Gold Coast Fertility Acupuncture: What to Know
If you're exploring natural and holistic ways to support your fertility journey, acupuncture might already be on your radar. As a registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner based on the Gold Coast, I have a clinical interest in working with women navigating hormone imbalances and fertility challenges as well as the stress and anxiety that comes with it.
Whether you're trying to conceive naturally or undergoing assisted reproductive treatments like IVF and IUI, acupuncture can be a powerful ally. Here’s what you need to know.
How Acupuncture may Support your Fertility
Acupuncture has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support reproductive health. In modern practice, it’s increasingly recognised for its role in supporting fertility in both men and women.
From a TCM perspective, acupuncture works by restoring balance to the body’s energy (Qi), nourishing the reproductive organs, and addressing underlying imbalances. From a biomedical point of view, acupuncture is known to:
Regulate menstrual cycles and promote ovulation
Improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
Reduce stress hormones like cortisol
Support hormonal balance and egg quality
Enhance the effectiveness of ART (like IVF and IUI)
Research Highlights:
A systematic review published in BMJ (Manheimer et al., 2008) found that acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer improved pregnancy and live birth rates in IVF patients.
A meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (Qian et al., 2017) also concluded that acupuncture significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF.
A 2022 study in Reproductive Biomedicine Online found acupuncture beneficial in reducing anxiety and perceived stress in IVF patients, which can positively impact reproductive outcomes.
Acupuncture for Natural Conception
If you're trying to conceive without medical intervention, acupuncture can be tailored to support your cycle and unique needs. Treatments are usually timed with your menstrual phases:
Follicular Phase: In this phase we aim to encourage both Qi and blood flow to your reproductive organs to help support follicle growth and promote the growth of your uterine lining for potential implantation.
Ovulation: In this phase we are focused on promoting healthy ovulation and encouraging the smooth flow of Qi and yang as well as reducing any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing.
Luteal Phase: In the luteal phase, Qi flow can often become stagnant leading to symptoms of PMT. My focus in the luteal phase is to smooth and regulate this flow of Qi to alleviate stagnation. We also tonify Yang in this phase; we liken Yang to progesterone in western medicine, helping to support implantation if conception has occurred and encourage pregnancy to continue.
Menstrual Phase: Supporting the smooth flow of Qi and blood in this phase is important to maintain a healthy, regular and pain-free bleed. Regulating your cycle prior to conception is important in Chinese medicine to support a healthy conception and pregnancy.
Each treatment plan is personalised to you, your cycle and your specific goals. I also explore lifestyle, diet, and your emotional well-being to support you on every level.
Evidence Note:
A 2016 review in Obstetrics & Gynecology International highlighted acupuncture's positive influence on menstrual health, ovulation regularity, and hormonal regulation in women with unexplained infertility and PCOS.
Acupuncture for IVF and ART Support
Acupuncture can also be used alongside IVF, IUI, ICSI, clomid or letrozole monitored cycles, egg freezing, or donor cycles to help improve outcomes and reduce stress.
Here’s how I support patients undergoing ART like IVF & IUI:
Preparing the body in the weeks/months before cycles
Managing the side effects of medication
Encouraging blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
Pre- and post-embryo transfer acupuncture (often recommended within 24 hours of transfer)
Emotional support during what can be an incredible overwhelming and emotionally taxing process
Evidence Note:
The British Medical Journal study (2008) mentioned above showed that women receiving acupuncture had a 65% increased chance of pregnancy compared to controls.
Another study in Fertility & Sterility (2010) found acupuncture improved endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation rates.
What to Expect During a Session
Your first session includes a comprehensive consultation to understand your unique health, cycle history, and fertility goals. I’ll use traditional diagnostic tools such as pulse and tongue assessment, and create a treatment plan tailored to your body and your journey.
Sessions are calming and nurturing, lasting around 45–60 minutes. Most clients come weekly, with adjustments depending on your cycle, treatment phase, and overall health.
Why Choose a Fertility Acupuncturist on the Gold Coast
As a dedicated women’s health practitioner, I’ve supported many women and couples through all stages of the fertility journey—from preconception to postpartum.
Located on the Gold Coast, my clinic provides a warm, supportive space where your needs are listened to and your care is holistic. I often work collaboratively with fertility specialists and other health practitioners to give you the best integrative support possible.
More Than Just Acupuncture
Alongside acupuncture, I offer:
Patent Chinese herbal medicine formulae
Nutritional and lifestyle advice to support fertility
Gentle support for stress, sleep, digestion, and emotional well-being
Fertility isn't just about reproduction—it’s about feeling well in body, mind, and spirit.
Final Thoughts: Your Fertility Journey, Supported
Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your fertility journey, know that you don’t have to go it alone. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and evidence-informed way to support your reproductive health—naturally and gently.
If you're ready to take the next step, I’d love to support you.
Book your initial consultation at my Gold Coast clinic and begin your personalised path to wellness and fertility.
References
Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, et al. (2008). Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 336(7643):545–549.
Qian Y, et al. (2017). Effect of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract, 26:1–10.
Wang R, et al. (2022). Acupuncture and IVF: Stress relief and reproductive outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online, 44(3):487–494.
Stener-Victorin E, et al. (2016). Acupuncture for the treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a review of the literature. Obstet Gynecol Int.
Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, et al. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril, 77(4):721–724.
