Acupuncture for Fertility: Support Through Every Step of the Journey

Fertility treatment is a deeply personal experience—one that can bring up hope, uncertainty, resilience, and everything in between. At Āurum Acupuncture in Memphis, we offer evidence-based, whole-person care to support patients through every phase of the fertility process. Whether you’re just beginning, prepping for retrieval, or navigating the emotional intensity of transfer day, acupuncture can play a powerful role in both physiological outcomes and emotional well-being.

🥚 Before and During Egg Retrieval

In the weeks leading up to retrieval, acupuncture supports the body in preparing for ovarian stimulation. It helps optimize blood flow to the ovaries, which may improve follicular development and oocyte quality. By regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, acupuncture helps stabilize hormone signaling and may reduce side effects of fertility medications.

📚 A study published in Gynecological Endocrinology (2011) found that acupuncture during ovarian stimulation improved the number of retrieved oocytes and embryo quality in women undergoing IVF (PubMed).

🤍 Embryo Transfer & Implantation Support

Transfer day can feel like everything is riding on one moment. Acupuncture around this time can help relax the uterus, increase endometrial receptivity, and modulate the immune response to support implantation. It also helps calm the nervous system, lowering cortisol levels and promoting parasympathetic activity—key for allowing the body to move into a receptive state.

📚 In one of the most cited studies on the subject, Paulus et al. (2002) found that IVF patients who received acupuncture before and after embryo transfer had significantly higher pregnancy rates compared to those who did not (PubMed).

🌀 Emotional Support & Cycle Monitoring

Between appointments, blood draws, and two-week waits, fertility treatment can feel like a full-time job. Regular acupuncture sessions provide a rhythmic point of grounding, where patients can process what’s happening, ask questions, and receive care that’s as much for the nervous system as it is for the reproductive system.

We’ve been there. One of the most valuable things you’ll find at Āurum Acupuncture is someone who understands this process intimately—someone you can ask about cervical mucus, transfer timing, lining thickness, or how to breathe when the wait feels unbearable. You don’t have to go through it alone.

🌱 Ongoing Cycle Support & Beyond

We continue to support patients during the luteal phase, the early weeks of pregnancy (if achieved), or in preparing for the next cycle with a sense of resilience. Acupuncture has also been shown to support progesterone levels, reduce inflammation, and regulate the immune system—all important factors in sustaining pregnancy.

📚 A meta-analysis in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (2019) concluded that acupuncture can enhance IVF outcomes and also reduce anxiety and depression in patients undergoing fertility treatment (PubMed).

At Aurum, You’re More Than Just a Protocol

We take an integrative, trauma-informed approach to care—combining the wisdom of Chinese medicine with the practical knowledge of modern fertility protocols. Whether you’re trying naturally or navigating advanced reproductive technology, we meet you where you are.

We’re here to help your body feel safer, stronger, and more supported—no matter where you are on your path to parenthood.

Ready to start? Let’s build a care plan that supports your fertility, your health, and your peace of mind. 🖋️ Book your fertility consultation today

How Does Eastern Medicine View Western Medical Interventions? (A note from our founder...)

When I meet my patients, it is often when they have exhausted all other options for their condition. Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine are typically considered last-resort treatments for ailments such as chronic pain, stress, and digestive disorders. As a result, I frequently hear stories from patients who have "tried everything," including medical procedures and medications such as pain relievers, IBS medications, and biologics. By the time they reach my clinic, they are often frustrated and looking for an alternative solution—one that may offer relief where conventional treatments have failed.

A common misconception is that holistic providers, including practitioners of Eastern Medicine, are opposed to Western medical interventions. This could not be further from the truth. In fact, this misunderstanding may prevent people from seeking treatments that could significantly improve their health, especially if Eastern Medicine had been integrated earlier in their care plan.

While I do not claim to be an expert in every facet of both Eastern and Western medicine, I have observed firsthand that when these approaches are used together, patient outcomes improve significantly. Allopathic medicine (commonly referred to as Western medicine) plays a crucial role in emergency care and in managing acute symptoms effectively. It excels in situations requiring immediate intervention, such as trauma, infections, and pain relief. However, when it comes to long-term health management, a more holistic approach may provide additional benefits.

Research supports the integration of Eastern and Western medicine. For example, a study published in The Journal of Pain (2018) found that acupuncture significantly reduces chronic pain conditions, including osteoarthritis and lower back pain, when used alongside conventional medical treatments. Additionally, a meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine(2017) reported that acupuncture is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of migraines, providing an alternative or complementary option for patients relying on pharmaceutical treatments.

Furthermore, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes treating the root cause of illness rather than just the symptoms. This contrasts with many Western interventions, which often focus on symptom management rather than long-term healing. A study in Integrative Cancer Therapies (2019) highlighted that cancer patients who received acupuncture and herbal medicine alongside chemotherapy experienced fewer side effects and improved quality of life compared to those who only received standard chemotherapy treatments.

It is important to acknowledge that Western medicine has made remarkable advancements in life-saving procedures and pharmaceutical innovations. However, integrating Eastern Medicine into patient care may reduce dependence on medications, minimize side effects, and support the body's natural healing processes. The key is balance—leveraging the strengths of both approaches to optimize patient health and well-being.

Ultimately, my goal as a practitioner of Eastern Medicine is not to replace Western medical interventions but to complement them. A collaborative approach that respects the strengths of both systems has the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance quality of life, and create a more comprehensive and effective healthcare experience!

Spring Awakening: Harnessing the Power of the Wood Element in TCM

Spring is a time of renewal, growth, and expansion. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this season corresponds to the Wood element, which governs the Liver and Gallbladder. Understanding the Wood element and aligning with its energy can help us thrive during this vibrant season.

The Wood Element and Spring
In TCM, each season is linked to one of the Five Elements, and Wood is associated with spring. Just as trees and plants push upward and outward after winter dormancy, our bodies and minds also seek movement, flexibility, and new beginnings.

Wood represents growth, vision, and adaptability. When our Wood element is in balance, we feel motivated, creative, and resilient. However, if the Wood energy is stagnant or excessive, we may experience frustration, irritability, digestive discomfort, or tension in the muscles and tendons.

The Liver and Gallbladder: Spring’s Governing Organs
The Liver and Gallbladder are the primary organs connected to the Wood element. The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body, while the Gallbladder supports decision-making and courage. When these organs function well, we experience emotional clarity, smooth digestion, and physical flexibility.

However, stress, poor diet, and lack of movement can cause Liver Qi stagnation, leading to symptoms such as:

• Irritability and mood swings

• Eye strain or blurry vision

• Headaches, especially on the sides of the head

• Digestive disturbances, such as bloating or acid reflux

• Muscle stiffness and tension

Understanding the Liver and Gallbladder in TCM vs. Western Medicine
In TCM, the Liver and Gallbladder are understood as energetic systems rather than just physical organs. While the Liver in Western medicine is primarily responsible for detoxification and metabolic functions, in TCM, it is seen as the organ that regulates the flow of Qi and emotions. Similarly, the Gallbladder in Western medicine helps store and release bile, while in TCM, it is linked to decision-making, courage, and the ability to take action.

These TCM organ systems encompass a broader physiological and emotional role, meaning that symptoms related to the Liver or Gallbladder in TCM may not necessarily indicate dysfunction in the physical organs from a Western medical perspective. Instead, they represent energetic imbalances that can be addressed through diet, lifestyle, acupuncture, and herbal medicine.

How to Align with Spring’s Energy
To stay in harmony with the Wood element, consider these practices:
1. Eat Seasonally
Support your Liver by consuming light, fresh, and green foods. Leafy greens, sprouts, citrus fruits, and sour flavors help detoxify and invigorate the body. Reduce heavy, greasy, or overly processed foods that can burden the Liver.
2. Move Your Body
Stretching, yoga, walking, and outdoor activities help release stagnant Liver Qi. Engage in exercises that promote flexibility and circulation.
3. Practice Emotional Release
Spring is a great time to release pent-up emotions. Journaling, breathwork, and acupuncture can help clear emotional blockages and promote a sense of ease.
4. Spend Time in Nature
Connect with the Wood element by surrounding yourself with greenery. Walk in the woods, garden, or simply open your windows to let in fresh air.
5. Cleanse and Declutter
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also for your mind and body. Consider a gentle detox with herbal teas, plenty of water, and mindfulness practices to let go of what no longer serves you.
6. Get Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps balance Liver Qi, relieve stress, and support overall well-being. It’s especially beneficial in spring to encourage a smooth transition into the season.

By aligning with the energy of spring and the Wood element, you can cultivate vitality, clarity, and a sense of renewal. Embrace the season’s opportunities for growth, and enjoy the fresh start that spring offers!