Rating: 
Summary: I'm giving it a shot
Review: After 10 + years of fighting against infertility I have pretty much tried everything Western medicine has to offer so when I saw this book I decided to give it a chance. I have to say that it is quite well written. Randine Lewis presents her case clearly and consisely. She doesn't make any wild claims and she's not pretending that her mehtods are the only ones that will work. I went looking for something to criticize in this book and I can't find anything. It's the best "natural" infertilty book I've come across and I've read enough of them to fill a book case over the years. Now, who is this book for? I think it's best for mature readers who have nothing left to lose. If you no longer have any illusions and won't be heartbroken if this doesn't work out go ahead and buy this book. However, I would say to any potential reader to go to her doctor first and then to remember two things: Rhinos and tigers are endangered mainly becuase Eastern medicine promotes the idea that pills made from the bodies of these animals has medicinal benefit. In other words Eastern medicine is not perfect. It's a diferent approach to the human condition, not necesarily a better one. This is a entertaining, and highly readable book but don't expect a miracle; okay?
Rating: 
Summary: From a former skeptic
Review: After several failed attempts to get pregnant using western medicine (at a cost of over $30,000), I was referred to Dr. Lewis by one of the best reproductive endocrinologists in Houston, TX. I was extremely skeptic about acupuncture and what it could do for me but decided to give it a try based on my doctor's recommendation and the fact that I had nothing to lose. In addition, the cost of acupuncture treatments and herbs were miniscule compared to the money my husband and I had already spent. After only a couple of weeks, I noticed significant changes in my menstrual cycle. After three months, I had more energy, felt better than I ever have before, and was no longer bothered by allergies. I have not gotten pregnant, but given the vast improvement in my well being and quality of life I feel blessed to have come in contact with Dr. Lewis. I continue to receive treatments at Dr. Lewis' clinic to address my endometriosis. Dr. Lewis' book explains the traditional chinese medicine approach and her own diagnostic and treatment methods. She also cites many examples from her own patients' experiences. More importantly, she is extremely compassionate and understands what people dealing with infertility are going through. I highly recommend her book to anyone considering expensive fertility treatments. Read her book first and consider pursuing traditional chinese medicine treatments before you spend money on western fertility treatments.
Rating:
Summary: for lay people and professionals alike
Review: Although the main approach to infertility in this book is from traditional Chinese medicine standpoint, it is a very hands on, help yourself to better fertility kind of book. I have read many books on infertility and this one gives the most self-help tips.
Dasha Trebichavska,licensed acupuncturist treating fertility issues in San Francisco
Rating:
Summary: Superb blending of Western and Eastern medicine
Review: As a medical doctor, I find this an excellent guide for those suffering with fertility issues. These remedies are safe, effective, and the reader can apply them to herself. I hail Dr. Lewis for her groundbreaking program. It's about time women were allowed to empower themselves rather than submitting themselves to the sometimes damaging effects of Western reproductive medicine.
Rating:
Summary: A great book on a great treatment
Review: At 35 years old I was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis and after several very invasive and unpleasant treatments was told that I would not be able to have my own children. I was not ready to give up and seeked acupuncture treatment. My acupuncturist happened to be Dr. Lewis. Within 2 months I noticed that I did not suffer from the painful symptoms that the doctors could not seem to stop. The doctors wanted to do a hysterectomy. After 7 months of acupuncture treatment and Chinese herbs I was pregnant, with twins. Her book "talks" to you on your level, as if she is actually talking to you. I recommend this book to anyone who is seeking alternative help with their infertility or use along with assisted technologies. Her book gives you information on diet and tips that you can use to help yourself as well.
Rating:
Summary: Well written wellness program for infertility
Review: Current research demonstrates the effectiveness of chinese medicine in helping conception. A recent study shows that when traditional Chinese medicine is combined with in vitro fertilization, the odds of conception and healthy pregnancy increases by 50%. In fact, some of the top infertility clinics are recommending to their patients that they receive acupuncture during IVF treatment. This book is a very well written description of a wellness program designed to promote whole body health. When the entire body is in balance, pregnancy is more likely. This program provides positive steps for handling reproductive issues that western medicine has difficulty treating: PCOS, advanced maternal age, unexplained infertility, immunologic reaction and recurrent miscarriage. This book is not runaway marketing for anything "alternative", but rather a culmination of many years of research and practice by a woman who is committed to helping women conceive. This book is a fabulous resource for women who are dealing with infertility.
Rating:
Summary: Essential Reading for Anyone Trying to Overcome Infertility
Review: Dr. Lewis' new book is a must-read for anyone---medical professionals and patients alike---dealing with the emotional, physical, and financial rollercoaster that encompasses infertility today. She outlines the general principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and provides in-depth information about treatments for a variety of infertility issues ranging from unexplained infertility to Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Most important, Dr. Lewis' book gives new hope to millions of people who dream of becoming parents. One of the most powerful thoughts in this book, from my perspective, is that infertile couples are *not broken* but rather imbalanced. For those patients who have only walked along the treatment paths that Western medicine has to offer, Dr. Lewis' well-written text is a guide to forging a new path---one that can replace and/or complement Western medicine. Through and through, this book is empowering and healing for both the physical and spiritual self.
Rating:
Summary: Dr. Randine Lewis will show you that you are NOT Infertile!
Review: Dr. Randine Lewis' book addresses the problem of infertility from the standpoint that most women who are of reproductive age, with the proper anatomy are FERTILE; the inability to conceive is an expression of an imbalance within their system that can be improved through the techniques that this book teaches. The text is both scientific and a self-help primer. Through the pages in this book you will learn to diagnose your underlying imbalance and then follow the approach that Traditional Chinese Medicine advocates for your diagnosis. The treatment generally includes the use of acupuncture or self-performed acupressure, stress reduction, dietary changes, supplement use, restorative exercise (yoga, Qi Gong), and relaxation techniques.
Perhaps most encouraging is the fact that Dr. Lewis has experienced approximately a 75% success rate with achieving pregnancy with her patients, many (if not most) of whom came to her clinic after years of failed Western procedures. The Western medicine definition of "infertile" is rather narrow, defined by inability to become pregnant after one year of unprotected sex. I never believed I was infertile, despite solidly falling within Western medicine's definition and it has been reassuring to find an approach that has validated my intuition about my body: namely, I am not infertile, I am just very imbalanced and stressed and I need help to restore my reproductive health. While this book contains the information that is necessary to self treat, it can be complicated and I'd recommend that you seek the treatment of a licensed acupuncturist, preferably one who specializes in infertility or, at least, women's health.
If you undertake this approach for yourself, you cannot lose. Surely, you will be more hopeful, feel more relaxed, experience increased vitality and generally improved health. This is a book that will help you to reclaim your body and, in so doing, you can reclaim yourself and recognize that you are not broken, a failure, nor infertile.
Rating:
Summary: It sure is helping me
Review: First let me say, that I've been struggling with infertility for over 3 years. I went through two failed IVF cycles, a couple of failed IUI's and for what? NOTHING!! I had started my journey at the age of 35 and couldn't believe that I was already done for when it came to having children.
I will admit that my first book was Inconceivable by Julia Indichova (that led me to wheatgrass to help my FSH levels). I then purchased Alice Domar's "Conquering Infertility" to help me get in the right state of mind. Finally, I came to The Infertility Cure.
I did the acupuncture for some time but finally my funds simply gave way. Instead I relied on her illustrations to choose points for acupressure. I also did the questionnaire and used it to self-diagnose for herbal remedies. I did a great deal of research on each herb to ensure I understood all implications (I would strongly suggest seeing an herbalist to ensure you are choosing correctly).
Well, in August of 2004, I found myself holding a positive home pregnancy test! After over three years of trying to conceive, we had actually succeeded, on our own, with no medical intervention! After spending $21,000 in infertility treatments, I was able to find success in a book that was less than $25.00.
Unfortunately, my pregnancy didn't last. I lost it just two short weeks after I saw my positive. But I didn't lose hope. After all, I had finally moved a step past where I had been for so long. I continued to practice Ms. Lewis' suggestions and found myself pregnant yet again this past December. Again, I am losing that one as I write this but I've not done any of her recommendations for losses.
I am going to make the investment once again for acupuncture treatments. And again, I am going to re-read my book. This time, I am going to pay extra attention to the section on miscarriages. I've no doubt that I will succeed, and with the help of this book! I wish I could afford one of the getaways at Grove Park. But since I can't I'll accept this as a close enough second.
I'm going to have my baby! I have no doubt about it!
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: I am currently using acupuncture and herbs to treat my "infertility". This book really helped me understand what my treatments were about and why after a month of treatments, my body started working properly again. Something medical science has not been able to accomplish in 3 years of treatments. The book was easy to read, and you could skip the parts that don't pertain to your condition without being lost. I highly recommend this book. As for the anonymous "reader" who gave this book a low rating, it is obvious from the comments made that they did not read the book and they have not ever dealt with fertility problems.
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