IVF Acupuncture Melbourne: what it is, how it works, and whether it’s right for you
If you’re going through IVF, chances are you’ve already Googled everything.
You might be wondering:
- How does acupuncture help fertility?
- Does IVF acupuncture actually do anything?
- When do I start?
- How do I even choose the right IVF acupuncture clinic?
We hear these questions every day in our East Melbourne clinic. So rather than overwhelming you with research, let’s talk through this in a way that actually makes sense.
How does acupuncture help fertility?
Acupuncture is often used to support fertility by helping the body regulate stress, circulation, and hormonal signalling.
From a Western medical perspective, research suggests acupuncture may:
- Support blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
- Influence the nervous system and stress response
- Affect neuroendocrine pathways involved in hormone regulation
From a Chinese medicine perspective, fertility is viewed through patterns rather than diagnoses. We look at how your cycle functions as a whole, how you respond to stress, and how your body recovers.
Not everyone needs the same approach. And that’s an important point that often gets lost online.
If you’re looking for IVF acupuncture in Melbourne or East Melbourne, you can book online or call our team to plan your cycle support.
How does acupuncture help with infertility?
Infertility isn’t one thing.
Some people are dealing with unexplained infertility. Others have ovulation issues, endometriosis, PCOS, age-related changes, or repeated IVF cycles that haven’t worked yet.
Acupuncture doesn’t “fix” infertility. What it can do is support the body during a process that is physically and emotionally demanding.
Research suggests acupuncture may be associated with improved clinical pregnancy rates in some IVF contexts, particularly when treatment is used across a cycle rather than as a one-off add-on (Smith et al., 2023; Maleki-Hajiagha et al., 2022).
Just as importantly, many patients tell us they feel:
- more regulated during stimulation
- less anxious during IVF
- better supported during the two-week wait
That matters too.
IVF acupuncture: how does IVF acupuncture work?
IVF acupuncture works best when it’s planned around your IVF cycle, not added in at the last minute.
In practice, that means acupuncture may be used:
- before stimulation starts
- during ovarian stimulation
- after egg collection
- around embryo transfer
- during the luteal phase
This is very different from the “one session on transfer day” model that gets talked about a lot online.
Recent research suggests timing and frequency matter, and that higher “dose” acupuncture protocols across a cycle may be more helpful than minimal approaches (Timing & Dose Meta-analysis, 2024).
When should I start IVF acupuncture?
This is one of the most common questions we get.
If time allows, many people start acupuncture 6–12 weeks before IVF. Others begin once their cycle is confirmed. Some start midway through stimulation.
There is no perfect answer.
What matters more than the exact start date is:
- whether treatment is consistent
- whether it fits your actual IVF timeline
- whether it adapts as your cycle progresses
If you’re Googling “IVF acupuncture when to start”, that usually tells us you’re trying to plan ahead — which is a good thing.
IVF acupuncture schedule: what does treatment usually look like?
An IVF acupuncture schedule varies, but a common approach might include:
- weekly sessions leading into IVF
- one to two sessions per week during stimulation/ Follicular phase
- a recovery-focused session after egg collection
- one or two sessions around embryo transfer
Some people choose to continue during the two-week wait. Others don’t. Both can be appropriate.
The goal isn’t to overwhelm you. It’s to support you.
Read more here: What to Expect at Your Chinese Medicine Appointment
IVF acupuncture points and protocols: is there a standard approach?
Short answer: No.
There isn’t a single IVF acupuncture protocol that suits everyone. However you will see some points we commonly use ( near the ankle in stimulation phase and over the ovaries for example)
Research trials often use fixed point prescriptions for consistency. Clinical practice is different. We select points based on:
- how your body is responding to medication
- symptoms during stimulation
- sleep, digestion, stress, and recovery
- Chinese medicine diagnosis
If you’re searching for IVF acupuncture points, it’s usually because you want reassurance that there’s a plan. And there is … it just isn’t one-size-fits-all.
What should I do during IVF acupuncture?
You don’t need to “do” much.
Most people simply:
- turn up
- lie down
- breathe
- rest
Acupuncture sessions are often one of the few times during IVF where you’re allowed to stop and let someone else support you.
That, in itself, can be meaningful.
How does IVF acupuncture help IVF outcomes?
This is where nuance matters.
Some studies suggest acupuncture may be associated with improved clinical pregnancy rates, particularly when compared to no additional care. Results are less consistent when compared with sham acupuncture, and evidence for live birth outcomes remains mixed (Smith et al., 2023).
That’s why we talk about acupuncture as supportive care, not a promise.
For many people, the value is in:
- feeling more regulated
- sleeping better
- coping better with the process
- feeling actively supported, rather than passive
How to find the best IVF acupuncture clinic in Melbourne
If you’re searching for the best IVF acupuncture clinic near me, here are a few practical things to look for:
- Do they understand IVF timelines and medications?
- Is treatment planned across your cycle, not just on transfer day?
- Are they comfortable working alongside fertility clinics?
- Do they communicate clearly and realistically?
- Have they had additional training and education in Reproductive health and IVF Acupuncture.
Our Melbourne clinic is located in East Melbourne, and we support patients attending IVF clinics across the CBD and inner suburbs.
People often find us by searching:
- IVF acupuncture Melbourne
- IVF acupuncture East Melbourne
- Acupuncture while doing IVF
If you’re considering acupuncture during IVF, the most useful next step is a conversation — not just more Googling.
Supporting East Melbourne and surrounding suburbs
We welcome patients from East Melbourne, Melbourne CBD, Fitzroy, Collingwood, Richmond, Abbotsford and nearby inner Melbourne suburbs who are looking for IVF acupuncture or fertility acupuncture close to home.
We have highly qualified AHPRA-registered Chinese Medicine Practitioners dedicated to reproductive health, women’s health and pregnancy care ready to support you!
The Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic is a national network offering acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine to support fertility, IVF cycles, pregnancy and general reproductive health. Visit us at Westmead, Sydney CBD, Alexandria, Gosford, Melb
A note on research (for those who want it)
If you like to read the evidence, recent systematic reviews suggest:
- Acupuncture may improve clinical pregnancy rates in some IVF contexts
- Timing and frequency appear important
- Evidence for live birth outcomes is still mixed
We’re always happy to talk through what the research means for you, rather than quoting studies without context.
References (selected)
- Smith CA et al. (2023). Acupuncture for assisted reproductive technology. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
- Maleki-Hajiagha A et al. (2022). Acupuncture and IVF pregnancy outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis.
- Timing and Dose Effect of Acupuncture in IVF-ET (2024). Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
- MacPherson H et al. (2014). Safety of acupuncture: prospective observational study.
FAQ: IVF acupuncture in Melbourne and East Melbourne
FAQ 1: Do people use acupuncture during IVF cycles?
Yes. Many people choose acupuncture during IVF to support their body through stimulation, egg collection recovery, and the two-week wait. We tailor sessions to your cycle plan and how you’re feeling.
FAQ 2: How many acupuncture sessions do people often have during IVF?
It varies. Some people start 6–12 weeks before IVF and come weekly. Others begin once stimulation starts and come 1–2 times per week through transfer. If you’re time-poor, we’ll help you choose the sessions that make the most sense for your cycle.
FAQ 3: Can acupuncture be used in early pregnancy?
Yes, acupuncture can be used in early pregnancy when it’s provided by trained practitioners and adapted appropriately. We adjust points and techniques based on your stage of pregnancy and your symptoms.
FAQ 4: What should I expect at my first appointment in Melbourne?
Your first appointment includes time to understand your IVF timeline, health history, cycle patterns, and current symptoms. We’ll then make a plan for acupuncture sessions that fits your fertility treatment schedule. You’ll have a calm treatment, then simple after-care guidance.
