IVF Acupuncture Melbourne
Structured, experienced support for every stage of your IVF journey — Moonee Ponds & Melbourne inner north.
IVF is not just a medical process. It takes up space in your days, your energy, your sleep, and your sense of control. You are doing something that requires more of you than most people ever understand.
At Qi Medicine in Moonee Ponds, we provide individualised acupuncture care specifically designed to work alongside your fertility specialist — supporting your overall health and wellbeing at every stage of IVF treatment ( Read more about our fertility experts here).
Our practitioners are registered Chinese medicine practitioners with advanced training in fertility support. We are here to provide steady, evidence-informed care and to make this process feel a little less like you are doing it alone.
Why People Choose Acupuncture During IVF
Many women who come to us for IVF acupuncture in Melbourne are not here because someone told them they had to be. They come because they want to feel actively involved in supporting their body — not just waiting for outcomes.
Research into acupuncture as a complementary therapy during IVF is ongoing, and results across studies are mixed. Some research suggests acupuncture may support stress reduction, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing during fertility treatment.1,2,3 Because of this, acupuncture is best understood as a supportive therapy used alongside appropriate medical care — not as a standalone treatment for fertility (Find out more about how we support fertility here).
In our clinical experience, patients who receive regular acupuncture throughout their IVF cycle frequently report feeling calmer, better able to manage uncertainty, and more grounded throughout the process.
Acupuncture during IVF is not about doing more. It is about feeling supported while your body does the work.
IVF Acupuncture Support at Every Stage
We provide structured care that moves with your IVF cycle. From initial preparation through to the two-week wait, each phase of treatment is tailored to where you are and what you need.
Before IVF: Building a Strong Foundation
Beginning acupuncture in the months prior to IVF gives your body time to respond and allows us to get to know you before the demands of a stimulation cycle begin.
During this preparation phase, we focus on supporting menstrual cycle regularity, improving sleep quality and energy, addressing stress and anxiety, and promoting overall digestive and systemic health. Many patients tell us this is when the shift happens — from feeling overwhelmed to feeling ready.
During Ovarian Stimulation
Ovarian stimulation places real physical and emotional demands on your body. Bloating, mood shifts, fatigue, and heightened anxiety are common.
Acupuncture during this phase is aimed at supporting nervous system regulation and relaxation, and helping you feel more comfortable as your body responds to medication. Treatment is adjusted based on how you are feeling throughout each week of your cycle.
Acupuncture Around Embryo Transfer — Before and After
This is one of the most significant moments in an IVF cycle, and one of the most common times patients seek acupuncture support.
We schedule acupuncture sessions before and after embryo transfer with the aim of supporting relaxation and helping you feel calm and grounded at this important time. Our practitioners draw on established clinical frameworks — including the Paulus protocol1 — while tailoring each treatment to the individual.
Acupuncture before and after embryo transfer is not about influencing an outcome we cannot control. It is about making sure that on the day of transfer, you feel as supported as possible.
The Two-Week Wait
The period after embryo transfer can be one of the most emotionally intense experiences of the IVF process. The uncertainty is real and the waiting is hard (Read our blog post on how to support yourself during the two week wait here)
Acupuncture during the two-week wait is less about doing more, and more about having somewhere consistent to come for support — a space that is steady, quiet, and entirely focused on you. We help regulate the stress response and offer continuity of care while you wait.
Experienced IVF Acupuncture Practitioners in Melbourne
All Qi Medicine practitioners are fully qualified Chinese medicine practitioners registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Registration can be verified via the AHPRA public register.
Our practitioners are members of:
- Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association (AACMA)
- Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA)
Each practitioner has undertaken further specialist training in fertility support and IVF acupuncture, and regularly works with patients undergoing assisted reproductive treatment (ART). We stay current with evolving research in this field and practice within evidence-informed guidelines.
Our Approach to IVF Support
At Qi Medicine, care is structured, proactive, and clear. We know that when you are navigating IVF, the last thing you need is vague advice or a plan that does not align with your timeline ( Listen to our podcast on fertility acupuncture here).
From your first appointment, we take time to understand your full reproductive history, your current IVF stage, your medications, and what matters most to you right now. You leave with a clear treatment plan aligned to your cycle dates, and specific guidance on frequency and what to expect at each stage.
We work collaboratively alongside your fertility specialist and fertility clinic. If coordination between your healthcare team would be helpful, we are happy to support that.
We also recognise that IVF requires emotional resilience that goes well beyond the physical. Grief, hope, uncertainty, and exhaustion can all exist in the same week. Our role is to provide care that meets you where you are — not where we think you should be.
What the Research Says About Acupuncture and IVF
The evidence base for acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF continues to evolve. We believe it is important to be transparent with our patients about what research currently shows.
The landmark Paulus et al. (2002) prospective randomised study1 first investigated acupuncture administered before and after embryo transfer using a standardised point protocol. The Manheimer et al. (2008) systematic review and meta-analysis in the BMJ3 examined results across multiple trials and found evidence for acupuncture’s potential effect on clinical pregnancy rates, with mixed results across studies.
The Smith et al. (2018) randomised controlled trial published in JAMA2 is one of the largest and most rigorously designed studies to date. It found no statistically significant difference in live birth rates between acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups, highlighting the complexity of this research area.
Taken together, this body of research supports the position that acupuncture is a complementary supportive therapy during IVF — not a primary fertility treatment. At Qi Medicine, we follow this evidence-informed approach: honest, grounded care that works alongside your broader healthcare team.
We will always be transparent about what evidence supports and what it does not. We believe informed patients make better decisions for themselves.
Who This Care Is For
Our IVF acupunc
ture care is suited to women who want a proactive, structured approach to supporting their wellbeing during fertility treatment. It is particularly relevant for women who:
- Are already working with a fertility specialist or fertility clinic in Melbourne
- Want consistent, experienced care across the full IVF cycle
- Are seeking support for stress, sleep, and emotional wellbeing during IVF
- Value clear guidance and want to understand their treatment plan
- Have experienced previous unsuccessful IVF cycles and want additional support
Many of our patients are used to being in control in other areas of their lives. IVF has a way of removing that control. We help you find the parts you can actively support — and hold space for the parts you cannot.
IVF Acupuncture Melbourne — Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start acupuncture for IVF?
Ideally, acupuncture can begin in the months leading up to your IVF cycle — many practitioners recommend starting 8–12 weeks before stimulation begins. This gives your body time to respond and allows us to tailor a plan around your specific cycle and health history.
That said, it is beneficial to start at any stage: during stimulation, around embryo transfer, or during the two-week wait. Your treatment plan will always be adapted to where you are right now.
How often should I have acupuncture during IVF?
Frequency varies depending on your stage and individual needs. Many patients attend once per week in the lead-up to their IVF cycle, with additional sessions scheduled around key points such as ovarian stimulation and embryo transfer.
At your first appointment, we provide a clear frequency recommendation based on your timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
Does acupuncture improve IVF success rates?
Research in this area shows mixed results, and acupuncture is not considered a treatment for infertility in its own right. Some studies suggest acupuncture may support relaxation and improve the overall experience of IVF. At Qi Medicine, acupuncture is always provided as supportive care — working alongside your fertility specialist, not replacing them.
Should I have acupuncture before and after embryo transfer?
Many patients choose to include acupuncture both before and after embryo transfer as part of their IVF support plan. This approach is based on established clinical protocols and focuses on supporting relaxation and nervous system regulation at this key moment in the cycle. We tailor timing and treatment to your individual preferences and cycle schedule.
Is acupuncture safe during IVF?
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified, registered practitioner. All Qi Medicine practitioners are registered with AHPRA and adhere to strict clinical safety, hygiene, and infection control standards. All treatments are adapted to your current stage of IVF and individual health needs.
Can acupuncture help with IVF stress and anxiety?
Many patients find acupuncture a helpful tool for managing the emotional and physical demands of IVF. Acupuncture may support relaxation, improve sleep quality, and help regulate the nervous system during treatment. Individual responses vary, and we always approach care on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need a referral to see an IVF acupuncturist in Melbourne?
No referral is required. You are welcome to book directly, and we are happy to work alongside your fertility clinic or specialist if coordination would be useful.
Can I have acupuncture during the two-week wait?
Yes. Acupuncture during the two-week wait focuses on nervous system support, emotional wellbeing, and providing a consistent, grounded space for care while you wait for results.
Does private health insurance cover IVF acupuncture in Melbourne?
Acupuncture is not covered by Medicare. Many private health insurance funds provide rebates for acupuncture when provided by a registered practitioner — we recommend checking your level of extras cover. All Qi Medicine practitioners are registered with AHPRA and with relevant professional associations, which most funds recognise.
IVF Acupuncture — Moonee Ponds & Melbourne Inner North
Qi Medicine is located in Moonee Ponds, in Melbourne’s inner north. We regularly see patients travelling from:
- Essendon and Essendon North
- Ascot Vale and Flemington
- Brunswick and Brunswick West
- Coburg and Coburg North
- Glenroy and Pascoe Vale
- Maribyrnong and Footscray
- Travancore and Aberfeldie
If you are searching for IVF acupuncture in Melbourne and want experienced, structured care close to home, we would love to hear from you.
Book Your IVF Acupuncture Appointment
If you are preparing for IVF, currently in a cycle, or have been through an unsuccessful cycle and are thinking about what support might look like next time — we are here.
You do not have to navigate this alone.
Book online or call our Moonee Ponds clinic on (03) 8394 7665 to speak with a practitioner about where to start.
References
The following peer-reviewed studies are cited on this page. Acupuncture at Qi Medicine is provided as a supportive, complementary therapy. It is not represented as a primary treatment for infertility. Research is cited to assist informed decision-making in line with evidence-informed practice.
- Paulus WE, Zhang M, Strehler E, El-Danasouri I, Sterzik K. Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy. Fertility and Sterility. 2002;77(4):721–724. doi: 10.1016/S0015-0282(01)03273-3
- Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, Ratcliffe J, Norman RJ, Johnson NP, et al. Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2018;319(19):1990–1998. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.5336
- Manheimer E, Zhang G, Udoff L, Haramati A, Langenberg P, Berman BM, Bouter LM. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ. 2008;336(7643):545–549. doi: 10.1136/bmj.39471.430451.BE