How Acupuncture and a Whole-Person Approach Supports IVF Success
If you’re preparing for IVF or if past cycles didn’t go as planned, you might be looking for extra ways to improve your chances. Adding acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to your IVF plan not only improves IVF success, but can help the process feel more manageable.
Research backs this up: An influential study from 2015 reviewed over 1,200 IVF cycles and found that those who added a whole-person TCM approach -including acupuncture, nutrition, and lifestyle support - doubled live birth outcomes compared to IVF alone. Combining this whole-person approach with IVF offers the best of both worlds: improved outcomes, reduced side effects, and a smoother, more supportive experience.
This whole-person approach is central to TCM. Each treatment plan is designed specifically for you, focusing on the core aspects of health that help your body function at its best. Paired with IVF, this approach helps your body become more receptive and can even reduce side effects from IVF medications.
In addition to improving IVF success rates, this holistic approach offers several specific benefits that support your body during the process:
Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture increases circulation to the uterus and ovaries, creating a more supportive environment for embryo implantation.
Hormone Balance: Acupuncture helps regulate hormone levels, which supports a healthy environment for conception.
Stress Relief: IVF can be emotionally demanding, and stress affects the body’s response. Acupuncture calms the nervous system, reducing stress and supporting fertility.
Overall Well-Being: TCM and acupuncture prepare your body for pregnancy, supporting both physical and emotional health.
When Should I Start Acupuncture for IVF?
To get the most out of acupuncture for IVF, a two-phase approach is often recommended: 1) pre-treatment support in preparation for egg retrieval, and 2) sessions before and after embryo transfer. These treatments prepare your body at different phases of the IVF journey, manage stress, and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Egg Retrieval Preparation (8-12 Weeks)
Weekly acupuncture sessions in the weeks before IVF help your body become more receptive to treatment. This phase begins with a personalized plan including tailored nutrition recommendations, lifestyle guidance, and targeted supplements to support cellular health, hormone metabolism and improve circulation to the ovaries.
Day of Embryo Transfer - Pre- and Post-Treatment On-Site at Your Fertility Clinic
Research shows that personalized acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer can make a significant impact. For those undergoing frozen embryo transfers (FET), acupuncture sessions 30 minutes before and immediately after the transfer led to a 55% increase in live births and a 42% reduction in early pregnancy loss. These targeted treatments help create a stable, supportive environment for implantation while calming the nervous system.
What Clients Are Saying:
Working with a specialized fertility acupuncturist can make a significant difference in the IVF process. Here’s what some clients have shared:
“Stephanie has been a constant comfort through the storm of infertility, loss, and eventual pregnancy, and I always really look forward to seeing her.”
“Stephanie has made me feel heard like very few medical professionals do. She radiates warmth, kindness, and compassion.”
Each fertility journey is unique, and the best results come when acupuncture is paired with a personalized plan that includes supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle support. This holistic approach supports you in feeling your very best throughout your IVF experience.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re ready to increase IVF success with acupuncture, start with an initial consultation to create a customized fertility plan. Have questions? Schedule a complimentary 15 min call to explore how holistic support can make a difference.
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