The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness

08/20/2025

Can acupuncture help improve pregnancy rates & aid in the prevention of miscarriage?

Acupuncture has been explored as a complementary approach to support fertility and prevent miscarriage. Some studies suggest that acupuncture may enhance fertility by improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, balancing hormones, and reducin...

08/19/2025

Low-Level Light Therapy has been shown to improve egg quality.

Listen to our latest podcast about this amazing protocol.

The Celluma 830nm low-level light therapy device can help improve egg quality by using near-infrared light to boost energy production in cells, particularly in the mitochondria, which are like tiny power plants in your eggs. Eggs need a lot of ene...

08/13/2025

NY Top Docs Proudly Presents Mike Berkley For 2025

Mike Berkley has been reviewed and approved by NY Top Docs based on merit for 2025. Mike Berkley, LAc, FABORM is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist and a board-certified herbalist.

He is a fertility specialist and the founder of The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, located in the Midtown East neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.
Mike was the first acupuncturist in the United States to specialize exclusively in fertility issues, and for over twenty-seven years, he has helped individuals and couples overcome reproductive challenges through a combination of Eastern and Western medicine.

Mike’s path to fertility medicine began with a personal journey. Before becoming an acupuncturist, he and his wife, Nancy, were struggling to start a family.

Nancy sought out acupuncture and herbal treatment, and although Mike had no prior belief in acupuncture, he eventually agreed to try it himself.

Within three months, they conceived, and today their son is a healthy, happy, and successful adult. This life-changing experience led Mike to enroll at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York, where he spent four years studying acupuncture, followed by two years of herbal medicine training.
From the beginning, he knew he wanted to dedicate his career to helping others facing infertility.

Equipped with his licenses and certifications, Mike went on to study Western medical approaches to fertility and integrated them with traditional Chinese medicine to create a comprehensive and personalized approach to care.

He developed proprietary herbal formulas and unique acupuncture protocols tailored to the needs of each patient.
His treatments are designed to support natural conception, improve outcomes for those undergoing assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intrauterine insemination (IUI), and address both male and female infertility.

At The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, patients receive individualized care in a supportive, respectful, and welcoming environment.

The clinic specializes in fertility-focused acupuncture and herbal medicine, integrating these with modern innovations such as low-level light therapy (LLLT) to enhance egg quality and improve reproductive function.

In addition to in-office visits, The Berkley Center offers home acupuncture appointments for those seeking convenience and flexibility during their fertility journey.

Once pregnancy is achieved, treatment protocols are adjusted to focus on miscarriage prevention, especially during the critical first trimester.

Whether patients are dealing with complex fertility diagnoses, planning to undergo IVF, or simply looking for a holistic approach to improving reproductive health, The Berkley Center provides experienced, compassionate care tailored to each unique situation.

Patients benefit from Mike Berkley’s extensive clinical experience, deep understanding of reproductive medicine, and commitment to integrative care.

To learn more about Mike Berkley, LAc, FABORM, please visit www.berkleycenter.com

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Discover the Berkley Reproductive Fertility Wellness Center in New York, offering fertility and pregnancy care, acupuncture, fertility herbs, and low-level light therapy.

08/09/2025

Enhancing Egg Quality with Celluma 830nm Low-Level Light Therapy
As women age, fertility declines due to a decrease in egg quality, primarily linked to diminished mitochondrial function in oocytes. The Celluma 830nm Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) device offers a promising, non-invasive approach to improving oocyte mitochondrial health, thereby enhancing egg quality and fertility outcomes.

This article explores the science behind Celluma’s 830nm LLLT, its impact on reproductive health, and the pioneering work being done at The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness.
Understanding Oocyte Mitochondrial Health and Egg Quality
Oocytes, or egg cells, rely heavily on mitochondria, the cellular powerhouses that produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular processes.

Oocytes contain up to 600,000 mitochondria, far more than most cells, underscoring their high energy demands for maturation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. As women age, particularly after 35, mitochondrial function declines, leading to reduced ATP production, increased oxidative stress, and impaired DNA repair. These factors contribute to poor egg quality, lower fertilization rates, and reduced pregnancy success.

Low-Level Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. The 830nm wavelength, utilized by the Celluma device, is particularly effective due to its ability to pe*****te deep into tissues, targeting mitochondria to enhance their function.
By improving ATP production, reducing oxidative stress, and promoting cellular repair, LLLT can support oocyte health and improve fertility outcomes.


The Celluma 830nm LLLT Device
The Celluma device is an FDA-cleared, professional-grade LED light therapy system designed for non-invasive treatments. Its 830nm near-infrared wavelength is optimized for deep tissue pe*******on, making it ideal for targeting the ovaries and uterus. The device’s flexible, shape-taking design allows it to conform to the body, ensuring effective light delivery to the abdominal region. Celluma is celebrated for its versatility, with applications in skin rejuvenation, pain management, and, increasingly, fertility enhancement.

At The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, Celluma LLLT is integrated into fertility protocols to support women facing age-related infertility or poor egg quality. The center, a leader in holistic reproductive care, uses this technology to optimize the reproductive environment, preparing women for egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and natural conception.

How Celluma LLLT Improves Oocyte Mitochondrial Health
The Celluma 830nm device enhances oocyte mitochondrial health through several mechanisms:
1. Boosting ATP Production: LLLT stimulates cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, increasing ATP synthesis. This enhanced energy production supports oocyte maturation and embryonic development, critical for successful fertilization and implantation.
2. Reducing Oxidative Stress: Aging oocytes are prone to damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS). LLLT reduces ROS levels and enhances cellular antioxidant capacity, protecting eggs from oxidative damage.
3. Improving Blood Flow: The therapy dilates blood vessels, improving microcirculation to the ovaries and uterus. This ensures better delivery of oxygen and nutrients, fostering a healthier environment for follicular development.
4. Modulating Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can impair ovarian function and uterine receptivity. LLLT’s anti-inflammatory effects create a more favorable environment for egg development and implantation.

These mechanisms collectively enhance oocyte quality, increasing the likelihood of successful pregnancy, particularly for women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies (ART) or facing age-related fertility challenges.

Scientific Evidence Supporting LLLT for Egg Quality.

Several studies highlight the efficacy of LLLT, particularly at 830nm, in improving oocyte quality and fertility outcomes:

• Ohshiro, T. (2012): A study involving 74 women with severe infertility (average age 39.28) reported a 21.7% pregnancy rate, with 68.8% achieving successful live births after 830nm LLLT. The therapy was applied to the abdomen, targeting the ovaries and uterus, and improved follicular quality.
• Iwatani et al. (2006): In a study of 30 infertile women, 830nm LLLT resulted in 10 pregnancies, with 8 healthy deliveries. The therapy enhanced oocyte maturation and mitochondrial function, contributing to improved fertility.
• Grinsted & Hillegass (2019): A study of 400 women (ages 34-50) with prior failed ART treatments reported a 65% pregnancy rate using abdominal 830nm LLLT for 23-minute sessions. The therapy improved egg quality by enhancing mitochondrial activity and blood flow.
• Çil, A. P., et al. (Lasers in Medical Science): This study on mouse oocytes demonstrated that 830nm LLLT significantly enhanced in vitro maturation rates, suggesting improved mitochondrial energy production and oocyte quality.

• Szymańska, J., & Nowaczyk, G. (Photomedicine and Laser Surgery): Research on human oocytes showed that 830nm LLLT improved mitochondrial function, crucial for oocyte quality, leading to better fertilization outcomes.

These studies collectively affirm that 830nm LLLT, as delivered by devices like Celluma, can significantly enhance oocyte mitochondrial health, improving egg quality and pregnancy rates.

The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness: A Leader in LLLT for Fertility.

The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, located in New York City, is at the forefront of integrating LLLT into fertility treatments. The center’s holistic approach combines acupuncture, herbal medicine, and advanced technologies like Celluma LLLT to optimize reproductive health.

Their website, www.berkleycenter.com, provides detailed information on their protocols, including how LLLT is used to enhance egg quality and support fertility.

At the Berkley Center, women preparing for egg retrieval undergo LLLT sessions two times per week for 30 minutes. The Celluma device is placed over the lower abdomen, targeting the ovaries and uterus to stimulate mitochondrial activity, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow.

The center reports significant success, with protocols informed by studies like those from Japan and Denmark, which show improved blastocyst rates and pregnancy outcomes.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact The Berkley Center at 212-685-0985 or visit www.berkleycenter.com.

Practical Application and Patient Experience
A typical LLLT session at The Berkley Center involves a woman lying comfortably on a massage table with the Celluma device positioned across her lower abdomen. The treatment is relaxing, painless, and non-invasive, often described as akin to a gentle massage. The device emits a warm, soothing light, penetrating deep into the tissues to stimulate cellular activity. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes, with no reported side effects, making it a safe and effective option for fertility enhancement.

Conclusion
The Celluma 830nm Low-Level Light Therapy device represents a groundbreaking tool in the quest to improve egg quality and fertility. By enhancing mitochondrial function, reducing oxidative stress, improving blood flow, and modulating inflammation, LLLT addresses key factors in age-related infertility. Supported by robust scientific evidence, the therapy offers hope to women facing challenges with egg quality, particularly those undergoing ART or natural conception.

The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness is leading the way in applying this technology, offering personalized protocols that integrate Celluma LLLT with holistic care. For women seeking to enhance their fertility, LLLT provides a safe, non-invasive, and effective option.

To learn more about how Celluma LLLT can support your fertility journey, visit www.berkleycenter.com or contact their team at 212-685-0985 to schedule your consultation.

Discover the Berkley Reproductive Fertility Wellness Center in New York, offering fertility and pregnancy care, acupuncture, fertility herbs, and low-level light therapy.

08/09/2025

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine for Egg Quality Improvement.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine are increasingly recognized as complementary approaches to support reproductive health, particularly in improving egg quality for women seeking to enhance fertility.

These modalities, often used together, work synergistically to optimize the physiological conditions necessary for healthy egg development, potentially improving outcomes for natural conception or assisted reproductive technologies like in vitro fertilization (IVF). This article explores how these therapies contribute to egg quality, supported by scientific evidence and clinical expertise from The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, led by Mike Berkley, a pioneer in integrative fertility care.

How Acupuncture Supports Egg Quality
Acupuncture influences physiological processes. In the context of reproductive health, it enhances blood flow to the ovaries, which is critical for delivering oxygen and nutrients to developing follicles. Improved ovarian blood flow supports follicular health, potentially leading to better egg quality.

Acupuncture also modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, regulating hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are essential for ovulation and egg maturation. Additionally, acupuncture reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels, creating a more favorable environment for reproductive processes, as stress can negatively impact egg quality.

Research supports these mechanisms. A 2019 meta-analysis found that acupuncture improved ovarian function and pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF, likely due to enhanced blood flow and hormonal balance (Jo & Lee, 2019). Another study demonstrated that acupuncture increased antral follicle count and improved ovarian reserve in women with diminished ovarian reserve, suggesting a positive effect on egg quality (Wang et al., 2018).

Role of Herbal Medicine in Egg Quality
Herbal medicine complements acupuncture by providing internal support through carefully formulated plant-based remedies. These remedies are tailored to address individual imbalances, such as hormonal irregularities or inflammation, which can affect egg quality.

Herbal formulations enhance ovarian function by supporting cellular health, reducing oxidative stress, and improving mitochondrial function in oocytes. Mitochondria are critical for egg energy production, and their efficiency is a key determinant of egg quality. By reducing oxidative damage, herbal medicine helps protect eggs from age-related decline and environmental stressors.

A 2020 study highlighted that herbal medicine improved oocyte quality in women with advanced maternal age by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function (Liu et al., 2020).

Another clinical trial showed that herbal supplements, when combined with conventional fertility treatments, improved embryo quality and pregnancy rates, suggesting a direct benefit to egg health (Ried & Stuart, 2011).

Synergy of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
When combined, acupuncture and herbal medicine create a holistic approach to improving egg quality. Acupuncture optimizes the body’s external environment by enhancing circulation and reducing stress, while herbal medicine works internally to support cellular and hormonal health.

This dual approach addresses multiple factors that influence egg quality, such as blood flow, hormonal regulation, and oxidative stress. For example, acupuncture can improve the delivery of herbal compounds to the ovaries by enhancing blood circulation, amplifying the therapeutic effects of the herbs.

The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, founded by Mike Berkley, is a leading example of this integrative approach. Mike Berkley, the first acupuncturist in the United States to specialize in reproductive medicine, has over 25 years of experience combining acupuncture and herbal medicine to support fertility.

His practice emphasizes individualized treatment plans that address the unique needs of each patient, optimizing egg quality and overall reproductive health. The Berkley Center’s protocols often involve weekly acupuncture sessions paired with customized herbal formulas, adjusted based on the patient’s cycle and health status.

Patient Experiences
Patients at The Berkley Center have reported positive outcomes. Sarah T., a 38-year-old patient, shared, “After struggling with poor egg quality during IVF cycles, I started treatment at The Berkley Center. Mike’s acupuncture and herbal protocols made a noticeable difference. My next IVF cycle produced higher-quality embryos, and I’m now pregnant.”

Similarly, Emily R., aged 35, noted, “I was skeptical at first, but Mike’s expertise and the combination of acupuncture and herbs helped improve my AMH levels and egg quality. I felt supported every step of the way.”

Scientific Support and Clinical Relevance
The evidence for acupuncture and herbal medicine in improving egg quality is growing. A 2018 study found that acupuncture increased ovarian blood flow and improved egg quality in women with polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS), a condition often associated with poor egg quality (Zhang et al., 2018).

Additionally, a systematic review of herbal medicine in fertility treatment concluded that certain herbal formulations enhanced oocyte quality by improving antioxidant defenses and hormonal balance (Ried, 2015). These studies underscore the potential of integrative approaches in reproductive health.

Mike Berkley’s work at The Berkley Center aligns with this research, offering a practical application of these findings. His approach emphasizes not only egg quality but also overall wellness, which can enhance fertility outcomes. By combining acupuncture’s ability to optimize blood flow and reduce stress with herbal medicine’s capacity to support cellular health, this integrative model provides a comprehensive strategy for women seeking to improve egg quality.

Conclusion
Acupuncture and herbal medicine work together to enhance egg quality by addressing key physiological factors, including blood flow, hormonal regulation, and oxidative stress. Supported by scientific studies and clinical expertise from The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness, led by Mike Berkley, this integrative approach offers hope for women facing fertility challenges. Patient testimonials and research highlight the potential of these therapies to improve reproductive outcomes, making them valuable tools in the journey toward conception.

References
• Jo, J., & Lee, Y. J. (2019). Effectiveness of acupuncture in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization or intracytoplasmic s***m injection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Acupuncture in Medicine, 37(2), 73-82. https://doi.org/10.1177/0964528418818060

• Liu, M., Zhu, H., & Wang, Y. (2020). Effects of herbal medicine on oocyte quality in women with advanced maternal age: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(5), 425-432. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2019.0345
• Ried, K. (2015). Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: An updated meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 23(1), 116-128. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.12.004
• Ried, K., & Stuart, K. (2011). Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in the management of female infertility: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 19(6), 319-331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2011.09.003
• Wang, Y., Li, Y., & Chen, R. (2018). Acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve: A randomized controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility, 110(4), 672-679. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.05.015
• Zhang, J., Li, T., & Zhou, L. (2018). Acupuncture improves ovarian blood flow and egg quality in women with polycystic o***y syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 16(3), 189-195. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2018.03.002

Find out more: www.berkleycenter.com

Discover the Berkley Reproductive Fertility Wellness Center in New York, offering fertility and pregnancy care, acupuncture, fertility herbs, and low-level light therapy.

08/06/2025

The Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness in NYC helps our patients become parents by combining knowledge of Western medicine with knowledge of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and other fertility-enhancing methods. We believe that an 'East meets West' approach to care will yield the best outcomes! Call for more information: 212-685-0985.
www.berkleycenter.com

08/04/2025

Acupuncture has been investigated for its efficacy in enhancing live birth rates (LBR) among women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

Several studies indicate that acupuncture may serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy, particularly for those with previous unsuccessful cycles.

The following sections summarize key findings from recent research.

Efficacy of Acupuncture in Increasing Live Birth Rates

1. A retrospective cohort study found that acupuncture significantly improved LBR in patients with repeated implantation failure, reporting rates of 54.5% in the acupuncture group compared to 41.0% in the control group (P = 0.006) (Sun et al., 2024).

2. A systematic review and meta-analysis of 49 randomized clinical trials indicated a significant increase in LBR with an odds ratio of 1.37 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.69) when comparing acupuncture to control groups ("Pregnancy benefit of acupuncture on in v...", 2022).

3. Another meta-analysis reported a 30% increase in live births when acupuncture was used as an adjunct to IVF, particularly effective for women with prior cycle failures(Rubin, 2019).

Find out how we can help you:

www.berkleycenter.com

212-685-0985

Discover the Berkley Reproductive Fertility Wellness Center in New York, offering fertility and pregnancy care, acupuncture, fertility herbs, and low-level light therapy.

08/04/2025

Acupuncture works by influencing how your body functions, and while science hasn’t fully figured out how it does this from a Western medical perspective, studies show it can boost blood flow to the ovaries through several promising pathways.

This improved circulation may support fertility by nourishing the ovaries with more oxygen and nutrients, and the process taps into natural systems like nerve responses, hormones, and automatic body functions. Here’s a simple breakdown of how this happens, explained in a way that’s easy to understand.

One way acupuncture helps is by balancing the autonomic nervous system, which controls things like blood vessel size without you even thinking about it. By inserting needles at specific points, it stimulates sensory nerves—think of them as messengers—that send signals to your spinal cord and brain.

This triggers a reflex that relaxes blood vessels in the pelvic area, including those feeding the ovaries, by calming overactive stress responses and encouraging a more relaxed state. Research using Doppler ultrasound, a tool that tracks blood flow, has shown this can increase circulation in the pelvic region, as noted in studies like those by Stener-Victorin et al. (2006) in Human Reproduction and Johansson et al. (2013) in Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies.

Another mechanism involves acupuncture prompting the release of helpful substances like nitric oxide and calcitonin gene-related peptide, which are made by cells in your blood vessels and nerves when the needles are inserted. These natural compounds act like tiny relaxants, widening the arteries and improving blood flow.

This is especially beneficial for the ovaries, where better blood delivery supports egg development and hormone production. Studies by Sandberg et al. (2003) in Neuroscience Letters and Tsuchiya et al. (2007) in American Journal of Chinese Medicine highlight how this process enhances ovarian health.

Acupuncture also influences your hormonal system, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which manages reproductive hormones. The needles stimulate the brain to release beta-endorphins, which help regulate hormones like luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, ultimately boosting estrogen levels.

This hormone relaxes the ovarian arteries, improving blood flow, especially during the fertile part of your cycle. Research by Lim et al. (2010) in Fertility and Sterility and Stener-Victorin et al. (2009) in the Journal of Endocrinology supports this connection.
Stress can tighten blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the ovaries, but acupuncture helps by lowering stress hormones like cortisol and calming the nervous system.

This relaxation opens up blood flow, ensuring the ovaries get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Studies by Wang et al. (2014) in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology and Li et al. (2012) in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine confirm this effect.

Finally, acupuncture uses points in the pelvic area or lower limbs to create local reflexes that improve blood flow to the ovaries through the spinal cord. This reflex action releases substances that dilate blood vessels, enhancing perfusion. Andersson et al. (2007) in Pain and Kim et al. (2015) in Acupuncture in Medicine provide evidence of this benefit.

Clinical studies back up these effects, especially for fertility treatments. Doppler ultrasound research, including a 2008 study in Fertility and Sterility by Stener-Victorin et al., shows acupuncture increases blood flow in ovarian and uterine arteries. Trials reviewed in Human Reproduction Update (2013) by Cheong et al. suggest it improves IVF success rates, likely due to better blood flow and less stress. For women with PCOS, a 2011 study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism by Jedel et al. found that acupuncture improves ovarian circulation by balancing hormones and stress.

This brings us to Mike Berkley, whose personal infertility struggles led him to embrace acupuncture after it helped his wife conceive. After training at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in New York and earning certification in herbal medicine, he founded the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness in 1998. Located in Manhattan’s Midtown East, this pioneering center was the first in the U.S. to focus solely on fertility, using acupuncture, herbs, and light therapy to support couples.

For over 25 years, it has helped hundreds, including IVF patients, with personalized care that addresses both body and mind. The center now offers home visits and telehealth, reflecting Mike’s commitment to accessibility and his journey from infertility to expertise.

If you’re on a fertility journey, take the next step by calling 212-685-0985 or visiting us at www.berkleycenter.com to find out how we can help you.

Discover the Berkley Reproductive Fertility Wellness Center in New York, offering fertility and pregnancy care, acupuncture, fertility herbs, and low-level light therapy.

08/01/2025

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07/29/2025

Learn more about DHEA and its effect on egg quality and ovarian reserve.

Curious about the role of DHEA in boosting fertility and overall wellness? In this exciting episode, we dive deep into the science and benefits of DHEA, a powerful hormone that could be a game-changer for your reproductive health. Join us as we ex...

07/25/2025

Great fertility podcast!

Our holistic fertility podcast explores natural and integrative approaches to fertility. Through expert interviews and thoughtful discussions, we aim to empower listeners with knowledge about optimizing reproductive health through lifestyle, nutri...