Fertility & Pregnancy Wellness

At Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture, we focus on fertility and pregnancy wellness.

We are passionate about fertility and pregnancy wellness.

 

Our evidence-based treatment protocols are designed to work with your cycle whether you are trying to conceive naturally or using some type of ART like IVF, IUI, or medicated cycle. We work closely with your doctor's plans and use acupuncture to support your cycle, reduce side effects, and improve your chances of pregnancy.

 

During pregnancy acupuncture supports your body, mind and spirit. We can help treat many common pregnancy symptoms, such as morning sickness, fatigue, swelling, and pain. We even work with women after to address issues like milk production and postpartum depression.

 

Our approach is simple. We use natural, evidence-based treatment protocols to improve your reproductive health.

Sarah Prater, L.Ac. Founder and Acupuncturist

Sarah has had the honor of helping many women give birth to happy, healthy babies and has a diverse background that enables her to fully support you through your journey. Her passion for helping her patients expand their families shows in every aspect of her work. She takes the time to get to know you and find the treatment plan that is best for you.

Sarah strives to stay up to date with current research in her field and is constantly updating her protocols to offer the maximum benefit. Her wide breadth of experience allows her to work cooperatively with reproductive endocrinologists and OB/GYN’s to provide the best care for her patients.

 

Sarah has been practicing acupuncture since 2008 and relocated to Tennessee in 2015. She lives in Maryville with her husband and two children. She is an avid cyclist and spends as much time as she can in the mountains.

Education:

B.S. Biology: Indiana University-Bloomington 2005

M.S. Oriental Medicine: Southwest Acupuncture College, Santa Fe, NM 2008

 

Certification:

Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM) and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM): DIplomate of Oriental Medicine

 

Licensed Acupuncturist: Tennessee: 297

 

Experience:

After graduation, she furthered her education in fertility and prenatal acupuncture and has specialized in infertility since 2011. She has published research in the American Acupuncturist, written for Meridians: The Journal of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, and worked with the Patient Centered Research Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI).

 

Sarah is a past president and current board member of the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and serves as Tennessee's representative to the American Society of Acupuncturists.

Dr. Alexandria Russell:  Doctorate of Acupuncture, Licensed Acupuncturist

Alex is a certified NCCAOM and licensed acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in Tennessee. She graduated at the top of her class from Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine in 2021 and then went on to pursue her doctorate at Five Branches University in 2022. She has been working and studying with Sarah since 2019. She specializes in general wellness, psycho-emotional support, digestive symptoms, fertility and reproductive health.  Alex is an active board member for the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and is serving on the nominations committee for the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA). She enjoys mentoring up and coming acupuncture students. She lives in Norris with her husband and grandparents and enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling.

 

Education:

B.S. Psychology, Minor Biology; Summa Cum Laude: Old Dominion University, 2016

Masters Diplomate of Acupuncture, Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, 2021

Doctorate of Acupuncture, Five Branches University, 2022

 

Certification:

Board Certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture (NCCAOM): Diplomate of Acupuncture

 

Tennessee License: 460

 

Experience:

Alex has worked and interned in various acupuncture clinics since 2015. She furthered her education while in school by taking classes in fertility and prenatal acupuncture along with continuing to study with Sarah. Alex is an active board member for the Tennessee Acupuncture Council and serves on the nominations committee for the American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA). She served as the ASA-Student committee chair from 2019-2021.

Elizabeth Newman, Office Manager

Elizabeth is our office manager and currently attending school at Jung Tao School of Classical Chinese Medicine, where she'll build on her passion for holistic healing practices. Elizabeth's professional background is in trauma and crisis work, as well as advocacy and nonprofit development. Strengths-based approaches that honor every individual's experiences and agency, as well as the greater collective, resonate with her.

She and her partner spend the majority of their energy outdoors- mountain biking, camping and attempting novice herbalism and gardening. When inside, she likes to cook, eat and make art. Her cat's name is Bobby, after Bobby Hill.

Sarah Cruze, Office Manager

Sarah joined the Tennessee Center for Reproductive Acupuncture team in February 2022 as their new office manager. She has years of professional experience in office management, administration, customer service, and social work and victim advocacy. She is also an authorized Steward’s of Children Facilitator in Blount County, a child abuse awareness and prevention training for adults and organizations that serve children and youth. Sarah is dedicated to providing a positive, safe, and memorable experience for everyone on their acupuncture journey! Sarah lives in Maryville with her cat, Abby, and enjoys adventures outdoors, volunteering, sewing, and contra dancing!

 

Education:

B.A. History, Maryville College, 2011

Stewards of Children Facilitator, 2022

 

Office Policies

 

 

Cancellation Policy: We take special care in finding the best appointment time for your cycle and schedule. If you need to cancel for any reason, please kindly give 24 hours notice. If you are unable to give us this notice, you may be charged a $50 cancellation fee to be paid before your next appointment.