How Chinese Medicine Supports Fertility (Even During IVF)

By Riccardo Galeotti | The Body Lab, Canberra

If you’ve been on the fertility rollercoaster, you’ve likely heard about ovulation kits, hormone panels, and acronyms that sound like airport codes (we’re looking at you, AMH and FSH). But what if a deeper understanding of your cycle — from both Eastern and Western medicine — could unlock a new level of support?

At The Body Lab, we take an integrative approach. Here’s how Chinese Medicine (TCM) aligns beautifully with modern reproductive science to support women during natural conception and IVF.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: East Meets West

Western medicine views the menstrual cycle in four parts:

  • Menstruation (uterine lining sheds)

  • Follicular phase (eggs mature)

  • Ovulation (egg release)

  • Luteal phase (uterine lining thickens for potential implantation)

TCM mirrors this understanding with its own beautifully poetic language:

a. Menstrual Phase

  • TCM Focus: Move Blood, regulate Liver Qi

  • Western Parallel: Promote uterine shedding and hormone reset (drop in progesterone)

  • Points: SP4, PC6 (Chong Mai), KI9, REN7, SP10

b. Post-Menses (Follicular Phase)

  • TCM Focus: Nourish Liver Blood, tonify Kidney Yin

  • Western Parallel: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) rises; follicles grow

  • Points: LV8, ST36, KI3, SP6

c. Ovulation (Intermenstrual Phase)

  • TCM Focus: Move Blood and Qi, support ovulation

  • Western Parallel: LH surge triggers ovulation

  • Points: LIV3, BL17, GB34, LI4

d. Pre-Menstrual (Luteal Phase)

  • TCM Focus: Tonify Kidney Yang, consolidate Ren & Chong Mai

  • Western Parallel: Progesterone peaks to prepare uterine lining

  • Points: DU4, KI7, REN4, SP6

How Chinese Medicine Supports IVF & Hormonal Balance

Hormone Regulation

  • To lower FSH, Prolactin, Testosterone: TCM works on the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis by influencing the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and acupuncture points like BL1, SP6, ST30.

  • To raise Estradiol and Progesterone: Use of Yin Wei Mai (PC6, SP4) and Spleen meridian points to enhance transformation of Qi into Blood and hormone precursors.

Scientific support: Acupuncture has been shown to improve blood flow to the uterus and reduce stress hormones, which can influence fertility outcomes. [Manheimer et al., 2008; Smith et al., 2010]

Follicular Development & Egg Quality

From Day 4 or 5 of the cycle, egg recruitment is in full swing. TCM aims to provide the energetic and hormonal nourishment to support this.

  • Goal: Tonify Kidney Yang, nourish Liver Blood

  • Points: REN4, DU4, KI3, LIV8

Modern view: Mitochondrial function in eggs (crucial for viability) is supported by nutrients and blood flow — acupuncture is hypothesised to aid both.

Ovulation & Implantation Support

Egg release is one thing — but implantation is another dance altogether.

  • Ovulation Points: LIV3, GB34, BL17

  • Implantation Support: GB41, REN4, ST29, KI6

Study Note: Research has found that acupuncture pre- and post-embryo transfer may improve implantation rates. [Paulus et al., 2002]

Miscarriage Prevention: Strengthen the Base

To reduce the risk of early miscarriage:

  • Points: SP6, SP8, ST36

  • Approach: Strengthen the Spleen and consolidate the Chong Mai (Sea of Blood) to maintain lining stability

Western insight: Inadequate luteal support (low progesterone) is a major contributor to early loss. TCM’s Kidney Yang tonification mimics this aim.

Bonus Wisdom from the Classics

“Two Yang channels influence the Spleen and Heart, resulting in reproductive failure when blocked” — Su Wen, Ch. 7

Interpretation: The Stomach (ST) and Bladder (BL) channels — responsible for nourishing and moving Yang Qi — must be free to flow for optimal fertility.

The Takeaway

If you’re navigating natural fertility challenges or IVF, a combined East-West approach might just be the missing link. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine offer:

  • Hormonal regulation

  • Improved uterine lining

  • Egg quality support

  • Reduced IVF stress

  • Better implantation outcomes

Want to explore this with a trained practitioner? Book a fertility session with Riccardo at The Body Lab and get your cycle working with you — not against you.

References
  1. Manheimer E, et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2008;336(7643):545-549.
  2. Paulus WE, et al. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertil Steril. 2002;77(4):721–724.
  3. Smith CA, et al. Acupuncture for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010;1:CD004046.
  4. Su Wen, Chapter 7, Huang Di Nei Jing — Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.
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