In recent decades, there has been an increasing interest in acupuncture by Western medical practitioners for the treatment of both female and male factor infertility.
Many modern fertility clinics have started a hybrid approach of Eastern and Western medicine to their IVF and IUI treatment protocols, finding this combination to be more effective than the Western approach alone. Recent studies, analyzed together in the British Medical Journal, have demonstrated that acupuncture helps to increase IVF success rates.
With over a decade of experience treating fertility patients, Dr. Joel and his team will guide you to optimal fertility using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our methods are both infused with sacred tradition, backed by modern science, and innovations learned from Functional Medicine.
Efficacy of Fertility Acupuncture
The studies don’t lie: Acupuncture and herbal medicine has been shown to improve IVF pregnancy rates by up to 65% within a four-month period. This is according to data from the National Institutes of Health, and the British Medical Journal.
Furthermore, real stories matter! We consider case reports published which promote acupuncture for both male and female factor, and mention that “acupuncture can be considered as successful treatment in restoring fertility in the patients by improving the sperm quality and ovaries function and balancing the endocrine system and hormones.” (Sources: “Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility” from NIH.gov, “Acupuncture Treatment for Fertility” from NIH.gov)
According to another study from the NIH, management of female infertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 3-6 month period, compared with Western Medical fertility drug therapy.
These results are from a meta analysis of a number of randomized-controlled trials including data from 4,247 women. It shows clearly that there is a greater likelihood of achieving pregnancy by integrating Chinese Herbal Medicinal therapy into your life, than by using only Western Medicine fertility drug therapy. We loved seeing the conclusion of this study’s analysis, because it incorporates “Fertility Awareness Method” — a ‘Western’ tool that uses Eastern modalities.
Successful Conception with Acupuncture
The path to a successful conception with acupuncture requires:
A firm commitment to the process. Fertility acupuncture is a commitment, and it will be most effective if you are able to carve out the necessary time and energy in your life. This means 20 to 30 minute visits 2-3 times per week, over a span of 3-6 months, as well as making lifestyle changes. Patience is also key: although the processes we follow and the modalities we use are supported by scientific evidence, it can take 3 months to one year to improve egg and sperm quality.
A willingness to try Chinese herbs and nutritional supplements to help your body reach optimal fertility. Chinese herbs from our herbalist partners are pure, safe, and effective in helping treat both male and female infertility. We use supplements that match your functional laboratory picture – improve deficiencies and regulate what might lead to harm.
Flexibility in making diet and lifestyle changes to promote optimal fertility. From Tao of Fertility, Dr. Dao says, “Chinese medicine is about teaching women to look the natural approach…you become the authority on your own condition.” We guide you using the TCM tenets of food, environment, longevity, and exercise. Remember the end goal is healthy mom and parents.
Services
- Fertility Acupuncture via Acu Naps
- Fertility Guidance, Coaching, Advocacy
(virtual 20 minute sessions are available as well)
- Herbal and Supplement Prescriptions
- Lab Testing
- Massage
- Integrative approach to complement IUI, Embryo Banking, and IVF
- LGBTQ+ family support
Getting Started
It all starts with lab work! Before we can get started working together, you’ll need to have updated lab results – taken within the past 6 months, ideally for both male and female factor.
Female Factor: Comprehensive Hormone Lab Testing (i.e., FSH, Estradiol, AMH, Thyroid). Contact us if you would like us to order labs for you. We ask that you take labs between menstrual cycle day 20 through 25.
Male Factor: We partner with MeetFellow for sperm analysis. Visit MeetFellow to get this done.
We work with you and your partner’s unique bodies and lifestyle to optimize your chances of conception. Ready to book a consultation with our team?
