How Specialist Fertility Acupuncture can Support Your IVF Journey
- Claire Thorne
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
IVF and Fertility Acupuncture Support in Somerset & Bristol
Trying to conceive through IVF can feel overwhelming — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Fertility acupuncture offers a gentle, evidence-informed way to support your body, calm your nervous system, and complement your medical treatment.
I provide specialist acupuncture for IUI, IVF, ICSI, and frozen embryo transfer (FET) across Shepton Mallet, Wells, and Clifton (Bristol) — with flexible appointments aligned to your IVF protocol.
Book a free 15-minute fertility discovery call Or schedule your first appointment https://www.houseofholistic.co.uk
How Acupuncture Supports IVF
Clinical acupuncture is increasingly used alongside assisted reproductive technologies to support both physiological and emotional wellbeing during fertility treatment.
Research suggests acupuncture may help by:
Improving uterine and ovarian blood flow
Supporting hormonal regulation via the HPO axis
Reducing stress and anxiety during IVF cycles
Counteracting some side effects of fertility medications
Supporting nervous system balance around embryo transfer
Acupuncture is used successfully as a complementary therapy alongside conventional fertility medicine — not a replacement.
Why Choose My Fertility Acupuncture Practice?
I specialise in women’s health and fertility, with:
Five years of formal training in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Membership of the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN)
Specialist Training in IVF & Women’s Health
Ongoing CPD in IVF protocols, gynaecology, and reproductive medicine
I work confidently alongside modern IVF treatment plans, including stimulation cycles, frozen transfers, progesterone support, and common add-ons.
IVF-Friendly Flexibility When Timing Matters
IVF appointments don’t always fall neatly into clinic hours.
As an independent practitioner, I offer:
Flexible scheduling, including weekends and bank holidays
Appointment timing aligned with embryo transfer windows
Home visits when clinic rooms are unavailable
Your acupuncture should support your IVF — not add stress.
Ethical, Honest & Compassionate Care
Acupuncture should never promise pregnancy. Having personally experienced miscarriage, IUI, and IVF, I understand how vulnerable this journey can feel. My approach balances:
Clinical honesty
Evidence-based care
Compassion and emotional safety
You will never receive false guarantees — only thoughtful, ethical support.
What Your Fertility Acupuncture Sessions Include
Each £60 session includes:
Individualised acupuncture treatment aligned to your IVF phase
Hormonal and nervous system regulation
Support for medication side effects
Emotional support in a calm, private setting
Following your initial consultation, you’ll receive a detailed personalised follow-up email including:
Fertility-supportive lifestyle guidance
Nutrition recommendations (where appropriate)
Stress reduction strategies tailored to IVF
Holistic Fertility Support Beyond Needles
As a trained naturopath, I integrate acupuncture with:
Evidence-informed nutrition advice
Lifestyle optimisation for fertility
Sleep and stress support
This whole-person approach supports your body during stimulation, transfer, and the waiting period.
Locations for Fertility Acupuncture
I offer IVF acupuncture at:
Shepton Mallet
Wells
Clifton, Bristol
If you’re searching for “IVF acupuncture near me” in Somerset or Bristol, you’re in the right place.
Free Fertility Call
Choosing the right practitioner matters.
I offer a free 15-minute call so you can:
Ask questions about acupuncture and IVF
Discuss your protocol and concerns
Decide if this feels like the right support for you
There’s no pressure and no obligation to continue.
Ready to Support Your IVF Journey?
You don’t have to do this alone.
Whether you’re preparing for IVF, mid-cycle, or approaching embryo transfer, fertility acupuncture can provide grounded, compassionate support when you need it most.
Book now or arrange a free call
Patient Testimonials
“Thank you Claire. Your support has been incredible. I really appreciate the wonderful work you do — and for being so flexible for me.”SP
“We had a positive pregnancy test result! Thank you so much for all of your support — it’s been absolutely invaluable throughout the process.”JW
Evidence & Clinical References
Key Research on Acupuncture & IVF
Paulus, W. E., Zhang, M., Strehler, E., El-Danasouri, I., & Sterzik, K. (2002).
Influence of acupuncture on the pregnancy rate in patients who undergo assisted reproduction therapy.
Fertility and Sterility, 77(4), 721–724.
→ One of the earliest and most cited studies showing improved pregnancy rates when acupuncture was performed around embryo transfer.
Smith, C. A., Ussher, J. M., Perz, J., Carmady, B., de Lacey, S., & Bourchier, S. (2011).
The effect of acupuncture on psychosocial outcomes for women experiencing infertility: a randomised controlled trial.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(10), 923–930.
→ Demonstrates significant reductions in anxiety and improved emotional wellbeing during fertility treatment.
Manheimer, E., Zhang, G., Udoff, L., Haramati, A., Langenberg, P., Berman, B. M., & Bouter, L. M. (2008).
Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation: systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMJ, 336(7643), 545–549.
→ Found improved clinical pregnancy rates when acupuncture was used on the day of embryo transfer.
Stener-Victorin, E., Waldenström, U., Andersson, S. A., & Wikland, M. (1996).
Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture.
Human Reproduction, 11(6), 1314–1317.
→ Shows acupuncture’s potential effect on uterine blood flow, a factor relevant to implantation.
Qu, F., Zhou, J., Ren, R. X., & Chen, Y. Q. (2012).
Effects of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(5), 429–439.
→ Suggests acupuncture may improve IVF outcomes, particularly when individualised treatment protocols are used.
Stress, Nervous System & Hormonal Regulation
Eshkevari, L., Permaul, E., & Mulroney, S. E. (2013).
Acupuncture blocks cold stress–induced increases in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis in the rat.
Journal of Endocrinology, 217(1), 95–104.
→ Supports acupuncture’s regulatory effect on the stress response (HPA axis), relevant during IVF cycles.
Domar, A. D., Clapp, D., Slawsby, E., Dusek, J., Kessel, B., & Freizinger, M. (2000).
Impact of group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women.
Fertility and Sterility, 73(4), 805–811.
→ Highlights the role of stress reduction in fertility outcomes, supporting integrative approaches such as acupuncture.
Professional Standards & Clinical Context
British Acupuncture Council (BAcC).
Acupuncture and fertility: clinical evidence and professional guidance.
Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN).
Professional training standards and safety guidelines for fertility-focused acupuncture practitioners.
Professional Memberships
Member of the Acupuncture Fertility Network (AFN)
