Acupuncture for Fertility
Nourishing the Soil
Whether you are trying to conceive naturally or are navigating the path of IVF, your body needs a sense of safety and deep nourishment to thrive. In Five Element Acupuncture, we treat whole-body health; fertility is a natural expression of this balance. We view your reproductive health as a reflection of your internal landscape, my work is focused on tending to that "soil".
Acupuncture is now widely recognized as a valuable companion to conventional fertility treatments. According to the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), acupuncture works by addressing both the physical and emotional factors that influence reproductive health.
Acupuncture can be used at any stage of your journey, though beginning three months prior to conception or IVF provides the most thorough constitutional support. It typically takes 90 days for eggs to mature and around 60 days for sperm to reach maturity; this window allows us to optimise your internal environment and hopefully establish a healthy, regular cycle.
What to Expect
I practice across both private and multi-bed clinic settings, ensuring that every individual can find a moment of relaxation and a meaningful pause during what is often a demanding journey.
Private Clinic: This provides an intimate, one-on-one environment where we can take extra time to explore your health in detail.
Multi-bed Clinic: These sessions allow for more frequent, affordable treatment in a shared space. While there is less one-on-one time and privacy, it is an excellent way to maintain consistent support.
I see fertility and health through the lens of Five Element Acupuncture. This ancient wisdom allows me to look at the "big picture" of your wellbeing, identifying where your internal rhythms have fallen out of sync. While Western medicine focuses on the mechanics of conception, I focus on the person experiencing it - this approach is complementary in nature.
I am here to provide the restorative balance that clinical settings often overlook. By treating your constitutional health, I help you navigate the "rush" of appointments, tests, and scans with a grounded presence. I see myself as part of your wider matrix of care—the practitioner who ensures your nervous system is soothed and your system is receptive, providing a calm, non-judgmental space to guide you through this journey.
Key Clinical Insights:
Regulating Blood Flow: Research suggests that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the pelvic organs and the lining of the uterus. This improved circulation helps to create a more receptive environment for embryo implantation.
Balancing Hormones: Clinical studies indicate that acupuncture can help regulate the HPA axis—which can support a more regular menstrual cycle and stable ovulation.
Optimising IVF Outcomes: Many patients use acupuncture alongside IVF. Research suggests that treatment around the time of embryo transfer can reduce uterine contractions and significantly lower the stress levels that often spike during this time.
Soothing the Nervous System: Fertility journeys can be emotionally taxing. By shifting the body out of "fight or flight" and into the "rest and digest" state, acupuncture helps to manage the anxiety and cortisol levels that can interfere with reproductive function.