Acupuncture - and other Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies, such as herbal medicine, moxibustion, massage, cupping, and so on - are often used as part of a holistic wellness approach to support reproductive health and overall balance. Gynecology is one of the most popular sub-specialties of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China. Outside of China, women are increasingly beginning to realize the possibilities.

Although some people may find it difficult to understand how needles -  or herbs, moxa, etc. - could support infertility, I think most people can easily appreciate the principles behind the solutions. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners consider fertility to be closely connected with every aspect of a patient’s health, from diet to sleep to the menstrual cycle itself.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, a woman will have the best chances of getting pregnant when all aspects of her health are in balance.

Understanding the Principles Behind Acupuncture to Support Reproductive Wellness

There is growing scientific evidence in support of the benefits of acupuncture solutions for fertility. What is more important to understand are the principles behind the treatments. Traditional Chinese Medicine often focuses on supporting a balanced menstrual cycle as part of its overall approach to reproductive health. When we try to “translate” these therapies back into the language of modern medicine, we may find that acupuncture is doing different things for different people.

It is not uncommon for some people to claim that acupuncture works by “balancing the hormones,” but what is really important is all the different ways that an acupuncturist can achieve that result.

For example, a patient with a luteal phase defect, who produces insufficient progesterone to maintain a pregnancy, will be addressed very differently than a woman who is anovulatory (not ovulating). Moreover, an acupuncturist does not think in terms of hormones, which is a Western concept. For example, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, some women may have fertility issues because of digestive issues and poor dietary choices. In some cases, practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine believe that acupuncture may support hormonal balance by addressing underlying patterns, such as those related to digestive health. 

Because of the innate holism of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is not always easy to give a single scientific explanation because the treatments themselves are designed to address a wide range of issues.

A Closer Look at Fertility Support Through Acupuncture

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture is often used as part of a broader approach to support reproductive wellness. Some individuals seek acupuncture in relation to common reproductive concerns, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, or irregular menstrual cycles. Others turn to it for general support, even when the underlying cause of fertility challenges is unclear.

Acupuncture is also sometimes used alongside assisted reproductive technologies like IVF. In these cases, practitioners may focus on helping the body manage stress and promoting overall balance throughout the process. While acupuncture is not a treatment for infertility itself, it may be a supportive component of a comprehensive care plan.

A Fertility Acupuncture session can vary a great deal from one practitioner to another. Each practitioner will bring a specific set of skills and clinical experiences to bear on the problem. In general, however, patients should expect a treatment that might last 45 minutes to an hour or longer.

During the first session, the acupuncturist will inquire widely about all aspects of the patient's health. The intake will also include exam techniques that are unique to Chinese medicine, such as the pulse exam and the tongue exam. New patients should also be aware that the needles are not necessarily painless. They can produce some very strong sensations, which is precisely what should happen according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory. 

An acupuncturist determines where the needles go according to the theory of Chinese medicine. In general, points below the elbows and knees are considered to have systemic effects on the body. These “far away” points may also be combined with “local” points, such as points in the lower abdomen or back. Probably most acupuncturists will follow this general strategy of using points both distally and locally.

Herbs to Support Fertility and Menstrual Health

Traditional Herbal Medicine is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Much like acupuncture, herbs are selected based on the individual’s overall presentation, using TCM principles rather than Western medical diagnoses. Practitioners evaluate what’s known in TCM as a "pattern of disharmony" and create personalized herbal formulations aimed at supporting balance and overall well-being.

Treatments can take time, so the patient needs to stick with her regimen. Women have a relatively small window of fertility each month, when it is possible for a healthy woman to conceive. Because of the natural rhythms of the menstrual cycle, individuals may need to follow their TCM regimen over several months as part of their overall wellness efforts.

Many individuals report feeling some changes or improvements early in their acupuncture experience, though this can vary from person to person. As with any healing art, skill levels and approaches may differ among practitioners. When it comes to fertility challenges, acupuncture and herbal medicine—when used as part of a Traditional Chinese Medicine approach—offer an additional set of tools that some women choose to explore in their overall wellness journey.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.