Steve's journey into traditional Chinese medicine started while getting his Bachelors degree at the University of Pennsylvania. His course to medical school was side tracked by taking a semester abroad to study Acupuncture theory in Shanghai, China. There, Steve interned with TCM doctors at Yueyang Hospital, learning the science and art of Oriental medicine.

After graduating college, he went on to complete his Masters degree at the New England School of Acupuncture, the oldest acupuncture school in the country. He is NCCAOM board certified in Acupuncture and has a Masters degree in Herbal Medicine. Steve is an Executive Board Member of the Association for Professional Acupuncture in Pennsylvania and actively works to promote access to Oriental Medicine for all patients.

Since going into private practice the treatment of fertility issues in both men and women has become his main specialty. Even before the famous German IVF study came out he was helping couples who were trying on their own to conceive. Since the study Steve has worked with hundreds of couples going through IVF. He has worked with every major fertility clinic in the Philadelphia area including the Women's Institute, Main Line Fertility, Penn Fertility, RSI, & Cooper Fertility.

Steve co-owns The Healing Arts Center of Philadelphia in the Old City district of Philadelphia. The center is a group of complimentary practitioners where patients have access to a variety of health care alternatives including chiropractic, massage therapy, physiatry, and podiatry. The center is also home to Inner Bliss Yoga center, a full time Yoga and Tai Chi studio.

We know this is a big committment and therefore we understand you probably have a thousand questions. Please feel free to list them all below. You can also call us at 215-627-3782.

Name Email Phone Number Your Question

Please fill out the form below. Since I can only take 2-3 couples in the first round I will be somewhat selective in the couples I choose. Please do not let this prevent you from applying as my criteria are very different from your average fertility clinics. After receiving your application, I will be contacting you by phone or email to clarify things and for both of us to ask any questions.

Name Email Phone Number Female's Age Male's Age Have you ever been pregnant before? Yes No For how long have you been trying to get pregnant? Please provide a brief history of your fertility issues

At the onset of the challenge, you will sign a contract agreeing to the following terms, all for the 8 month duration of the challenge:

1. Both the man and woman agree to receive as many Acupuncture sessions as required by me. (about 2 sessions a week, initially.) Additionally, both shall diligently take any prescribed safe herbal supplements. In that time, the couple agrees to not begin a hormone or procedural protocol such as IVF, IUI or follicle stimulation. As an adjunct, periodic monitoring of hormone levels, basal-body temperature, and sperm counts may also be required.

2. A bank certified check for $10,000 will be handed over to me at the onset of treatment but will not be deposited until a positive pregnancy has been achieved. Positive pregnancy is defined by the following: 1. an initial positive home pregnancy test 2. a positive beta HCG blood test. 3. Either a 6th week ultrasound verifying a heartbeat OR a 6th week positive beta HCG tests (in case no access to ultrasound). At this time the check is deposited and the 4-week follow up Acupuncture sessions will begin (for the woman only). If after this time the pregnancy is for some reason interrupted due to chromosomal abnormalities or otherwise, the check will not be refunded. This is a normal risk factor for any and all pregnancies and cannot be addressed in this type of a study.

3. 8 months after the first treatment, if a positive pregnancy result has not been acheived, the couple will get the check returned to them. Very minor charges for the costs of needles and herbs will be paid for by the couple at this time ($1 per session for needles, and $4.50 per bottle of herbs totaling a maximum of $300). Without this I would not be able to offer this program to more than 1 couple at a time.

4. At any time, for any reason, the couple may end the challenge. However, if the challenge is ended prematurely, the cost of all sessions will be deducted at my normal treatment costs. This includes office visits and supplements (65$ per acupuncture session and 9$ per bottle of herbs). The cost of needles is included in the session cost. Additionally, I reserve the right to end the challenge (at the cost of the couple for visits and supplements) if the couple is not complying with the treatment protocols. Most notably if missing Acupuncture appointments or not taking supplements.

That's it! We know you'll have questions. Feel free to contact us by clicking the link above or calling us at: 215 - 627 - 3782.

Think you're ready to take the challenge? If you'd like to submit an application please click here.

We understand this is not for everyone. If you choose not to take the IVF challenge but would like more information on Steve's Acupuncture practice and how we can help you with infertility, please click here.

Many couples that qualify for IVF pay out of pocket, at an average cost of $10,000 per cycle, with around a 35% chance of a successful pregnancy. Let me give you the chance to beat the odds without injections and outpatient procedures. Give me six months, and a check for the $10,000 you would spend on a single IVF cycle. Instead of IVF, I offer you 6 months of Acupuncture treatments combined with Chinese herbal medicine for both you and your spouse.

If during the course of treatment or in the 2 months following you get pregnant, I get to deposit your check and you have yourself a hormone and procedure free pregnancy. Additionally, I will provide 4 weeks of Acupuncture after a positive result to promote a smooth pregnancy. On the other hand, if after those 8 months you are not pregnant, you get your check back. Simple as that.

Why offer such a challenge? For you, it's the equivalent of a money back guarantee of a successful pregnancy. You avoid the pain and hormonal swings associated with IVF. Even if you don't get pregnant, Acupuncture has no health risks and promotes overall well-being. For me, I get 6 months to try to determine the best treatment combination to promote fertility for all Acupuncture patients.

In the beginning, I will only be taking 2 or 3 couples to ensure extra quality of care. If this proves as successful as I think it will be, I will increase the number of couples involved and eventually write a proposal for a full study.