Acupuncture for Natural Fertility Support in Fort Lauderdale
- eduardovelascovali
- 2 minutes ago
- 5 min read
How traditional wisdom and modern research work together at Soul Acupuncture & Herbal
Trying to conceive can be joyful, confusing, and stressful all at once. If you’re exploring natural ways to support fertility or planning an IVF/IUI cycle, acupuncture can be a gentle, evidence-informed ally. Below, we answer the most common questions we hear from trying-to-conceive (TTC) individuals and couples in Broward County, and explain how our integrative approach pairs time-honored methods with modern reproductive care.
Quick take: Research suggests acupuncture may improve factors that matter for conception—such as uterine blood flow, endometrial receptivity, hormone milieu, and stress response—and, in some studies, is associated with higher clinical pregnancy and live-birth rates, especially when delivered as a series and timed around assisted reproduction. Acupuncture does not replace medical care, but it can complement it.
Q1) Does acupuncture really help with fertility?
Short answer: It can. Multiple randomized trials and systematic reviews report positive signals for outcomes like clinical pregnancy, implantation, and live birth—particularly when acupuncture is used as a series of treatments and coordinated with embryo transfer days. Other reviews show improvements in hormone profiles and ovarian/environmental factors even when pregnancy outcomes are mixed. In plain language: acupuncture appears to make the body more welcoming to conception, and sometimes that translates into higher success rates.
What this can mean for you:
Better blood flow to the uterus and ovaries
Calmer stress response during a vulnerable chapter
Support for cycle regularity and endometrial lining
A complementary edge alongside IVF, IUI, or timed intercourse
Q2) How does acupuncture support reproductive health, biologically?
Acupuncture gently stimulates neural pathways that influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, the body’s hormonal command center. That can help with:
Vascular effects: Improved uterine and ovarian blood flow
Endocrine balance: More favorable FSH/LH/E2 dynamics and cycle regulation
Endometrial receptivity: A “friendlier” lining for implantation
Stress modulation: Down-shifting sympathetic tone; easing cortisol-related disruption
Q3) Who may benefit?
We regularly support:
TTC individuals and couples preparing for IVF/IUI/egg freezing
Those seeking natural conception with cycle support
People navigating PCOS, subclinical thyroid imbalance, luteal phase issues, or unexplained infertility
Clients managing the emotional load—sleep, mood, and anxiety—while trying to conceive
Important: Acupuncture cannot open blocked fallopian tubes or replace surgical care when mechanical issues prevent conception. We’ll always be honest about where acupuncture helps most.
Q4) When should I start? And how many sessions do I need?
Think of acupuncture like physical therapy: it’s process-oriented. Most clients start 8–12 weeks before actively trying or before an IVF/IUI cycle. A common rhythm is 1–2 visits per week, with timing adjusted to your cycle phases.
For IVF/IUI: We often recommend a build-up phase (several sessions in the weeks prior) plus sessions shortly before and after embryo transfer. If pregnancy is achieved, some continue through week 12 to support early pregnancy well-being.
Q5) What does a fertility acupuncture plan look like at our clinic?
First visit (60–75 min):
Comprehensive intake (medical history, cycle map, labs if available)
Pulse and tongue assessment from Chinese medicine; review of stress, sleep, and nutrition
A relaxing needling session with ultra-thin, sterile, single-use needles
Follow-ups (Usually 60 min):
Session cadence tailored to your cycle and/or treatment calendar
Gentle body points; sometimes ear points for calming the nervous system
Integrative guidance: breathwork, sleep hygiene, nutrition basics, and herbal options where appropriate
Q6) Is it safe? Any points to avoid?
In trained hands, acupuncture is generally very safe. Mild, temporary effects (tiny bruise, brief heaviness) can happen. In early pregnancy or when pregnancy is suspected, we avoid specific classical points and the lower abdomen. Your safety plan is customized based on where you are in your cycle or treatment.
Q7) What if my fertility specialist is cautious about acupuncture?
We welcome collaboration. Our practitioners happily align with your OB/GYN or REI’s plan. Many local clinics encourage supportive care to help with stress, sleep, and overall readiness.
What the research suggests (in plain language)
Meta-analyses of randomized trials:
When compared with no acupuncture or sham, groups receiving true acupuncture showed higher clinical pregnancy and live-birth rates in several pooled analyses.
Dosage and timing matter:
More treatments and sessions placed before and on embryo transfer day are linked with better outcomes in some reviews.
Ovarian function & lining:
In populations with diminished ovarian response, studies report improvements in oocyte yield, endometrial thickness, antral follicle count, and sex-hormone profiles; pregnancy outcomes vary by protocol quality and study design.
Safety:
No increase in miscarriage rates attributable to acupuncture has been found in several reviews. As with any modality, practitioner training is key.
Translation: acupuncture appears to optimize multiple “inputs” for conception. For many clients, it’s a calming, body-positive way to support the medical plan.
Our Fort Lauderdale team
Meg Frodel, AP, LAc, HHC
Acupuncture Physician • Licensed Acupuncturist • Holistic Health Counselor
Meg’s path to integrative medicine began with overcoming a serious neurological challenge as a teenager. Over the years she has taught and practiced cranio-sacral unwinding, medical qigong, yoga, meditation, and food energetics. She directed corporate wellness in NYC for a decade, then trained deeply in Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine and pulse diagnosis, treating thousands of complex cases.
Eduardo Velasco Valido, AP, LAc, PT (Spain)
Acupuncture Physician • Licensed Acupuncturist • Physiotherapist (Spain)
Eduardo blends physiotherapy, Thai medical massage, and Chinese medicine into a uniquely effective style. Trained across Europe and Asia—including years of study in Thailand—and holding a Master’s in Acupuncture & Eastern Medicine (OCOM, Portland), he refined high-volume clinical skills under renowned herbalist Bob Doane.
Where we practice: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Who we serve: TTC individuals and couples across Broward, Miami, & Palm Beach counties
“Soul Acupuncture & Herbal serves the greater Fort Lauderdale community, including nearby neighborhoods like Wilton Manors, Victoria Park, and Coral Ridge. Many clients travel from Miami and Palm Beach County for specialized support.”
What to do next
Book a Fertility Intake 8–12 weeks before trying or your IVF/IUI start date.
Bring your labs (AMH, FSH/LH, thyroid, semen analysis) and cycle details.
We’ll co-design a plan around your calendar, stress level, and goals.
We’re honored to walk alongside you—gently, clearly, and with heart.
Friendly FAQs
Will it hurt?
Most people feel a soft tap or dull “ahh” sensation that fades into deep relaxation.
Do you use herbs?
Yes, we do. We tailor formulas thoughtfully, and we’ll always coordinate with your physician’s medications.
Can my partner come?
Yes. We often support both partners (stress relief, sleep, sperm health basics).
References & Further Reading
Quan et al., Frontiers in Endocrinology (2022) – Meta-analysis of 27 RCTs
Wang et al., Frontiers in Endocrinology (2023) – Systematic review on poor ovarian response
Xu et al., Frontiers in Endocrinology (2019) – Mechanistic overview
Hullender Rubin et al., Reproductive BioMedicine Online (2019) – IVF adjuvant acupuncture review