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The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies
In The Infertility Cure , Dr. Lewis outlines her simple guidelines involving diet, herbs, and acupressure so that you can make use of her experience and expertise to create a nurturing, welcoming environment for a healthy baby.
Dr. Randine Lewis offers you a natural way to support your efforts to get pregnant.
The Infertility Cure Advanced maternal age Recurrent miscarriage Immunological fertility problems Male-factor infertility Hormonal imbalances and associated conditions Anovulation, lethal phase defect, amenorrhea, unexplained infertility Endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, tubal obstruction, uterine fibroids Improving the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques
The Infertility Cure opens the door to new ideas about treating infertility that will dramatically increase your odds of getting pregnant -- the natural way.
Dr. Randine Lewis offers you a natural way to support your efforts to get pregnant.
The Infertility Cure Advanced maternal age Recurrent miscarriage Immunological fertility problems Male-factor infertility Hormonal imbalances and associated conditions Anovulation, lethal phase defect, amenorrhea, unexplained infertility Endometriosis, polycystic ovaries, tubal obstruction, uterine fibroids Improving the outcome of assisted reproductive techniques
The Infertility Cure opens the door to new ideas about treating infertility that will dramatically increase your odds of getting pregnant -- the natural way.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
174 people are currently reading
609 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 3, 2016
Looking forward to incorporating some new herbs into my diet! Apparently my Yang and spleen are out of whack. I needed to find a way to help regulate my hormones naturally and my Acupuncturist recommended this book.
May 16, 2009
This is an amazing book. If you've already memorized the basics of charting and cycles as given in TCOYF, this is a great next step whether you think you're interested in Chinese medicine or not. If nothing else, there are many examples of charts and symptoms and explanations of their various associations in TCM.
The author also gives tons of information that is useful to someone (like me!) who may not have the financial resources to employ an acupuncturist. There are good diagrams with acupressure points and instructions, and quite thorough descriptions of many Chinese herbs.
I really can't recommend this highly enough to anyone who is TTC, and even anyone who is just interested in another perspective on their monthly cycles.
The author also gives tons of information that is useful to someone (like me!) who may not have the financial resources to employ an acupuncturist. There are good diagrams with acupressure points and instructions, and quite thorough descriptions of many Chinese herbs.
I really can't recommend this highly enough to anyone who is TTC, and even anyone who is just interested in another perspective on their monthly cycles.
April 16, 2022
This book won’t cure your infertility by itself. You need to receive acupuncture for that to work, but this book can tell you why your body isn’t working properly, & what to do to increase your success of a healthy pregnancy.
This book is hard to read without an education in health, BUT, it works. I had infertility until I received acupuncture treatment. After my pregnancy & birth, I thought I wouldn’t need it again to conceive, but I did. I have had 3 pregnancies with acupuncture, & zero naturally.
This book is hard to read without an education in health, BUT, it works. I had infertility until I received acupuncture treatment. After my pregnancy & birth, I thought I wouldn’t need it again to conceive, but I did. I have had 3 pregnancies with acupuncture, & zero naturally.
May 1, 2013
Good book, great info. I didn't think this was a particularly easy read though. I had a hard time understanding when my liver or kidneys were stale and the corresponding treatment. I wanted this to work, but I just didn't "get it."
November 19, 2020
This has some great information about the benefits of Eastern medicine on fertility, but I think it’s too complicated to read and self-assess. This might be helpful to read if also seeing an acupuncturist who has given you a Chinese medicine diagnosis, but trying to figure out what combination you are without professional help seems difficult.
January 4, 2025
Very intriguing read especially for someone who practices western medicine. You can definitely tell the author is using this to promote her clinic and her practice but even then it’s still an enjoyable read and gave me a lot of food for thought about how we approach fertility issues especially in America.
May 12, 2017
Gives hope
And guidance through a struggle where not much is given with western medicine. I would recommend anyone struggling with infertility to read her book.
And guidance through a struggle where not much is given with western medicine. I would recommend anyone struggling with infertility to read her book.
August 18, 2023
Countless non-judgmental ideas, strategies, and suggestions for all types of women struggling to concieve.
January 17, 2012
This book was recommended to me by a friend whose friend experienced success after implementing Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I have been interested in Eastern medicine for quite some time and I have been trying out some herbs, yoga and massage practices, but I haven't had much guidance. This book is extremely detailed and informative. It helps you better understand accupuncture, but also gives you much insight as to how you can implement accupressure, herbs and dietary changes into your own daily life to acheive a similar effect if accupuncture is not easily accessible to you. I think this is an excellent follow up book to The Infertility Cleanse, which focuses more on the health benefits of yoga. Paired together, these two books provide a wealth of information on utilizing Eastern medicine to acheive better fertility. What myself and some of my friends are experiencing is that we present with difficulties conceiving or miscarriages, but Western physicians keep telling us there isn't much we can do unless we want to take hormones. It's frustrating, especially when you can feel that something is off in your body. I love how this book let's women know that you are not crazy and there really are remedies available. Like The Infertility Cleanse, it does not promise success, which I like. The final chapter is about opening your heart to the idea that life might have something else in store for you. I think every woman who struggles with fertility issues can identify in some way with this book and can walk away with a new practice that might uplift their spirit and encourage them along the way to finding their future children!
March 16, 2012
The Infertility Cure is definitely the way to go if you are very unfamiliar with Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, like I am. Dr. Lewis grew up in the U.S. and was educated the Western way. Then she went to China and learned TCM there. As a result, her "diagnoses" and recommendations make much more sense than Dr. Wu's.
I feel like I can eat a lot more in my diet than I would have been able to with Dr. Wu's recommendations. Also, the explanation of Qi, etc. was more confusing to me in Dr. Wu's book.
I highly recommend this if you are having trouble conceiving. I plan on using these diet and exercise guidelines, adopting acupuncture, moxibustion and massage before I try anything like IVF, IUI, etc. It seems more natural and I like the way TCM focuses on full body balance rather than trying to cure the symptom.
I've been on Clomid for seven months to no avail and the doctor has no clue as to why I'm not ovulating. There was a patient that saw Dr. Lewis who's symptoms and BBT and age basically mirrored my situation. The patient had been on Clomid before, but didn't respond to it. After 3-6 months of changing her diet and using acupuncture, she conceived naturally. If I can conceive naturally, I'm all for it. I'm really looking forward to trying this before pumping myself full of hormones and other medications I may not need. I conceived easily my first time, so I feel like this might be better for me to kick my body back into balance.
I feel like I can eat a lot more in my diet than I would have been able to with Dr. Wu's recommendations. Also, the explanation of Qi, etc. was more confusing to me in Dr. Wu's book.
I highly recommend this if you are having trouble conceiving. I plan on using these diet and exercise guidelines, adopting acupuncture, moxibustion and massage before I try anything like IVF, IUI, etc. It seems more natural and I like the way TCM focuses on full body balance rather than trying to cure the symptom.
I've been on Clomid for seven months to no avail and the doctor has no clue as to why I'm not ovulating. There was a patient that saw Dr. Lewis who's symptoms and BBT and age basically mirrored my situation. The patient had been on Clomid before, but didn't respond to it. After 3-6 months of changing her diet and using acupuncture, she conceived naturally. If I can conceive naturally, I'm all for it. I'm really looking forward to trying this before pumping myself full of hormones and other medications I may not need. I conceived easily my first time, so I feel like this might be better for me to kick my body back into balance.
December 16, 2017
This is another book that I got for my practice. It is meant to be a guide to navigating your fertility with Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a very well written book with some very unfortunate flaws. The essence of the book is a brief education on TCM so that women feel comfortable using all that it has to offer in aiding their fertility.
However, there is a lot of very confusing, very detailed information on self-diagnosis and treatment. This book is very popular with women currently going through fertility treatments, which is why I read it. If all of the treatment/diagnostic info had been kept to a minimum it would be a wonderfully empowering book. Instead, the average woman feels a bit dumb and worried that TCM is too complicated for them. Not true. Although, it is true that acupuncture and herbs are generally best left up to professionals. I might be biased though.
I really wish that Randine Lewis had written two books. One for women in the process of trying to get pregnant and one for practitioners. That being said it is still a good book, just don't get too bogged down in the details if you aren't an acupuncturist.
However, there is a lot of very confusing, very detailed information on self-diagnosis and treatment. This book is very popular with women currently going through fertility treatments, which is why I read it. If all of the treatment/diagnostic info had been kept to a minimum it would be a wonderfully empowering book. Instead, the average woman feels a bit dumb and worried that TCM is too complicated for them. Not true. Although, it is true that acupuncture and herbs are generally best left up to professionals. I might be biased though.
I really wish that Randine Lewis had written two books. One for women in the process of trying to get pregnant and one for practitioners. That being said it is still a good book, just don't get too bogged down in the details if you aren't an acupuncturist.
October 5, 2008
...lots of info, some misleading language (i.e. title--author espouses there is no such thing as "infertility" then titles her work under such binary language), a strong reference manual for any individual or couple trying to conceive. i think this book is most beneficial if one is already working with holistic heath care practitioners. many chapters felt to be written to practitioners, while others were directed to patients. also, it might be disheartening for those who have already begun the western route of ART treatments as the author does attempt to dissuade some of those approaches. that being said, an excellent supplemental reading that i most likely will return to over the coming months.
May 25, 2009
This book compares the Eastern and Western views of fertility, women's body systems, and treatments. It actually starts by saying infertility is basically a myth, which when you continue to read, it is quite convincing. Most of the health problems in our society can be greatly improved, prevented, and many even cured by...nutrition, exercise, and healthy lifestyle choices. There are questionnaires to help you identify potential problems based on your symptoms, and then sections within each chapter on how to improve your condition. Within the first 50 pages I actually started thinking acupuncture was a good idea. A great read for any woman, as I'm sure we'd all like to have more energy and feel better.
June 29, 2011
Very useful guide to using a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to getting pregnant. It includes acupuncture and acupressure techniques, herbs, massage, and nutrition, as well as specific information for particular issues like PCOS and fibroids. I referred back to it often as I was getting acupuncture to see what my acupuncturist was working on.
I found the title offputting given the diversity of ways a couple or individual can be infertile, but overall I found the book very useful and appreciated the maps of the acupressure points so I could do some work on my own without my acupuncturist. I would not recommend reading this book as a "cure" but rather as a menu of gentle options to try to complement, supplement, or replace other methods.
I found the title offputting given the diversity of ways a couple or individual can be infertile, but overall I found the book very useful and appreciated the maps of the acupressure points so I could do some work on my own without my acupuncturist. I would not recommend reading this book as a "cure" but rather as a menu of gentle options to try to complement, supplement, or replace other methods.
April 19, 2009
I recommend this book to anyone who is having trouble getting pregnant, and especially anyone trying who is over thirty. Dr. Lewis is a certified Western reproductive endocrinologist but practices Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for fertility. She explains that differences in diagnosis and treatment in TCM and Western medicine throughout the book. Chinese medicine is an viable alternative for women who are unsure about wanting to have IUIs and IVF, or who want to try those as a last resort. TCM is an extra strategy in the fertility journey. There are many conditions that are not treated/recognized in Western fertility treatment, that are treatable in TCM.
September 14, 2008
A lot of people SWEAR by this book. It is a terrific (sometimes too in depth) book about Traditional Chinese Medicine and how it has cured infertility for some people. What I like about this book is it gives you some hope and steps to take for overcoming infertility. It is easy to go over the top, however, with all the restrictions Dr. Lewis wants you to put in place on diet and you may be swallowing pills forever if you try to keep up with all the supplements recommended. But if you are looking for really good info on TCM and trying to solve infertility issues, read this book!
August 11, 2016
Very useful book to expand upon my experience with acupuncture. It is a little confusing to figure out exactly which areas to work on based on her questionnaire; she does mention people often have multiple imbalances at once. It would be time consuming to implement all of her suggestions. Also, I would be very nervous taking all of the recommended herbs (especially for multiple conditions) without the supervision of a professional. I would be worried about incorrect dosages or interactions between herbs for different problems taken together.
November 18, 2007
Fascinating way of looking at fertility from a Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) view. Written by an MD and TCM provider.
Minus one star for too much self-promotion and too many examples of people who were lucky enough to get pregnant after applying some of the principles in the book. Otherwise, this was compelling enough to make me go to one of the "retreats" held by the author. Has made me look at the demands I make on my body in a new way. General rule: be gentle.
Minus one star for too much self-promotion and too many examples of people who were lucky enough to get pregnant after applying some of the principles in the book. Otherwise, this was compelling enough to make me go to one of the "retreats" held by the author. Has made me look at the demands I make on my body in a new way. General rule: be gentle.
June 12, 2008
Do you have a wet, slimy tongue? Do you experience pain with your menstrual cycle? You could be lacking in qi. Or have too much heat.
This book seems like hooey to me. If someone told me that an "ancient european wellness program" would cure me by bleeding, cupping, and applying leeches to balance my "humours" I'd know they were full of shit. We've discredited those "ancient wellness programs" from the Western world, yet the mysterious orient retains its mysterious wisdom. Whatever.
This book seems like hooey to me. If someone told me that an "ancient european wellness program" would cure me by bleeding, cupping, and applying leeches to balance my "humours" I'd know they were full of shit. We've discredited those "ancient wellness programs" from the Western world, yet the mysterious orient retains its mysterious wisdom. Whatever.
August 15, 2016
Exceptional resource and educational guide to the Traditional Chinese Medicine approach to infertility. Detailed explanations of acupuncture, herbs, and lifestyle recommendations. Includes analysis of BBT charts, specific guidelines for conditions such as PCOS and unexplained infertility, and a quiz to help self diagnose. Includes Western medicinal explanations for how Chinese medicine functions in the body. Highly recommended.
November 12, 2016
It is a very positive book. It is important to understand that in order to treat fertility, we need to focus on curing / balancing our current health issues. Thus fertility can follow naturally. Chinese medicine and acupuncture will help this. After reading this, I felt like studying Chinese medicine.
November 7, 2007
This book is a little technical, but for me it illustrated the excellent benefits of acupuncture and other holistic techniques for improving infertility and/or success with ART. Has a very good story right in the beginning.
August 29, 2008
This book is easy to read and enjoyed by the lay-person as well as practitioners of Chinese medicine. Since the author is a doctor of conventional medicine turned acupuncturist she has some wonderful insights and connections regarding gynecology and fertility support.
March 23, 2010
This book is very full of valuable information for women trying to conceive and also women who aren't. I've been following her advice from this book and my skin has cleared up and my periods are less painful... and i have lost weight without trying.
December 16, 2017
It is a good book on Traditional Chinese Medicine blended with some Western Medicine as well. The title is misleading since the author believes infertility is a myth and there are things we can do to restore our fertility.
November 25, 2013
Definitely helpful if you are new to acupuncture and are seeking help for infertility. Offers insight on the difference between Western and Eastern medicine and their approaches to women, aging, and infertility.
September 29, 2007
Info on how TCM (acupuncture & herbs) can help balance hormonal systems in the body. While I know that it works, I won't say that I swear purely by it and that it's the only thing that works.
Currently reading
February 11, 2008This is a good book for women to read who want to take a natural approach to getting pregnant. I'm reading it so that I know what it says and can recommend it to my patients.
September 1, 2008
To follow this book, you have to make getting pregnant your full time job.
September 26, 2008
One word...WOW! I havebeen trying that long but this book was recommended to me. I didnt realize how many drugs have such horrible side effects afterwards. Great book and an easy read!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews