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Randine Lewis, PhD
Little, Brown & Company, January 2004.

In her groundbreaking new book, subtitled "The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies," Dr. Randine Lewis demonstrates not only expertise in her chosen field of medicine, but in the art of understanding. Gleaning knowledge from both her personal and professional experiences, Lewis' conversational tone is both easy to read and inspiring.

In the book's dedication, Lewis (a mother of three) puts in words the thoughts of so many who struggle to conceive: "Dedicated to all women whose yearning to express life will bring forth the children of tomorrow. To the children born of these dedicated women: May you always know how much you were cherished -- even before you were born."

Lewis's own strong beliefs in her practice are evident by the ease with which she discusses the basis "and bias" of Western medicine. In an early chapter on educating presumably Western patients about the "conception misconceptions" of most infertility treatment offered in the U.S., she offers an understandable explanation and overview of the differences between what she offers through traditional Chinese medicine and what most patients are familiar with already.

What Lewis offers is formidable -- her practice in Houston has become well-known for its successes, even in cases where Western medicine was coming to a standstill for patients trying to conceive. She has recently branched out to offer unique fertility retreats at The Grove Park Inn near Asheville, North Carolina and is planning future retreats in other states.

From the starting point of helping readers change their mind about how they view infertility, Lewis leads to a greater understanding of one's own bodily patterns, beginning with a "A Questionnaire of Discovery" which can be used to assess an individual's Chinese diagnostic category.

Lewis then launches the crux of her book, Part II: "The Ancient Chinese Program for Reproductive Wellness," through which she outlines her work with patients. The first step alone, on preparing the reproductive system, is one that's only given a small amount of consideration by typical Western-minded folks who want to get pregnant. Most women have heard the messages to take Folic acid during the preconception period, but beyond that specific instruction there's only a general and vague knowledge that being healthy is good for pregnancy. Dr. Lewis explores this important topic more closely, teaching readers more about their reproductive and related systems than they ever learned before through the usual channels.

Therein lies perhaps the biggest difference in approach between TCM and Western medicine: the holistic view toward the body. No bodily system performs in a vacuum. While all physicians, regardless of training, know this at least intuitively, not all physicians are knowledgeable enough in the management of these varied and complex systems to an ultimate goal of healthy pregnancy.

Any mystery about TCM's use toward pregnancy is clarified in Lewis' book. Text and great graphics detail acupuncture points and results. Herbal remedies are listed compleat with functions, cautions, and dosages. The book ends with an entire section on the use of TCM in managing special fertility circumstances such as older women, PCOS, and even unexplained infertility.

Throughout the book, Lewis respectfully acknowledges her readers' possible use of Western experts. As someone who has experienced fertility issues, she understands the sense of desperation that women feel while trying to conceive. Lewis is apparently a true believer in recommending that people take advantage of all available knowledge and expertise. She includes commentary on how she has worked in partnership with reproductive endocrinologists to assist many patients.

Unlike most books on getting pregnant by Western practioners, though, Randine Lewis ends hers with some thoughts on "Healing the Soul and Body When All Else Fails," a taboo topic for many fertility experts.

For a true believer in bodily wholeness, it's just another indispensable part of the picture.