Acupuncture for IVF: What to Expect Before, During, and After Transfer

A Step-by-Step Guide for Women Undergoing Assisted Reproduction

Beginning the IVF Journey

Embarking on IVF is both exciting and daunting. It is a path filled with medical procedures, precise timing, and a swirl of emotions. Many women find themselves asking: What can I do to give myself the best possible chance?

One answer, chosen by thousands worldwide, is acupuncture for fertility. This gentle, low-risk therapy has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is now integrated into many IVF journeys as a complement to medical care. Acupuncture works cumulatively — each session builds on the last — which is why it’s best to begin as early as possible in your preparation.

Before Transfer: Preparing Your Body

In the weeks before embryo transfer, acupuncture focuses on creating the most fertile internal environment possible. In TCM, this means strengthening Kidney Jing (Essence), moving Liver Qi, and nourishing Blood to optimise the uterine lining. From a Western perspective, acupuncture helps regulate the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis, improve pelvic blood flow, and reduce stress hormones.

Your practitioner will take a detailed case history, considering your IVF plan, medical background, and unique constitution. Needles may be placed on points such as:

• ST36 (Zusanli) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) for energy, digestion, and Blood flow.

• CV4 (Guanyuan) and CV6 (Qihai) to nourish Kidney Qi and support the uterus.

• LR3 (Taichong) to regulate Liver Qi and reduce stress.

Many women report improved sleep, calmer moods, and a sense of inner balance within just a few sessions.

The Day of Transfer: Calming the Nervous System

On transfer day, the aim is simple but powerful: to keep your body and mind calm, open, and receptive. IVF can feel stressful, and stress raises cortisol — which may interfere with implantation.

A short acupuncture session before your transfer can:

• Activate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest mode).

• Promote uterine receptivity by encouraging pelvic blood flow.

• Reduce physical tension and emotional anxiety.

Depending on your clinic, some practitioners also offer a gentle session after transfer, focusing on grounding points such as KI3 (Taixi) and Yintang to help you leave feeling calm and centred.

After Transfer: Gentle Support During the Two-Week Wait

The days following transfer — often called the two-week wait — are some of the most emotionally charged. Acupuncture for IVF during this phase is focused on maintaining balance and offering emotional support.

TCM protocols avoid strong or dispersing treatments here; instead, they use gentle points that:

• Support hormonal steadiness.

• Nourish Blood and Qi.

• Keep circulation flowing smoothly.

Women often describe these sessions as deeply relaxing, a welcome pause in the intensity of IVF.

Practical Tips for IVF + Acupuncture

• Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing so you can fully relax.

• Hydration: Arrive well hydrated and bring a small snack if needed.

• Rest: Many women nap during their sessions — allow this time for your body to reset.

• Teamwork: Keep your fertility clinic informed of your acupuncture sessions so both teams can support you safely.

• Safety: Always choose a qualified, registered acupuncturist with experience in IVF support.

What the Research Says

While acupuncture is not a guaranteed solution, studies suggest it can play a supportive role in IVF outcomes. The most consistent benefits observed are:

• Reduced stress and anxiety during IVF cycles.

• Improved uterine blood flow and receptivity.

• Enhanced emotional wellbeing, which may improve adherence and resilience during treatment.

For many women, even if the outcome is uncertain, acupuncture provides a sense of empowerment and calm during what can otherwise feel like a very medicalised process.

Conclusion: A Calmer, Supported IVF Journey

IVF is an intense journey, but you don’t have to walk it alone. Acupuncture for fertility and IVF offers a gentle, person-centred approach that supports your body and mind before, during, and after embryo transfer. By focusing on hormone regulation, circulation, and stress reduction, acupuncture helps create the conditions for your body to welcome new life.

✨ If you are preparing for IVF and would like tailored support, book a consultation with Eca Brady at www.ecabrady.com.

Bibliography

1. Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, et al. (2002). “Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy.” Fertility & Sterility, 77(4):721–724.

2. Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, et al. (2019). “Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing IVF.” JAMA, 321(24):2490–2499.

3. Stener-Victorin E, Humaidan P. (2006). “Use of acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of recent acupuncture studies related to embryo transfer.” Acupuncture in Medicine, 24(4):157–163.

4. Maciocia G. (2011). Obstetrics and Gynecology in Chinese Medicine. Elsevier.

5. Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. (2007). A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.