acupuncture for fertility
Acupuncture and Fertility
Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha and lifestyle/dietary advice. We take an integrated approach to fertility, assessing blood tests, sperm tests and ask you to take your Basal Body Temperatures (BBT) which gives us the best indication on what is going on in your body, and what we can do to support you and your partner on your fertility journey.
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine includes acupuncture, moxa, cupping, herbal medicine, and dietary and lifestyle advice. We also often include Bowen Therapy in our treatments to offer an holistic treatment and realign the body physically.
How Acupuncture may Support Fertility
Research suggests that acupuncture may help regulate fertility hormones, improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and optimise the uterine environment. Improved blood flow is associated with better egg quality and a thicker uterine lining, which may be conducive to implantation. Our clinic is in Point Cook, but we are just a short drive from Altona. Offering acupuncture Altona community.
Some individuals seek acupuncture for support with a variety of fertility-related concerns, including:
✿ Regulating menstrual cycles
✿ Supporting ovulation and luteal phase defect
✿ Support for endometriosis and PCOS
✿ Managing stress and emotional wellbeing
✿ ICSI, IVF, IUI
✿ Male fertility
Chinese Medicine + Acupuncture
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Several studies have explored the use of acupuncture alongside in vitro fertilisation (IVF). Some systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that acupuncture may increase the clinical pregnancy rate for women undergoing IVF compared to no acupuncture. A recent review found that acupuncture was associated with higher live birth and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF.
Acupuncture is used before and after embryo transfer in IVF cycles, with the aim of supporting implantation and reducing uterine contractions. Our clinic is just a short trip from Altona.
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Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of formulas tailored to individual needs. Meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials suggest that Chinese herbal medicine may improve pregnancy rates in women with infertility, including those with conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, or unexplained infertility. One review found that women receiving CHM had approximately double the pregnancy rate over 3–6 months compared to those receiving Western medical fertility drugs [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25637159/ ] Chinese herbal medicine may positively influence ovulation rates, cervical mucus, basal body temperature, and endometrial thickness. Herbal formulas are individualised and may be used to support ovarian function, regulate hormones, and improve blood flow to reproductive organs.
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This highly depends on what is being treated! It also depends on if the condition is acute or chronic. Chronic conditions will require more treatments.
Some conditions such as women’s health may require several weekly treatments (6-12) over weeks or months, other such as pain may improve in 3-6 sessions.
Chinese medicine is not a quick fix! It took time to become ill, it will take time to recover. It also depends on patient compliance with taking herbal medicine and following lifestyle and diet advice.
With acupuncture or herbal medicine the more often the treatment, the better the results. An example is if you are taking antibiotics, it takes more than one tablet to see any results, you need to finish the course.
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Yes, our practitioners are registered with AHPRA and the relevant associations, and have provider numbers. The amount you can claim depends on your level of cover.
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Acupuncture is usually not painful, and most of the time you will feel nothing. You might feel a slight pinch or tingling sensation when the needle is inserted, followed by a feeling of warmth, heaviness, or a dull ache.
The needles are very fine, much much thinner than those used for injections. Often patients find acupuncture to be a relaxing experience and look forward to their sessions.
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Our clinic offers Chinese medicine and acupuncture, remedial massage, fertility massage and lymphatic drainage. We are just a short drive from acupuncture Altona.
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What else may acupuncture help with?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to promote healing and balance.
Acupuncture may help not only with pain, but also internal medicine such as women’s health, anxiety, sleep, digestion, skin conditions and fertility.
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What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is part of Chinese Medicine. In acupuncture we use fine, thin needles and tap them into specific points in the body that are found on channels that run along the body. In Chinese Medicine acupuncture is used with the idea of restoring balance in the body’s energy flow.
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What should I expect during a session?
The practitioner will assess your condition by asking questions, observing your tongue, and feeling your pulse. You’ll then lie down on the table, and the practitioner will insert needles into specific acupuncture points. The needles are typically left in place for 20 to 30 minutes.
The session may include other techniques such as Bowen therapy, moxibustion, cupping and a herbal medicine prescription. We may also pop an infrared heat lamp on your belly, feet or back.
Common Questions
Did you know that in Chinese Medicine we make an assessment of your health through a Chinese Medicine lens - we have our own diagnostic tools, these include tongue diagnosis, and pulse reading.
We are university trained acupuncturists and we love working with supporting you on your fertility journey.
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Chinese medicine is generally considered to be safe but occasionally may be associated with possible adverse reactions in individual cases. These are usually mild and temporary, and can include soreness, bruising, and bleeding at the needle site.
Patients may also experience dizziness, feeling lightheaded, and nausea. If you feel any of these during your treatment, please communicate this with your practitioner during the treatment.
It is also important to eat and hydrate before your appointment.
You may also feel drowsy after acupuncture, so it is important to rest your body after your appointment.
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An initial appointment is 60 mins, and a follow up appointment is 45 minutes. The needles will be retained for 20-40 minutes, depending on what is being treated. The appointment may include moxa, cupping or gua sha, as well as a herbal medicine prescription.
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Before your acupuncture appointment please make sure you eat a light meal and avoid strenuous activities. After the session please rest, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol or heavy exercise for the remainder of the day to allow your body to fully benefit from the treatment.
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Our clinic is in Point Cook. 15 minutes drive from Werribee, Altona, Hoppers Crossing, Seabrook. We offer fertility acupuncture Melbourne.
BOOKINGS
all bookings can be made online