Fertility & Pregnancy
Fertility & Pregnancy are deeply connected to the body’s natural rhythm,
balance & capacity to nourish new life.
How Acupuncture Supports Your Fertility
Regulates and supports hormonal balance naturally
Calms the mind and settle the Shen, helping to ease stress and overwhelm
Support emotional wellbeing during what can often be an intense and uncertain time
Encourages the smooth flow of Qi, the body’s vital energy, to help relieve tension, headaches and pain
Fertility & Pre-Conception
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, fertility is seen as an expression of overall health. The menstrual cycle offers valuable insight into how the body is building, regulating and preparing each month. Rather than focusing only on conception itself, the aim is to support the whole system so that the body feels balanced, well nourished and ready.
As hormones rise and fall throughout the cycle, Yin and Yang shift in a natural rhythm to support ovulation, circulation and implantation. When this rhythm is under strain, the body can show signs such as irregular periods, pain, PMS, fatigue, poor sleep or heightened stress — all signs that the body would benefit from support rather than pressure.
Commonly Supported Conditions:
Irregular or painful periods
PCOS and endometriosis
Low ovarian reserve
Unexplained infertility
Hormonal imbalances
Stress related to the fertility journey
Let’s Talk About Fertility: The Vocabulary
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The words below are often used by doctors and health resources when talking about fertility. Understanding them can help you feel more informed, better able to describe your experience and more supported as you navigate your journey.
Fertility
Fertility refers to the body’s ability to conceive a pregnancy. It is influenced by many different factors, including hormone balance, cycle health, ovulation and overall wellbeing.Conception
Conception is the process of becoming pregnant when a sperm fertilises an egg.Trying to conceive (TTC)
This is a phrase often used when someone is actively hoping to become pregnant.Reproductive health
Reproductive health refers to the health of the organs, hormones and systems involved in the menstrual cycle, ovulation and conception.Preconception care
Preconception care means looking after your health and wellbeing before pregnancy to help support the body as it prepares for conception.Hormonal balance
Hormonal balance refers to the natural rhythm and regulation of hormones involved in the menstrual cycle, ovulation and reproductive health. -
Your menstrual cycle can offer helpful insight into your fertility and overall wellbeing. The words below are commonly used when talking about ovulation, hormone changes and the timing of conception. Understanding them can help you feel more informed and connected to what is happening in your body.
Menstrual cycle
The menstrual cycle is the monthly pattern of hormonal changes that prepares the body for a possible pregnancy.Cycle length
Cycle length is the number of days from the first day of one period to the day before the next period begins. The average cycle length is 28 days.Follicular phase (Days 1 -13)
The follicular phase is the first part of the cycle. It begins on Day 1 of your period and continues until ovulation. In a typical 28-day cycle, this is often around Days 1 to 13.Ovulation (Day 14)
Ovulation is when one of the ovaries releases an egg. In a typical 28-day cycle, this often happens around Day 14, although it can vary from person to person and from cycle to cycle.Fertile window (Days 12-14)
The fertile window is the time in the cycle when pregnancy is most likely to happen. This usually includes the few days before ovulation and the day of ovulation itself.Luteal phase (Days 15 - 28)
The luteal phase is the second part of the cycle. It begins after ovulation and continues until the next period starts. In a typical 28-day cycle, this is often around Days 15 to 28. -
Your body often gives signs when it may need more support. The words below describe some of the symptoms that can sometimes be linked to hormone imbalance, cycle disruption or underlying reproductive health concerns. Understanding them can help you describe what you are experiencing more clearly and seek the right support.
Irregular periods
Irregular periods are periods that do not come at a regular time each month or do not follow your usual pattern.Painful periods
Painful periods can include cramping, aching or discomfort before or during your period that feels intense, persistent or difficult to manage.PMS
PMS stands for premenstrual syndrome. It describes physical and emotional symptoms that can happen in the days before a period, such as bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, irritability or low mood.Spotting
Spotting is light bleeding between periods or around the time your period is due. It is usually lighter than a normal period.Fatigue
Fatigue means feeling unusually tired, drained or low in energy, even when you have had rest.Headaches or Migraines
Headaches can sometimes happen around ovulation, before a period or during times of hormonal change. Migraines are more severe headaches that severely impact your quality of life.
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Some health conditions can affect the menstrual cycle, ovulation or fertility. The words below are often used in appointments and health information. Understanding them can help things feel clearer and a little less overwhelming.
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
PCOS is a hormonal condition that can affect ovulation, cycle regularity and fertility. It may also be linked with symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excess hair growth or changes in weight.Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It can cause pain, heavier periods and sometimes affect fertility.Fibroids
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in or around the uterus. Depending on their size and position, they can sometimes affect bleeding, comfort or fertility.Ovarian reserve
Ovarian reserve is a term used to describe the number and quality of eggs remaining in the ovaries. It can form part of the wider picture when fertility is being explored.Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal imbalance refers to hormone levels that may not be working in a smooth and supportive rhythm for the cycle, ovulation and reproductive health.Unexplained infertility
This term is used when no clear medical reason has been found for difficulty conceiving. It can feel frustrating and uncertain, but it does not mean your experience is any less real or that support is not available. -
The words below are commonly used when talking about conception, implantation, early pregnancy and pregnancy loss. Understanding them can help this part of the journey feel a little clearer and more supported.
Implantation
Implantation is when a fertilised egg attaches to the lining of the uterus.Endometrial lining
The endometrial lining is the lining of the uterus that thickens each cycle to help support implantation and early pregnancy.Egg quality
Egg quality is a term used to describe how healthy and viable an egg may be. It is one part of the wider fertility picture.Sperm health
Sperm health refers to sperm count, movement and overall quality. This can also play an important role when trying to conceive.Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before it continues to full term. It is more common than many people realise and can be physically and emotionally difficult.Recurrent miscarriage
Recurrent miscarriage is a term often used when someone has experienced more than one miscarriage. This may lead to further medical investigation and additional support.Ectopic pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy is when a fertilised egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. It cannot continue as a normal pregnancy and needs urgent medical care. -
There are different ways to support fertility, depending on your needs, circumstances and stage of the journey. The words below may come up when exploring care, treatment and the different types of support available.
IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)
IVF is a fertility treatment where eggs are collected and fertilised outside the body before an embryo is transferred into the uterus.ICSI (Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection)
ICSI is a type of IVF where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg to help fertilisation take place.IUI (Intrauterine Insemination)
IUI is a fertility treatment where sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to support conception.Assisted conception
Assisted conception is a general term for medical treatment used to help with conception.Holistic fertility care
Holistic fertility care is an approach that supports the whole person, including physical, emotional and lifestyle factors, rather than focusing only on one part of the picture.Acupuncture support
Acupuncture support means using acupuncture alongside natural conception or assisted fertility treatment to support reproductive health, cycle balance and overall wellbeing.
Pregnancy Care
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pregnancy is seen as a time of continual change, with each trimester bringing different physical and emotional needs. As the body adapts to support the growth and development of your baby, changes in energy, digestion, sleep, circulation and comfort can naturally occur.
Acupuncture and TCM therapies offer gentle, individualised support throughout pregnancy, helping to ease common discomforts while supporting balance and overall wellbeing. As pregnancy progresses, treatment can also focus on optimal positioning and preparing the body for labour and birth.
Commonly Supported Conditions:
Nausea and morning sickness
Fatigue and low energy
Back, pelvis and hip pain
Anxiety and sleep disturbances
Heartburn and digestive discomfort
Breech positioning (from 34 weeks)
Preparation for labour (from 40 weeks)
Post-Natal Recovery
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the postnatal period is seen as an important time for rest, nourishment and recovery. Pregnancy and birth place significant demands on the body, and the weeks and months that follow bring their own physical and emotional changes as the body begins to heal and rebalance.
Acupuncture and TCM therapies offer gentle, individualised support during this transition, helping to restore energy, support emotional wellbeing and address common postnatal concerns while giving the body the time and care it needs to recover.
Commonly Supported Conditions:
Birth recovery and fatigue
C-section scar treatment
Postpartum anxiety and low mood
Hormonal rebalancing
Breastfeeding support
What the Research Says
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This review examined how acupuncture modulates ovarian function through neuroendocrine pathways. The authors found that acupuncture regulates hypothalamic activity by influencing the release of reproduction-associated neuropeptides and neurotransmitters including kisspeptin, neuropeptide Y and gonadotropin-releasing hormone. The findings suggest acupuncture may support hormonal balance and ovarian function through its effects on the HPO axis. As with many studies in this area, further high-quality clinical trials are needed to fully establish the extent of these effects in humans.
Read the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41200977/
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This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effect of acupuncture on emotional problems including anxiety, depression and stress in women with infertility. The review found that acupuncture improved emotional wellbeing across the included studies, and a meta-analysis of eight studies found that the acupuncture group achieved a significantly higher clinical pregnancy rate compared to controls. The authors suggest that addressing the psychological dimension of infertility through acupuncture may play a meaningful role in treatment outcomes. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended.
Read the article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10606758/ -
This multicentre randomised controlled trial found that electro-acupuncture stimulation improved clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF-embryo transfer, with particularly strong results in women over 35. The authors suggest it may help by improving endometrial receptivity. As with many studies in this area, the findings should be seen as supportive rather than definitive evidence.
Read the article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9396882/
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This overview of systematic reviews summarised the evidence for acupuncture used alongside IVF. The authors identified several proposed mechanisms including enhanced hormonal balance, inhibition of uterine motility, increased blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, and downregulation of stress responses. While the overview noted that evidence quality varied across included studies, it concluded that acupuncture appears to offer potential benefit as a complementary support during IVF treatment. Further high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings.
Read the article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.651811/full -
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined whether electro-acupuncture used around the time of embryo transfer could improve IVF outcomes. The analysis found that electro-acupuncture was associated with higher clinical pregnancy and live birth rates compared to control groups, although results varied across studies due to differences in protocols and study design. The authors suggest it may support IVF outcomes by improving uterine blood flow and reducing stress. As with many studies in this area, the findings should be considered supportive rather than definitive evidence.
Read the article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6795274/
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This randomised controlled trial found that acupuncture used alongside IVF was associated with higher live birth and positive pregnancy rates than IVF alone. The authors also reported no adverse events and noted improvements in quality of life among patients receiving acupuncture. As with many studies in this area, the findings are best seen as supportive rather than definitive evidence.
Read the article here.
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This prospective cohort study examined whether acupuncture affects cortisol and prolactin levels in women undergoing IVF. The study found beneficial regulation of both hormones in the acupuncture group during the medication phase of IVF treatment, with a trend toward more normal fertile cycle dynamics compared to controls. The authors suggest acupuncture may help create a more balanced hormonal environment during ovarian stimulation. As with many studies in this area, the findings should be viewed as supportive rather than definitive evidence.
Read the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19118825/ -
This randomised controlled trial investigated whether acupuncture given immediately before and after embryo transfer could improve IVF outcomes. The study found significantly higher pregnancy rates in the acupuncture group compared to the control group. The authors suggest acupuncture may support implantation by improving uterine blood flow and creating a more favourable environment for embryo transfer. As with many studies in this area, the findings are specific to the protocol used and should be viewed as supportive rather than definitive evidence.
Read the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11937123/
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This prospective study investigated whether electroacupuncture could reduce uterine artery blood flow impedance in infertile women. The study found measurable reductions in the pulsatility index of both uterine arteries following a course of eight electroacupuncture treatments. The authors suggest that acupuncture may support uterine receptivity by reducing sympathetic vasoconstrictor activity and improving circulation to the uterus. The study used a specific electroacupuncture protocol and findings should be considered alongside broader research in this area.
Read the article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8671446/
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes , Acupuncture can be timed to align with your IVF cycle by supporting the body at key stages such as ovarian stimulation, egg collection, transfer preparation and the two-week wait.
Nickila offers complementary support that addresses both the physical and emotional demands of assisted fertility treatment, working in harmony with your fertility clinic to support you through every stage of the process.
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This depends on your individual circumstances. Nickila will assess your cycle, health history and goals at your first appointment and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. As a general guide, a course of weekly sessions over 3 months is often recommended for pre-conception support.
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Yes, when carried out by a qualified, experienced practitioner, acupuncture is considered safe throughout pregnancy. Nickila is trained in pregnancy acupuncture and adapts every treatment to your stage of pregnancy and individual needs.
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Yes. Acupuncture is widely used to ease nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Many patients report significant relief after just a few sessions.
Nutritional Advice
Because acupuncture works to support the whole body, fertility care is most effective when it is supported by daily nourishment and balanced habits. What you eat can affect energy, digestion, hormone balance and the health of the menstrual cycle, all of which can influence fertility. Click the button below to explore how you can nourish your body in a mindful and balanced way to support your fertility journey.