, contact Dr. Melissa Morone Sommer at (203) 536-7394.
  

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An expert explores how acupuncture can increase your chances of success with fertility treatment, lower stress and anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing.