TESTIMONIALS
Hi Laurie,
This is a little late in coming, but I wanted to thank you for being instrumental in allowing my husband and I to become parents. At the age of 46 and with the help of IVF procedures and your acupuncture treatments, we gave birth last year to our boy/girl twins on July 8, 2011. Here is a photo of Audrey and Luca for your baby success stories. They are 10 months now and happy, healthy, thriving children.
Thank you!
Carolyn, Santa Monica
Here is the ultrasound photo from 11 weeks at the CVS. We just got the results back and everything turned out normal!!!! So far we are passing all of our milestones with flying colors.
Now that I’m nearly out of the first trimester I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your help during this process.
Being an older mother (39) with a high FSH (18) I was beginning to think my chances of conceiving a child were slim. But with your expert care and guidance with nutrition, herbs and acupuncture, I fully believe that together we lowered my FSH to 11 which enabled me to get pregnant.
I also really appreciate your willingness to assist when we decided to go with Clomid and and an IUI. I’m positive that the course of herbs and acupuncture for that cycle helped it become successful. I still can’t believe we were successful with our first IUI.
Again, thank you for everything and especially for your calming manner during my times of stress and frustration. Acupuncture is definitely the way to go when Western medicine doesn’t provide much hope.
All the best, Deb, West Los Angeles
I saw Laurie Binder for two reasons: digestive issues and fertility. I was 40 and we wanted to get pregnant for the first time. (I had also had breast cancer at 35 and had 8 rounds of chemo back then; but luckily I was still ovulating after treatment!)
She ‘balanced’ and strengthened my chi for the digestive issues with acupuncture and herbs and pretty soon, those problems were gone.
She then worked on helping to get me pregnant…(I was not on any other fertility treatments and did not have any plans to). She said we should give it about 6 months. Sure enough, at 6 months I was pregnant. Unfortunately, we miscarried at 8 weeks. But I continued to see her for treatment and we did get pregnant again and now have a healthy baby boy (born March 6, 2012). In addition to herbs and a recommended diet, I truly believe Laurie’s acupuncture helped!!!
Once we were close to delivery, she recommended her Acupressure and Breathing for Childbirth DVD for use during the day of delivery. I have to say, it really helped lessen the pain of the contractions (esp the sacrum points!). I went to 6cm without an epidural (the anesthesiologist thought it was pretty impressive that I made it to 6cm w/out any drugs). My husband did a great job in administering the acupressure and I really believe it was effective to ease the pain.
I whole heartedly recommend Laurie Binder for any acupuncture treatment and her acupressure instructional DVD. Aside from the benefits of acupuncture, she is very knowledgeable, compassionate, has excellent bedside manners and a real positive outlook on life. She made our whole baby-making experience a lot less stressful!
-Gina J. Lee-Lua
My name is Sandra and I live in West Los Angeles. I was referred to Laurie Binder through my OB/GYN. I was treated by Laurie for two months for infertility issues. When I began seeing Laurie, I was depressed and was looking for new hope. She gave that to me. I did not know what to expect when I walked into her office that day…but I soon realized that Laurie was not just going to be my acupuncturist…but some one who listened and cared.
I looked forward to my weekly treatments with Laurie. I knew that after each appointment, no matter what I was personally dealing with, that I would feel better after the treatment. I truly believe that the treatment that Laurie provided to me was the key ingredient in achieving pregnancy!
I’ve been meaning to write for some time; I just wanted to let you know that I’m doing just fine! I’ll be six months next week, can you believe it? Our due date is January 29th, and we found out it is a boy. John and I are totally excited! The whole pregnancy thing has been mind blowing – just with the shock of it of course. But somewhere along my fourth or fifth month, something clicked for me. So now I am finally able to relax and really enjoy this pregnancy. It is very funny seeing my body change so rapidly, and I love feeling baby kick around in there; it’s just an amazing thing.
I hope you are both doing well, and Laurie, I will be sure to forward a testimonial soon, because I am forever grateful for the gift that you and Christina helped me to receive.
Best always, DS, Los Angeles
I feel so very fortunate to have met Laurie and been treated by her. I often think back to the first time I stepped into Laurie’s office. After months of uncertainty and many of my concerns having gone unanswered by my doctors, I was feeling dejected, frustrated and very anxious. It was so lovely to meet Laurie and to feel listened to. I immediately felt at ease and her calm, confident manner was very healing. With Laurie,
I was met with warmth, a sympathetic ear and a reassuring confidence that I would be able to conceive through the help of acupuncture, diet and exercise. I found the course of treatment to be healing on so many different levels. To my great surprise and delight, I found out I was expecting only a couple of months into the treatment. I am now thoroughly enjoying motherhood and often think of Laurie. I am so very grateful to her.
Fondly, N
Encino
Pregnant after 1 treatment!
Hi Laurie,
I apologize for not scheduling my next session. Things got a little busy and then it turned out that I did not need the second session. We are pregnant! I wanted to write and thank you for your help and let you know why I did not return. I’m not sure how it finally happened but I do believe the acupuncture made a difference. I’ll definitely be returning if I have more needs in the future! Thank you again and I wish you all the best!
KH, Westchester
Dear Laurie,
As promised, I just wanted to let you know that announcements to family and friends are going well. People are pleasantly surprised that there is only 4 months more to go until delivery, but we wanted to make sure we had the amniocentesis results before telling everyone. My mother is especially excited – although if she asks me how I am feeling one more time, I am going to stop calling her…
I can’t thank you enough for all of your help in getting me to this stage. As you know, we had been trying to conceive for almost two years and had two blighted ovum miscarriages before I came to you for treatment in January 2007. Before finding your practice, I had visited two acupuncture/oriental medicine practitioners, one for seven months, and another for four months. Both had been highly recommended to me by others. During that time, I brewed shopping bags-worth of herbs, took herbal capsules, had acupuncture treatments to stimulate ovulation, etc. However, despite all the treatments and expenses, I never felt any noticeable difference in my health.
All that changed when I came to you just after my second miscarriage. At first, I was attracted to your professional background as a nurse practitioner in a fertility clinic and that you were so knowledgeable about all the Western medical treatments that women with fertility issues experience. Your calming and reassuring bedside manner put me at ease immediately. I was especially pleased that you decided to focus on normalizing the chi imbalances and my liver and kidney deficiencies through dietary adjustments and acupuncture, rather than starting herbs right away. I had been somewhat uncomfortable that the other practitioners had pushed the herbal supplements so hard – it seemed like they were trying to increase revenue stream…
To my amazement, within 4 treatments and just 2 weeks, I noticed tremendous improvements in my overall health. My energy level increased greatly, and my cycle – which were somewhat irregular and always very long (43 – 50 days apart), shortened to around 33 – 35 days. I also began a new cycle of Clomid (my second, at a higher dosage), and experienced none of the side-effects that I had the first time around at half the dosage.
In less than 2 months of treatment with you, I became pregnant again. This time, under your guidance, the pregnancy is passing its milestones with flying colors. You provided stabilizing treatments when I experienced spotting and later underwent amniocentesis, but most importantly, you provided positive affirmations and calming words to soothe my anxieties. Coming to your office was more like a Zen-spa treatment, rather than a medical experience. I catch the best naps in your office!
Although you know that I can’t completely relax (I’m trying!) until the baby is safely delivered (then it will be a whole different set of worries), I am hopeful, optimistic and excited about this pregnancy. I firmly believe that the journey and outcome would not have been as positive if I had not found you, and from the bottom of my heart, I thank you.
When we are ready to try for the next baby, I will be sure to visit you, my earthly guardian angel, again – to put me in the best of physical and mental health for success.
In the mean time, I will send you periodic updates on my progress…
With love, GT
After almost 3 years of “unexplained” infertility accompanied by a slew of eastern and western medical tactics, I was at the end of my rope. I had just completed the first part of an IVF cycle, with 7 eggs retrieved, only to hear days later that none of the eggs fertilized with poor egg quality cited as the reason for this. I was 33 at the time. My husband and I had pre-paid for 2 IVF cycles, so we hoped that a change of meds and ICSI would provide better results the 2nd time around. Meanwhile, I was emotionally devastated, but knew I wanted to take charge of what we knew would be our last big guns fertility treatment.
Here’s where the story takes a turn for the better. I came across Laurie’s Web Site and requested a consultation. Well. Laurie was everything I had been looking for in an acupuncturist and in the hopes of best complimenting the Western treatment I would continue to undergo. Her acupuncture, like her exam rooms, were thoughtful examples of her ability to relax and rejuvenate. She is a fantastic communicator, finally giving me a full Eastern exam and diagnosis as well as a detailed dietary plan of action that I could really work with. My RE recommended I try “fertility blend” and Laurie took this and any other medication into consideration and prescribed (without pushing!) herbs that I would take during the time off period prior to our next IVF, which spanned several months.
By the time I began our next IVF, I felt like a different person and I know I owe a great deal of that to Laurie. The results were remarkable. I had always been a not-so-great/poor responder when it came to stims, this time around I produced 17 eggs and, I guess it was a numbers game because we were able to transfer 3 embies (an 8A, a 6A and a 6B). And tomorrow I will be 22 weeks pregnant, amazing. I cannot recommend Laurie strongly enough, she is, simply put, a Godsend.
Teresa
Studio City
I have been a patient of Laurie Binder for more than two years. She has helped to minimize a variety of peri-menopausal symptoms, relieve the effects of stress on my internal organs and alleviated the symptoms of the common (but resistant) colds. Her approach to the integration of Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine is supportive as well as insightful. I consider my acupuncture treatments both restorative and preventative, and I highly recommend Laurie’s practice.
Santa Monica
Hi Laurie,
I wish to thank you for your on going gentle method of acupuncture, you really make your patient feel at ease and comfortable and you have readily answered any questions I have had. My wellbeing is steadily improving and I feel better each time you treat me.
Keep up the Excellent work.
David
Los Angeles
Acupuncture for Migraine
Laurie Binder is a miracle worker. This statement, although used casually by many, is not easily earned by me. I am a natural skeptic and never really believe in anything outside of concrete factual evidence. Miracles seemed silly and almost trivial, until now.
I have been suffering from crippling migraines for over 10 years. Those of you who have been burdened with this ailment know the agony and suffering we can endure. I have been to neurologists, specialists, physicians, etc. You name it, I have tried it. Out of pure desperation I decided to give acupuncture a chance. There were no expectations at all, (to be honest I thought it was a bit of a hoax) and I was pleasantly surprised, thrilled even. This was my final stop; I didn’t want to hope for relief any longer. (I was always left with disappointment)
I have seen Laurie a few times (about 5). I used to suffer from two migraines a month and have subsequently only had a bout with ONE over the last 4 months! This is a relief and a miracle. Now I can live and enjoy life. Give it a chance; it will save your sanity!
Thank you Laurie, you are my healer. I can not begin to describe the freedom and joy you have given me in 5 simple sessions. I will be forever grateful.
Bel-Air
Acupuncture for Women’s Health
I have been a patient of Laurie Binder for many years – as a Nurse Practitioner and as an Acupuncturist. Laurie is that rare kind of medical caregiver that helps you to sleep easy at night because you know you have the best medical care you can get. Laurie’s examinations, her attention to detail and her follow-up let me know I am in the best of hands. Through her skill in acupuncture she has helped me with a variety of medical issues. I have more energy, lost the ringing in my ear, and during a stressful change in my life when I had difficulty sleeping, her treatments fixed me right up. I can’t recommend her more highly, I feel blessed to be in her care.
Thank you Laurie,
Beth
Beverly Hills
I met Laurie a few years ago as a Nurse Practitioner. For two years I had suffered from chronic problems with a Bartholin cyst. Prior to knowing Laurie, the cyst was simply drained whenever it became enlarged. Of course I had been advised to have it surgically removed, but my leaning was away from the knife.
I made an acupuncture appointment with Laurie, and she went to work on treating the cyst with acupuncture and herbal medicine. By the following week, my cyst was almost undetectable, shrinking down to about the size of a pea. Laurie had achieved something just short of miraculous. She followed up with three more treatments and the cyst has not been a problem since. I strongly encourage women with female health issues to visit Laurie and experience her professionalism, her expertise and her dedication to nurturing and healing women.
H.D.
Continuing Patient
Culver city
I first was a patient of Laurie Binder’s because I was going through infertility treatments and my body felt out of balance due to the fertility drugs that I was taking. We were getting ready to do a second try of IVF (invitro fertilization). Laurie was recommend to me and I started treatments twice a week. As the treatments with Laurie progressed my IVF doctor could not believe the progress I was making with the drugs. He was truly amazed at how strong and improved my physical state was as opposed to before when I was not under going the Acupuncture treatments by Laurie Binder.
I got pregnant and now have a baby boy! After the birth I was very sore and emotionally all over the place. Again, Laurie treated me and I felt my body respond and heal. I am not exaggerating but in one day after the first treatment I felt my swelling go down and my emotional state became calmer. I am amazed at Laurie’s intuitive talents and her skills as a acupuncturist. I believe that the healthy birth of my son and my fast recovery after the birth was 100 percent helped and improved by the treatments of Dr. Laurie Binder.
Regina
Santa Monica
Acupuncture for Anxiety
Dr. Binder:
I have to say that if I compare the “me” now to the “me” two months ago, that person is now a stranger. MANY THANKS TO YOU. My initial fear of needles and new medical techniques were all pleasantly overcome by your gentle manner, knowledge, and overall you just being a truly special person. Not only have you helped me with my digestion (which I didn’t even come to you for treatment), you really have helped me settle the mental/anxiety issues I was dealing with. I feel more balanced, focused, and just really a whole lot better.
Thanks again,
J.B.
Producer
Hollywood
Acupuncture for Sciatica
To Whom It May Concern,
I had been suffering from sciatica for about 6 or 7 years. I would get numbness in my right thigh, and excruciating pain down my right leg when standing straight up, or walking for any period of time. I had gone to several doctors and they all said the same thing: yes, you have a pinched nerve, and no, there’s nothing we can do for you. Finally somebody recommended that I get acupuncture treatment.
He recommended his acupuncturist, Laurel Binder. I was skeptical of nontraditional medicine (I still am). But I was at the end of my rope: the pain was getting worse. I went to see Laurel and now I’m a believer. My pain was gone after several sessions, and the numbness went away almost completely. I never even think about my sciatica any more. And this after I had resigned to live with it the rest of my life. Thanks Laurel.
Sincerely,
Matt B.
Santa Monica
Please let me share with you a brilliant and gifted acupuncturist – Laurie Binder. Her practice specializes in women’s wellness, as she is additionally a nurse practitioner in ob-gyn and teaches private and group classes for lamaze.
I’ve known Laurie for many years and have witnessed her commitment, passion, fortitude, and humanity through her stages of continued education from nursing school to her graduation from acupuncture school. I have been blessed to be a recent recipient of her acupuncture treatments for a personal on-going women’s issue that no medical doctor could accurately address. Laurie got it immediately, and in 5 consecutive treatments, I’m well again!
I’ve received an abundance of acupuncture over the years, and I’ve never experienced any other Doctor of Acupuncture who listened as fully and then utilized intuition and skill mixed with western and eastern medical knowledge, and who works with the purest of love. I cannot say enough about her, and I want to share her incredible healing abilities with everyone!
Sincerely,
Kathy
Culver City
“I first started seeing Laurie Binder for infertility treatment. My husband and I had many tests done and the doctors didn’t find anything wrong with either one of us. They suggested we start with injectable fertility drugs and intrauterine insemination (IUI). We agreed that we would like to try IUI but were not ready to start with the fertility drugs due to the side effects. We decided to do a “natural” IUI cycle and try acupuncture as well.
To our surprise (and our doctors as well) we got pregnant the first cycle after I started acupuncture. I was seeing Laurie 2 days per week. In addition to achieving pregnancy after 16 months of infertility, I also had more energy and felt better than I had in a long time. I look forward to going back for more treatment after our baby is born.
Laurie is great! Her mix of western and eastern medicine is priceless!!”
Julie
Gardena
I first went to Laurie after 6 months of trying to get pregnant. My doctor had recently diagnosed me as having PCOS. Imagine my relief when Laurie, due to her previous Western medicine training, knew exactly what that meant without any need for me to translate. We quickly got to work and she treated me holistically, from the needles (not as scary as I thought they would be) to my diet to reassuring conversations.
She helped me through this challenging time both physically and emotionally. She told me it would take 6-12 months for me to be balanced and my body to be ready. My fertility doctor told me my only option was in-vitro. Imagine our delight when I got pregnant naturally, no clomid, no in vitro, nothing, about 8 months after I started seeing Laurie.
During my pregnancy, I saw Laurie every 1-2 weeks. She helped relieve many of my symptoms, including nausea and swelling. One day she felt my pulses and asked if I was seeing small dark spots – I was. She told me to eat more iron – red meat and spinach. I did and the spots went away. Two days later blood test came back from my OB and told me I had low iron. One of the many times my experience with Laurie was reinforced by Western evidence.
As I neared my due date I got more and more ready to give birth. I have a family history of long labors. I went to Laurie the week before and then three days before my due date to get things moving in a natural way and to (hopefully) avoid the pitocin that had been so necessary for the women in my family. I went into labor the day I was due and gave birth within 3 hours of arriving at the hospital. I truly believe that I dilated so quickly and easily because of the treatment Laurie provided. I tell every pregnant woman I know to go see Laurie, especially if they are overdue!
After I gave birth, I went back to see Laurie several times. My hormones were in serious flux, my body ached, I was overwhelmed and teary (though not sad). Laurie’s treatments helped stabilize me and make me feel human again. But it is not just her treatments that are so effective. Laurie is an amazing spirit who truly listens. I feel fortunate to have her in my family’s life.
HM, West Los Angeles
My husband and I were struggling with fertility issues for almost a year when I started seeing Laurie. My hormone levels were out of balance, resulting in my ovaries responding poorly to hormonal signals. Within months of beginning treatment with Laurie, my hormone levels were completely normal. After a few more months of continued treatment, we got pregnant and are expecting our baby in January.
In addition to providing acupuncture treatments and diet and supplement/herbal advice, Laurie’s guidance and support was an incredible gift. Dealing with Western medicine, where the answer to every problem seemed to be more drugs and the most invasive treatments, Laurie really helped to put things in perspective and was integral in helping us find the right path for us. The experience, overall, was truly invaluable and I feel blessed to have found and been treated by Laurie.
Abigail
West Hollywood
I visited Laurie for help getting pregnant, and after just three appointments I learned that I’d conceived! I loved Laurie’s calm and warm demeanor, and felt very confident in her command of both Eastern and Western medicine. I will definitely see her for treatment of any health issues I might face in the future.
Thanks so much Laurie!
Celeste
West Hollywood
My husband I had no trouble conceiving our first child, so we waited a few years to try for a second child. After a year of trying without success we consulted doctors who advised that without extensive fertility treatments the odds of another child were slim at age 41. Luckily we found Laurie Binder. Laurie’s approach to rebalancing my system with acupuncture and herbs made all the difference. Within weeks oftreatment, I had more energy and felt better than I had since having my first child.
After only two and one half months of weekly treatment we conceived naturally. My second pregnancy was very easy, and we now have another beautiful daughter (Thank you Laurie!)
Lori
Los Angeles
My husband and I tried for over four years to conceive. Our doctor had prescribed three treatments of Clomid to help regulate our ovulation cycle. With our last month of Clomid looming and the prospect of IVF on our horizon I contacted Laurie to see if she could also assist with acupuncture treatments.
Laurie’s incredible warmth and her ability to listen to her patient’s needs truly enabled a very calming approach to an area of medicine that I had not experienced before.
Within six consecutive treatments, sometimes twice a week during my Clomid cycle, my husband and I found out we were pregnant!
I believe my healing with Laurie was not only with our dilemma of not being able to conceive but also my soul benefited immensely from her treatments.
We are now waiting patiently for our little one to arrive into the world!
Aliza
Venice
Acupuncture Weight Loss
Acupuncture weight loss patientI had been looking for some kind of weight-loss help for about a year. I’d check out the Internet, but it seemed most programs involved surgery! The one thing I absolutely knew was I did not want surgery. So I’d get discouraged and leave it for awhile. Then, at the beginning of last summer, I searched again and Laurie’s website popped up. I thought about it, and decided why not, and made the call. And after a half-century, my life took off!
When I first met with Laurie I was pleased with her openness, but also with how pragmatic she was. It was explained that in addition to the acupuncture treatments, I would need to ‘diet’ and to exercise in order to maximize the benefits. I felt I could be honest with her about my feelings about my weight and about programs that I believed capitalized and exploited heavy people. I told her I was comfortable being moderately upholstered but that currently (and for the last ten years) I was overstuffed and would like to transcend that. I said I wasn’t expecting miracles, I wasn’t in a hurry and I needed the program to fit me – I wasn’t willing to be programmed to fit it.
The acupuncture treatments themselves are amazing. I come out of a session feeling strong, and energetic and balanced. If I have a headache, Laurie deals with that … I hurt my knee, she was able to treat that and the pain was gone. I feel totally safe and healthy in her care and able to talk about health issues far beyond the weight. But Laurie and I discuss my food, my feelings about the food, my physical being and all that entails, weekly and assess what’s working and what isn’t. Together we find what will meet my particular need and help me achieve. Trial and more success than error.
For the first time in my life I feel in control of my weight. I don’t diet … I just have a new way of eating. I don’t get hungry and I don’t get cravings. The food program is made up of just that – food! Regular good food that is satisfying. In the past, when I found a program that worked for me I’d keep the weight off for 2 or 3 years, but it would creep back. I tried the fast, the pills, the shock therapy, and while I’d lose weight, I’d constantly be planning on that first meal when I was no longer fasting or popping or buzzing and I could eat what I wanted … and what I wanted was the first step back to and beyond where I started. With Laurie’s guidance, I now absolutely know that I will follow this way of eating the rest of my life … doesn’t mean there isn’t a hot fudge sundae in my future, but I realize now that it will be my choice and not satisfying some blind obsession.
When I first started working with Laurie, I recruited a friend of mine to help me “move”. For four months we would meet a few times a week and gently work out. Laurie was encouraging and non-judgmental about it. When my friend was unable to continue with our sessions, I talked with Laurie about it and decided perhaps I ought to look into a gym. With her help I found a gym I feel comfortable in and my exercise has intensified encouragingly, and I have never felt as strong as I do now in my mid-50s!
Best of all, I feel that I am in control and not being controlled. I am empowered and Laurie has been the director of it all. The treatments, the talks, the encouragement – it’s been exciting and exhilarating but also the most natural path I’ve ever walked.
Oh, did I mention? It’s been 6 months. I’ve lost 80 lbs
Anne, Santa Monica
Every time I went on a diet, I would starve all day. When it came time to exercise, it was almost impossible to muster the energy for it. Even when I did force myself to exercise, I still couldn’t lose weight. I would get upset and cheat on my diet, making me feel worse about myself. I came to Dr. Binder after reading an article about weight loss with acupuncture. After seeing Laurie for 6 weeks, I’ve lost 15 pounds! I’m more energetic than I’ve been in years. I know I have a way to go to reach my goal, but I’m sure that with my new routine and Laurie’s support, I can do it!
Thank you for all your help,
Sandy,
Pacific Palisades
Dr. Binder,
I’m writing to thank you for your incredible work with my wife, Melanie. I have to admit I was not a firm believer in acupuncture/Chinese medicine, but you have changed my entire outlook on the profession.
After nearly a year and a half of trying, Melanie was pregnant exactly 8 weeks after seeing you. I can’t convey how much this has changed our lives. Not only do we have a child on the way, Melanie feels much better mentally and physically.
Your work is truly amazing and should never be undervalued.
Thanks again,
Steve
After two fruitless years trying to conceive, a friend recommended we try acupuncture. We found Laurie Binder’s practice and decided to give it a try. My husband and I both had treatments for about a year. At the same time, we started working with a fertility specialist. We were amazed to see my husband’s sperm count & motility improve significantly after a few months of acupuncture. Laurie’s attitude is very open; we really like that she appreciates and encourages both Eastern and Western methods.
Multiple rounds of fertility treatments and one IVF cycle didn’t end up working but, miraculously, after over three years of trying we had a spontaneous pregnancy shortly after we stopped all treatments. Although we’ll never know for sure, I am convinced that acupuncture with Laurie got me in balance and prepared my body for a natural pregnancy. We now have a precious little girl and are so thankful for Laurie’s care and support!
See you soon!
SS, South Bay
I am a first-time client of Laurie’s and though we had about a month before I started my stimulation regiment, her work has made a marked different in my response – resulting in my first pregnancy at 38 years old! Laurie concentrated on blood flow to the uterus and cutting down on my “dampness” and improvement of egg quality. My FSH which in two previous months were 9.7 and 10.3 dropped with Laurie’s help to 6.2 and 7.3 – and that’s when the doctor who claimed that there definitely was a dramatic change most likely due to some acupuncture, started me on the IVF cycle.
I knew that I wasn’t a high producer of eggs, having done a egg-freeze several years ago, and though I created a similar amount of 6 eggs, 2 were transferred in an IVF on the 6th day. The two eggs were a grade C, but they hung in there, and the doctor called to verify pregnancy over a week later. The doctor herself has said that she’s surprised at the results and that there must be something else “at work.” It’s early on in the pregnancy, and we hope that all goes well and all babies (we have identical twins) are healthy. I am thankful for Laurie’s help and expertise and highly recommend her.
Ellen, Los Angeles
Quit Smoking with Acupuncture
Hi Laurie! Thank you so much for helping me quit smoking! I am doing great with all your help and methods and haven’t smoked!!!
LC, Hollywood
Dear Laurie:
I believe it was fate that led me to find you. My husband and I had been trying to conceive for almost two years and just begun treatments at a fertility center. I had never thought or knew that there was such a thing as acupuncture for fertility until I stopped to chat with a pregnant friend who told me about how she had conceived after just one visit with you. Initially, I was skeptical about whether acupuncture could help me and scared of the needles. But willing to give anything a try.
After meeting with you, I was immediately put at ease. You examined my tongue and pulse to check the balance of my body. You were able to immediately that I had too much dairy in my diet. When it came to treatment, I was pleasantly surprised that the needles didn’t hurt at all and I was able to completely relax during each treatment.
Through my visits with you, I learned how out of balance my body was on the inside. With your help and advice, I changed my diet and continued to receive acupuncture treatments to balance out my body and prepare myself for pregnancy.
After receiving treatments with you for about 1 month, my husband and I did one round of IVF with routine acupuncture treatments and had success. I am now 7 months pregnant with twin girls. I truly believe that it was the combination of modern medicine and the use of acupuncture enabled me to become pregnant.
I would recommend that anyone who is struggling with fertility to seek your help.
Thank you for everything!
Rosalyn, Playa del Rey
Laurie is an incredible acupuncturist and person. She helped me at every stage of my pregnancy from getting pregnant quickly (after just two appointments), to managing anxiety throughout the pregnancy and finally at the end, when I was going to be induced, I saw her a few days before the induction and the acupuncture points helped induce my labor very quickly once I got started at the hospital.
She is warm, helpful, educated in both eastern and western medicine and extremely compassionate, especially in the areas of fertility and pregnancy. I highly recommend her to any woman who is trying to get pregnant or who wants extra support during pregnancy. She is wonderful!
Alexis, Santa Monica
Hi Laurie,
I just wanted to let you know that we are expecting! I found out the day after my last appt with you (4/17). I just wanted to wait until I was nearing the end of my first trimester before saying anything to anyone. Thank you so much for all that you did to get my PCOS symptoms under control and to help prepare my body for this baby. I really can’t thank you enough. You are truly a gifted healer!
All the best,
KH, Redondo Beach
I have been so very happy with Laurie Binder! And am so grateful to the work I’ve done with her in my journey to becoming pregnant.
When I first stepped in to her office about a year ago, I was 42 years old, and two months post-miscarriage , wondering if it was at all possible for my “over-40” body to conceive and carry a child to term. I had been told that my FSH levels were a little high, but at the same time was always quite stubborn in trying to conceive on my own. I sought out natural and nurturing options first, instead of rushing off to the fertility clinic right away. A gamble at my age, I know.
Laurie immediately supported my feelings about everything and taking things one step at a time. She was more than encouraging and optimistic from the get go, and very patient in listening and getting to know me, as well as intent on “getting me on the right track”.
Needless to say, within the first month of seeing Laurie regularly, I started feeling full of energy and was really happy with the results I’d had so quickly. Although we were not yet conceiving, my PMS symptoms completely disappeared over a short period of time, and I felt I was coming into more of a balanced state. I was sleeping well and feeling great! I felt that my weekly visits to Laurie were a sacred time, where I could let go and relax.
After 6 months of trying on our own (and basically after my 43rd birthday), my fiance and I decided to consult with a fertility doctor to see where I stood, and what our next steps/options might be. The doctor suggested starting out with Clomid, IUI at ovulation and then go from there. I discussed this with Laurie and realized that it would be ok for me to take this next step – of course all the while continuing my acupuncture and herbal treatments. I’d heard that Clomid can make some women pretty crazy, and that’s what made me nervous, but again, Laurie assured me that our work together would definitely help. My fertility doctor more than encouraged me to stick with the acupuncture as well – even HE had lovely things to say about Laurie, which only further encouraged me to feel that I was in the best of hands on both sides.
Needless to say, our first round of Clomid worked!!! We conceived on the first cycle last October, and am nearing my 25th week of pregnancy as I type! I am so very grateful for this, and I feel that I owe a lot of the relatively “easy” time we had to all of the work I’ve done with Laurie Binder, in readying my body for the miracle of conception.
At the beginning of my pregnancy, Laurie helped me with the nausea and the fatigue that hit me like a freight train. And now that that’s all passed and I’m feeling great, I will happily go in on the occasion for a little “check in and tune up”.
Keeping my connection with Laurie only makes me feel that I am doing myself the greatest of favors. I love checking in with her. She is nothing but supportive. I especially love is her calming, upbeat energy that makes me feel I am in a safe and genuine place every time I walk through her door.
Thank you so much, Laurie. I recommend to any female friend of mine the beautiful benefits of acupuncture, and can only encourage anyone trying to conceive to just go for it! I can only brag about the very positive and lovely experience I have had with you. I feel very fortunate to have found such a wonderful place.
Michelle, Westchester
I stumbled upon Laurie after several doctors told me fertility may be my only route to getting pregnant due to PCOS. My husband and I decided to take an alternate route before starting fertility drugs, which is when I had my first consultation with Laurie. Over the 8 months that I saw Laurie, my awareness of so many things grew, and I felt connected to my body like I never had before. She also provided much needed support during a very emotional time.
With Laurie’s help, I became the healthiest I’ve ever been. Shortly there after, my husband and I received the wonderful news that we were pregnant.
We’re now 20 weeks along with a very healthy baby and couldn’t be more grateful for Laurie’s support.
MM, Los Angeles
Laurie is such a blessing from above!
It appears that after only 1 or 2 treatments I got PREGNANT!
I think the only way to understand the great work of Laurie is to tell you about my whole story (although it is a long story I believe it is very helpful for women going through infertility). I got married when I was 28 and tried to conceive since that point. However, after having sporadic periods my whole life and after a year of trying my gynecologist ran some blood work and diagnosed me with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
The gynecologist said that basically the problem was that I was not ovulating regularly in order to get pregnant. The gynecologist stated most likely it should not be a major issue to resolve since I was a healthy weight and was in general good health. My gynecologist recommended I start Metformin, I was very unsure about this since I had never been one to take medicine.
However, I wanted a baby more than anything so I went home and tried it and after only two days it made me feel horrible and decided that was not the solution. My husband and I decided to wait to see if we would just get pregnant on our own by some miracle. By this point I was 30 and had only a handful of periods since the time I had been married. As another year approached I didn’t have a period until August of that year and by Thanksgiving I was devastated I still was not pregnant.
I decided there had to be a better way to help us get pregnant that was natural. After dedicating several days of nothing but research to natural ways of treating infertility, I found Laurie on the internet and gave her a call. I was attracted to her knowledge of western medicine and thought this would be easier for her to understand my journey of failed attempts to conceive. I loved her from the second I talked to her on the telephone and was so excited to meet her the 1st week of December.
I had never been to an acupuncturist before and did not know what to expect and my husband thought I was a little crazy but knew I would do almost anything to have a healthy baby. The 1st appointment (treatment) was the 1st Week of December when she fully evaluated me and had some interesting findings. My husband and I loved her even more when we met her and she felt like a caring friend the second we met her. Laurie gave me some acupuncture that 1st treatment and it did not hurt at all despite my husband right next to me asking me over and over as if I was lying.
Then she discussed my diet and all things that I needed to remove and add to my diet to get my body back in balance. The second I left the office my husband and I stepped into a new healthy life. I didn’t care that the holidays were coming in the next few weeks. There was nothing going to get in the way of my goal to have a healthy baby.
From the time I left Laurie’s office to the time I saw her the second time for treatment was the 1st week of January, I had only had 3 cheat meals at that point and was so proud of myself and I felt awesome. Well it appears that I conceived the 1st week of January which I also visited Laurie during this week for my 2nd treatment. Oh yes, and I forgot to mention that I did not have a period and yes I got pregnant!
Laurie had me so in tune with my body (including knowing when I was ovulating) and I would call her several times a week when I had questions and she was always so helpful. I ended up finding out I was pregnant with the help of Laurie and confirmed it with blood tests by my gynecologist office.
I really surprised my doctor with the pregnancy since they had told me I was infertile. I continued to see Laurie for several weeks and checked in with her through my pregnancy for treatments to keep me in balance. I had an awesome pregnancy and did not have morning sickness, lower back pain or cravings.
I feel so blessed to be a mom today and wish this blessing for others. I have already referred Laurie to several people. As I write this I watch my 11 week old healthy son sleeping so peacefully, it still feels like a dream! I cannot wait to go back to Laurie when we look to have our next child so I can have another great experience.
Laurie, thank you for all you have done for us, we can never repay you!
Natalie & Michael
Glendale, CA
Acupuncture for Infertility
I went to Laurie for about 6 months for treatment of infertility with an unknown cause. I had undergone 4 IUIs and 1 in vitro fertilization with no success before I met Laurie. During treatment with Laurie, she helped me alter my diet and adjust a few things in my lifestyle. I noticed that I had more energy, fewer digestion problems, and then after another in vitro fertilization, I became pregnant. I continued treatment once a week for the first trimester.
My dream finally came true and my healthy baby boy was born. I still have 3 embryos frozen from the in vitro fertilization procedure. (In the previous in vitro fertilization, I only had a total of two possible embryos.) I appreciated Laurie’s medical background as a nurse. Unknown to me, previously, she had worked in my reproductive endocrinologist’s clinic. She understands medical infertility treatment, so she is able to complement it better than other acupuncturists with her style of Chinese medicine. I benefited from her suggestions to my diet. Laurie is easyto talk to and has flexible scheduling. I cannot thank her enough. It is without hesitation that I would recommend getting treatment from Laurie if you are choosing to do acupuncture during your infertility treatment.
Thank you Laurie!
Wendy, Playa del Rey
Hi, Laurie!
I am very pleased to be able to let you know that I have a son! Leo was born over 3 weeks early, on May 2nd, and he is doing great. I really want to thank you again for all of your help, because as I’ve told everyone for the last nine months I’m sure that your treatments made Leo’s birth possible. Even when we were in the hospital preparing for delivery, when the doctors and nurses asked me questions about how we managed to have a “spontaneous” conception after 2 failed IVF cycles I told them all that you should get the credit. (The anesthesiologist was very excited by this, and said that his father was an acupuncturist who would be happy to hear of our success.) I must admit that I’ve really missed my treatments with you since moving away, especially post-delivery.
Anyway, I hope everything is going well for you! Here is a picture of Leo so you can see your beautiful handiwork.
Thanks again!
Best wishes,
JF, Santa Monica
Hi Laurie,
I’ve been meaning to email you for a while…I wanted to let you know that everything went great with the rest of my pregnancy and Lance and I had a healthy baby girl on January 31st! The delivery was amazing…and I was able to do it without drugs, which made it even more incredible (of course, I have nothing to compare it to, but I can only imagine).
Thanks again for everything. I hope you are doing well.
Take care,
AC, West Hollywood
After trying on my own to conceive for 6 months without success, my ob/gyn did some basic hormone testing, and my FSH level was 28.5! I was only 36 years old, but she mentioned perimenopause and premature ovarian failure. Some quick research and reading said that high FSH was the worst diagnosis of all in regards to fertility, and that Western medicine
did nothing to remedy it. I immediately decided that I would not accept this, and would have to chart my own course.
I called and spoke with 5 acupuncturists on the telephone. I decided that Laurie Binder was the one. I liked her background in women’s health, and her communication and knowledge of Chinese medicine.
I saw Laurie weekly for acupuncture and herbs for about 6 months while trying to conceive. I still did not conceive on my own, but I knew that Laurie’s treatment was doing great things within my body. I had no more night sweats, and my menstrual cycle had dramatically improved. Even the changes in my tongue were remarkable! I would not have believed it if I didn’t see it with my own eyes.
I had surgery for ovarian cysts as a teenager, and thought this might be another contributing factor. I decided it was time to consult with a reproductive endocrinologist.
Testing showed that I was ovulating, but I was still not conceiving. I tried Clomid and several natural cycles with IUIs while receiving acupuncture weekly from Laurie, but there was no conception. I had my hormone levels tested frequently, and my FSH was always under 10.
My Dr. mentioned the possibility of scar tissue on the outside of my ovaries from the surgery 20 years prior. I was ovulating, but there could be an obstruction that was blocking my follicles from reaching my tubes. The only way to know for sure would be via exploratory surgery, or I could bypass that nd do IVF. IVF was my last resort, and I was so disappointed that my efforts to conceive had come to this. It took me a few months to come to terms with it, and decided to give it a try.
Continuing with weekly acupuncture with Laurie, I did a micro-flare protocol, and had a low response to the stimulation drugs. I went into my retrieval with what appeared to be 4 follicles. I woke up from surgery and was told that we had “one good follicle to work with”. Four turned out to actually be three, and of those three, one was empty and one was abnormal. I was beyond devastated.
My one good follicle fertilized, and grew to be a 6 cell grade B embryo that was transferred 3 days later. I had absolutely no expectations, and thought that I would have to consider this a “practice” IVF, and hopefully do “better” next time with a different mix of stimulation drugs.
Much to my shock and astonishment, my blood test came back 2 weeks later that I was pregnant! The first time ever! I continued acupuncture weekly with Laurie through my first trimester, and had an easy and delightful pregnancy. I am expecting a boy!
I know that my treatment from Laurie balanced my hormones, and fostered an ideal environment for my one little embryo. She was a vital part of my comprehensive treatment plan. She was always supportive and positive when I could not be. I consider her my fertility “angel”!
JZ, Santa Monica
Hello Dr. Binder!
I hope this email finds you well. It’s been a while since I last corresponded with you but I think of you quite often. I don’t know if you remember me, I’m Chinese American & you met my husband. I was referred to you by my Power Yoga instructor, and I had told you that your street address is perfect for your fertility specialty. I’ve shared my story of the experience with you & your “powerful needles” with so many friends & friends of friends in search of fertility help & other. 
I’m so very thankful for your help in my first pregnancy, and as the doctors noted, we conceived on my 40th birthday. I’ve attached some photos of our son at 2 days old & now 9 1/2 months old. He is our happy, healthy miracle baby.
fertility acupuncture babyfertility acupuncture child at 9 monthsAt 41, we would like to begin trying for #2 ASAP.
By the way, I think I owe you a list of Chinese number meanings:
1322 2nd Street Suite #36
1= #1
32= business
2=easy
3=birth
6=road
Thanks Dr. Binder!
Jeanet
I started acupuncture sessions with Laurie shortly before undergoing an IVF cycle in the hopes it would increase our chances of success. I am happy to say the IVF worked first time and I am very confident that the acupuncture sessions I had with Laurie before and after egg retrieval and transfer played a large part in our success. I continued to see Laurie weekly throughout my pregnancy, working on several factors from holding and calming points to treatment for back and rib pain. Her knowledge of pregnancy related ailments and their treatment using acupuncture really helped me stay active during my pregnancy. Later in my pregnancy we discussed acupressure for pain relief and more effective labor.
I used Laurie’s DVD ‘Acupressure and Breathing for Childbirth’ during my labor and had all the nurses surprised that I was in very little pain even though the monitor was showing strong contractions! The great thing about the DVD is that it is very calming, easy to follow and gave me something visual to focus on while copying the breathing techniques and it allowed my husband to be involved in the labor process by following the DVD and finding the correct pressure points on me that he could press to help with pain relief and help get the baby moving downwards.
He was also very happy to be doing something useful during this time! I am so glad I had the opportunity to use this DVD and I would highly recommend it to anyone preparing to give birth whether naturally or medicated. It really is an invaluable tool and I will definitely use it again when we have baby no. 2! I cannot recommend Laurie highly enough. She is wonderful! Thank you Laurie!
Joanna D
Venice, CA
Subject: Pregnant!
Laurie, I’m so thrilled to tell you that the Doctor called this afternoon to tell me that my beta HCG is 68!!! I’ll go back for another test on Monday. Thank you so much for everything!! Let me know when you think it might be helpful to have another treatment!!!! I still can’t believe it!!!!
Best,
Sara
Hi Laurie
I want you know that your treatment for weight loss has worked so well for me. The eating plan is so easy to follow and provides great results, this coupled with acupuncture. I am near to my weight goal in only a matter of weeks and feel great. Who said no pain no gain, I have gain, in terms of a loss, with no pain! Thank you so much for such a great job.
Who knew that getting stuck with needles was fun!
Victor
Hey Dr. Binder!
Wanted to let you know that, although I’m still suffering life anxiety/depression (but I’ll get over that in due time), I haven’t had any more seizures since I saw you! I went home after my session with you and completely collapsed into a deep sleep. And the next day, and since then, my body feels back to normal, no seizures, no weird sensations and good sleep. I still need to work on my diet and hydration, and am trying to focus on that.
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. It’s really a relief to know I have a solution at last, even if it only last me a year.
Dominique
Hi Laurie,
I’m a former patient of yours (Feb – April) and I just wanted to let you know that we are expecting! I found out the day after I cancelled my last appt with you (4/17). I just wanted to wait until I was nearing the end of my first trimester before saying anything to anyone. I had a scare around 6 weeks with some bleeding that landed me on bed rest for 2 weeks, but my doctor says that everything has resolved and that the baby looks great. Thank you so much for all that you did to get my PCOS symptoms under control and to help prepare my body for this baby. I really can’t thank you enough. You are truly a gifted healer!
All the best,
Kellee
Having tried two other acupuncturists in my attempts to get pregnant after a miscarriage, I had just about given up on acupuncture i stumbled across Laurie Binder. She is an amazing acupuncturist and human being. While my previous acupuncturists had left me bruised around 50% of the time, Laurie never bruised me once. She is approachable, kind, supportive, extremely knowledgeable ,and instantly puts you at ease.
I always looked fo1ward to my appointments, to which I happily drove 30 miles each way. Her office has such a calming energy, and even during the most stressful times I managed to fall asleep during the treatments .I absolutely credit her with helping me get pregnant and stay pregnant with my twin boy and girl. I cannot thank her enough.
–Micale