Acupuncturist Dr. Lin Zhou of Dallas says she sees a 70 percent success rate.

DALLAS — A painless needle prick could help Julie McKee enjoy the labors of parenthood.

At least, she hopes - she and her husband tried for a decade to get pregnant.

"We easily spent thousands of dollars. We tried hormones for almost a year. And I had probably seven IUIs and none of those work. And of course as each month goes by, I'm getting older."

Acupuncture was a last resort.

But the practice now has growing acceptance in western medicine, especially when it comes to treating frustrating infertility.

Acupuncturist Dr. Lin Zhou of Dallas says she sees a 70 percent success rate.

"Acupuncture enhances the blood flow to the reproductive organs. So more blood flow means more oxygen and nutrients which will nourish the ovaries to get better quality of the egg and strong, healthy embryos," said Zhou.

Amanda and Marco Thornton say after four and a half years of trying, acupuncture did the trick for them.

"After three months, found out we were good to go and found out we were pregnant."

McKee is sure acupuncture will work for her too.

She has reason to believe.

Katie was conceived after five months of acupuncture.

Her mom hopes the tiny needles will help give nine-month old Katie a brother or sister.

E-mail jstjames@wfaa.com