What is Acupuncture and How Does it Support Conception?
Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views the body as an interconnected system of energy pathways, or meridians. These meridians are believed to influence various bodily functions, including hormonal regulation and blood flow. By stimulating specific acupoints along these pathways, acupuncture may help address underlying conditions that affect fertility, by promoting the release of endorphins, improving circulation, and regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.
What is Fertility Acupuncture?
The ancient Chinese practice, which involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body helps to improve reproductive health by enhancing overall balance and energy flow. Fertility acupuncture has gained significant attention in recent years as a supportive therapy for those trying to conceive. But where exactly do these needles go, and how do they influence fertility?
Key Acupuncture Points for Fertility
Acupuncture treatments for fertility are personalised by considering each individual’s unique circumstances. However, there are several key acupoints to help support reproductive health.
Lower Abdomen Acupuncture Points
Lower abdomen acupuncture points for fertility are pivotal for improving uterine blood flow and supporting conception. These acupoints are located just above the pubic bone and are associated with improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries. Stimulating these areas is believed to enhance the uterine lining and ovarian function.
Zi Gong – translated as ‘Palace of the Child (Uterus)’ and is often used with fertility acupuncture. It is located in the lower abdomen, about a full hands-width below the belly button and another hands-breadth lateral to this on either side of the stomach. Anatomically, this acupoint lies close to where the ovaries are located. Acupoint Zi Gong helps to regulate the menstrual cycle and benefits the uterus and ovaries.
Ren 4 – also known as ‘Gate of Origin’. Ren 4 lies on the Ren meridian which is also known as the Conception meridian. This acupoint is believed to be where our source energy can be accessed – important for developing egg quality in fertility and is especially useful for older women trying to conceive.
Stomach 30 – also known as ‘Rushing Chong’. This acupoint lies on the meeting point of two meridians - the Stomach meridian and the Penetrating meridian. Located near the femoral artery, this acupoint is believed to send blood ‘rushing’ to the uterus carrying fresh nutrients to the ovaries and removing toxins.
Note, these points are contraindicated during pregnancy.
Leg Points for Reproductive Health
Liver 8 – Spring of the Crook – located at the crook / bend of the leg behind the knee. This acupoint is great for sending blood to the uterus and a good acupoint to substitute for Liver 3 during the two week wait, as Liver 3 is contraindicated during this time.
Stomach 36 – also known as ‘Leg Three Miles’. It is believed that stimulating this acupoint on a regular basis can help a person walk three miles (or more). It is a wonderful acupoint to build vital life force (energy) and blood.
Kidney 9 – also known as ‘Guest House’ or more commonly referred to as the ‘Beautiful Baby’ acupoint, it is said that when it is used it will help produce a beautiful baby - perhaps because it helps to look after the guest - aka the baby. It helps calm the mind, so it is useful for anxiety and fear. It also helps to build blood in the body.
Spleen 6 – also known as ‘Three Yin Intersection’ is the meeting point of the Three Yin meridians – Spleen, Liver and Kidney. It is believed that with this one acupoint, three meridians can be accessed all at once and therefore is a powerful spot for promoting overall reproductive health.
Note Spleen 6 is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Head and Ear Acupuncture Points for Fertility
Many acupoints on the head and the ears are believed to be connected to the vagus nerve and has a strong calming effect on the nervous system. By reducing stress, this has a direct impact on fertility.
Yin Tang – this acupoint lies between the eyebrows, in the area ascribed to the 'third eye' by many traditional cultures and is believed to be located over the pituitary gland. It is a powerful acupoint for calming the mind,especially during the two week waitwhich can be a highly anxious time of the fertility journey.
DU20 – this acupoint is located at the top of the head. Its location means that this acupoint can have an uplifting effect as well as a calming effect on the nervous system. This is another good acupoint to use during the two week wait when the body can feel more fatigued and anxious.
Shen Men auricular acupuncture – also known as ‘Spirit Gate’, this acupoint is located in the ear and is used for calming the mind. This acupoint can be needled or activated with an ear-seed and kept on for a week. Your practitioner will decide whether to needle or use an ear seed depending on the individual’s needs.
Hands and Feet Fertility Acupuncture Points
The hands and the feet hold many Yuan source acupoints – these acupoints are believed to be where our vital energy can be accessed. It is also where the Luo connecting acupoints are located. Luo connecting acupoints connect to the heart and therefore helps with calming the mind and reducing anxiety associated with trying to conceive.
Heart 7 – this is a Yuan source acupoint of the Heart meridian, therefore a very powerful acupoint for calming the mind.
Pericardium 6 – is a Luo connecting acupoint and therefore another great acupoint for treating stress and anxiety during the fertility journey.
Spleen 4 – this acupoint is great for supporting the spleen’s function to build blood to circulate to the uterus. As a Luo connecting acupoint, it has a direct connection to the heart helping to reduce anxiety. Spleen 4 is also great for any bloating that may occur during the menstrual cycle or from medication for assisted reproduction such as invitro fertilisation (IVF).
Liver 3 – this Yuan source acupoint helps regulate the menstrual cycle, benefits the ovaries and uterus, builds blood, and also helps with headaches, stress/anxiety, and insomnia. This acupoint is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Acupuncture points may vary depending on the individual situation and what you would like to focus on.
How Acupuncture May Help Fertility
By targeting these acupoints, acupuncture aims to:
Regulate Hormones: Supporting the endocrine system to balance hormones and improve ovulation.
Enhance Uterine Blood Flow: Increasing circulation to the uterus can improve implantation success.
Reduce Stress: Lowering cortisol levels can positively impact fertility by improving overall health.
Support IVF Treatments: Many couples undergoing IVF treatments incorporate acupuncture to improve egg quality, uterine receptivity, and reduce side effects from medications.
What to Expect During a Fertility Acupuncture Session
During a fertility acupuncture session, a licensed practitioner will assess your medical history and current concerns, drawing from the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to create a tailored treatment plan. TCM views fertility challenges as imbalances in the body’s energy flow, and acupuncture is used to restore harmony and support reproductive health. The session typically involves lying comfortably while the practitioner inserts needles into the identified acupoints. Most people report minimal discomfort and find the process deeply relaxing.
Summary
Fertility acupuncture can be used as a standalone therapy or in combination with assisted reproductive treatments such as IVF. Overall, it can enhance reproductive health and increase the likelihood of conception through addressing the physical and emotional challenges of fertility. Always consult with a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncturist who specialises in fertility to ensure a safe and integrated approach to your journey towards parenthood.
Further reading
Clinical efficacy of acupuncture for diminished ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Acupuncture for infertile women without undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART): A systematic review and meta-analysis
Acupuncture Treatment for Fertility
Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy
Debra Betts is an internationally renowned teacher on the use of acupuncture and acupressure for promoting normal birth and general obstetric practice. Author of ‘The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy & Childbirth’ 2006.
Tags: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture; fertility acupuncture
Sarah San Acupuncture is located near Esher, Cobham, Claygate, Oxshott, Walton on Thames, Weybridge, Surrey.
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