Acupuncture and dry needling

Damian McCleod is a NY state licensed acupuncturist and has a Masters of Science Degree in Acupuncture from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM). Damian’s introduction to the actual practice of acupuncture came after having undergone his second reconstructive knee surgery. At the suggestion of his fellow martial artist and graduate of PCOM, he started receiving acupuncture treatments at the college’s clinic. After having first hand proof of the power of acupuncture, he dedicated himself to the pursuit of Chinese Medicine.

A major influence in his studies came from the martial arts, which he has been a practitioner of since 1993. Damian currently works with martial artist and other athletes in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, with a focus knee pain.

Part of Damian’s philosophy on medicine stems from his undergraduate education; he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. His view is, understanding the complex is a matter of having a firm grasp of the fundamentals. Whether you are creating a detailed painting or addressing a patient’s illness, seek out the underlying nature of what it is you’re observing – then you will know how to proceed.

Having evolved over thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the oldest continually practiced medical modalities in the world. A treatment involves the insertion and manipulation of flexible, hair-thin needles at specific points along the body's meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body’s energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, chemical-free way to promote the body's remarkable self-healing abilities. It is used to prevent and treat disease, relieve pain, balance mood, enhance athletic performance, increase fertility, and improve overall health and wellness

RUHE Fertility + Prenatal Acupuncture, founded by Ivelisse DeJongh, AP, FABORM, offers integrative fertility and prenatal care in Trumbull, Connecticut. Ivelisse is a licensed and board-certified Acupuncture Physician in both Florida and Connecticut with more than 17 years of experience. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Science and Psychology, a Master’s in Oriental Medicine, and is a Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM).

Her journey began in Miami in 2009, where she opened her first practice treating general wellness, pain management, weight loss, cosmetic acupuncture, and men’s and women’s health. Over time, her passion for fertility medicine grew, and her clinic evolved into RUHE Fertility + Prenatal, a dedicated space for women and couples seeking support on their path to conception, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. After more than a decade in Miami, Ivelisse relocated with her family to Trumbull, CT, bringing her expertise and compassionate approach to the local community.

RUHE’s philosophy combines the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with modern integrative therapies. Each treatment plan is personalized, targeting the root causes of imbalance while supporting the emotional and physical aspects of the fertility and pregnancy journey.

Specialties and Services Include:

• Fertility Support: Natural fertility enhancement, fertility coaching, and support before, during, and after IVF or IUI cycles.
• Prenatal and Postpartum Care: Acupuncture and holistic therapies to ease symptoms, prepare for birth, support healthy pregnancies, and restore balance postpartum.
• Advanced Therapies: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT), infrared therapy, and ozone therapy to improve circulation, egg quality, implantation, hormonal balance, and overall reproductive health.
• Holistic Modalities: Customized herbal medicine, energy-based healing (Body Intuitive), nutrition and supplement planning, functional lab review, stress reduction, and lifestyle guidance.

Conditions and Concerns Addressed:

• Irregular cycles, hormone imbalances, PCOS, endometriosis, and fibroids
• Unexplained infertility and recurrent miscarriage
• IVF/IUI preparation, implantation support, and improved outcomes
• Pregnancy-related symptoms such as nausea, back pain, anxiety, insomnia, and heartburn
• Postpartum recovery and emotional well-being

Patients describe RUHE as a calming, supportive environment where they feel guided and cared for every step of the way. Many share stories of successful conception, smoother pregnancies, and restored confidence after years of struggle. Ivelisse’s patients often highlight her deep knowledge, compassionate approach, and ability to explain complex fertility challenges with clarity and hope.

Whether you are just beginning your fertility journey, seeking integrative support alongside reproductive medicine, or preparing for a healthy pregnancy and birth, RUHE Fertility + Prenatal Acupuncture in Trumbull, CT provides expert, compassionate care tailored to your unique path.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Health Exercise Science from The College of New Jersey and a degree from the Eastern School of Traditional Medicine in Acupuncture. I am Board certified by the NCCAOM and a New Jersey licensed acupuncturist.

I believe that 95% of all conditions can be cleared and healed with acupuncture, nutrition, and certain lifestyle changes. I teach and coach all my clients to heal themselves, this is the key to long term health of everyone.