Reproductive Acupuncture: Calming the Nervous System to Support Fertility
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Episode Notes
Becky sits down with Nicole Lange, licensed acupuncturist, traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and founder of Life Healing Life in Minneapolis.
Nicole shares how acupuncture can be a game-changing support for those navigating fertility challenges — not just by enhancing physical outcomes, but by soothing the emotional and neurological strain that so often comes with them.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How acupuncture can support fertility outcomes — especially in complex or unexplained cases
The “thermostat” analogy that helps demystify how acupuncture works in the body
Why infertility is psychologically comparable to a cancer diagnosis — and how acupuncture helps reset the nervous system
Nicole’s bank account metaphor to explain imbalances and burnout
What a patient’s journey might look like — from intake to treatment plans to navigating the two-week wait
Practical tools and free resources to help manage stress and feel more empowered
Why burnout is common and preventable — and how Nicole’s “Banish Fertility Burnout” course can help
Whether you’re personally on a fertility journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassion, clarity, and a refreshing approach to healing the whole person.
“In my own life, I had these life events, and I got as far as I could with mainstream medicine, which I am so enamored with and so grateful for, but then I was looking for something that made my life feel even more full and balanced, and made all of me feel more seen.”
“There’s research that infertility is as anxiety and depression inducing as cancer. So it’s important to have somebody say, ‘Hey, I’m looking at all of you, not just how many eggs you have on deck and how many you’re going to retrieve in this IVF, we’re going to hopefully make your outcomes better there, and you’re going to feel more balanced and supported throughout this really hard, unfair medical condition.”
Show Notes
Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:03)
Becky introduces Nicole Lang, licensed acupuncturist, and sets the stage for the discussion on fertility and acupuncture.
Nicole’s Practice and Philosophy (00:00:40)
Nicole explains her practice, Life Healing Life, her focus on reproductive health, trauma, and her holistic approach.
Acupuncture Referrals and Unexplained Infertility (00:02:30)
Discussion on how patients find Nicole, the role of acupuncture in unexplained infertility, and integration with Western medicine.
Complex Fertility Cases and Holistic Support (00:04:49)
Nicole describes working with complex diagnoses, the limitations of Western medicine, and the importance of treating the whole person.
Psychological Impact of Infertility (00:06:47)
Exploring the emotional toll of infertility and the need for multidimensional support and ongoing learning.
Nicole’s Approach to Continuing Education (00:07:32)
Nicole shares how she stays updated with research, uses AI, and integrates both traditional and scientific knowledge.
Explaining Acupuncture to New Patients (00:10:22)
Nicole uses analogies to explain acupuncture, its mechanisms, and how it affects the body and brain.
Acupuncture for Fertility: Patient Journey (00:14:14)
Step-by-step overview of what fertility acupuncture looks like, from intake to ongoing sessions and patient education.
Customizing Treatment and Managing Stress (00:15:33)
Nicole emphasizes individualized care, balancing research with patient needs, and supporting nervous system regulation.
The Two-Week Wait and Emotional Support (00:17:17)
Discussion of the stressful “two-week wait” after embryo transfer and the importance of support during this period.
Accessible Acupuncture and Self-Help Tools (00:20:13)
Nicole highlights free resources, acupressure guides, and making holistic care accessible regardless of location or finances.
No Mud, No Lotus: Growth Through Struggle (00:21:52)
Nicole discusses the lotus flower metaphor, finding growth and empowerment through difficult fertility journeys.
Chinese Medicine and Imbalances Explained (00:23:24)
Nicole uses a bank account analogy to explain Chinese medicine concepts of deficiency, circulation, and stress.
Case Study: Treating Trauma and Fertility (00:27:11)
A story about a patient whose fertility journey was transformed by addressing trauma and stress, not just physical symptoms.
Case Study: PCOS and Patient Empowerment (00:30:13)
Nicole shares a nuanced case of a patient with PCOS, focusing on person-centered care and body literacy.
Person-Centered, Holistic Fertility Care (00:34:18)
Emphasizing individualized approaches, the “fertility menu” analogy, and addressing life stressors as part of treatment.
Defining Reproductive Endocrinologists (00:36:36)
Clarification of the role of reproductive endocrinologists (REIs) in fertility treatment.
Banish Fertility Burnout Course (00:37:23)
Introduction to Nicole’s online course for managing fertility burnout, with practical, short lessons for emotional resilience.
Fertility Burnout and PTSD Statistics (00:40:52)
Discussion of high rates of PTSD among fertility patients and the need for holistic, trauma-informed care.
Closing and Resources (00:43:05)
Nicole shares where listeners can find her resources, online programs, and how to connect for support.
Guest information
Nicole Lange LicAc MAOM founded Life Healing Life in Minneapolis, MN with a revolutionary approach to healthcare that transcends the traditional "doctor fixes patient" model. As an acupuncturist and practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine and third generation entrepreneur, Nicole embraces a unique perspective that integrates Eastern practices with Western medicine and scientific innovation. Nicole has worked exclusively in the areas of Women’s health and trauma since 2006, her outcomes surpass studies and expectations, and it is her deep passion and a privilege to have worked with thousands of women on their reproductive journeys.
Her website is www.lifehealinglife.com There you can find her transformative programs, fertility freebies, an extensive blog, Youtube video links, and so much more.
Resources
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
Nicole’s website: www.lifehealinglife.com
Online course: Banish Fertility Burnout