What to Expect at Your Chinese Medicine Appointment

for Reproductive Health

If you’re considering acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine to support fertility, pregnancy, or hormonal health, you might be wondering what your first consultation will involve. At The Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinic, we understand that stepping into a new health modality can feel unfamiliar — sometimes a little scary – if you have not had acupuncture before or are just not sure what to expect. We understand, especially when you’re already navigating complex reproductive challenges, that talking about them and seeking help can feel pretty confronting. So we’d like to share what to expect when you work with us. 

This guide will walk you through what to expect at your initial Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) appointment, from intake to diagnosis and treatment planning. Whether you’re pregnant or  trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF or going through IVF, or managing conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, or pregnancy discomforts, our consultations are warm, personalised, and rooted in evidence-informed care.

A Comprehensive Reproductive Health Intake

Your appointment begins with a detailed health intake. We don’t just look at one part of your body — Chinese Medicine considers how all aspects of your health may influence fertility and wellbeing. Our practitioners ask questions designed to build a full picture of your hormonal, physical, and emotional state. You be sent a very detailed intake form and have the option to share any relevant pathology results before you arrive, so when you meet your practitioner they will already have a deep understanding of your unique case.

The first consult is an opportunity to air your health, wellbeing and reproductive health goals, and to voice where you are at the moment. Our detailed ad varied questionng allows us to make an accurate Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis, so we can give you tailored diet and  lifestyle advice, Chinese herbal medicine and supplements if appropriate, and of course acupuncture.

Common areas of discussion include:

For fertility and IVF patients:

• Your why – why you are coming to see us and what’s important to you. 
• Reproductive history- the good, bad and the ugly 
• Other modalities and treatments you tried before-  what worked and didn’t work.
• Menstrual cycle regularity, length, and flow
• Ovulation timing, cervical mucus, and PMS symptoms
• History of miscarriage or implantation issues
• IVF cycle stages, medications, and transfer dates
• Hormone levels, AMH, and follicle tracking (if known)
• Male fertility assessments, where relevant
• Previous testing and treatments 
• Current supplements and medication use

For pregnancy support:

• Your why – why you are coming to see us and what’s important to you. 
• Reproductive history- the good, bad and the ugly 
• Pregnancy symptoms (e.g., nausea, fatigue, pain)
• Blood test and other testing results i.e blood test, scans, NIPT ect 
• Breech positioning
• Birth preparation goals
• Sleep quality and emotional wellbeing
• Previous birth or miscarriage experiences
• Current supplements and medication use

For general women’s health:

• Your why – why you are coming to see us and what’s important to you. 
• Pelvic pain, endometriosis or PCOS diagnosis
• Irregular cycles or painful periods
• Birth control history and hormonal testing
• Previous pathology testing and medical interventions, surgeries 
• Current supplements and medication use

You’ll also be asked about your digestion, sleep, stress, energy levels, and lifestyle — as these all contribute to your TCM diagnosis.

Review of Blood Tests and Medical Reports

As part of our integrative care approach, we encourage you to bring any recent pathology, imaging, or fertility reports. We often work alongside IVF specialists, gynaecologists, obstetricians and GPs, and reviewing these documents helps us tailor your treatment specifically for your unique case.

What Is a Chinese Medicine Diagnosis?

Using all the information gathered, your practitioner forms a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis.

 Tongue and pulse 

An important part of the diagnostic process includes examining your tongue and pulse.

 In TCM, the tongue is considered a map of internal health — its colour, shape, coating, and texture all give insight into the state of your organs, circulation, and digestive system. 

Pulse diagnosis involves feeling the quality, rhythm, and strength of your pulse at three positions on each wrist. This helps your practitioner assess the condition of various organ systems and the balance of yin, yang, qi, and blood.

 This is based on an understanding of:

• Yin and Yang: Yin represents cooling, nourishing aspects — linked to egg quality, oestrogen levels, and endometrial lining. Yang reflects warmth and activity — linked to ovulation, progesterone, and blood flow.
• Qi (energy) and Blood: We look at circulation and vitality. Are there signs of stagnation, weakness, or deficiency?
• Organ systems: TCM looks at functional systems like Liver, Spleen, Kidney — not just anatomically but energetically, in relation to your reproductive health.

Creating Your Individualised Treatment Plan

Your practitioner will explain your TCM diagnosis and outline a treatment plan based on your goals and menstrual or pregnancy stage. Treatments may include:

• Acupuncture: Often weekly, adjusted to your cycle or pregnancy stage
• Chinese herbal medicine: Custom-prescribed formulas to support hormone regulation and wellbeing
• Diet and lifestyle recommendations: Based on TCM principles to support yin, yang, qi and blood
• Additional therapies: Including electro-acupuncture, laser acupuncture or moxibustion when appropriate

Treatment Aims by Fertility Phase

Follicular Phase:

• Improve ovarian and uterine blood flow
• Support egg development and quality 
• Promote endometrial receptivity and thickening
• Support follicular hormone rise i.e estrogen  

Ovulation & Luteal Phase:

• Support ovulation and progesterone production
• Calm the mind
• Support the energy flow to the uterus to promote implantation

Two-Week Wait:

• Reduce anxiety
• Promote receptivity for early pregnancy

Pregnancy:

• Manage symptoms such as nausea, reflux, fatigue, and pelvic pain
• Support pregnancy physiology 
• Prepare for labour and recovery postpartum

FAQs: Quick Answers Before You Arrive

• How long is the appointment? Initial consultations usually run for about 75 minutes. Follow-ups are 50–60 minutes.
• Does acupuncture hurt? Most people find acupuncture gentle and relaxing. You may feel a sensation like numbness, or tingling but usually this is quite mild and comfortable. The needles are very fine — about the width of a hair. Also your practitioner will check in with you along the way to make sure you are comfortable every step of the way. You are the boss, and needles will be adjusted or removed if you are not 100% comfortable. 
• Can I have acupuncture on the same day as an embryo transfer? Yes. We offer pre- and post-transfer acupuncture tailored to your IVF timeline. Please contact us as soon as you know your transfer day so we can coordinate your appointments and ensure you’re in the diary. Don’t worry if you don’t yet know the time embryo transfer yet– we have been doing pre- and post-transfer acupuncture in our Acupuncture Pregnancy Clinics since 2008 so we very used to this scenario and will guide you through. 
• Do I need a referral? No referral is needed. You can book directly online or contact us for help.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Medicine is a collaborative, supportive approach to reproductive health. Whether you’re navigating IVF, aiming to improve your cycle, or seeking a more comfortable pregnancy, or have general health concerns, our qualified team is here to walk alongside you. With careful assessment and a personalised plan, we work to restore balance — and confidence — in your  journey.