Acupuncture & IVF Support
Ulyana Michailov
Traditional Chinese Medicine / Herbalist
Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) continues to play an important role in healthcare globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a significant proportion of the population in many member states utilise traditional medicine as part of their healthcare. In recognition of its growing role, WHO Member States adopted the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 on 26 May 2025, with the aim of supporting the safe, evidence-informed integration of Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine into healthcare systems worldwide.
TCIM encompasses a diverse range of healthcare systems and practices, including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, Indigenous traditional medicines, naturopathy, herbal medicine, and other complementary therapies.
One example of traditional medicine being integrated alongside modern medical care is the use of acupuncture as a supportive therapy during assisted reproductive treatments such as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Acupuncture has been used for centuries within Traditional Chinese Medicine to support women’s health, fertility, menstrual health, and pregnancy.
Research investigating acupuncture and IVF has produced mixed results. While current evidence does not conclusively demonstrate that acupuncture improves pregnancy or live birth rates for all women undergoing IVF, studies suggest it may provide supportive benefits for some individuals. Further high-quality research is needed due to variations in study design, treatment protocols, and methodological limitations across existing research.
Acupuncture may be considered as a complementary therapy to support overall wellbeing during fertility treatment. Women undergoing IVF often experience significant physical and emotional stress associated with treatment cycles, changing circumstances, and uncertainty throughout the process. Some research suggests acupuncture may help support relaxation, reduce perceived stress, and improve quality of life during fertility treatment.
Within clinical practice, acupuncture may be used to support:
- Menstrual health and cycle regulation prior to IVF treatment
- Healthy ovarian and reproductive function
- Nervous system regulation and reduction of sympathetic (“fight or flight”) activation
- Sleep quality and overall wellbeing
- Digestive function and nutritional support
- Healthy circulation, including blood flow to the pelvic region
The treatment of infertility and women’s health conditions has a long history within Traditional Chinese Medicine. Classical medical texts such as the Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), written by Zhang Zhongjing around 220 CE, contain discussions on reproductive health, pregnancy, and gynaecological disorders. Similarly, the Zhubing Yuanhou Lun (General Treatise on the Causes and Manifestations of Diseases), completed by Chao Yuanfang in 610 CE, includes some of the earliest recorded discussions of female infertility and its management.
Drawing on this extensive historical tradition, contemporary acupuncture practitioners commonly work alongside patients receiving conventional medical care. Acupuncture may be used as part of an integrated approach to support overall health and wellbeing in women experiencing fertility challenges, including those diagnosed with unexplained infertility, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menstrual irregularities, and those undergoing assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF.
The fertility journey can be both physically and emotionally challenging, and many women find comfort in having additional support along the way. Acupuncture offers a gentle, holistic approach that can be integrated alongside conventional fertility care, including IVF treatment.
With a long history of supporting women’s health, acupuncture provides an opportunity to focus on your overall wellbeing during this important time. By working in conjunction with your fertility specialist and healthcare team, acupuncture can become a meaningful part of your support network, helping you feel cared for, nurtured, and supported throughout your fertility journey.
You can make an appointment either online or by calling our friendly reception staff on (08) 7231 1628.