Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a natural way to support reproductive health. In TCM, fertility is viewed as a reflection of overall health, with the balance of energy (Qi), blood flow, and organ function playing crucial roles. Acupuncture helps restore this balance by stimulating specific points along the body’s meridians, promoting optimal energy flow to the reproductive organs. For more information on how acupuncture works, read our blog article – Acupuncture Basics.

How Acupuncture Can Support Fertility

Regulating the Menstrual Cycle

One of the key benefits of acupuncture in preconception care is its ability to regulate the menstrual cycle. Irregular periods, painful menstruation, and conditions like endometriosis, adenomyosis, amenorrhea and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can interfere with conception. Acupuncture helps balance hormones, ensuring regular ovulation and healthier menstrual cycles. By addressing underlying issues such as stress, hormonal imbalances, and blood flow, acupuncture aims to promote a more predictable and fertile cycle (1).

Improving Ovarian Function and Egg Quality

For people trying to conceive naturally, the quality of their eggs plays a significant role in fertility. Acupuncture may help improve ovarian function by increasing blood flow to the ovaries, which nourishes the follicles and supports healthy egg development (2). Studies have shown that acupuncture may help improve ovarian response, which can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing fertility challenges related to age or underlying health conditions (3).

Optimizing Uterine Lining

A healthy uterine lining is essential for successful implantation during conception. Acupuncture promotes increased blood flow to the uterus, which helps thicken the endometrial lining and create a more receptive environment for a fertilised embryo to implant (4). By addressing any imbalances in the body, acupuncture can create optimal conditions for conception to occur naturally.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Stress is a major factor that can negatively impact fertility (5). The pressure to conceive, combined with the emotional toll of trying to get pregnant, can create a vicious cycle of stress and anxiety, which further disrupts hormonal balance (6). Acupuncture is known for its calming effects, releasing endorphins and reducing the stress hormone cortisol (7). By fostering a sense of relaxation and emotional well-being, acupuncture helps break this cycle, allowing the body to focus on fertility and conception.

Research has shown that acupuncture can positively impact mental health during the preconception period, improving mood and reducing anxiety and depression (8). We believe that this emotional support to be incredibly beneficial for individuals and couples preparing for parenthood.

Our approach to managing stress is further explained in our article on Bao Mai, where we discuss how this meridian helps to regulate emotional well-being and support your fertility journey. By addressing stress, we aim to create a balanced and supportive environment for conception.

Supporting Male Fertility

Acupuncture is not just beneficial for women—it can also support male fertility. Sperm quality, count, morphology and motility are all critical factors in natural conception. You can read more about how acupuncture can support male fertility here.

Timing of Treatment for Acupuncture and Fertility

It takes approximately 3 months for the maturation of an egg (folliculogenesis), meaning the follicles recruited in a given menstrual cycle have been developing for several months. For this reason, we recommend starting acupuncture and preconception care ideally 3 to 6 months before you plan to conceive.

Acupuncture during this time can improve ovarian blood flow, regulate hormones, and optimise the uterine environment, creating the best possible conditions for a healthy ovulation and implantation. Additionally, acupuncture can help balance the menstrual cycle, address underlying concerns such as irregular periods or painful cycles, and support overall well-being, reducing stress levels that may negatively impact fertility.

If you are unable to start 6 months in advance, a minimum of three months of preconception care is advisable, however, we will always meet you wherever you are at.

Initially, we suggest weekly sessions while working to regulate your menstrual cycle and address symptoms such as pain, heavy or light flow, PMS, and other related issues. Menstrual cycle changes tend to align with your body’s natural hormonal rhythms, so it may take a few cycles for clear progress to become evident. These timelines reflect the natural pace of your body’s processes, but early improvements demonstrate that acupuncture is steadily supporting your reproductive health. Once your cycle is more balanced, we will review and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure continued progress.

We understand that the journey to fertility involves gradual changes. Throughout the treatment process, you may notice improvements beyond just your menstrual cycle. Many patients experience better digestion, improved sleep, increased resilience to stress, and enhanced energy levels—often before significant changes in their menstrual cycle itself. These early signs are encouraging indicators that acupuncture is positively impacting your overall balance and reproductive health.

Preparing for Pregnancy

Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring both partners (where applicable) receive the care and support they need to achieve their fertility goals. Our practitioners are experienced in supporting both partners throughout the fertility journey. We offer a comprehensive approach that not only includes acupuncture, but also lifestyle, and dietary recommendations to support both partners in achieving optimal reproductive health.

We also recommend exploring our blog on things to think about before getting pregnant for additional insights and preparation tips. This guide provides valuable information on optimising your health and readiness for conception.

Other things to consider are understanding your fertile window including body changes that can indicate you are ovulating.

At Yin Wellness Brisbane, we believe in a holistic approach to preconception care. In addition to acupuncture, we offer tailored lifestyle and dietary recommendations to support your fertility journey. Our treatments are designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural rhythms, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of fertility. We understand that every individual and couple has unique needs and our personalised treatments are tailored to you, whether you’re just starting your preconception journey or have been trying to conceive for some time.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, book here or contact us directly on 0466 331 737.

References

1. Li, Q. Q., Shi, G. X., Xu, Q., Wang, J., Liu, C. Z., & Wang, L. P. (2013). Acupuncture effect and central autonomic regulation. *Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine*, 2013, 267959. doi:10.1155/2013/267959

2. Hullender Rubin, L. E., Opsahl, M. S., Wiemer, K. E., Mist, S. D., & Caughey, A. B. (2015). Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes. *Reproductive Biomedicine Online*, 30(6), 602-612. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.02.005

3. Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. *Fertility and Sterility*, 77(4), 721-724. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03273-3

4. Westergaard, L. G., Mao, Q., Krogslund, M., et al. (2006). Acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer significantly improves the reproductive outcome in infertile women: A prospective, randomized trial. *Fertility and Sterility*, 85(5), 1341-1346. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.070

5. Rooney, K. L., & Domar, A. D. (2018). The relationship between stress and infertility. *Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience*, 20(1), 41–47. doi: 10.31887/DCNS.2018.20.1/klrooney

6. Boivin, J., Griffiths, E., & Venetis, C. A. (2011). Emotional distress in infertile women and failure of assisted reproductive technologies: meta-analysis of prospective psychosocial studies. *BMJ*, 342, d223. doi:10.1136/bmj.d223

7. Miller, N., Herzberger, E. H., Pasternak, Y., et al. (2019). Does stress affect IVF outcomes? A prospective study of physiological and psychological stress in women undergoing IVF. *Reproductive Biomedicine Online*, 39(1), 93-101. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.01.012

8. Smith, C. A., de Lacey, S., Chapman, M., et al. (2019). The effects of acupuncture on the secondary outcomes of anxiety and quality of life for women undergoing IVF: A randomized controlled trial. *Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica*, 98, 460-469.