What Is ABORM?

ABORM stands for the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine — a specialty certification for licensed acupuncturists who have demonstrated advanced competency in reproductive health and fertility care. Earning this credential requires passing a rigorous written examination covering reproductive endocrinology, embryology, gynecology, and the integration of Chinese medicine with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like IVF and IUI.

At Totality Holistics, Dr. Mason Martinez holds this certification — making him one of a select group of practitioners in the Dallas area with this level of specialized training in reproductive acupuncture.

How Is an ABORM Acupuncturist Different?

While any licensed acupuncturist can treat fertility concerns, an ABORM-certified practitioner brings a deeper layer of expertise:

• Reproductive endocrinology literacy — understanding FSH, LH, AMH, estradiol, progesterone, and how these hormones interact throughout the menstrual cycle and during ART protocols.
• IVF/IUI cycle coordination — knowing exactly when to time acupuncture treatments around stimulation, retrieval, and transfer to maximize potential benefit without interfering with medical protocols.
• Evidence-based practice — staying current with peer-reviewed research on acupuncture's effects on uterine blood flow, implantation rates, and stress hormone regulation.
• Collaborative care — communicating effectively with reproductive endocrinologists and OB-GYNs as part of a coordinated care team.

What Conditions Does Fertility Acupuncture Address?

Dr. Mason works with patients navigating a wide range of reproductive health concerns, including:

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles
• PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
• Endometriosis
• Diminished ovarian reserve
• Unexplained infertility
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• Male factor infertility (sperm quality and motility)
• IVF/IUI support — before, during, and after cycles
• Postpartum hormonal recovery

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your first appointment with Dr. Mason is a comprehensive intake — typically 75–90 minutes. He will review your full health history, menstrual cycle patterns, any prior fertility workup or ART history, and your current goals. From a Chinese medicine perspective, he will also assess your pulse and tongue to identify patterns of imbalance that inform your individualized treatment plan.

Treatment itself involves the placement of fine, sterile acupuncture needles at specific points — most patients find this deeply relaxing, and many fall asleep during sessions. Depending on your situation, Dr. Mason may also recommend herbal medicine, dietary adjustments, or lifestyle modifications to support your treatment between visits.

How Chinese Medicine Integrates with Modern Reproductive Medicine

One of the most common questions patients ask is whether acupuncture and Chinese medicine are compatible with IVF or other fertility treatments. The answer is yes — and in many cases, they are designed to work together.

Research has examined acupuncture's potential to improve uterine receptivity, reduce stress-related cortisol (which directly impacts reproductive hormone balance), and support ovarian response to stimulation medications. Dr. Mason coordinates treatment timing with your reproductive endocrinologist's protocol so that acupuncture complements — never conflicts with — your medical care.

Chinese herbal medicine is approached with equal care. Dr. Mason reviews any medications or supplements you are taking before recommending herbs, and he pauses or modifies herbal formulas during active IVF stimulation phases as appropriate.

Ready to Learn More?

If you are navigating fertility challenges and want to explore how acupuncture and Chinese medicine might support your journey, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Mason. He will take the time to understand your full picture and help you determine whether — and how — this approach fits your care plan.