Programs & Services
Complementary Services - Wellness CenterOur ultimate goal here at Long Island IVF is to help maximize patients' chances of becoming pregnant. While that involves providing the highest quality of medical care, it also involves providing comprehensive services that treat more than just the physical symptoms of infertility. Going through treatments can cause stress on many levels... in marriages, emotionally, financially. Evidence is mounting, however, that alternative therapies, like acupuncture, fertility yoga, massage therapy and more, can enhance patients' abilities to become pregnant and improve overall well-being. This is why we've developed a special program and a Wellness Center Team that offers complementary medicine and alternative therapies to our patients. We've partnered with area experts that are leaders in acupuncture, fertility yoga, hypnotherapy, massage therapy, and support groups -- and who specialize in working with patients and couples going through infertility treatments. Participation in these activities -- one or many at a time -- has been proven to help both women and men improve their coping skills, reduce stress levels, build self-esteem, optimize hormonal balance and enhance overall well-being. Please read below for a description of the complementary services we offer. Acupuncture Acupuncture has a rich history and a proven track record in treating women's health conditions. It is gaining rapid popularity as an effective holistic health care modality and used in conjunction with western medicine for the treatment of infertility. Our acupuncturists help reduce the side-effects of and increase receptivity to fertility medications. They help in producing better quality follicles, enhancing uterine blood flow and preventing miscarriage. For men, acupuncture helps resolve underlying stress and improves the quality of sperm. Recent clinical studies have shown that acupuncture can improve pregnancy success rates. It is recommended that acupuncture begin as soon as a patient enters treatment with a reproductive endocrinologist. Andrea E. Huggler, LAc. L.I. Holistic Health Associates L.I. Holistic Health Associates Sherona Varulkar Oil, LAc. Fertility Yoga Fertility Yoga is a way to redirect attention away from the stress of invasive treatments. Our group and individual yoga classes focus on relaxing poses, meditation and visualization to obtain an optimal hormonal balance. Meditation is also utilized in Partner Yoga which fosters trust and support through the shared experience. Melissa Boyd Hypnotherapy Our certified hypnotherapist will work with patients to encourage them to release fears and worries while they undergo infertility treatments. Hypnotherapy can help prospective parents let go of limiting thoughts and emotions about conception, pregnancy and a myriad of other issues that crop up during the process of bringing a baby into the world. Hypnotherapyworks by its effect on the hypothalamus, which is the neural center at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus registers stress by turning emotions into physical responses via hormone levels, which has a direct effect on fertility. Hypnotherapy utilizes methods such as guided imagery, a technique that aids in relaxation and positive affirmations, which support hopeful attitudes. Janet Philbin, LCSW Massage Therapy Massage therapy aims to alleviate the "stress-tension-pain" cycle through touch and pressure to interrupt negative impulses to the spinal cord. It reduces excess nerve activity within muscles and tissues and forces out toxic irritants which cause pain. Deep muscle relaxation and increased blood circulation to reproductive organs enhances the body's natural ability toconceive. Hands-on body work has shown to reduce anxiety of invasive medical treatments. Nancy Barravecchio, LMT Beth Riley, LMT Katie Niemi-Muelle, LMT Support Groups Our support group members will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings with others while making their way through the crisis of infertility. In an intimate setting, members will learn stress reduction techniques, coping strategies, ways to build self esteem and effective communication skills. Various infertility resolution options will also be discussed. Group members will have the opportunity to invite family and friends to join them during the ten-week session. The benefits of participation in a support group are enormous. Harriette Rovner Ferguson, LCSW Lisa Schiff, LCSW |
2001 Marcus Avenue, Suite N213 • Lake Success, NY 11042 • Tel: 516.358.6363