Acupuncture for Fertility: How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant

Does Acupuncture Work for Fertility?

Acupuncture is increasingly used as part of an integrative approach to fertility care. While it’s not a magic fix, growing clinical evidence and patient outcomes suggest it can be a valuable support system either on its own or alongside treatments like IVF, IUI, or ovulation-inducing medications. By targeting key aspects of reproductive health such as hormone balance, blood flow, and emotional well-being, acupuncture addresses both physical and emotional barriers that may affect conception.

What Happens in the Body During Acupuncture?

The moment acupuncture needles are placed at specific points, the body begins to respond in subtle but significant ways. These points stimulate neural pathways that influence everything from hormone release to circulation and pain regulation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the goal is to restore the flow of Qi (vital energy), but from a biomedical perspective, acupuncture activates the nervous system and modulates various physiological processes that support fertility.

Some of the most notable effects include:

• Circulatory support: Increased blood flow delivers oxygen and nutrients to the ovaries and uterus, encouraging a more supportive environment for egg development and implantation.
• Hormonal feedback adjustment: The nervous system and endocrine system are closely linked, and acupuncture may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which is central to reproductive hormone production.
• Stress reduction: Needling promotes a shift into the parasympathetic state, calming the body and reducing cortisol levels—important because excess cortisol can disrupt ovulation and reproductive function.

Acupuncture Points for Fertility

In fertility-focused acupuncture, specific points are selected to support hormonal regulation, reproductive organ function, stress reduction, and overall vitality. These points are chosen based on your cycle phase, symptoms, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis. A skilled practitioner will customize the treatment plan, adjusting points throughout the month to reflect the body’s shifting needs.

Commonly used points for fertility include:

• Ren 4 (Guanyuan): Located on the lower abdomen, this point is known for nourishing the uterus, supporting kidney energy, and promoting reproductive vitality.
• Stomach 29 (Guilai): Often used to stimulate blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, this point may help with ovulation and uterine receptivity.
• Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao): A key point that influences the spleen, liver, and kidney channels. It’s often used to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve pelvic circulation.
• Liver 3 (Taichong): Helps ease stress and regulate the smooth flow of Qi, which is essential for hormonal balance and emotional well-being.
• Zigong (Extra Point): Translates to “Palace of the Child” and is specifically targeted to support uterine function and enhance fertility.
• Ear points (Auricular acupuncture): Points on the ear such as Shen Men, Endocrine, Uterus, and Ovary are used to calm the nervous system and support hormone regulation.

Point selection evolves throughout your cycle. For example, during the follicular phase, points that nourish blood and support egg development may be prioritized. Around ovulation, the focus often shifts to points that promote Qi movement and emotional calm. During the luteal phase or after embryo transfer, treatments may aim to stabilize and support implantation.

Each acupuncture point plays a role in harmonizing the body’s internal systems, making it easier for the reproductive organs to function at their best. When thoughtfully combined, these points work synergistically to create a more fertile internal environment.

Safety and Side Effects of Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture is widely recognized as a safe, low-risk therapy when performed by a licensed and experienced practitioner. For individuals undergoing fertility treatments or trying to conceive naturally, it offers a gentle, non-invasive way to support reproductive health without interfering with medical protocols. Safety is always a top priority, and skilled acupuncturists adjust point selection and treatment techniques according to the phase of the menstrual cycle, fertility medications, or early pregnancy.

The needles used in acupuncture are sterile, single-use, and hair-thin, which minimizes the risk of infection or tissue damage. Most patients describe the sensation as painless or mildly stimulating, often accompanied by a feeling of relaxation or warmth during treatment.

While side effects are uncommon, they can occasionally occur. These are typically minor, short-lived, and self-resolving. Some of the more commonly reported side effects include:

• Mild bruising or redness at the needle insertion site
• Temporary fatigue or drowsiness after a session
• Lightheadedness or dizziness, especially after initial treatments
• Minor bleeding at the needle site (rare)
• Emotional release or heightened emotions during or after treatment
• Muscle twitching or slight soreness near the needle area
• Temporary worsening of symptoms before improvement (rare and brief)

Our acupuncturist at ACA Acupuncture and Wellness carefully considers each patient’s needs and adjusts treatment accordingly—especially during times such as ovulation, embryo transfer, or early pregnancy. Points that are not recommended during pregnancy are avoided, and the overall approach is modified to provide gentle, supportive care.

With professional guidance and thoughtful adjustments, acupuncture remains a safe and beneficial option for those seeking fertility support.

Addressing Stress and Anxiety Around Conception

Emotional well-being is often overlooked in fertility care, yet it plays a powerful role in reproductive health. The stress of trying to conceive, especially over a long period, can create a feedback loop of hormonal disruption and emotional exhaustion. Acupuncture offers a way to break that cycle.

Its calming effects may help to:

• Regulate cortisol levels: Elevated stress hormones can interfere with the body’s natural fertility signals. Lowering these levels helps restore hormonal balance.
• Promote deeper sleep and emotional resilience: Regular sessions can support nervous system regulation, leading to better rest and an improved ability to cope with setbacks.
• Build a sense of control and trust in the process: The routine of weekly visits, combined with the supportive nature of the treatment, can provide emotional grounding during an otherwise uncertain time.

For many patients, the emotional relief they feel during and after acupuncture sessions becomes a vital part of their fertility journey—helping them stay engaged, hopeful, and connected to their bodies.

Benefits of Using Acupuncture for Fertility

Acupuncture provides a supportive and integrative approach to fertility by addressing the physical, hormonal, and emotional components of reproductive health. Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive treatments, acupuncture can play a valuable role in creating a more receptive and resilient body.

Non-Invasive, Drug-Free Support

One of the most appealing aspects of acupuncture is that it offers therapeutic effects without introducing medications or invasive procedures. For individuals seeking a more natural path or those who are early in their fertility journey, acupuncture presents a gentle yet targeted way to work with the body’s own systems. Instead of forcing change, it encourages the body to return to a more balanced, regulated state. This makes it particularly beneficial for those who may be sensitive to fertility drugs or who are not yet ready to pursue interventions like IVF.

Enhanced Outcomes When Combined with IVF or IUI

Clinical studies and fertility clinics increasingly support the inclusion of acupuncture during IVF or IUI cycles. Its role in improving outcomes is based on several key mechanisms, including the promotion of blood flow to the uterus, the regulation of hormonal activity, and the reduction of physical and emotional stress before and after embryo transfer. These effects may support embryo implantation and improve the overall success rate of fertility treatments. Timing is often critical, and many acupuncturists coordinate care with fertility specialists to align treatment with ovulation induction, egg retrieval, or transfer schedules.

Emotional and Mental Health Benefits

The stress of trying to conceive—especially over extended periods—can deeply affect mental health. Feelings of anxiety, frustration, and grief often accompany each cycle, particularly for those navigating infertility or repeated loss. Acupuncture provides more than physical relief; it offers emotional grounding. Treatments create space for stillness, reflection, and relaxation, which can help regulate stress hormones and restore a sense of internal calm. Many patients report sleeping better, feeling more emotionally stable, and experiencing a deeper sense of connection to their bodies throughout the process.

Whole-Body Wellness During Fertility Treatments

Fertility is influenced by a wide range of systems beyond the reproductive organs. Sleep, digestion, metabolism, immunity, and even mood all play a role in reproductive health. Acupuncture takes a whole-body approach, helping to improve underlying imbalances that may not be obvious but still affect the chances of conception. For example, better digestion supports hormone metabolism, improved sleep helps regulate the endocrine system, and balanced energy levels make it easier to maintain consistency with other aspects of fertility care. By supporting systemic health, acupuncture enhances the body’s readiness for pregnancy on every level.

Improved Blood Flow to Reproductive Organs

Circulation is a cornerstone of reproductive health. When blood flow to the ovaries and uterus is compromised, egg development and uterine receptivity can suffer. Acupuncture encourages more efficient blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients where they are most needed. This effect supports the maturation of healthier follicles and the development of a thicker, more receptive uterine lining. It also benefits the luteal phase, increasing the chances that an embryo will implant and develop successfully.

Support for Common Fertility Conditions

Many individuals seek acupuncture while managing specific reproductive health conditions that impact fertility. Acupuncture is commonly used as part of an integrative treatment plan for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, thyroid imbalances, and other hormonal disorders. While it is not a replacement for medical treatment, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, regulate hormones, and ease physical symptoms associated with these conditions. Patients with unexplained infertility may also benefit, as acupuncture takes a personalized approach to care even when conventional testing finds no obvious cause.

To illustrate how acupuncture may interact with specific conditions, here is a simplified comparison:

Condition	Common Impact on Fertility	How Acupuncture May Help
PCOS	Irregular cycles, anovulation, hormone imbalance	Supports ovulation, regulates menstrual cycle, improves insulin sensitivity
Endometriosis	Pain, inflammation, poor implantation	Reduces pelvic tension, promotes circulation, manages inflammation
Thyroid Disorders	Disrupted hormone signaling, luteal defects	Helps balance thyroid hormones through nervous system regulation
Unexplained Infertility	No clear diagnosis, recurring negative tests	Addresses subtle imbalances, reduces stress, improves cycle tracking

Personalized and Adaptive Care

Every fertility journey is unique, and acupuncture honors that individuality. Treatment plans are not one-size-fits-all—they are designed based on your specific cycle, symptoms, emotional state, and evolving needs. As the body changes, so does the treatment approach. For someone preparing for IVF, care may focus on hormone regulation and uterine receptivity. 

For another managing grief after a pregnancy loss, the focus may shift to emotional healing and stabilization. This ability to adapt ensures that acupuncture remains relevant and responsive throughout every phase of the journey.

Integrating Acupuncture with Fertility Treatments

Combining acupuncture with medical fertility treatments is becoming more common as both patients and providers recognize the benefits of a collaborative approach. Acupuncture is not meant to replace fertility medicine but to complement it. When used strategically alongside procedures like IVF, IUI, or ovulation induction, it can help support the physical and emotional demands of the process, potentially improving both comfort and outcomes.

Why Holistic and Medical Approaches Can Work Together

Conventional fertility treatments often focus on specific physiological targets—stimulating ovulation, retrieving eggs, or preparing the uterine lining. These procedures are structured, time-sensitive, and often intensive. Acupuncture, on the other hand, offers a more holistic approach that supports the whole body, helping regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and ease stress responses.

This dual strategy can be especially helpful during complex treatment cycles, where the emotional strain and side effects of medication can weigh heavily on the body. Acupuncture provides an added layer of care, encouraging internal balance and emotional resilience at every stage. Many fertility specialists now acknowledge the value of integrative care and welcome collaboration with licensed acupuncturists.

Best Times to Begin Acupuncture in Your IVF Journey

Timing can make a difference in how acupuncture supports IVF or IUI cycles. Ideally, treatments begin at least one to three months before the start of a cycle. This preparatory phase helps regulate the menstrual cycle, improve uterine blood flow, and support egg development.

Some patients begin acupuncture once they’ve already started an IVF cycle, which can still be beneficial. Treatments may focus on reducing side effects from stimulation medications, improving the uterine environment, and calming the nervous system leading up to egg retrieval or embryo transfer.

The most critical windows for acupuncture during IVF include:

• The weeks before stimulation begins (to regulate hormones and prepare the body)
• The period leading up to and immediately following embryo transfer
• The two-week wait after transfer, when implantation may occur

How It Can Complement Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)

Acupuncture supports ART by creating favorable conditions for conception and pregnancy to occur. It may help improve outcomes by increasing uterine blood flow, which supports endometrial receptivity, and by modulating immune responses that can affect implantation. It also helps stabilize hormone levels and promote emotional balance—two factors that can influence ART success rates.

In IVF and IUI cycles, acupuncture is sometimes used to counter the effects of high hormone doses, including bloating, mood swings, or disrupted sleep. It also plays a vital role in helping patients feel more grounded and emotionally supported during what can be an intense and often unpredictable process.

For patients with unexplained infertility, acupuncture may uncover subtle imbalances that conventional testing misses. By improving overall cycle regulation and reproductive health, it may enhance the effectiveness of medical treatments that follow.

What to Expect During Fertility Treatment Cycles

When acupuncture is used during active fertility treatments, sessions are often scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. In some cases, more frequent visits may be recommended around key milestones, such as egg retrieval or embryo transfer. Sessions typically include a short consultation to review symptoms, mood, and treatment milestones, followed by a personalized point selection that aligns with where you are in your cycle.

Some patients feel deeply relaxed after a session, while others report increased energy or emotional clarity. Because acupuncture engages the parasympathetic nervous system, many notice improvements in sleep, digestion, and stress levels—benefits that can carry into the rest of the fertility journey.

When and How to Get Started

Understanding when to begin acupuncture and how to structure your sessions can help you get the most benefit from treatment. Whether you are planning to conceive naturally or starting IVF, acupuncture can be integrated into your care plan at any stage—but earlier support allows more time to influence underlying imbalances.

When to Begin Acupuncture if You’re Trying to Conceive

For natural conception, many individuals begin acupuncture several months before actively trying. At ACA Acupuncture and Wellness, our practitioners use this time to assess your cycle, identify irregularities, and support your body’s readiness for pregnancy. If you’re already trying to conceive, treatment can begin at any point, and we’ll adjust the approach based on where you are in your cycle—whether that involves encouraging ovulation, relieving PMS symptoms, or supporting implantation.

If conception has been difficult, starting sooner can help address issues like irregular periods, short luteal phases, or stress-related hormonal imbalances. Our treatments are typically aligned with the natural phases of your menstrual cycle—follicular, ovulation, and luteal—to provide targeted support at every stage.

How Often You May Need Sessions

Treatment frequency depends on your cycle, health goals, and overall constitution. At ACA Acupuncture and Wellness, many of our patients begin with weekly sessions—especially in the months leading up to conception or fertility treatments. As your cycle becomes more regular or your IVF schedule progresses, we adjust session timing to align with your evolving needs.

During an IVF cycle, acupuncture may be scheduled more frequently, particularly around egg retrieval, embryo transfer, and the two-week wait. We also take into account emotional well-being, physical symptoms, and any side effects from fertility medications to ensure your care remains both effective and supportive throughout the journey.

Working with Practitioners Who Specialize in Fertility

It’s important to work with a licensed and experienced acupuncturist who is familiar with fertility care. Our acupuncturist at ACA Acupuncture and Wellness will take the time to understand your health history, fertility goals, and treatment preferences to design a personalized plan that reflects your unique situation.

While not every practitioner is a fertility specialist, our team understands how to safely and effectively support patients at various stages of the fertility journey. Whether you are trying naturally, considering IUI or IVF, or looking for emotional support during pregnancy loss or recovery, your sessions will be handled with professionalism and compassion.

Questions to Ask at Your First Appointment

To get the most out of your care, it’s helpful to come to your first session with questions. Here are some examples you might ask:

• How will acupuncture support my specific fertility goals?
• Do you tailor treatment based on cycle tracking or fertility medications?
• How do you coordinate care with IVF or IUI schedules?
• Are there any herbs or lifestyle changes you might recommend alongside treatment?
• What should I expect after each session in terms of symptoms or changes?

These conversations help build a collaborative relationship and ensure that your care feels both effective and supportive.

Exploring Other Complementary Therapies

Many individuals choose to pair acupuncture with other Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies or holistic practices to further support reproductive health. These complementary therapies can enhance circulation, reduce inflammation, and regulate the nervous system—each of which plays a role in fertility.

Moxibustion and Reproductive Health

Moxibustion is a technique that involves burning a small stick or cone of dried mugwort (known as moxa) near specific acupuncture points to gently warm and stimulate the area. It is commonly used to nourish Yang energy, improve circulation, and dispel cold from the lower abdomen. In fertility care, moxibustion is sometimes used to support the luteal phase, warm the uterus, or prepare the body for implantation.

Massage

Therapeutic massage, especially abdominal or fertility massage, can be a supportive addition to acupuncture. Techniques such as abdominal therapy, craniosacral therapy, or lymphatic drainage may help relieve pelvic tension, promote blood flow, and support hormonal regulation. Many individuals find that massage also helps release emotional tension held in the body, creating a more open and relaxed internal state.

Massage may be particularly beneficial before ovulation or embryo transfer, as well as during recovery from fertility treatments. When integrated thoughtfully with acupuncture, it becomes part of a holistic approach that supports the body, mind, and spirit throughout the fertility journey.

Reflexology and Fertility Support

Reflexology is a gentle therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet that correspond to different organs and systems, including the reproductive organs and endocrine glands. In fertility care, it’s used to help regulate hormones, support menstrual cycle balance, and ease stress.

Many individuals find reflexology helpful alongside acupuncture, especially during emotionally intense phases of trying to conceive. Sessions may focus on points linked to the uterus, ovaries, and pituitary gland, encouraging natural hormone regulation and overall relaxation.

When used thoughtfully, reflexology offers an additional layer of support—helping the body feel more balanced and promoting a sense of calm throughout the fertility journey.

Cupping and Fertility Support

Cupping therapy involves placing small glass or silicone cups on the skin to create gentle suction. This technique helps improve circulation, release muscle tension, and promote the flow of Qi—key principles in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In fertility care, cupping is sometimes used to support the lower back and abdomen, areas associated with reproductive function.

By encouraging blood flow and easing physical stagnation, cupping may help improve uterine and ovarian health. It’s also commonly used to reduce stress and support detoxification, which can benefit overall hormonal balance. While cupping is not used during early pregnancy, it may be included before ovulation or IVF cycles to help prepare the body.

When integrated with acupuncture, cupping can complement treatment by relieving tension and supporting systemic balance during the fertility journey.

How Acupuncture Supports the Reproductive System

Acupuncture’s role in fertility extends far beyond relaxation. Its influence on key physiological systems—particularly hormone regulation, circulation, and sperm quality—makes it a meaningful complement to both natural conception and assisted reproductive treatments.

Hormonal balance is foundational to reproductive health, and acupuncture may help regulate irregular cycles, support ovulation, and stabilize estrogen and progesterone levels. This is particularly helpful for individuals managing conditions like PCOS or anovulation, as well as for those undergoing medicated fertility treatments. With improved hormonal feedback, the body becomes more responsive, and the chances of successful conception may increase.

Circulatory health is another critical component. Acupuncture helps promote blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, which may support the development of high-quality eggs and a well-prepared endometrial lining. It also helps reduce inflammation and encourages the removal of waste products that could interfere with the reproductive process. These effects are especially important during the follicular and luteal phases of the cycle, when egg maturation and implantation take place.

For those addressing male fertility, acupuncture may contribute to healthier sperm parameters by improving circulation, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting hormonal stability. Since sperm development follows a roughly 72-day cycle, ongoing sessions are often recommended to support long-term improvements in quality and function.

Acupuncture also plays a key role in preparing the body for implantation. It may enhance endometrial receptivity, reduce uterine contractions, and support the hormonal environment necessary for embryo development—making it a valuable tool during IVF or IUI. Many fertility clinics encourage acupuncture around embryo transfer to support this sensitive and critical window.

At ACA Acupuncture and Wellness, we provide individualized fertility support rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and guided by your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re exploring natural options or integrating care alongside IVF or IUI, our team is here to support you at every stage of the journey—with experience, compassion, and a whole-body approach to reproductive health.

Sources:

Quan, K., Yu, C., Wen, X., Lin, Q., Wang, N., & Ma, H. (2022). Acupuncture as treatment for female infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022, Article ID 5593214

Guven, P. G., Cayir, Y., & Borekci, B. (2023). Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Integrative Medicine, 55, 102230.

Domar, A. D. (2020). Acupuncture and infertility: We need to stick to good science. Fertility and Sterility, 113(5), 948–949.