What should I expect in my first acupuncture session?

The first session includes a full consultation about your symptoms, pulse and tongue diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan. The session may also include cupping, Gua Sha, or moxibustion.

Yes. When performed by a trained, licensed practitioner, acupuncture is a safe treatment with minimal side effects. All needles are sterile, single-use, and disposed of properly.

Do you offer herbal medicine?

Yes. Herbal formulas are prescribed to support the treatment plan. Herbs may help regulate hormones, boost energy, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion.

What if I am afraid of needles?

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin and not comparable to medical syringes. Many people with needle anxiety are surprised at how comfortable and gentle the experience is.

How many sessions will I need?

Results vary depending on your condition. Some feel better after one session, while others benefit most from a series of treatments. Chronic issues often need a longer treatment plan.

What are acupuncture needles and how do they work?

Acupuncture needles are ultra-fine, sterile needles inserted into specific points on the body to regulate the flow of Qi (energy). They help reduce pain, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing processes.

Is acupuncture painful?

Most patients describe acupuncture as painless or mildly uncomfortable. The needles are much thinner than those used for injections. Many people report feeling relaxed during treatment.

What are the needles doing?

Each acupuncture point influences a specific organ or system. Inserting a needle at the right depth and angle signals the body to regulate energy, release tension, and restore function. Treatments are tailored to your current condition.

What is moxibustion and what are its benefits?

Moxibustion is a heat therapy that involves burning the herb mugwort near acupuncture points. It stimulates circulation, strengthens immunity, and helps relieve cold-related pain or stiffness.

What does cupping therapy do?

Cupping creates suction on the skin using glass or silicone cups. This improves blood flow, relaxes tight muscles, and helps remove toxins. It is often used for sports recovery, chronic pain, and stress relief.

What is Gua Sha and how is it used?

Gua Sha is a scraping technique that stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage. It reduces inflammation and muscle tension and is commonly used for colds, tight shoulders, and skin issues.

What is Chinese herbal medicine?

Chinese herbal medicine uses custom plant-based formulas to treat the root cause and symptoms of illness. Herbs are prescribed based on your diagnosis and can support digestion, sleep, stress, and hormonal balance.

How does the meridian system work?

Meridians are pathways in the body where energy (Qi) flows. There are 12 primary meridians, each linked to an organ system. They connect the internal organs to the surface of the body, guiding diagnosis and treatment.

What causes Qi imbalances?

Qi can become blocked or deficient due to stress, poor sleep, poor diet, injury, or emotional strain. These imbalances can lead to pain, fatigue, digestive issues, and other symptoms.

What are Tai Chi and Qi Gong?

Tai Chi and Qi Gong are slow, meditative movement practices used in TCM to balance energy, strengthen the body, and support emotional well-being. They are often part of a full treatment plan.

How does acupuncture affect the nervous system?

Acupuncture helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a state of stress to rest. This can lower cortisol levels, improve sleep, and support digestion.

Can I combine acupuncture with Western treatments?

Yes. Acupuncture works well alongside conventional medicine and can help reduce side effects from medications or support recovery from surgery or ongoing treatments.

What conditions does the World Health Organization recognize acupuncture for?

The WHO recognizes acupuncture as effective for many conditions, including back pain, migraines, arthritis, menstrual pain, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, sciatica, allergies, and more.

Can acupuncture help with fertility?

Yes. Acupuncture helps regulate hormones, improve blood flow to reproductive organs, and support IVF treatments. It is used for both men and women trying to conceive.

How does acupuncture support mental health?

Acupuncture can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by regulating the nervous system, improving sleep, and balancing hormones. Many patients report improved emotional stability and calm.

Is facial acupuncture the same as cosmetic acupuncture?

Yes. Facial acupuncture stimulates collagen, improves circulation, and lifts the skin naturally. It is a holistic alternative to injectables and chemical treatments.

What are the benefits of facial acupuncture?

Facial acupuncture helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin tone and texture, and enhances radiance by stimulating natural collagen production.

Can acupuncture help with skin conditions?

Yes. Acne, rosacea, eczema, and other inflammatory skin conditions often improve with acupuncture by treating internal imbalances that show up on the skin.

Acupuncture protocol for IVF treatment

Feb 6

Written By Eugénie Garnier

Acupuncture can be a powerful support for those going through IVF treatment. Backed by clinical research and real-world results, acupuncture improves blood flow, balances hormones, and helps prepare the body for a successful embryo transfer. This guide explains how acupuncture supports IVF and outlines a recommended treatment schedule for both women and men.

Why Use Acupuncture During IVF?

Acupuncture is used throughout the IVF process to enhance ovarian function, improve uterine lining, and reduce physical and emotional stress. Each phase of the menstrual cycle offers an opportunity to support the body’s readiness for conception. Studies suggest that acupuncture may improve both pregnancy and live birth rates when used alongside assisted reproductive technology.

Recommended Protocol Before IVF

We recommend beginning acupuncture at least 12 weeks before your IVF cycle. This gives your body time to regulate hormones, support follicle development, and prepare for embryo implantation. Below is a sample four-session protocol aligned with the menstrual cycle:

Session 1: During the follicular phase (typically days 1–14 of your cycle)
Session 2: Around ovulation (day 14 of a normal cycle)
Session 3: During the luteal phase (after ovulation, usually lasting 12–14 days)
Session 4: During menstruation

This cycle is ideally repeated for three months prior to beginning IVF.

Acupuncture Protocol During the IVF Cycle

During the IVF process itself, timing is critical. Treatments are designed to support each phase of ovarian stimulation, retrieval, and transfer. Here’s a protocol tailored for those undergoing IVF:

Treatment 1: After the heavy flow of menstruation
Treatment 2: Before egg retrieval
Treatment 3: Immediately before embryo transfer
Treatment 4: Immediately after embryo transfer
Treatment 5: Three to five days after embryo transfer

What About Male Partners?

Acupuncture is also recommended for men preparing to conceive. Sperm takes approximately 90 days to develop, and acupuncture can improve both quality and motility. We suggest weekly acupuncture treatments for at least three months leading up to conception. Many men also find acupuncture helpful for managing stress during the fertility journey.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are just beginning IVF or are already in the process, acupuncture can support your body every step of the way. By regulating cycles, improving circulation, and calming the nervous system, it can improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy and support overall well-being.

Eugénie Garnier