TCM offers an approach to holistic healthcare rooted in time-honoured treatments and practices. One of the mainstays of TCM practices is acupuncture, and it is often used as a complementary therapy in female fertility.
Stress, diet, and lifestyle changes can affect fertility for many women and couples in Singapore. As hectic lifestyles and delayed parenthood become more commonplace, acupuncture has emerged as a natural adjunctive therapy that may enhance reproductive health and also support medical treatments such as in vitro fertilisation (IVF).
How Does Acupuncture Enhance Fertility?
The use of acupuncture to boost female fertility dates back 2000 years. From a TCM standpoint, female fertility depends on a balance of Qi and Blood ruled by the Kidney, Liver, and Spleen. A regular flow of qi is important for overall health, including reproductive function, so when this balance is thrown off, menstrual issues, hormonal imbalances, and other conditions may occur.
Acupuncture can alleviate blockages and disruptions to the reproductive system, so that the flow of blood to the female reproductive organs is enhanced, as well as regulating menstrual cycles, and rebalancing the hormones. Here are three major ways acupuncture can help with fertility:
1. Supports Blood Flow to the Uterus and Ovaries
Acupuncture treatment is thought to increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which helps to strengthen the lining of the uterus and create healthy egg development. This could result in a more conducive environment for embryo implantation.
2. Regulates Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle
Acupuncture may help balance hormones by supporting the endocrine system. Clinical studies have shown hormone levels of oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and progesterone are stabilised, a more regular menstrual cycle and optimal ovulation will occur [1].
3. Reduces Stress
Trying to conceive can be emotionally and physically stressful, and the resulting stress and anxiety could affect the menstrual cycle, along with wellbeing in general. When stress levels increase, the level of cortisol also rises and may interfere with reproductive hormones. Randomised controlled trials [2] suggest acupuncture can play a role in alleviating stress and anxiety for women.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
It is normal to feel a little nervous before your first visit to a licensed acupuncturist but do not worry. The initial consultation will involve a discussion of your medical history, lifestyle, and fertility concerns. Your acupuncturist will also examine your tongue and take your pulse, both of which are important indicators of health and diagnostic pathways in TCM.
Key Fertility Acupuncture Points
During an acupuncture session, fine needles will be inserted into some of these specific fertility points on your body. The entire procedure is painless in general, although you may feel a dull ache at the site of the insertion:
| Acupoint Name And Code | Location | Functions for Fertility |
| CV4 (Guan Yuan) 关元 | About 3 finger widths (6cm) directly below the navel. | Maintains uterine health, regulates menstrual flow, and promotes fertility. |
| ST36 (Zu San Li) 足三里 | On the front of the lower leg, a few inches (approx. 5cm) below the kneecap and slightly towards the outer shin. | Enhances blood circulation and nourishes the reproductive organs. |
| SP6 (San Yin Jiao) 三阴交 | On the inner side of the lower leg, about 4 finger widths (7.5cm) above the top of the inner ankle bone. | Regulates the menstrual cycle and enhances blood flow to the reproductive organs. |
| KI3 (Tai Xi) 太溪 | On the groove of the inner ankle, just above the heel bone. | Stimulating this point helps boost the health of eggs |
| CV3 (Zhong Ji) 中极 | About four finger widths (7.5cm) directly below your navel。 | It may help regulate blood flow to the ovaries. |
| DU20 (Bai Hui) 百會 | At the crown of the head. | Calms the mind and lowers stress, which can reduce anxiety during fertility treatments. |
Fertility Acupuncture in Singapore
The healthcare landscape of Singapore supports an integrative approach that combines modern fertility treatments with traditional TCM practices such as acupuncture. Most fertility clinics offer collaborations with TCM clinics to provide pre- and post-ovulation acupuncture to increase implantation rates in the womb. Integrated care for IVF, especially for pre- and post-embryonic transfer, is also included. Ultimately, all TCM practitioners must be registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB) under the Ministry of Health (MOH) to ensure safety and compliance.
Exploring fertility treatment options can feel overwhelming but if you are considering fertility acupuncture in Singapore , it is recommended to consult an experienced TCM practitioner who will guide you along each step on your journey to starting a family. Consult Yi TCM in Singapore where we provide holistic healthcare via the integration of Eastern and Western medical knowledge.
References
- Ko, J. H., & Kim, S. N. (2018). A Literature Review of Women’s Sex Hormone Changes by Acupuncture Treatment: Analysis of Human and Animal Studies. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2018, 3752723. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3752723
- Sniezek, D. P., & Siddiqui, I. J. (2013). Acupuncture for Treating Anxiety and Depression in Women: A Clinical Systematic Review. Medical acupuncture, 25(3), 164–172. https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2012.0900
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