What is Acupuncture?\nAcupuncture is an adjunct therapy to support infertile women. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). In TCM, the flow of Qi is believed to be crucial for maintaining health and balance. Blockages or imbalances in this energy flow are thought to lead to illness or dysfunction, which acupuncture aims to correct.\nSupporting Embryo Implantation\nIn vitro fertilization (IVF) is a commonly used technique for the treatment of different types of infertility. Despite many recent technological advances, the average success rates with IVF are still about 30-50% globally.  At GarbhaGudi, we consistently achieve success rates of 65 to 75%. In vitro fertilization (IVF) is presently one of the last treatment options for infertility as an assisted reproductive technology..\n\nAcupuncture for fertility:\n 25 min before embryo transfer significantly increased the IVF outcomes in women undergoing IVF compared with no acupuncture. Repeating acupuncture 25 minutes after embryo transfer did not improve the IVF outcome. Acupuncture increases the uterine blood flow, which in turn increases the delivery of nutrition and growth factors, thereby increasing the endometrial thickness and receptivity, favouring embryo implantation and higher success rates.\nAcupuncture and IVF:\nThe success rate of IVF can be influenced by many factors, such as a woman's age, co-morbid situations, and the experiences of the physician. IVF treatment also has high costs for public finance and patients. Therefore, it is significant to increase the success rate of IVF. Before the IVF process, some procedures such as complementary therapies are used to improve pregnancy rates for infertile females. The practice of acupuncture as a complementary therapy during IVF is increasing all around the world. Acupuncture has been used for hormone regulation, increasing uterine blood flow, and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in women. Various methods, such as controlled ovarian stimulation, prescription of antioxidants such as Vitamin C or folic acid, and acupuncture, have been introduced to increase the efficacy of IVF.\nWhat the Research Says?\n\nUnexplained infertility \nwas accepted as not having any common causes of infertility using standard fertility investigations. Exclusion criteria included having an underlying fertility problem, any co-morbidity, or uncontrolled systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic heart disease, or chronic renal disease that can affect the treatment process.\nAcupuncture has become more popular on account of low side effects, convenience, and a great effect on general well-being. There are specific points alongside meridians known as acupoints. Acupuncture can regulate the flow of qi and blood in the meridian system by using acupoint stimulation. It regulates the disturbance of the organs' function in the body and restores their normal functions.\nThe suggested mechanisms that acupuncture affects the women's infertility include: A common sympathoinhibitory effect by increasing the blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which improves implantation conditions, and central stimulation of β-endorphin secretion, resulting in gonadotropin and steroid secretion. Acupuncture's regulatory effect on the hypothalamic–pituitary–ovarian axis may influence the ovulation, ovarian blood flow, uterine blood flow, and uterine contractions. It also helps the implantation of the embryo by reducing uterine motility.\nThere is a positive effect of acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. It has been noticed that electro-acupuncture during oocyte aspiration in IVF treatment can result in a significantly higher implantation rate and successful delivery as compared with alfentanil administration.\nAcupuncture may improve the IVF outcome, possibly by decreasing blood flow impedance and increasing the uterine blood flow, inhibiting uterine motility, reducing depression, anxiety, and stress, and modulating the immune factors, especially cytokines. Acupuncture has a beneficial effect on IVF outcome.\nReducing Stress and Anxiety\nAnxiety is a physiological response of the human body to traumatic and stressful events. Anxiety is also known as a complicating and reducing factor for fertility. A study suggested that more than 80% of women had anxiety during the duration of infertility. Anxiety may lead to a reduction in pregnancy success rates during IVF. It is very significant to relieve anxiety and increase the outcomes of IVF treatment. A few trials have suggested that acupuncture plays an important role in managing anxiety in patients with infertility without causing any serious side effects. \nAcupuncture Can Support IVF Treatment\nAcupuncture is used to support blood circulation in the uterus, to maintain implantation of the embryo, and to nourish the growth of the embryo. Also, to provide relaxing of the uterus may prevent uterine contractions, uterine bleeding, and abortion in this period. The selected points after the ET showed that have effect all of these factors. Furthermore, it is thought that modulation of the immune system can be achieved by acupuncture, which affects the production of cytokines.\nEnhancing Egg Quality and Sperm Health\n\nThe IVF success rates\n depend on the sperm and egg quality/quantity.  Acupuncture can help in increasing the quality and quantity of both eggs and sperm.  It helps in proper blood circulation to the ovaries and improves the hormonal balance.  This, in turn, helps in getting mature eggs for fertilization.  Similarly, it influences improving the sperm quality and quantity in the male partner, which helps in getting a good number of embryos for implantation.\n
\nWhen to Start Acupuncture for IVF \nIt is better to start acupuncture 2 or 3 months before starting the IVF treatment.  It is also important to look for an experienced acupuncturist who has past experience in giving treatment for infertility.  If started well in advance will boost fertility by improving the blood circulation to the reproductive organs and help in achieving a successful IVF pregnancy.\n


Yes, acupuncture supports IVF by improving blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, reducing stress levels, and helping balance hormones. 

At GarbhaGudi IVF Centre, acupuncture therapy is offered for patients undergoing IVF treatment. When performed by a trained professional, acupuncture is safe and well-tolerated.

Many patients at \nGarbhaGudi IVF Centre\n have achieved IVF Success with acupuncture therapy during IVF. It helped to manage stress, improve relaxation, and support their IVF journey. GarbhaGudi’s specialists guide couples on safe complementary therapies.

Most experts recommend starting acupuncture \na few weeks before IVF begins \nand continuing through key stages like egg retrieval and embryo transfer.

Discover how acupuncture may improve fertility, enhance blood flow, reduce stress, and support IVF treatment for better pregnancy outcomes.

Acupuncture for Fertility: How It May Boost IVF Success