Beyond Western Medicine: Acupuncture's Role in Optimising Fertility Potential

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Ahil Naturopath

How does Acupuncture help with fertility?

Acupuncture is one of branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)- a 4000 year old medicine involving the insertion of small, single-use needles to regulate the functioning of the body. In the past 20 years there has been extensive research into the use of Acupuncture in the management of fertility alongside western medical interventions (IVF, IUI, ET, pharmacotherapy), herbal therapy as well as in isolation. About 8-12% of the couples in the world are facing problems with infertility, and in this modern time the per cent is getting larger. It’s estimated that 20% of the cases are due to both a male and female factor. Before we get into how Acupuncture can help with fertility- it is important to define what is fertility and what is infertility and unexplained infertility.

Infertility: is defined as being unable to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular intercourse whereas,
Unexplained infertility: is failure to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular intercourse without any defined reason such as an underlying condition (polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis, fibroids) or structural issue.

Unexplained infertility is becoming increasingly common as people are having children later in life in tandem with other major factors including chronic stress, overworking and poor dietary and lifestyle practices. This is a male and female pathology- which is important to acknowledge. Though the responsibility is often placed on females for conceiving a baby- the male component (namely sperm quality) is equally important. The research on Acupuncture and fertility has shown positive affects in balancing hormones via improving sperm quality and ovarian function and balancing the endocrine system- responsible for hormonal production and regulation. At the same time acupuncture helps to calm and regulate the nervous system-reducing cortisol levels, increasing serotonin stimulating the release of endogenous opioids. This combination makes acupuncture and effective adjunct practice for promoting fertility and maintaining pregnancy.

What are the best acupoints for improving fertility?

Acupuncture should always be tailored to each individual as the causes for infertility from a TCM point of view can differ person to person. However, there are certain points that have been shown in the scientific research to have beneficial effects for balancing hormones and endocrine function. There are some clinics which use these points in a ‘cut and paste’ way based on the current scientific literature. I personally prefer to tailor each prescription according to the individual.

The most commonly used acupoints for improving fertility are Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao), Liver 3 (Tai Chong) and Kidney 3 (Tai Xi). These points nourish the tissues of the ovaries and regulate the adrenal glands and HPO (Hypothalamic Pituitary Ovarian) axis responsible for hormonal production and regulation. It is also important to know there are several acupuncture points which MUST NOT BE USED when someone is pregnant as they can stimulate the release of oxytocin- responsible for delivery namely Large Intestine 4 (HeGu), Spleen 6 (San Yin Jiao), Liver 3 (Tai Chong) and Gallbladder 21 (Jian Jing) as well as any points on the lower back or abdomen. These are safe to promote fertility but once a woman falls pregnant, they are contraindicated.

Can acupuncture increase the chances of getting pregnant?

Acupuncture works to create the optimal environment for fertility. If there is an imbalance in hormones, it can help to balance it. Similarly, if there is a local blockage such as with fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Acupuncture can help to remove the obstructions and promote the free flow of blood. In my experience, in many cases of ‘unexplained infertility’ the issue is not only the reproductive organs- but may be in connection to other areas of the body- such as a weakness in the adrenal glands (Kidney Qi deficiency) or a lack of energy (Qi deficiency) or lack of body fluids (Yin and Blood deficiency). Acupuncture’s effect in fertility is amphoteric- meaning that if a particular system is weak (such as the reproductive system) we strengthen it, if it is working in excess (such as in the case of fibroids, PCOS and endometriosis) we can help to reduce it. In this way Acupuncture helps bring the body in to a state of balance.

How many acupuncture sessions are needed for fertility?

Prior to conceiving, 3 months is the ideal amount of time. This gives us adequate time to prepare the body (male and female) to hold a baby, to keep mum and bub healthy and carry the baby through all the way. However, this can differ person to person based on the particular imbalance that needs to be rectified- if someone simply has low adrenal function 3-5 sessions will be enough, while for someone with complex pathologies such as endometriosis and is in their 40’s a longer period of time will be required to create the ideal conditions.

Is acupuncture more effective than other fertility treatments?

In my opinion, each modality has it’s place- Acupuncture, Naturopathy, herbal medicine, Western medicine, medications, supplements etc. The most important thing is administering the right medicine for the right reasons. I find that for many people their fertility journeys can be very complicated- they are doing lots of different things, taking countless pills and are overwhelmed by all of it. This can be an obstacle. There are situations where couples who have been unsuccessful in falling pregnant after years of trying- just by simplifying what they are taking, reducing the stress and tension and taking the pressure off can spontaneously fall pregnant.

What does research say about the effectiveness of acupuncture for fertility?

In the past few decades there has been extensive research conducted into acupuncture especially in the realm of fertility. This base continues to grow at an exponential rate. Based on a study done by Dong et al. acupuncture may improve ovulation by regulating the nervous system, endocrine system, ovarian blood flow and overall metabolism of the body. Acupuncture can also improve the outcome of IVF (In vitro fertilisation) and ET (Embryo transfer) with mechanisms being linked to increased uterine blood flow and the reduction of depression, anxiety and stress. In the case of ET- it is recommended for people to have Acupuncture before the transfer as well as after (I usually recommend within 24 hours of either side).

Are there any precautions or contraindications for using acupuncture for fertility?

Yes- firstly it is important to see someone who is a qualified, accredited, and board-certified practitioner (registered with AHPRA). The risks and contraindications of acupuncture for people trying to fall pregnant are the same as the general population- the most common one being minor bruising. There are few strict contraindications to acupuncture. It is widely used in vulnerable populations, such as in the elderly, pregnant and pediatric patients. There are contraindications of particular points in pregnancy- such as LI4 (He Gu), SP6 (San Yin Jiao) and LV3 (TaiChong) which can stimulate the production of oxytocin. These should only be used in the later stages of pregnancy (Week 38 onwards) when promoting labour.

What are some other traditional Chinese medicine approaches to treating fertility issues?

Some other traditional Chinese medicine approaches to treating fertility include herbal medicine, gua sha (scraping), Qi Gong and Tai Chi. Every patient requires a different approach- which is why having an individualised, tailored treatment can be more effective than having a a 'shotgun’ protocol where every person receives the same herbs, same acupuncture points and same advice.

Can acupuncture be used in conjunction with other fertility treatments, such as IVF or IUI?

Yes, Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other fertility treatments- IUI, IVF, ET. There are some specialists and centres where they are used in combination for greater effectiveness. Research has found that Acupuncture is beneficial in increasing the clinical pregnancy rate in women undergoing IVF-ET.

Can acupuncture help with male infertility as well?

Yes, the effect can be very helpful for male patients. Research has found that the male factor is a primary or contributing cause in up to 50% of couples. Often I find that a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine is more effective for male infertility- especially where there is an issue with the sperm (azoospermia, low sperm motility, poor sperm quality).

What are the potential side effects of acupuncture for fertility, and are they harmful to a pregnancy?

Acupuncture is a fantastic treatment for people while they are pregnant. I often recommend my patients to get weekly treatments while they are pregnant- for helping to maintain the pregnancy, promote relaxation, and addressing any symptoms which may arise (morning sickness, constipation, nausea, high blood pressure, anxiety etc,). These are very gentle, nourishing treatments. The first trimester is the most crucial period of pregnancy as the risk of miscarriage is highest during this stage- the first 12 weeks are the most important to have treatment.

In conclusion, Acupuncture can be a useful adjunct treatment to promote fertility in people with unexplained infertility. It is important for treatments to be tailored to each individual- taking into account their specific needs. It is my hope that more individuals will benefit from acupuncture and as a practitioner I am very happy to see that there is an increasing amount of research being conducted in the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine and fertility. To learn more or to work with me directly you can visit me here. Wishing you all the best on your fertility journey.

About the Author

Ahil Ganesan

Dr. Ahil Ganesan is a Naturopath, Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner who works with a variety of conditions, including hormonal imbalances (endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids) fertility, skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, acne) and many others such as musculoskeletal issues (lower back pain, arthritis, frozen shoulder), digestive conditions (Irritable bowel syndrome, bloating and Crohn's disease). Ahil believes everyone has the right to feel good, and he is here to help his clients take action and be their best on a physical and emotional level.

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