When Is the Best Time to Have Acupuncture for Fertility?
Are you thinking of having acupuncture for fertility but unsure when the right phase of your menstrual cycle is to get the most benefit?
Acupuncture for fertility can be helpful during all four phases of the menstrual cycle. It may support hormonal regulation, improve blood flow to the uterus, aid implantation, and reduce stress and anxiety.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), regardless of the diagnosis being treated, the goal is always to restore balance in the body—bringing yin and yang into harmony and ensuring that qi and blood flow freely throughout the body and organs. When this balance is disrupted, it can contribute to conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, or pelvic inflammatory disease.
Let’s look at the four phases of the menstrual cycle and how acupuncture for fertility can support each one.
Phase 1 – Menstruation (Days 1–7)
Menstruation marks the start of the yin phase in TCM and is seen as the movement of qi and blood as the uterine lining sheds.
The smooth flow of menstrual blood is vital to prepare the uterus for potential implantation later in the cycle. TCM practitioners observe:
Length and regularity of your cycle
Volume and colour of menstrual blood
Presence of clots
These signs help diagnose patterns such as blood or yin deficiency, qi stagnation, or excess heat.
During this phase, acupuncture may help to:
Regulate the cycle
Reduce pain and heavy bleeding
Support the rebuilding of yin
Address deficiencies or excesses through tailored point selection
Phase 2 – Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)
Following menstruation, yin continues to grow, and oestrogen rises. The pituitary gland produces FSH and LH to stimulate follicle development, while the endometrial lining begins to regenerate.
Yin plays a key role in:
Developing a healthy follicle and egg
Producing cervical mucus
Supporting ovulation
If yin or blood deficiency is present, ovulation may be delayed, and cycles may become longer.
During this phase, acupuncture can be used to:
Nourish yin and kidney energy
Clear heat
Improve qi and blood flow to the uterus
Encourage development of the endometrial lining
Moxibustion may also be used to gently warm the uterus.
Phase 3 – Ovulation (Days 14–15)
Ovulation is the peak of the yin phase as it transitions into yang. The LH surge causes the dominant follicle to release the egg into the fallopian tube.
The uterine lining is thick, cervical mucus dries up, and the body enters a warmer, more yang state.
In TCM, the heart governs the Bao Mai, the channel connecting the heart and uterus. A calm heart helps keep the uterus open and receptive to fertilisation.
You can read more about the Bao Mai here:
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Acupuncture during this phase can:
Support the yin–yang transition
Promote smooth flow of qi to move the egg
Regulate the heart and reduce anxiety
Boost yang to prepare for implantation
Moxibustion may also be applied at this stage to enhance warmth.
Phase 4 – Luteal Phase (Days 16–28)
After ovulation, the corpus luteum releases progesterone and oestrogen to stabilise and thicken the uterine lining.
If implantation occurs, progesterone production continues, supported by hCG until the placenta takes over. If fertilisation doesn’t occur, hormone levels drop, and the cycle begins again.
In TCM, this is the yang phase, where warmth and nourishment are essential to support implantation and early pregnancy.
Acupuncture during this phase can:
Support implantation and warm the uterus
Calm the mind and reduce stress during the two-week wait
Maintain yang to provide a nurturing environment
Safely support early pregnancy (when delivered by a qualified practitioner—note that certain points are contraindicated)
So, When Is the Best Time?
As you can see, acupuncture for fertility is beneficial during all four phases of your cycle.
To optimise results, we recommend weekly acupuncture for at least 3 full menstrual cycles, as acupuncture has a cumulative effect. Each session builds upon the last, helping to restore balance and support fertility.
We personalise your treatment based on your signs, symptoms, and TCM diagnosis, adjusting for each cycle phase as needed.
If you’d like to learn more about how acupuncture can support your fertility journey, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Note: While this blog refers to a 28-day cycle, cycles ranging from 25 to 35 days are completely normal.
Reference
Lyttleton, J. (2016). Treatment of Infertility with Chinese Medicine (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone Elsevier.
