At Luna Acupuncture, we understand that going through IVF is both a physical and emotional journey. Many patients seek natural, integrative therapies to ease the stress, improve transfer outcomes, and support their well-being. We often find our patients incorporating many supportive modalities to support them through this process, inducing acupuncture.
A new study published in Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health (2025) offers fresh insight. The research looked at how Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (WS‑TCM)—which includes acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, auricular therapy, and lifestyle guidance—impacted women going through IVF. The results were exciting: patients experienced significant reductions in pain, stress, and anxiety with each treatment.
This retrospective study Retrospective chart review (Jan 2019–Dec 2022) at University Hospitals Connor Whole Health integrated with a large IVF center . Participants included 146 female patients, mean age ~35.8 years (range 27–48); 79.5% White, 26.7% had a mental health diagnosis (most commonly anxiety disorder at 20.5%) . Of these patients received WS‑TCM during 202 embryo transfers (82.7% frozen), totaling 1,896 treatments.
Areas of Support:
Acupuncture acts as an adjuvant analgesia during oocyte retrieval (effect sizes similar), and conventional pain relief settings.
Acupuncture supports the anxiety and stress often associated with IVF
Intervention Details:
Most patients received median 4 treatments per transfer (range 1–42).
Treatment timing:
- Pre-transfer: 64.9% of transfers
- Day-of-transfer: 88.6%
- Post-transfer: 32.2%
Components included acupuncture (avg 19 needles), stainless steel ear seeds (89%), TDP lamp (83%), auricular points (54%), electro-acupuncture (30%), and cupping (4.6%). Standardized protocols like KD3, ST36, LIV3, SP6, R6 used frequently.
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) measured via 0–10 numeric rating scales (NRS) for pain, stress, anxiety—collected pre and post each treatment when baseline score ≥1.
Baseline averages: Pain 2.71; Stress 3.32; Anxiety 3.60 (all mild, < 4).
Single-treatment mean reductions were clinically significant:
- Pain: −1.38 (95% CI: −1.70, −1.07)
- Stress: −2.11 (95% CI: −2.47, −1.74)
- Anxiety: −2.22 (95% CI: −2.63, −1.81)
Comparison to Other Therapies
1. Acupuncture Alone vs. WS‑TCM
- Acupuncture alone helps calm the nervous system and improves blood flow to the uterus.
- WS‑TCM adds herbal strategies, auricular points, and tailored care for digestion, sleep, and emotional health.
- Study Insight: Patients receiving WS‑TCM had an average drop of 2+ points in anxiety and stress per session—greater than typical acupuncture-only studies.
2. Yoga and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
- These mind-body practices reduce anxiety and improve mood. Studies show MBSR programs can lower anxiety scores by ~0.5–1 point.
- However, they require ongoing self-practice and may take weeks to see effects.
- TCM Benefit: Immediate symptom relief per session, with stronger effect sizes in research.
3. Massage, Reflexology & Music Therapy
- These therapies are relaxing but often lack strong clinical evidence for IVF-related outcomes.
- WS‑TCM, on the other hand, is both hands-on and deeply rooted in individualized treatment plans that address fertility-specific patterns.
4. CBT and Fertility Counseling
- Psychotherapy is excellent for long-term emotional support and coping strategies.
- It complements—but doesn’t replace—the physical support acupuncture offers (e.g., stress relief, blood flow, uterine receptivity).
Why Chinese Medicine May Be the Best Foundation
Whole Systems TCM offers a complete fertility-support plan—physical, mental, and emotional. Its flexibility and proven ability to reduce stress and pain make it a strong candidate to support your integrative fertility care.
Ready to build your IVF support plan? Book a consult at Luna Acupuncture and let’s design care that’s rooted in evidence and tailored to your needs.
Call or Text 480.426.9251
*Lu R, Rodgers‑Melnick SN, Flyckt R, Kim ST, Srinivasan R, Dusek JA, Kaiser CM. Clinical Delivery of Whole Systems Traditional Chinese Medicine and Impacts Upon Patient‑Reported Outcomes During IVF. Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health. June 2025;14. doi:10.1177/27536130251349116.
Read the full text: PubMed Central (PMC): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40475372/
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