Interview with Dr. Sadhna Singh
Eastern Harmony Acupuncture & Herbal Clinic
I know it sounds strange to voluntarily have more needles stuck in you especially while going through fertility treatments but after reading all the positive benefits of acupuncture it was a no-brainer for me.
Every single person I asked for a reference for an acupuncture clinic in Houston told me to see Dr. Sadhna Singh with Eastern Harmony Acupuncture. I could understand why as soon as I met her. Dr. Singh has a sweet disposition and calming way that put me right at ease (this is not an easy feat especially when you’re talking about fertility).
How would you explain acupuncture to someone that does not know anything about it?
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine focus on attaining balance in our bodies. Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, hair-like needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. These points are mapped in places along energy channels, to promote the flow of Qi, which is energy. The needles are very thin, some of them you don’t feel at all and with others you may feel a momentary pinch, but this sensation usually eases quickly. Herbs are all natural and work on achieving balance internally. Both acupuncture and herbs have numerous health benefits, specifically with fertility, as they are helpful in balancing hormones, improving blood flow, regulating ovulation and menstrual periods, and decreasing premenstrual symptoms and menstrual cramping. Further, once pregnant acupuncture helps with morning sickness, nausea, headaches, back pain, and even assists in turning breech babies around. Acupuncture and herbs can also be beneficial during the postpartum period for providing lactation support, assisting with mood changes and relieving overall stress.
What made you want to focus on women’s health related matters, specializing in fertility?
I have been interested in focusing on women’s health related matters and issues ever since my time in medical school and have pursued that interest in the field of obstetrics and gynecology as a physician in India.
After completing my Masters in Acupuncture and Chinese herbs here at the ACAOM (American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) in Houston, I further continued my education through a Doctorate in Acupuncture at ACTCM (American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine) with a specialization in Gynecology, which deepened my engagement with working in fertility.
My work with addressing fertility challenges, menstrual irregularities, menopause management, and providing cancer support creates a great deal of professional satisfaction for me, especially when I see the natural approach of acupuncture address the problems successfully.
There are known physiological changes in a woman from menarche to menopause and reproductive life in between. These changes are governed by hormonal fluctuations and can impact a woman’s mental and physical health. By combining acupuncture and herbal treatments, we can help balance these hormones via a natural approach, which has a positive role in their future fertility plans.
When is the best time to start acupuncture treatment when it’s related to fertility? Why is it necessary to go on a routine basis instead of one time only?
In gardening, when we plant a sapling or sow a seed, we always want to prepare the soil to ensure growth for the plant, in hopes that it will result in flowers or a fruitful harvest.
The same mentality and approach can apply to the scenario of planning a family. Acupuncture works to address this planning phase. The preparation is needed as fertility varies on a case-by-case basis because some women, who may have had irregular cycles to begin with, may need more time and treatments.
Once you consult with a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, they can determine whether you will need to do any herbs in conjunction with the acupuncture treatments.
Acupuncture treatment for fertility is a gradual process, as it helps balance from within. For this reason, and to achieve better results, regular treatments are recommended because a onetime treatment cannot fix an underlying hormonal imbalance.
What is one of your favorite success fertility stories?
These two stories are my favorite success stories. Here are the links to the video, which aired a couple of years ago, one on PCOS and the second one advanced maternal age:
What advice would you give to someone going through fertility struggles?
Try to take this journey one day at a time.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help and form a support group with your friend, mom, sister, or yoga partner.
The approach to fertility challenges is multifaceted so look into lifestyle factors, nutrition, and stress management, among other facets of life that you may want to modify or change with the pursuit of fertility.
Is there a book or resource that you recommend while going through fertility and/or during pregnancy?
There are many books out there on fertility and pregnancy. These are my recommendations:
The Infertility Cure – Randine Lewis (the founder of our clinic)
The Tao of Fertility – Dao Shing Ni
Now just for fun, if you could invite 3 dinner guests, dead or alive, who would you invite?
Elizabeth Blackwell
Richard Pryor
Dalai Lama
