Modern Biomedical Perspective

Modern research suggests several physiological mechanisms through which acupuncture may support fertility:

Endocrine Regulation

• Acupuncture can modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, helping normalize hormonal levels (e.g., FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone).
• It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and supports ovulation.

Improved Uterine and Ovarian Blood Flow

• Acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, enhancing endometrial thickness and improving the quality of the uterine lining.

Stress Reduction

• Emotional stress can affect ovulation and implantation. Acupuncture lowers stress hormones like cortisol, promoting a more favorable physiological state for conception.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

From a TCM standpoint, infertility is often related to imbalances such as kidney deficiency, blood and qi deficiency, qi stagnation, blood stasis, dampness and phlegm accumulation, or disharmony in the Chong and Ren meridians. Acupuncture works through several key mechanisms:

Regulating Qi and Blood

• Acupuncture promotes the smooth flow of qi and blood, unblocks meridians, and improves circulation to the uterus and ovaries.
• This enhances endometrial receptivity and increases the chances of embryo implantation.

Tonifying the Kidney and Regulating Reproductive Channels

• The kidney is considered the foundation of reproductive health in TCM.
• Stimulating points along the Kidney, Ren, and Dai meridians (e.g., Guanyuan, Shenshu, Mingmen) helps support ovulation and follicular development.

Resolving Dampness and Eliminating Stasis

• For conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, acupuncture helps to clear dampness and phlegm, improving the uterine environment for conception.