Evidence-based medicine is often cited as the gold standard in healthcare, and it plays an important role in guiding treatment decisions. However, acupuncture is sometimes dismissed as a treatment option on the basis that there is “not enough evidence” to support it. At the same time, ongoing discussion within the medical community continues to highlight limitations across many areas of medical research, including variability in study quality and challenges in translating findings into real-world clinical practice.

It’s also important to remember that evidence-based practice is not based on research alone. It involves the integration of three key elements: the best available research, clinical experience, and the individual needs and preferences of the patient.

I was recently contacted by a potential client enquiring about acupuncture to support her through IVF. She was hesitant after reading that a fertility study found acupuncture to be ineffective in improving IVF birth rates.

If we look more closely at the study she was referring to, we see that participants received only three acupuncture treatments, all following a fixed protocol—a significant limitation when compared to real-world clinical practice. The paper itself acknowledges this constraint, as in clinical practice acupuncture is rarely delivered in such a limited or standardised way. Treatments are typically individualised, with variation in point selection, frequency, and overall approach depending on the person. We treat the individual, not just the condition.

The study reported a live birth rate of 18.3% in the acupuncture group. IVF success rates without acupuncture vary significantly depending on factors such as age, egg quality, and overall health. Current Australian data suggests that success rates per embryo transfer tend to decline with age, particularly over 40, where outcomes are often lower than this figure. In this context, acupuncture can offer valuable support—both physically and emotionally—particularly when used as part of a broader, integrative approach that focuses on supporting the whole person through what can be a physically and emotionally demanding process. This support can be especially valuable during IVF, where both the physical demands and emotional pressure can be significant.

Another consideration is the use of “sham acupuncture” as a control in many studies. This often involves non-insertive needles or needling away from traditional acupuncture points. However, these approaches are not inert placebos—they can still stimulate the nervous system and produce physiological effects. As a result, the difference between “true” and “sham” acupuncture may be minimised, making it harder to demonstrate clear distinctions in outcomes. Interestingly, when acupuncture is compared to no treatment or to other therapies, the differences are often more pronounced, raising important questions about the validity of sham acupuncture as a control.

Importantly, the study also noted psycho-social benefits linked to the acupuncture treatments, as reported by women undergoing IVF, including reduced stress and a greater sense of relaxation. From a physiological perspective, this shift out of a heightened stress response and into a more restorative state supports the body’s ability to regulate hormones and support overall wellbeing.

This highlights a broader issue—decisions are often made based on headlines, without fully exploring the context or limitations of the research. Chinese medicine offers a holistic approach to health, with a wide range of treatment tools that are not easily standardised for clinical trials.

When a patient comes to see us, we assess the underlying patterns contributing to their condition. While the language of Chinese medicine may sound simple—terms such as heat, cold, damp, and stagnation—these often reflect complex physiological processes that can relate to inflammation, hormonal balance, metabolic function, or stress regulation. In many ways, this mirrors what we now understand about the nervous system—how chronic stress, dysregulation, and depletion can impact multiple systems in the body at once.

How we then support patients on their journey back to optimal health is through an individualised treatment that may include:

  • A course of acupuncture, sometimes incorporating cupping, gua sha, or moxibustion, depending on the individual
  • Dietary guidance to ensure the body is receiving the nutrients it needs to function well
  • Herbal medicine where appropriate
  • Support around lifestyle factors such as sleep, movement, time in nature, and daily rhythms
  • Practices such as mindfulness or meditation to support nervous system regulation and reduce the impact of ongoing stress

Acupuncture is just one part of Chinese medicine. When used within a broader, personalised treatment approach, it can support people in many different ways.

When considering acupuncture—whether for fertility support or another health concern—it’s helpful to understand that treatment goes beyond the limited protocols often used in research settings. Chinese medicine invites us to look beyond symptoms and consider the whole person—your body, your lifestyle, and your unique experience.

For many women, the fertility journey can feel overwhelming, frustrating, and at times uncertain. Support during this time can make a meaningful difference—not only physically, but emotionally as well.

An individualised approach offers the opportunity to support your body, regulate stress, and work with your unique needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all protocol. If you’re ready to explore a more personalised approach to your health and fertility, you can book an appointment and begin supporting your body with a more personalised and meaningful approach.

Your feedback and questions are always welcome so please leave a comment below.

For further information on Chinese Medicine contact Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, Qigong and Wholefood counselling). Tania is an AHPRA registered practitioner of Chinese Medicine located in Katoomba, NSW and has spent 6 years lecturing at the Endeavour College of Natural Health Sydney campus.

The information provided on this site is for educational purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment. Remember that you are responsible for your own health and safety at all times.