Liz Richards Acupuncture

I always knew I wanted to have children. When I was a child myself I loved to care for younger kids and I just always imagined myself with a family. In January 2005 I became pregnant and my husband and I were thrilled. We read all the books and did all the things we were supposed to do. When I went in for an ultrasound to check a possible complication with my cervix the radiologist coldly told me something was wrong and gave me the number of a genetic counselor to call. At 12 weeks we learned our baby was not going to make it. At 14 weeks we lost her. I had a D & C (dilation and curettage) procedure. We waited the recommended amount of time to start trying again. We knew we wanted to have a baby. Every month I got my period I became more discouraged and disappointed. Our baby?s due date came and passed and still I was not pregnant. Making it through that due date was so hard. I was tracking my ovulation with ovulation sticks and with my morning temperature. I was charting everything. I had started seeing an MD because it seemed I was ovulating around the last day of my period at times and my cycle was completely unpredictable. One month I had a 40 day cycle, the next month a 27 day cycle. I had read so much about acupuncture and I started to talk about it with my husband. He searched the internet for someone in Oregon who had experience with families trying to conceive. Thank our lucky stars he found Liz.

Liz immediately created a routine that worked along with my medical treatments (progesterone) to regulate my cycle again and she also helped me change my diet and, best of all, relax! I loved the appointments. I felt so confident in Liz?s knowledge and skill that I could just go and rest and calm my body and mind. I started weekly treatments in early December and we were thrilled to learn I was pregnant again in February!

In my final trimester of that healthy pregnancy our baby was transverse breech and happy to be that way. I didn?t want to have the physical manipulation to move her and I hoped to avoid a C-section. Liz helped us again with moxa treatments. I actually saw baby turn that first night! She stayed head down and I had a normal delivery.
I found a path that worked for me through acupuncture and self-hypnosis/ deep relaxation techniques. I think the focus on a healthy mind and body contributed to the happy and calm spirits both of my kids have now! Best wishes!

Pros: reliable and skilled

Cons: Nope

Posted 08/31/09

I started trying to conceive my second child when I was 42. I didn?t seek medical intervention until I was 44. By this time, my FSH was 10. It fell to 6 when I took the fertility medicine Clomid. The doctors I consulted were willing to work with me, but they were careful not to raise my expectations. (I think I surprised them when I called to schedule a prenatal appointment!)

After two and a half months with no success on Clomid, I started wondering about other ways to boost my fertility. I didn?t have any experience with acupuncture, but I was intrigued by what I learned from the Blossom website. And when I called to schedule an initial consultation with Liz, she recommended two books: Fertility Wisdom by Angela C. Wu and the The Infertility Cure by Randine A. Lewis. Both of these books include truly inspirational examples of women my age (and older) who relied on Chinese Medicine to achieve successful, healthy pregnancies.

The advice I have to someone trying to conceive who is thinking of seeing Liz: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Western medicine tends to focus on statistics. Here is an example of one statistic I encountered when I was thinking about a second child: ?A forty year old woman has a less than 10% chance of having a successful pregnancy using her own eggs.? My doctors also warned me about my elevated risk of miscarriage and chromosomal abnormalities. By contrast, Liz never gave me the sense that my efforts to conceive and carry a healthy baby were futile. She counseled me to make some changes in my diet, try herbal supplements, and come in for regular acupuncture sessions. Less than two months after my first appointment with Liz, I was pregnant. I am now solidly into my second trimester and expecting a healthy baby boy in January.

Pros: trustworthy, encouraging

Cons: NONE

Posted 08/31/09

I sought Liz's expertise after being diagnosed with an extremely elevated FSH at 38. My fertility doctor told me my chances of conceiving with my own eggs was less than 5%. I was shocked by this diagnosis as I had conceived a healthy baby girl just 1.5 years prior. Before looking to adoption or using donor eggs, I decided I wanted to give acupuncture and herbs a try. To my surprise, after seeing Liz for just 3 months, I became pregnant!! I'm now 5 months pregnant with another healthy baby girl. I found Liz to be incredibly intuitive, professional, body-wise and soothing. Please go see her if you're at all inclined- you won't be disappointed!

Posted 08/24/09

Liz is a wonderful practitioner. She has a fantastic energy and a soothing presence. She is a fabulous Acupuncturist and connects with her clients at their comfort level. I, without a doubt, recommend her!

Posted 02/14/09

I've seen Liz off and on over the years for general relaxation, allergies, insomnia, etc. I never expected infertility to befall me, but when it did I was thrilled to see Liz on my RE's list of recommended acupuncture practitioners. I called for an appointment right away and saw her at least once a week before and during my IVF cycle. Those weekly visits gave me a chance to clear my head and refocus in the middle of a stressful and emotional process. Liz helped to make our transfer day a relaxing, positive, spiritual experience and I wouldn't have wanted to do it without her. I just received a positive result on beta #1 and I don't know that we would have had the same result without her. I look forward to peaceful hours with Liz throughout my pregnancy.

Posted 06/03/08

I have seen Liz for a month now and I am convinced that she is the best in Portland for Women's Health issues. Just read the reviews below and you will see what I mean. I agree 100%. Thanks Liz for everything!

Pros: Great customer service, great location and atmosphere

Posted 01/19/08

I sought out Liz after I was diagnosed with high FSH and told I would very likely never conceive another child. I was told I had a 1% chance of conceiving naturally. After weighing our options, we decided to forgo the medical route, pursue natural alternatives and pray for a miracle. Liz put me on a weekly treatment plan that included acupuncture and herbs. She also counseled me on diet and lifestyle changes to boost nutrition and create a more ?nurturing? environment for conception and also recommended books I should read for additional insight. Along the way, I radically changed my diet and quit a demanding job. Ten months after first contacting Liz, our prayers were answered when I conceived 100% naturally. I?m now in my 4th month. Hope is an essential ingredient, and Liz's unfailing support always made me feel that this pregnancy was possible.

Posted 01/07/08

I credit Liz for my long-awaited pregnancy. I went to her while taking a break from IUI/Chlomid, and got pregnant that cycle! She was very easy-going, understanding, and capable. She knows what she's doing and she's very good at it. I would recommend her to highly. I now have a lovely 7.5 month old boy.

Pros: atmosphere

Posted 12/03/07

Liz was wonderful in helping me through my fertility issues. She was very knowledgeable, supportive and always there to lend a shoulder to cry on during this very stressful period of my life. I'm lucky to say that I now have a beautiful, healthly little boy that has made all my dreams come true.

She is also very flexible with her schedule and will make time to be there for your IVF/IUI transfers working with the clinics schedule.

Pros: ambience, staff, parking

Posted 11/27/07

Liz was absolutely lovely to work with during our recent IVF cycle. She provided acupuncture treatments to me a number of times during the cycle, which was successful. Her warm, supportive manner made all the difference and I would recommend her without hesitation. I also really appreciated the soothing atmosphere of her studio, which helps you relax the minute you walk in.

Pros: personalized treatment, warm supportive style, beautiful ambience

Cons: none

Posted 11/13/07

After seeing two different acupuncturists on my path to having a baby, I was frustrated, offended (!) and discouraged. A friend recommended Liz Richards to me and I knew my fertility specialist endorsed her too, so I made my first appointment in August '06. Our weekly sessions were not only cathartic, but I knew she cared about my husband and I and truly wanted the same outcome as we did. Liz helped me recover from surgery, improve my bloodflow (I have the scientific proof!) and by May '07 we found out we were pregnant with our first little one after our second round of IVF. As we await the pending arrival of our child, I can't help but believe that Liz's expertise, compassion and skill as an acupuncturist helped us achieve our goal and get to this day which we, at times, thought would never come. Whether you're just starting out or have been on the IF journey for some time, Liz will be a wonderful resource to you.

Posted 11/12/07

I went to Liz to quit smoking. After 6 prior failed attempts at quitting with other methods, I finally found acupuncture. Liz has such a peaceful and caring manner she was so easy to talk to and helped me undersand 'eastern medicine'. I have not smoked in over 4 years and feel great. After her smoking cessation program she helped me with running pain and was a great spiritual help to me in other endeavors. I am so greatful for her help and reccomend her highly to all my friends that ask about acupuncture.

Posted 11/12/07

Liz is phenomenal: She helped me with my struggle with infertility (I know have boy-girl twins!), and I recommend her to every woman I meet who is having trouble conceiving a baby. Liz is a welcome mix of professional and personable. Liz is incredibly intuitive, sensitive, and caring: It was so wonderful to have a health care provider who had time to really listen to me during the whole crazy quest to have a baby (or two). As I said, she has a high level of professionalism, yet I always knew she cared about me. She thoroughly explained techniques to me, to calm my fears about needles, and she is always up on the latest research in fertility treatments. Liz even came to the fertility clinic to give me treatments before and after the embryo transfer. I truly believe Liz is a big reason our IVF cycle was so successful.

Pros: Sensitivity, Intuitiveness, Professionalism, Up-to-date about research

Posted 11/10/07

I would recommend Liz without hesitation. She provides thoughtful and caring treatments and has been a source of emotional and physical support during my struggles with infertility. She takes time to listen, gives excellent advice/recommendations and I leave each visit feeling very relaxed and centered.

Posted 11/08/07

Liz is a wonderful partner to have on the path to fertility success. I always looked forward to my time with her because it gave me a chance to clear my head and focus on my own opportunities with someone who has a terrific track record (ask for her success rates), an emphathetic ear, and great skill. I consider her a very important part of the journey I have been on and recommend her services without reservation.

Pros: High Quality Service, Beautiful Ambience

Posted 11/08/07

I went to visit Liz Richards with pain in my shoulder and back. I had visited numerous chiropractors and massage therapists and nobody was able to help me long term. Liz did a comprehensive exam and found that the my pain was actually trapped in another place. After a few visits that incorporated massage, muscle stimulation, and acupuncture I was feeling great and my pain did not return!

Pros: Ambiance

Posted 11/07/07

I was referred to Liz by my fertility clinic after one of my test results was less than favorable. I'd not had a successful pregnancy in 10 years. She was my fist experience with 'Alternative Medicine' and I tend to be a little on the sceptical side of things.

I found Liz to be thorough in my treatments, empathetic to my infertility struggles, and excellent at explaining the philosophy behind her treatment plan. She offered full disclosure on her success rates so that I had all of the information I needed to decide whether or not to continue in the treatment protocol.

Fast forward one year later and I have healthy, happy five month old twins! I would highly recommend Liz and her practice. If I had any time, I would return for the relaxation I enjoyed with her prebabies! I am grateful to her for help during such a tough time in my life.

Cons: none

Posted 11/07/07

Liz has a wonderful way with people. She has a talent at looking at the whole person, well beyond anything that might be evident on the surface. I appeciate her willingness to take my life-style, values and experiences into account as she is treating me. Actually I feel like she does more than "treat" me, she supports me. Many of the concerns that bring individuals into Liz's office are life altering and she knows that it is a path we are constently not just for the hour or so we are in her office. I have and would continue to encourage (highly) others to seek out her support.

Posted 11/07/07

I was referred to Liz by my fertility doctor when we were having trouble convieving a child. I saw her for 5 weeks prior to my IVF procedure and I beleive it's the reason we got pregnant. I was not a believer in eastern medicine before I did accupuncture with Liz, but after our time together I can say it's a miracle! and it works! Please see Liz if you are having trouble getting pregnant... she is the best in Portland!

Posted 11/07/07

Liz uses a great integration of intuition and scientific knowledge. She is very thourough and spends time looking at all aspect of health. She is very knowledgable regarding the effects of diet and nutrition. Liz is always eager to research topics she doesn't know - she seems t o love gathering more information and will always be willing to find out more about an issue!

Posted 11/07/07