Fertility

In January 2010 I was diagnosed with poly-cystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). As a result, I was unable to naturally ovulate on a monthly basis. In addition to working with a reproductive endocrinologist, I had regular acupuncture sessions with Monica at Seattle Acupuncture. Within 5 months I was pregnant with my first child. I have no doubt that the acupuncture sessions directly contributed to my ability to get pregnant and maintain a healthy pregnancy. I revisited Monica when I was 41 weeks pregnant to see if she could help me go into labor naturally. After one session, my water broke the next day and I was able to have the baby without a c-section. I would like to thank Seattle Acupuncture for helping to bring this great addition to our family.

I had been seeing an acupuncturist for depression, low energy and digestion issues. I was unable to schedule with my regular provider so I made an appointment with Monica. It was life changing. She really took the time to listen to me and about my life. Monica explained, in detail, the theory behind acupuncture and Chinese medicine and how it could be useful specifically for me. The anticipatory guidance she gives before inserting each needle gave me a relaxed and in control feeling. Although I had been getting weekly treatments for 6 months I had never had someone get the QI! This was amazing and took my acupuncture experience to a new level. Soon, thereafter, I had intense stomach pain that I believe to have been associated with my gallstones. I left work to head home but was unable to make it to the bus. I called Monica’s office and although it was the end of the day they told me to come right in. Once there Monica gave me her full attention and began to do an intense treatment. Within twenty minutes I was feeling better. After the treatment was over she had me just relax until my husband was able to drive in to pick me up. My original appointment with Monica was meant to be a stand-in but I have yet to return to the previous provider and consider myself a loyal patient.

I've suffered from chronic neck pain for many years. Since all my previous treatments didn't seem to help, I decided to try acupuncture. After a few treatments with Monica, I began to feel better. I continued to see her for several months. My neck pain has diminished; I have more energy and a more positive outlook toward my health and well being. I not only like Monica's holistic approach, but her gentle and caring nature with a keen ear for listening. I was extremely afraid of needles and now I look forward to my treatments! Thanks Monica!

I was getting at least one migraine every week when I first went to Monica Legatt for treatment. Her acupuncture sessions, herbal combinations and dietary advice have played a major role in reducing headache incidents to an average of one a month. Though I have since learned to avoid certain migraine triggers, and have added a B2 supplement to my anti-migraine regimen, I credit my work with Monica for the largest part of my improvement as it was under her care that I first saw a reduction in headache frequency.

Monica is thorough, knowledgeable and well-organized in her approach to healing. She's a great listener, too, and in my experience that's an all-important quality in a health care practitioner. Her attitude is one of respect, and her professional goal is very obviously to reinforce my body's efforts to heal and balance itself. I recommend her to all my friends. 

Working with Monica has allowed me to achieve a dramatic advancement in the treatment of my chronic pain. Her techniques in treatment exceed any other acupuncturist that I have worked with anywhere in the world. She focuses effectively on the issues that are troubling me and thinks outside the box to incorporate sympathetic systems that may be the route of unexplained and reoccurring pain, rather than just the pain. I love the way she explains how my nervous system works in plain English, without the dry technology terms.

When I first met Monica, I was new to acupuncture, but desperate for help with chronic migraines. I received treatment weekly for several months, and was very pleased, both with the outcome (dramatic reduction in frequency) and Monica’s approach as a whole. Monica’s bedside manner is wonderful, she is calm and kind, takes time to ask questions, and will adapt her plan for treatment to incorporate additional ailments (ie adding an additional site for stress or congestion). Much to my surprise, I often fell asleep during the treatment and enjoyed a deep relaxation. 

As I was preparing for the birth of my daughter, my doula suggested acupuncture as a way to prep the body for labor. Excited by this prospect, and encouraged that acupuncture is one of the only treatments that has been researched and shown effective, I again sought Monica’s help. I found the sessions relaxing and Monica graciously offered additional support and resources for pregnancy, the post-partum period, and breastfeeding. The plan was to start gentle labor preparations at 36 weeks, and move to more active preparation/induction if it became necessary. This round of acupuncture was a quick one, as I only made it to 2 visits before labor began all on its own... a healthy 2 weeks early :)  I’ve been quite pleased with the care and treatment I have received from Monica over the years. I have highly recommended her to friends and clients, and will continue to return to Monica myself as need.

I suffered a rotator cuff impingement, and physical therapy wasn't helping -- in fact, it seemed to make it worse. I decided to try acupuncture, and the results were really surprising. After 3 treatments, I recovered movement in my shoulder, and the pain greatly decreased. Six treatments later, my shoulder feels fantastic, and it functions normally again. It's been a great way to heal and recover.

I started seeing Monica toward the end of my infertility journey. I had been on clomid for a long while and wasn't getting great results. We started doing IUIs and I wanted to do everything I could to insure the best result. My trips to see Monica were the highlight of my day. I had never had acupuncture before. It was amazingly calming. I was so tied up in knots from everything we had been through trying to have a baby and the acupuncture really helped me to take some time to relax and clear my mind.

Shortly after I started seeing Monica we decided to move forward with IVF (in-vitro fertilization). It had been a long road and we discovered I had more issues beside ovulatory issues and that our best shot was IVF. At the beginning of our journey I said I wouldn't go that route, but when faced with that as our best option we went for it. I consulted Monica about our new plan and she worked up a plan to help with stimulation and preparation for transfer. I had an amazing result. Not only did the treatments help me to stay calm (which I think was immensely helpful), but I had fabulous response to the drugs. They harvested plenty of eggs and we got good embryos as a result. I now have 3.5 year old twins and definitely credit Monica's help in that success. 

If you have not tried acupuncture then you are truly missing out on better health. I was asked by my doctor if I would like to try acupuncture. They could not help the pain I was having and I could hardly walk. I had to really think about it for a while because I thought needles weren't for me, but I was in so much pain that I decided to try acupuncture at least one time.

After the first visit I was so impressed: would you believe that I can even go to sleep while having the treatment? I feel so much better after an acupuncture treatment that I have continued going because Monica has also worked on other parts of my body (arms, shoulders, hips) for better health. (Note: this patient has received bi-weekly acupuncture treatments since 2002.)

Monica and her office staff are so nice that it is a pleasure to go. Monica is so gentle and kind and really listens to you. She has even called me at home to check up on me when I have been ill. I have never had that kindness from a doctor before. I could go on more but I will end in saying that everyone should try acupuncture at least once!