Acupuncture and Fertility

A Holistic Approach to Boosting Reproductive Health

Acupuncture has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support fertility, balance hormones and enhance the chances of conception. With the rising interest in natural and holistic fertility treatments, many couples are turning to acupuncture as a complementary approach to boost their fertility outcomes.

This blog post will explain how acupuncture supports the menstrual cycle according to TCM, share foods to nourish each phase of the cycle and review scientific studies showing acupuncture’s impact on fertility. We will also explore herbal formulas commonly used to promote reproductive health.

The Four Phases of the Menstrual Cycle in TCM

TCM views the menstrual cycle in four distinct phases, each with its own energetic focus and treatment strategy to support fertility. Balancing and nourishing each phase is crucial for optimal reproductive health. Acupuncture, in combination with dietary and lifestyle recommendations, can help to regulate these phases and improve fertility outcomes.

1. Menstrual Phase (Day 1-5)

Focus: Blood Movement
The menstrual phase represents the shedding of the uterine lining. In TCM, this phase focuses on promoting smooth blood flow and removing stagnation. It’s important to avoid cold and raw foods during this time, as they can impair circulation and lead to blood stagnation.

Foods to Support this Phase:

• Warm soups and broths (chicken or vegetable)

• Ginger tea to promote circulation

• Iron-rich foods like leafy greens, beets, and black beans

• Warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom

2. Follicular Phase (Day 6-12)

Focus: Nourishing Yin and Building Blood
During the follicular phase, the body works to build the endometrial lining and mature the follicles. This phase is associated with nourishing Yin and replenishing blood to support healthy ovulation.

Foods to Support this Phase:

• Protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, and tofu

• Blood-nourishing foods like goji berries, spinach, and dark berries

• Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds

• Hydrating foods like cucumbers and watermelon

3. Ovulatory Phase (Day 13-15)

Focus: Qi and Blood Flow
The ovulatory phase is critical for the release of a mature egg. This phase focuses on ensuring that Qi (energy) and blood move smoothly to facilitate ovulation and the journey of the egg through the fallopian tube.

Foods to Support this Phase:

• Light and easy-to-digest foods such as steamed vegetables

• Warming foods like garlic, onions, and leeks to promote blood flow

• Fresh, organic fruits such as pomegranate, which are thought to support fertility

• Flaxseeds, which can support hormonal balance

4. Luteal Phase (Day 16-28)

Focus: Supporting Yang and Warming the Uterus
The luteal phase is when the body shifts to support potential implantation. Yang energy, which provides warmth and vitality, becomes the focus to support a healthy uterine environment for conception.

Foods to Support this Phase:

• Warm, nourishing foods like stews and roasted root vegetables

• Warming spices such as ginger, turmeric, and black pepper

• Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and brown rice

• Nuts and seeds, which provide essential fats

Acupuncture for Boosting Fertility Outcomes

Acupuncture works by regulating the body’s internal environment, reducing stress, balancing hormones and supporting optimal reproductive health. Recent research has explored the connection between acupuncture, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and fertility outcomes.

1. Hormonal Regulation: Acupuncture has been shown to positively influence the HPA axis, which plays a key role in regulating stress hormones like cortisol. By reducing stress, acupuncture helps normalize reproductive hormone levels, including estrogen and progesterone, which are critical for conception and pregnancy maintenance.

   • A study by Stener-Victorin et al. (2009) demonstrated that acupuncture can improve endocrine function by reducing stress-induced disruptions to the menstrual cycle, making it a valuable tool for women experiencing infertility due to hormonal imbalances.

2. Improved Ovarian Function: Acupuncture has been found to support ovarian health by increasing blood flow to the ovaries and improving follicular development. This is particularly important for women with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which affects ovulation.

   • A study conducted by Lim et al. (2010) found that acupuncture improved ovarian blood flow, enhanced follicle development, and regulated the menstrual cycle, leading to better fertility outcomes.

3. Enhanced Uterine Blood Flow: Acupuncture enhances blood flow to the uterus, creating an optimal environment for embryo implantation. This is essential during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

   • A study by Paulus et al. (2002) showed that acupuncture before and after embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) increased pregnancy rates by improving uterine receptivity.

4. Reduction in Miscarriage Risk: Acupuncture may also help to reduce the risk of miscarriage by supporting the luteal phase and improving the quality of the uterine lining.

   • A study by So et al. (2009) concluded that acupuncture treatment improved luteal phase support and resulted in higher pregnancy rates in women receiving IVF treatments, especially those with previous pregnancy losses.

Common Herbal Formulas for Fertility in TCM

In addition to acupuncture, herbal medicine is a core component of fertility support in TCM. These formulas work synergistically to regulate hormones, nourish blood, and enhance reproductive health. Herbal formulas are highly specific to the individual, therefore it is best advised to consult your TCM provider on choosing the right formula for you. Often, several formulas are recommended for the different phases of your cycle. Some commonly prescribed formulas include:

1. Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction)
   This formula is commonly used to nourish blood and Qi, supporting women with Spleen Qi deficiency and blood deficiency, which are often linked to irregular or light periods.

2. You Gui Wan (Restore the Right Kidney Pill)
   This warming formula is designed to support Kidney Yang and is often prescribed for women with coldness in the uterus or luteal phase deficiencies. It helps promote Yang energy and supports a healthy uterine environment for conception.

3. Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction)
   Si Wu Tang is a classic formula for nourishing and moving blood, often used to support follicular development and ovulation. It’s particularly effective for women with anemia, irregular periods, or blood stagnation.

Acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to enhancing fertility by regulating the menstrual cycle, balancing hormones and supporting reproductive health. With a growing body of scientific research, acupuncture has been shown to positively affect the HPA axis, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs and reduce stress, all of which contribute to better fertility outcomes. Additionally, TCM herbal formulas provide personalized support for hormonal balance and reproductive health, further enhancing the chances of conception.

Whether you are trying to conceive naturally or alongside fertility treatments like IVF, acupuncture and TCM can be valuable allies on your fertility journey. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of reproductive health, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to achieving a positive pregnancy outcome.

References

Lim, C. E., Ng, R. W., Xu, K. H., Cheng, N. C., & Zhang, H. (2010). Acupuncture for polycystic ovarian syndrome. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 8, CD007689. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007689.pub2

Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721–724. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03273-3

Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenström, U., Andersson, S. A., & Wikland, M. (2009). Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Human Reproduction, 11(6), 1314-1317. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/11.6.1314

So, E. W., Ng, E. H., Wong, Y. L., Yeung, W. S., Ho, P. C., & Chan, C. L. (2009). A randomized double blind comparison of real and placebo acupuncture in IVF treatment. Human Reproduction, 24(2), 341-348. https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/den380

Hullender Rubin L, Marx BL. Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Clomid, and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Case Study. Med Acupunct. 2012 Dec;24(4):273-280. doi: 10.1089/acu.2012.0912. PMID: 24761166; PMCID: PMC3579201.

Jang S, Kim KH, Jun JH, You S. Acupuncture for in vitro fertilization in women with poor ovarian response: a systematic review. Integr Med Res. 2020 Jun;9(2):100395. doi: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.02.003. Epub 2020 Feb 27. PMID: 32322482; PMCID: PMC7160570.

Wei W, Liu LY, Chen L, Su MH, Hong XJ. Acupuncture for "poor ovarian response" of women to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation: A protocol for meta-analysis and systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Oct 30;99(44):e22868. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022868. PMID: 33126333; PMCID: PMC7598851.

Zhang, C., & Zhang, C. (2016). Advancement in the treatment of diminished ovarian reserve by traditional Chinese and Western medicine (Review). Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine, 11, 1173-1176. https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2016.3025