Pulling Down the Moon

Testimonials

SERVING CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

“My husband and I tried to get pregnant for almost three years. After a few early miscarriages, we sought the help of Dr. Sipe at Fertility Centers of Illinois in December 2018. We did the initial testing and everything came back normal. We were finally diagnosed with unexplained infertility and started our fertility treatments. Initially, we decided we would start our first IUI cycle in January of the following year. At the same time it felt like everyone I knew was getting pregnant easily and I desperately wanted to feel less alone. While exploring the FCI website, I stumbled across a “New Year, New You” – complimentary Patient Education event with Yoga for Fertility and Nutrition at Pulling Down the Moon – I felt like that was exactly what I needed so I signed up.


Once I got there, I was greeted with herbal tea and I took a seat in the yoga room. It was a welcoming space but I still felt nervous and wasn’t really sure what to expect. Quickly a few girls near me introduced themselves and we quickly swapped stories and learned that we all went to Dr. Sipe. I immediately felt more comfortable. The class began and we went around the room sharing our fertility journeys. I laughed, cried but mostly I felt less alone. For the first time in over a year, I felt like I found a space that I could share – the good, the bad and sometimes ugly and everyone in the room had similar frustrations, sadness and concerns that I did. Before leaving, I scheduled a nutritional consultation and my very first Fertility Enhancing Massage. I couldn’t wait to go back and it was these first initial visits that got me excited about our upcoming treatment plans.


In March of 2019, we got the devastating news that our pregnancy from our second IUI was ectopic. We were crushed and so disappointed. At six weeks gestation and two days after our ectopic diagnosis, I suffered a tubal rupture. I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance and had emergency surgery to remove my left Fallopian tube and what was left of our baby. The experience was traumatic, everything happened so fast and I didn’t have time to process the grief, sadness and anger. I took time to heal and process the experience before ending up deciding to try IVF, we had a fresh transfer in July of 2019. The transfer was successful however, the team at FCI suspected another ectopic. After several scary and frustrating weeks, I was diagnosed with a cervical ectopic pregnancy at 8 weeks. So once again history repeated itself and I was having emergency surgery to remove that pregnancy. I was losing faith in fertility treatments all together and started to think that we would never get to start a family.


It was after these losses and some helpful therapy sessions, that I decided to go back to when treatments excited me and that was when I was at Pulling Down the Moon. I mean the medical route wasn’t really working in my favor so I wanted something more holistic that could support our IVF journey and also make me feel good. That is one thing that nobody prepares you for when you jump into fertility treatments – the isolation, the disappointment, the severe highs, coupled with the lowest of lows and the stress of the constant early morning monitoring appointments, the email updates, bloodwork results, during the work day voicemails. I loved the fertility enhancing massages, the treatments truly relaxed me which was hard to do considering my anxiety was at an all time high thinking every treatment would result in another ectopic and I was being pumped with tons of hormones. The massage therapists knew exactly where I was in my current cycle, they asked about recent updates and knew what the next steps were. They listened to how I was feeling – not just how my body was responding – and that’s what I needed. I desperately yearned for the support that sometimes can get lost between the patient portal and voicemails from my fertility clinic.


In December 2019, we had our first failed transfer. I was so hopeful for a positive end to 2019 but instead I canceled all holiday plans and hoped 2020 would have a different outcome. In January, I decided to start incorporating Pulling Down the Moon Acupuncture treatments. It’s important to mention that I had been doing Acupuncture for a year at a local facility near my home in the suburbs. I had my Initial Consultation with Stephanie Marynus and was immediately surprised by how different it was from the sessions I was previously doing. Stephanie, like my massage therapist, was very in tune with the cycle and what updates I had from my monitoring appointments. In previous sessions, the Acupuncture points never changed but with Stephanie – they changed every session depending on what I shared. I did a pre-transfer and a post-transfer Acupuncture along with weekly FEM sessions and amazing practitioners like Crystal Shelton and Jillian Thomas for our February 2020 transfer. This was the transfer that finally worked!


Brooklyn Hope Barnes joined the Pulling Down the Moon family on August 22nd, 2020. Although my pregnancy was pretty uneventful, she arrived very early at 31 weeks + 1 day gestation weighing 4 lbs and 4 ozs. She spent 45 days in the neonatal intensive care unit at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital, she had a wonderful team of nurses and doctors that cared for her and she came home very healthy! My husband and I know she was determined to make an early appearance. She knew how long we waited and how desperate we were to meet her. Brooklyn didn’t want us to wait any longer. So what I would tell anyone in the thick of the infertility journey is that “perspective” is a beautiful thing. And you will love and cherish every moment that much more because you know how hard you worked for it. If we’ve learned anything from this crazy year, it’s that life is pretty unpredictable. Some things are in our control and some things aren’t but it’s the hard moments that make you appreciate the great ones that much more. I hope everyone walking through the doors at Pulling Down the Moon feels as supported as I did – your journey might start here but it doesn’t end here.”

“Just wanted to send a note to thank you to Stephanie Marynus and Pulling Down the Moon for all your help and support this pregnancy! Our little man came into this world two weeks early at 6 lbs 9oz and 19.5 inches long. He ironically came on National Rainbow Baby Day (8/22) which I’m sure is no coincidence ! He is absolutely perfect! We are all doing well and adjusting to the new normal! Just wanted to say thanks again and hope to see you soon! Love, N”

“I hesitate to think about what my journey to motherhood could have been without Pulling Down the Moon. After months of unsuccessful trying, a hopeful internet search on acupuncture for fertility lead me to the place that would become so much more than that. After a couple short months of acupuncture treatment, discussions about upcoming medical fertility endeavors and a wonderful massage, I found myself pregnant. Delighted, I continued with my weekly needles, but was blindsided at my 12 week ultrasound when I learned I had miscarried. I was devastated, but back at the Moon the next week to start picking up the pieces."

“We have been honored to be part of this amazing journey with Christina. Today, she opens her heart to you and shares how she owned her personal journey with support at The Moon to get through."

“After many years of trying to conceive, I decided to see a reproductive endocrinologist. We went through several rounds of clomid and IUI without any success. My doctor told us that we most likely would not be able to have children naturally, so she suggested IVF. I was lost at this point, because they couldn’t find anything wrong with me or my husband, Andrew. We were told that we had a really high rate of success of conceiving with IVF. So, we went through our first round of IVF thinking our struggle was finally over. After the egg retrieval, we received a phone call that all of my eggs were immature, but they were able to mature some in the lab and fertilize them. In that cycle, we ended up with 3 embryos, 2 of which survived to transfer. After the dreaded two week wait, we went in for a blood test, but the pregnancy test was negative. My reproductive endocrinologist told me that she wasn’t confident that another cycle would yield different results and that I could have something rare called ‘oocyte maturational arrest.’ I was crushed, but took a few months to think about the next steps. During this time, we tried naturally and still nothing.


We decided to see another reproductive endocrinologist. After our second egg retrieval with a different stimulation protocol we received the phone call that again all of my eggs were immature and this time, none were able to be matured in the lab. We got zero embryos from that cycle. My doctor told me that if I did have oocyte maturational arrest, there really wasn’t anything that could fix the outcome and if I was going to try again, I should try at CCRM in Colorado. I am an ICU nurse and was at work when I received this news. I panicked and just wanted to literally run away, but obviously I couldn’t. I had what I would consider a nervous breakdown right in the middle of the break room. To be honest with you, I felt like a piece of me had died. I had never felt such pain in my life. This is where Pulling Down the Moon came into the picture.


At my first Acupuncture appointment, I tried to keep it together because I felt like a crazy person. In my mind, I kept telling myself things like ‘you shouldn’t be this upset. It’s not like you were diagnosed with something life threatening’ or ‘you’ve only been through two cycles, so don’t complain.’ Well, I couldn’t keep it together. I ugly cried as soon as Dr. Shimmel sat down and introduced herself. And this is the moment the transformation began.


Dr. Shimmel, and all the staff at Pulling Down the Moon, nurtured me during a time that I was my most vulnerable. For the first time in years, I felt like I had an outlet. They actually understood my pain. Through the holistic approach, I learned to better to take care of myself both mentally and physically. I don’t know how to explain it other than bringing a plant back to life little by little. Every week after Acupuncture sessions, I had one more tool to help me cope with the trauma of infertility.


And by the time I was ready for another ivf cycle, my mind and body felt so rock solid that ‘no matter the outcome I was going to be okay. No matter what I was going to be a mommy’ (one of the mantras she helped me develop). Also, can we talk about my (fertility-enhancing) massage sessions with Chrissy? Chrissy’s energy is SO powerful. During your massages with her, you feel a warmth and embrace that nurtures the pain away.


After 6 months of preparation at Pulling Down the Moon, we booked a flight to Colorado for our one day workup. We did an egg retrieval with CCRM several months later, and in this cycle, ONE MATURE egg out of 18 eggs retrieved, fertilized, and made it to a blastocyst. This one mature egg—out of 55 eggs retrieved over 3 cycles, gave us a glimmer of hope, but we were aware that our chances to conceive were very low. That little embryo that took will be born this January and we could not be more thrilled to meet him. 1 in 8 couples are struggling with infertility. While this is not a life threatening diagnosis, it is a hard and long battle that no one needs to fight alone. For those struggling, I am here for you. I will continue to fight for you. Your pain is my pain.” -Christina

“I was met with a warmth and understanding that nowhere else in the world could offer me at that time; more than any close friend or well-meaning family member was able to give. I also received a sense of hope and a willingness to continue onto the next steps, however long or difficult, right along with me. I remained on my weekly acupuncture schedule, started on the PTDM prenatal vitamin packs, added in some Chinese herbs, had several more wonderful massages and started a yoga-for-fertility session. Multiple times a week, Pulling Down the Moon was a respite from the outside world that didn’t know what I was going through, and a place where I felt free to talk about my concerns and my dreams, no matter what they were at that particular moment.”

"We recommend celebrating the successes along the way as each is a step forward on the journey! We are taking this chance to also celebrate with one of our patients and share what a difference holistic health can make when integrated into your treatment plan!"

“One of my clients is going through a retrieval for cryopreservation. This is now her third round, but in the past two she never had more than 4 measurable follicles. She is currently on her 6th day of stims and already her measurable follicle count has more than quadrupled! She credits the FEM (fertility enhancing massage) and her work with Pulling Down the Moon – she’s been diligent about following her treatment plan and coming in twice a week for our blood builder sessions during stimulation, as well as, the cleanse sessions in preparation for this round. She says it’s the only thing she’s changed from the previous two cycles! I love this client’s positive energy and proactive spirit!”

“Learning more about myself through the process, I came to recognize that I really wanted to do things as holistically and naturally as possible, while still leaving some room on the side to explore what western medicine had to offer, just in case. The professionals at PDTM were there for me as I explored this choice, and supported my decisions, giving me as much information and assistance as possible. Luckily, I didn’t have to choose. Within 3 months, my cycle was regulated and we were pregnant again. I started the trepidatious journey once again, so much more timid and afraid than the last time, but again, completely supported. I incorporated moxa sticks into my routine and carefully awaited each ultrasound. As every week passed, the anxiety lessened, if only by a minuscule amount."

“Pulling Down the Moon has helped me so much throughout my journey. Everyone is so loving, kind and supportive. It means so much to me that I am always greeted with big hugs and smiles when I walk in the door (many times on the verge of tears following losses and disappointments over the years). Anna Pyne (acupuncture), Melissa Hinshaw (massage) and Michelle Johann (front desk) are especially amazing. I don’t know what I would do without them. They have all been so sweet and reached out when I needed support the most. Anna makes me feel calm and relaxed. Melissa has such an awesome energy about her and she has magic hands. Michelle is just all around the best! They were there for me during our years of fertility struggle and they continue to be by my side as we celebrate our two miracles on the way.


I will forever be grateful to Dr. Kaplan, Ilynne and the rest of the team at Fertility Centers of Illinois (Chicago and Highland Park locations) for never giving up on us! They are all so busy, but we never felt rushed or like anything less than their most important patients. They went above and beyond. I couldn’t have asked for a better team of medical professionals.


It was definitely a long road (4 years, 8 egg retrievals, 4 embryo transfers, 2 miscarriages, cornual ectopic pregnancy, and the list goes on), but even at my lowest lows and emotional rock bottom, we were never willing to give up trying anything and everything. We feel extremely blessed to have these two precious miracles on the way. I feel very lucky to have the most amazing husband who was 100% with me every step of the way, gave me strength when I had none and stayed positive/hopeful when I felt too sad and defeated. Our fertility journey took its toll on us individually and on our marriage so we started seeing a therapist who we love and helped us tremendously. I am so grateful for Pulling Down the Moon’s support along the way. Attached is a picture from a shower over the weekend. 8 weeks to go. Feeling great and super excited.” -Hillary

I reached twelve weeks and joined the prenatal yoga class. Unsure yet whether I “deserved” to be there. But there I was, welcomed and included. Each woman I met in my classes along the way had their own story and their own struggle, but still was reaching out to support those around her. It builds a community that gets stronger as a whole, as each individual strengthens within it. Now, after several 4-week sessions of prenatal yoga, continued acupuncture and quite a few more (and still equally as wonderful) massages, I am approaching my 38th week of pregnancy. I’m eagerly awaiting the arrival of our little boy and I honestly don’t know if I would be here without the Moon. I do know, at least, that my path here would have been very different and probably a lot less pleasant. I’m so lucky to have found this community and I will be forever grateful to every person at Pulling Down the Moon who has played a role in this crazy adventure.”

“It’s hard to believe that we’re in the home stretch of our journey to have our first child. This process hasn’t been easy and did not happen the way we pictured, but we are overjoyed and beyond grateful to be where we are today. I’ve had many “pinch me” moments including yesterday when our crib was delivered.


My husband Tyler and I always knew we wanted children and we started off like many other couples- removing birth control methods and “trying, but not trying”. This had worked for many of our friends so when it wasn’t working we thought we should just give it time. And we did. We traveled and enjoyed life but in the back of our minds something was always missing. We began to really try- and even more time went by without success. My OBGYN sent us for a number of tests and each test came back with the same result- normal. At this point we began working with a reproductive endocrinologist. After more extensive testing and procedures, out RE came up with the same result- our infertility was unexplained. The diagnosis was both frustrating and a relief. If nothing could be pinpointed, nothing could be fixed. Alternatively, if nothing was wrong, would it make our road any easier?


We began with IUI and clomid–with increased clomid each attempt. After 3 failed cycles of IUI our RE recommended IVF as our next step. We were disappointed, sad and mostly scared. I didn’t know anybody who had gone through the process and I felt completely overwhelmed and alone. After some googling I found a group called Shine and they connected me with a “mentor” who had been through the process. We got together for lunch and she shared her story with me and gave me a rundown of all of the nitty gritty details about doing the shots and answered all of my questions about the scary things that worried me. She also gave me the great advice to contact Pulling Down the Moon and begin acupuncture treatments prior to and during my IVF cycle. Willing to try anything to help, I dove right in and worked with Meg. We had weekly acupuncture sessions and really found the zen that I was expecting— and a decrease of side effects from the vicious IVF meds. What I was not expecting was the community I found. The staff at PDTM are understanding, compassionate and many of them have “been there” too. They laughed with me, cried with me and helped me through a fairly large set-back and delay during our first cycle that included the discovery of a previously undiagnosed heart issue. They gave me wonderful advice through my treatment and I took advantage of acupuncture, massage and supplements from PDTM every step of the way.


Fast forward to where Tyler and I are today– 29 weeks pregnant with a boy (who we already know will be darling, tall and funny!) and still getting in my acupuncture and massage when I can– still taking my supplements every day. I don’t know where I would be on this journey without my PDTM treatment and community, but I do know that I will always be grateful for their care and their friendship. I cannot wait until I can officially introduce them to my “moon baby” when he arrives. I know they already love him.”

“Pictured here is my rainbow baby boy, Lucas Dean and myself. I found Pulling Down the Moon in a google search following a miscarriage.  Miscarriage and difficulty getting and staying pregnant are common, yet traumatic experiences that are often tucked away. Talk about this more with the women you love. 


During my challenging season, I found Pulling Down the Moon to be an oasis of sorts for comfort and support. With a combination of Eastern and Western Medicine, I began acupuncture with Dr. Amie Shimmel and became pregnant with Lucas a couple months later. I continued to receive weekly acupuncture throughout my first trimester to support the early stages of my pregnancy and to remedy nausea. Kristine Gaylord was also an incredible support during my pregnancy to provide prenatal massages and now postpartum massages to assist in my recovery and to support my breastfeeding goals (with my acupuncture support). Additionally, I participated in yoga during my journey to help me relax and remained centered. Though a challenging path at first, I enjoyed a healthy pregnancy and a straightforward labor and delivery, which brought us our baby boy. I plan to remain loyal to Pulling Down the Moon as they have supported our dream.”

“My husband and I started our fertility journey 3 years ago – after a year of trying on our own we sought help from a doctor at Fertility Centers of Illinois. After several blood tests and ultrasounds with the doctors, we had a diagnosis of unexplained infertility (so frustrating!) and they advised us to start fertility treatments. After 4 rounds of IUI with no luck, we decided to try IVF. The first time we tried it failed. The second time worked; however, we miscarried our twin boys at 8 weeks. We then took a break for a couple months. After our third try at IVF it worked, and we now have our little girl! We are over the moon and so in love with her!


Going through fertility treatment can be very isolating, especially if you don’t know anyone that is/has gone through it. Pulling Down the Moon gave me a support group of women going through the same journey as me – through PDtM I found comfort in talking to the women there about what I was going through – in addition to the acupuncture, massage, yoga services – and it gave me hope that I too would have a positive outcome.


For anyone trying to conceive, dealing with a loss, or just trying to figure out what your next move is – try and remain positive and know that this too shall pass and lighter days are ahead. Share what you are going through with others – you will find comfort in talking about your situation and will quickly realize that so many women are going through a similar thing.” -Alex

"Last year at 23 I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease and a likely lifetime of chronic pain. The pain enveloped me, remaking my life. I could no longer work, or go out with friends, or even do simple household chores like laundry.


When surgeons recommended against disc replacement, I was at my lowest. The pain was getting worse and worse, though I had tried so many paths to recovery. I thought the only way out would be to kill myself. What point was there to a lifetime of pain, of burdening my loved ones, of lashing out at those closest to me, of only watching others do the things I wanted to do? The surgeon was right, though. He set me on a path to finding relief in acupuncture, massage, biofeedback, a pain specialist, and . A couple months in and I had changed. Finally, I was finding some relief and my outlook brightened. Today, I can attend occasional events like weddings. I can watch a movie at the theater, I can sometimes play frisbee with my fiancé. I can go to yoga once a week and I was even able to fly out to see my brother’s new babies. My quality of life is insurmountably higher and my mood is so far from the mindset I had a year ago.


Acupuncture with Anna and massage with Melissa have had a huge role to play in my recovery. They have chipped away at the tension in my back to help reverse the way that constant pain creates tension, creating more pain. Their work makes me able to push myself farther at physical therapy, allowing those muscles to build up faster. They helped treat my tender and angry back after I had my nerve ablation, allowing me to bounce back much quicker. And I would be remiss to say that the attitude of all the staff at Pulling Down the Moon has many times brightened my day. Thank you, all of you, for being so lovely. I could never have come this far without you."

“Becoming parents was a much more difficult journey than either of us expected. Years of trying, a frustrating ‘unexplained infertility’ diagnosis, failed IUI’s, and tears upon tears. I started acupuncture and fertility massage at Pulling Down the Moon about 1 year into our efforts and those intentional, precious moments of self-care kept me sane and gave me room to breathe in the middle of our disappointment and struggle. I was skeptical to start acupuncture.  especially when we were given a less than 2% chance of success even with IVF. Kelly (my phenomenal practitioner) gave me two powerful ideas to think about when my pain was loudly shouting ‘Why even try?’ She said, ‘Yes, the odds of success are low, but doing acupuncture is healthier for your body in the long run no matter what the outcome.’ Another piece of advice she offered was during one of my sessions a couple months later. She said something along the lines of ‘Babies are picky about when they choose to come into this world.’ And as I laid on the table that day, I realized my child would come to me. I didn’t know how and I didn’t know whether it would be through my vessel or someone else’s. But I knew it would happen.


My husband and I are so very grateful for everyone at Pulling Down the Moon. They saw us through one of the most challenging, roller coaster times of our lives. Our sweet baby boy Ezra will be eight months old on January 6th. He is a wonder to us both every day – and we are so deliriously happy he chose us. No matter where you are in this journey.. Your child is out there. Remember to take care of your own heart and body. I’m beyond thankful I had people to show me how to do that along the way.”

“After years of struggling with infertility and subsequent loss of twins, I found solace in Pulling Down the Moon. I participated in the patient education classes through my affiliation with FCI. It started with acupuncture, followed by fertility-friendly yoga, and then the first line fertility nutrition program to manage my PCOS. It is a peaceful and welcoming location in River North.


It was meant as a “break” from it all and personal healing. I grew to LOVE yoga and all the people I met there. I have tried the yoga DVD, the books, the teas, and of course, the yummy Zing bars! I became comfortable in a place that understood me and accepted me as person. The welcoming staff were willing to meet me where I was and help me on my journey.


Little did I know that after surgery and failed treatments, that the nutrition program, yoga, relaxation, and support (from peers and staff) would be what worked for me and our future family! Our miracle rainbow was conceived naturally while working with PDtM and I couldn’t be more grateful.” -MJ

“I am very grateful for my family, especially my daughters. We welcomed Samantha through adoption and Gwendolyn, pictured with me, after several years of treatment and lots of prayers. Several years in the making, but well worth the wait!” We love to see these successes and we are grateful that we are allowed to assist on this precious journey.”

“I wanted to share our daughter, Cameron, with you! After struggling trying to conceive, then having been diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome; we knew our journey would not be an easy one. Once I began acupuncture treatment at Pulling Down the Moon, my hormone levels were able to balance and we were finally able to get pregnant! Even during my first trimester, I continued returning so that our baby girl would continue to grow and for my hormone levels to operate as they should. Your staff was wonderful, and made every visit peaceful and promising. Thank you for everything!”

“Your journey is never as you picture it to be. I never imagined the struggle or heartache the road to motherhood would bring. Through it all however, I never lost faith that one day I would have the baby I always dreamed of. Thank you to Pulling Down the Moon for your support and services, both helped me achieve my dream. On April 26, we welcomed our sweet Sophia Marie into the world!”

“I absolutely couldn’t have gotten to where we are now without Pulling Down the Moon. The massage therapy and acupuncture that I had done regularly helped me tremendously both physically and emotionally throughout our infertility journey, our pregnancy, and now in my recovery. We are so grateful to have this little miracle in our lives! She is definitely worth the wait.”

“This journey has been hard, emotional, financially burdensome, but in the end for us, mind blowing and I need to pinch myself on a daily basis. Keeping the mindset that it WILL happen when it’s supposed to happen is exactly what DID happen. And, alongside PDtM with their knowledge, help, and support—we did it! Consistent acupuncture treatments with Meg and Anna over the past two years and their support alone was my ‘support group’ and all that I needed. Massages to prepare were always wonderful and amazing how both of these services have prepared my body to get it where I wanted it to be. I’ve now joined the prenatal yoga class because…our little one will be here this October!!””Pulling Down the Moon provided me the kind of hope, faith, and calmness that I needed during one of the toughest times of my life. It was through acupuncture, fertility massages, nutrition, and fertility yoga where I learned how to cope with grief, balance myself, and never give up hope of becoming a mother to a living breathing baby. January 2015 our sweet little miracle moon baby was born! We are beyond blessed and so incredibly thankful to the staff and community of women at Pulling Down the Moon for helping me through this journey.”

“At the ripe age of 32, I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure. I was told that even with fertility treatments, I only had a 1% chance of having my own baby. Distraught by the news, I immediately looked into options to enhance the success of my fertility treatments. During my search, I was referred to Pulling Down the Moon where I received fertility acupuncture treatments. My acupuncturists were cheerful, informative, and comforting. Each session was such a calming experience. It relaxed my mind and created balance in my body–enough so to have an impact on the success of my fertility treatments. Today, I have not one, but two beautiful babies who I call “my little miracles”. Thank you so very much to the staff at Pulling Down the Moon!”

“I want to thank Pulling Down The Moon for helping me achieve a pregnancy. I am now 20 weeks pregnant and am so grateful to the team at Fertility Centers of IL and Pulling Down The Moon. I have PCOS – and knew I needed help to achieve a successful pregnancy. I had heard that acupuncture and IVF go hand in hand but did not have time for it. I started doing acupuncture during the two month wait for Frozen Embryo Transfer. I first started with Meg – she was wonderful and put my mind at ease. When I got close to the transfer – I met with Lisa and she was wonderful. I did acupuncture for fertility weekly before the transfer and during the first trimester and am continuing throughout the pregnancy. Lisa was so wonderful with the acupuncture and had great suggestions for my pregnancy. She is a great listener and also puts my mind at ease with my concerns about the pregnancy (when you go through fertility treatment you are more nervous). She always made me feel better. My husband and I tried for 3 years with no success. Then with our first time doing IVF and with acupuncture – it worked. I cannot thank Lisa, Meg and the team at Pulling Down The Moon for helping my husband and I make a miracle happen. I highly recommend Pulling Down the Moon to anyone who needs help with fertility. The team there is a great support group while you are going through the process.”

“That was my mantra. Through years of trying but not trying. Through years of really trying. Through tests and procedures. Through 3 failed IUIs. Through a wicked cocktail of meds including clomid, gonal F, menopur, ovidrel, prometrium, lupron, and femara to name a few. Through shots galore. Through bi-daily ultrasounds. Through blood draws. Through egg retrievals. Thankfully, acupuncture, massage, and support helped us get through.


Through a canceled fresh transfer. Through discovering a previously undiagnosed heart condition that put the brakes on everything. Through going back to square one. Through a frozen transfer. Through all the waiting. Through a positive test- FINALLY! And that was my mantra through his birth. Every step we took was with great love and surrounded by great love. Our miracle baby and greatest love William Francis was born on September 26, 2017.”

“I first met Lisa when I was told that I would not be able to conceive a child without the help of IVF. During our first appointment I immediately felt comfortable and supported by Lisa. She is truly a compassionate and caring person, and as our sessions continued Lisa was no longer the practitioner, but was my friend in this process. I followed her recommendations and was able to conceive naturally!!! I highly recommend Lisa as she is an amazing person to work with that produces amazing results.” -A.M, teacher

“I have been practicing conventional medicine for more than 30 years. For twenty of those years I have had terrible sciatica and pain from arthritis in both heels. I have had back surgery and physical therapy for years, but the pain persisted. I have suggested alternative medical treatments to patients throughout my career when conventional therapy did not work. I never considered Acupuncture for myself and my physicians never offered it. My daughter was having issues with fertility and her fertility specialist recommended she see Lisa Meyerson and have Acupuncture. She became pregnant and continued the therapy throughout the pregnancy. She now has an 8 week old baby girl and I have a granddaughter. I decided to see Lisa for treatment of my low back pain and heel pain. After a few treatments both my heel and back pain had improved significantly. My quality of life has gotten way better. Acupuncture has been around for centuries. Lisa Meyerson is trained in the practice of Acupuncture. She has learned the millenniums of the Chinese teachings and knows the channels and points to touch. Lisa has embraced her practice and her results make a powerful argument for acceptance of Acupuncture for treatment of many ailments and her as your practitioner.” -C.B, MD

“I AM PREGNANT thanks to the help of the unbelievable people at PDtM!!! Everyone at PDtM is incredible. Not only are the acupuncturists, masseuses, nutritionists, and yoga instructors extremely knowledgeable, they are also very empathic and understanding. I always leave feeling SO MUCH BETTER – physically and emotionally. I am still going to PDtM for acupuncture and just had a prenatal nutrition appointment. I can’t wait for the end of my first trimester so I can start prenatal yoga classes! Thanks to everyone who has helped me get to this point.”

“A trusted client of mine recommended PDtM about 2 years ago and I’m so glad I took her advice. I cannot say enough about Anna Pyne (acupuncture). She helped get my normally 60-90 day cycles down to 35-42 days while treating my other PCOS symptoms. PDtM has the best quality supplements as well. My husband’s motility went from 15% to 55% after 3 months of diligently taking the Male Supplement Pack. Yoga for fertility was also enjoyable and a great way for me to connect with other women going through the same challenges. The entire staff at PDtM helped me grieve through 2 miscarriages and then shared in my joy when I finally made it through the first trimester with my twins. I am 30 weeks pregnant and still look forward to my monthly acupuncture sessions and PDtM is the only place I trust for prenatal massage. Everyone at PDtM is a great resource, whether you are looking to try naturally or just need balance while going through fertility treatments.”

“I am currently expecting my second child. I never thought I would even be able to conceive. I couldn’t have done it without the support I get from my acupuncturist at Pulling Down the Moon.”

“Our journey to fertility led us to PDtM. Our first son (now 8 yrs. old) was naturally conceived with no problems. My husband and I tried to get pregnant with baby #2. It wasn’t an easy process! We were referred to see a fertility doctor and were prescribed fertility drugs which did not work at all. It was an unsettling and taxing experience for my body and mind! We decided to try a different approach and I did yoga, acupuncture, herbs and massages at PDtM. I’m happy to say we got pregnant twice and had two more boys (now ages 4 yrs old and 2 yrs old).



 I went for acupuncture pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy and post pregnancy. It was an amazing journey for me to realize that I didn’t need drugs to have more children. I’m so grateful and blessed to have healthy babies! I still find time to treat myself for acupuncture & massages on a regular basis. Thank you to PDtM staff for being part of my life and our family!”

“Hi! I actually wanted to let you know that I’m pregnant! I had taken your yoga for fertility class back in May-June and then I went through IVF in the late July/early August timeframe. Fortunately it worked and I’m now about 11 1/2 weeks along so almost into the second trimester. I’m now seeing my regular OB/GYN and had my last appt at FCI in mid-September. I really believe that your class helped me and I got so much out of it – I’ve been recommending it to lots of people too!”

“Just wanted to send you a quick email and enormous thank you for lending your ears, your heart and unconditional support. I can’t explain how scary and freeing at the same time our practice was. One of the many beauties of yoga; truly helps me embrace so many of life’s paradoxes. My heart may be broken, but for the first time in a while, I was able to feel those pieces–and that’s the first step in putting those pieces back together in a new way.”

“We are for sure pregnant!!! Wanted to let all of you know, and I especially want to thank all of you for being soooooo supportive and sweet during this journey!! I reallllly appreciate it!!! I’m sure I’ll be seeing all of you at some point when I’m at PDTM! I hope that you have a wonderful weekend, and thanks soooo much again!”

“I know it’s been AWHILE but I am in need of some help from Pulling Down the Moon again… As a refresher, I had twins in 2012 following one round of IVF and LOTS of yoga, nutrition consulting and acupuncture at PDTM in Chicago. (They are now healthy thriving almost-3 year olds!) We are trying for baby #3. We have the same issue as the first go-round – a very thin uterine lining. I firmly believe acupuncture really helped me the last time.”

“I also wanted to let you know that I LOVE Pulling The Moon. I have been to other acupuncturists and Kate and Kat are the absolute best and the setting is so serene. I told my husband when this “journey” is over I want to work there.”

“I am 8 weeks now, have had 4 ultrasounds already (can you believe it??), and the baby is growing as expected. We are so cautiously optimistic! I am still coming to PDTM for acupuncture and to meet up with the other yoga ladies on Sunday morning when I can. I hope all is well with you. You are my all-time favorite yoga teacher — I so appreciate that you taught us the background for the poses and breathing. I have found that so many yoga teachers don’t!”

“I just wanted to say Thank You for teaching the yoga classes at Pulling Down the Moon! I have had many different yoga teachers and you have been my favorite! Thanks for sharing your laughter and smiles with us. You do a wonderful job of creating healing energy in the room. Pulling Down the Moon is such an amazing place with such a calming presence for me. They, and all the women who take classes there, are lucky to have you.”

“I have really enjoyed the current class and really look forward to it. It’s like two hours of solace for me. I had miscarried two weeks before the class started and wasn’t really looking forward to opening up and talking about my experience. Perhaps that’s why I was so overly emotional on the first day and I just kept telling myself “I’m not ready to talk about this, I’m just not ready”. But opening up that first day was what I really needed. It increases the load that one carries if you keep it all in. I wish I had started the class when I began my first two cycles, perhaps it would have made coping with the experience a lot easier – and I would have found a better outlet than eating my sorrows away on a Portillo’s hot dog, fries and vanilla shakes!”

“My husband and I have been posted abroad so I am dealing with IF from afar with fewer resources and support. It has been challenging, but I was thrilled when I saw your book on the bookshelf and have been following some of the suggestions. Please tell the authors that the Moon Salute sequence is being practiced virtually every day in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia! Even though I have been practicing yoga, acupuncture and herbs and changing my diet for over a year now, the book has been tremendously helpful in giving fertility-specific advice which I have not found anywhere else. I have found this book to be invaluable.”

“My twins were born 3/25/09, thanks in part to IVF at FCI and the wonderful caring treatment I received at your office (Lots of Acupuncture with Lisa, a few appointments with Yong, Yoga for Fertility class last August with Jenilyn, massages with Meredith and Nutritional advice from Lauren). Everyone on staff is so well versed in the fertility issues and treatments and completely upbeat and positive in what is a very dark time for so many of us. I can’t say enough about how much I learned and, more importantly, appreciated the emotional support and understanding I received at PDtM. I’ve recommended it to about a million people. THANK YOU!!”

“You would be so proud of me, my sister was sharing how stressed she has been so I told her about my yoga practice and meditation and how life changing it was, so I think I have her sold. Who would have thought, me spreading the good news of yoga…Thought that would make you smile.”

“I really do think the whole ‘protocol’ at PDTM made the difference this time. I can’t thank you enough for having the vision to have started that wonderful place!”

“I had an appointment today with someone who was in my network (insurance) and I am almost heartbroken over the difference between your care and what this person offered. There simply was NO COMPARISON. I was so upset when I left there today. I wholeheartedly believe acupuncture to be an integral part of my infertility journey but financially it is very straining. I would love to be able to continue my treatment with you. I had an US apt today at Shady Grove and received very good news. My lining is a 9 and I have a follicle that measured 20mm!!!! I have been given the go-ahead to start my trigger shot tonight. I would love to be able to see you before, or after my IUI scheduled for this Wednesday."

“You are doing such impactful work with Pdtm. The yoga class, the nutritionist, the massages – they all helped immensely. Thank you for creating such a special place. I am also happy to report that my test came back positive as well! I know that this positive first step is due to our class and to all of the other phenomenal support services at Pulling Down The Moon.”

“First, let me thank you for recommending the yoga class. It has been such a positive experience – a safe place where I have bonded with others in a similar situation. Very calming and combined with the acupuncture, diet and massage – I’m in a much better place.”

“I am at the 5 month period now and go in for my 20 week ultrasound next Monday. It’s not easy doing this when you’re old, but I am so grateful to even have this opportunity. I credit so much to the Moon, and thank you and everyone I’ve worked with for the support and kindness. I still meet with 3 members of my yoga group every month to catch up. It has been wonderful.”

“I absolutely think that I wouldn’t have made it into the hands of the right doctors had it not been for your advice. Every time I have felt defeated by this process, Anna and the rest of your staff has always brought me right back to a positive place full of hope. I know it’s still very early in my pregnancy, but I will be forever grateful for the Pulling Down the Moon family. I definitely still plan on continuing with acupuncture throughout the pregnancy and am excited to share this part of our journey to parenthood with Anna and the rest of your team. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

“I have been to a total of 4 acupuncturists now and I find that my one session with you all far surpassed any other treatment that I had received. In my short time there, I just felt like the people that I dealt with “got it”, if that makes sense. Pulling Down the Moon knows and understands what those of us who are going through infertility are dealing with.”

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