Preparing for IVF in Christchurch?
Burwood Acupuncture is your centre for IVF & Fertility Support
When you’re preparing for IVF or a frozen embryo transfer (FET), every step counts. The journey can feel overwhelming, and many people wonder if there’s anything more they can do to support their chances of success. At Burwood Acupuncture, in Christchurch, we offer integrative fertility support—combining acupuncture, traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance. Research shows that these therapies can play a valuable role in supporting reproductive health, reducing stress, and improving outcomes when used alongside IVF.
Why Preparation Matters
IVF is a physically and emotionally demanding process. From ovarian stimulation through to embryo transfer, your body goes through rapid hormonal changes. Preparing in advance allows your system to adjust, build resilience, and create the best possible environment for embryo implantation. In Chinese medicine, we talk about “nourishing the soil before planting the seed.” This means supporting the body several weeks before an IVF cycle begins—optimising circulation, balancing hormones, and reducing stress.
Even if you are starting IVF soon, preparation at any stage is beneficial. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help your body adapt to the effects of medications, improve uterine blood flow, and regulate stress responses.
The Role of Acupuncture in IVF
Acupuncture has been studied extensively in relation to IVF outcomes. One of the most researched areas is acupuncture performed on the day of embryo transfer. Several clinical trials have shown that women receiving acupuncture before and after embryo transfer had higher pregnancy rates than those who did not (Paulus et al., 2002; Rashidi et al., 2020).
For example, in one randomized trial, women who received acupuncture before and after transfer had a pregnancy rate of 63.9% compared to 33.3% in the control group (Rashidi et al., 2020). Another study found that a single acupuncture session before transfer increased biochemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy rates compared to controls (Rashidi et al., 2020).
Beyond embryo transfer, acupuncture during the stimulation phase (controlled ovarian hyperstimulation) has also been shown to improve outcomes. A meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials involving over 6,000 participants found that acupuncture increased clinical pregnancy rates (Qian et al., 2017).
Acupuncture may also provide other benefits, including reducing anxiety, improving uterine blood flow, and regulating stress hormones—factors that are crucial during IVF.
The Role of Chinese Herbal Medicine
Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has a long history of supporting reproductive health. In modern research, CHM has been shown to improve IVF outcomes, especially when used in preparation for treatment.
One study looked at women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) who took a three-month course of a fertility-supporting herbal formula. Those who received CHM had higher numbers of retrieved eggs, and higher cumulative pregnancy and live birth rates compared to controls (Wang et al., 2021).
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials also found that combining CHM with IVF doubled the odds of achieving a clinical pregnancy and significantly improved ongoing pregnancy rates compared to IVF alone (Zhu et al., 2013). These results suggest that herbal medicine may help regulate hormonal balance, improve endometrial receptivity, and enhance overall fertility potential.
Reducing Stress and Supporting Emotional Health
The IVF journey can be emotionally taxing. Stress and anxiety are common, especially during the waiting periods of stimulation and transfer. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce anxiety scores during IVF treatment (Rashidi et al., 2020), and many patients describe feeling calmer, more balanced, and more supported when receiving regular treatments.
At Burwood Acupuncture, we take a holistic approach—seeing emotional well-being as central to reproductive health. By calming the nervous system and restoring balance, acupuncture and herbal medicine may help reduce the negative impact of stress on fertility outcomes.
Our IVF & FET Support Packages
To make fertility support as effective and accessible as possible, we’ve developed structured IVF and FET support packages. These programs are tailored to meet you at each stage of your journey:
Pre-IVF Preparation: Weekly acupuncture and optional herbal medicine to prepare your body before starting stimulation. We recommend starting the preparation phase at least 12 weeks out from egg retrieval.
Stimulation Phase: Acupuncture to improve circulation, support egg development, and reduce stress.
Pre- and Post-Embryo Transfer: Focused acupuncture treatments timed around transfer day to support implantation.
Early Pregnancy Support: Continued care to stabilise and strengthen the body during the first trimester.
The goal of these packages is to ensure that every stage is supported—from preparation to transfer—because timing and consistency are key.
Why We Recommend 3 Months of Preparation
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), preparing for fertility is much like nourishing the soil before planting the seed. A healthy uterine environment, abundant blood, and balanced energy (Qi) all take time to cultivate. Over the course of about three menstrual cycles, acupuncture and herbal medicine can help regulate periods, restore balance, and strengthen the body’s foundation for conception.
Modern reproductive science supports this time-frame. Egg development takes approximately 90–120 days, meaning the health of each egg is influenced by your lifestyle and well-being during the three months leading up to ovulation. Similarly, sperm takes about 74 days to fully develop. By supporting the body during this window, we can influence egg and sperm quality, improve hormone regulation, and create the best possible conditions for IVF or FET success.
This is why our support packages are designed with preparation in mind — giving your body the time it needs to be ready for the journey ahead.
Why Choose Burwood Acupuncture?
Accredited Practitioner: Registered with the Chinese Medicine Council and Acupuncture NZ.
Evidence-Based Approach: With a passion for Women’s Health, treatments are guided by both traditional practices and modern research.
Personalised Care: Every treatment is tailored to your individual needs—no two IVF journeys are the same.
Holistic Support: Combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance for comprehensive care.
Final Thoughts
IVF is a journey that requires patience, resilience, and support. Research shows that acupuncture and herbal medicine can improve pregnancy outcomes, reduce stress, and help create a receptive environment for conception. By preparing your body and mind in advance, you give yourself the best chance of success.
At Burwood Acupuncture in Christchurch, we are here to walk alongside you—offering gentle, effective, and research-supported care at every stage of your fertility journey.
👉 Explore our IVF & FET Support Packages to see how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can support your fertility journey. Not sure where to begin? Book a free 15-minute consultation and we’ll help you plan the best timeline for your needs.
References
Paulus, W., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002). Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721–724. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0015-0282(01)03273-3
Qian, Y., Xia, X., Li, T., & Feng, R. (2017). Acupuncture for in vitro fertilization: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 96(3), e2700. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000002700
Rashidi, B., et al. (2020). Effect of acupuncture on the outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer: A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 25(1), 17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32127151
Wang, X., et al. (2021). Effects of Chinese herbal medicine in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing IVF: A retrospective cohort study. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 747925. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.747925
Zhu, Y., Huang, Y., & Pan, Y. (2013). Chinese herbal medicine for infertility with IVF: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/363476
