Originally published on June 15, 2026 by Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness, now part of the Bravella Health network. Original author: Ysé Gerbaux.
If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken some incredibly brave steps on your fertility journey. Maybe you’re preparing for your first IVF cycle. Maybe you’ve been through this process before and are looking for new ways to feel supported.
IVF can bring many emotions at once. Hope and excitement often sit alongside worry and exhaustion. It’s a journey that asks for patience, courage, and deep love for the family you’re building. While there’s no single way to make it easy, there are ways to make it gentler on your body and your heart.
That’s where acupuncture can support you. For many people, it becomes more than just a complementary therapy—it’s a grounding, restorative practice that brings calm, connection, and quiet confidence through the ups and downs of IVF.
What the Research Shows
Many clients find acupuncture to be a meaningful ally during fertility treatment, and researchers have been studying it for years.
The research on acupuncture and IVF success is mixed. Some reviews that pooled studies involving thousands of women suggest acupuncture may improve pregnancy rates.[1,4] However, a large, high-quality clinical trial found that acupuncture did not increase live birth rates compared with a sham treatment,[3] and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology does not recommend acupuncture specifically to improve IVF success.[7]
In Canada, about one in six couples experience infertility.[5] IVF success rates vary by age, and your fertility team is the best guide to what your chances look like.
But for many, the greatest impact goes beyond numbers. Acupuncture provides a moment of calm, a deep breath, and a sense of steadiness in a time that can often feel uncertain.
How Acupuncture Supports the Body and Mind
Acupuncture works by gently guiding your body back into balance by addressing specific points that may influence hormones, blood flow, and the nervous system.[2]
During fertility support, acupuncture may help by:[2]
- Supporting hormone balance for regular ovulation and healthy cycles
- Improving uterine blood flow to support implantation
- Encouraging ovarian function and egg health
- Calming the nervous system to reduce stress and promote relaxation
Each session creates a space to pause—to slow down and reconnect with yourself. Many patients describe leaving their appointments feeling grounded, centred, and more in tune with their bodies.
When your body feels calm and supported, your mind often follows. That sense of connection can be deeply powerful.
Safety and What to Expect
Acupuncture is safe when performed by a qualified practitioner and can be used alongside fertility treatments.[6] Most people find sessions to be deeply relaxing—many even drift off to sleep.
If you’re considering adding acupuncture to your IVF plan, it may help to:
- Discuss it with your fertility doctor to ensure it fits seamlessly into your care plan[6]
- Begin weekly sessions in the weeks leading up to your IVF cycle
- Schedule treatments around embryo transfer for optimal support[4]
- Continue sessions as needed to maintain balance and reduce stress throughout your cycle
Acupuncture can also be particularly supportive if you’ve experienced previous IVF cycles that didn’t result in pregnancy and want to nurture your body—and spirit—in a new way.
You’re Not Alone in This
The IVF journey can feel long and uncertain, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Acupuncture offers a gentle, compassionate way to care for yourself as you move toward the family you’ve been dreaming of.
At Vital Physiotherapy & Wellness, we understand how deeply personal this process is. We see the strength it takes to keep showing up, the hope it takes to try again, and the courage it takes to believe in what’s possible.
Our goal is to help you feel calm, confident, and supported—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
You deserve care that honours both your body and your heart. You deserve to feel safe, nurtured, and hopeful.
If you’d like to explore acupuncture as part of your IVF journey, reach out to us at Vital today! We’d be honoured to support you as you take this next step—with care, compassion, and confidence.
References
- Quan K, Yu C, Wen X, Lin Q, Wang N, Ma H. Acupuncture as treatment for female infertility: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:3595033. doi:10.1155/2022/3595033
- Xu JY, Zhao AL, Xin P, Geng JZ, Wang BJ, Xia T. Acupuncture for female infertility: discussion on action mechanism and application. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2022;2022:3854117. doi:10.1155/2022/3854117
- Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, et al. Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2018;319(19):1990-1998. doi:10.1001/jama.2018.5336
- Hullender Rubin LE. Point of influence: what is the role of acupuncture in in vitro fertilization outcomes? Med Acupunct. 2019;31(6):329-333. doi:10.1089/acu.2019.1392
- Public Health Agency of Canada. Fertility. Government of Canada. Accessed September 25, 2026. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/fertility/fertility.html
- Cleveland Clinic. Acupuncture for fertility: can it help you get pregnant? Published February 21, 2023. Accessed September 25, 2026. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/acupuncture-for-fertility
- ESHRE Add-ons Working Group; Lundin K, Bentzen JG, Bozdag G, et al. Good practice recommendations on add-ons in reproductive medicine. Hum Reprod. 2023;38(11):2062-2104. doi:10.1093/humrep/dead184
