By Dr Sarah MacDougall, Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Womb & Fertility Massage Therapist
As a Chinese Medicine practitioner focused on fertility, I work with many women who feel confused, frustrated, or disconnected from their menstrual cycles. Whether they’re trying to conceive, managing a diagnosed condition like PCOS or endometriosis, or simply seeking more balanced cycles, acupuncture offers a holistic and evidence-informed approach.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the menstrual cycle reflects the health and harmony of key organ systems—particularly the Liver (responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood), the Spleen (which governs digestion and blood production), and the Kidneys (which store Jing, or reproductive essence). A healthy cycle indicates a smooth interplay between these systems.
Supporting Each Phase of the Cycle
Acupuncture can be tailored to support each phase of the menstrual cycle:
Menstruation (Day 1–5): Focus on moving Blood and Qi to ensure complete shedding and relieve cramps or clotting.
Follicular Phase (Day 6–13): Nourishing Blood and Yin to support healthy follicle development and endometrial lining.
Ovulation (Around Day 14): Supporting Liver Qi movement and increasing circulation to the ovaries and uterus.
Luteal Phase (Day 15–28): Boosting Yang and warming the uterus to support implantation and maintain progesterone balance.
What Does the Research Say?
Recent studies support acupuncture’s role in improving menstrual health and fertility outcomes:
A 2023 systematic review published in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that acupuncture may enhance endometrial receptivity, a key factor in successful implantation.
Another study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022) reported that acupuncture can improve ovulation rates, regulate cycles, and support hormone balance in women with PCOS.
Additionally, acupuncture is known to reduce sympathetic nervous system activity, helping to lower cortisol and support the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis—vital for hormonal rhythm.
Many of my patients notice changes within a few cycles, such as more regular periods, less PMS, improved cervical mucus, or more favourable basal body temperature (BBT) patterns. For those undergoing IVF or IUI, acupuncture can also be used as an adjunct therapy to improve outcomes, particularly when timed with transfer.
Could Acupuncture Support Your Cycle?
If you’re curious about how your cycle reflects your broader health—or you’re ready to feel more in tune with your body—acupuncture might be a valuable addition to your care. Whether you’re on a fertility journey or simply want more balance, I’d love to support you.
I’m available Mondays and Thursdays at Womb to World in Greenslopes. Feel free to book a session or schedule a free 15-minute discovery call to explore how acupuncture could help you feel more connected and supported in your cycle.