Acupuncture and IVF: Enrichment of acupuncture in fertility care

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Having a child is a deeply cherished wish for many people. But what if getting pregnant doesn't happen naturally? For those who end up in an IVF trajectory, the path to pregnancy can be intensive and emotionally challenging. More and more people find support in the combination of medical fertility care and acupuncture, a trajectory that supports both the body and the mind. And this is not only based on experiences: scientific research also shows that acupuncture during IVF can indeed make a difference.

Fertility through the Lens of Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), fertility is not just a matter of healthy organs or hormones. It's about balance: when Qi
(life energy) can flow freely, blood circulates well, and the body is nourished and at peace, space is created for new life.

For women, the acupuncturist therefore looks not only at the uterus and ovaries, but also at factors such as sleep, digestion, emotional well-being, and energy levels. In TCM, the uterus is also called the 'Palace of the Child,' a place that benefits from rest, warmth, and stability. An important element is the so-called Kidney energy, which is seen as the source of our fertility and vitality. Prolonged stress can weaken this energy and disrupt hormonal balance.

Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system and support the body in restoring this balance, a valuable contribution during an IVF journey.

Slogan: Acupuncture – Effective on Many Points
A recent study by University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University (June 2025) showed that traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture, helps IVF patients reduce stress, pain, and anxiety. After just one session, women reported:

- 2.2 points less anxiety
- 2.1 points less stress
- 1.4 points less pain
(on a scale of 10)

According to the researchers, this contributed to a significantly better mental and physical experience of IVF. This is in line with previous studies indicating improved uterine blood flow, better hormonal regulation, and even higher implantation rates in women receiving acupuncture around their IVF treatment.
👉 Read the research (MedicalXpress, June 2025)

The Power of Collaboration
In the Netherlands, more and more fertility clinics are collaborating with acupuncturists. Some even offer treatments on the day of embryo transfer. Outside the medical setting, women also choose acupuncture as preparation for an IVF trajectory, to make their bodies calmer, stronger, and more balanced. Acupuncture can be very valuable in enhancing fertility.

NVA acupuncturists are happy to tell you more
Would you like to know if acupuncture can mean something to you in a fertility process? Feel free to contact one of our NVA acupuncturists for more information.