Fertility & IVF Support
Whether you're trying to conceive naturally, preparing for IVF, or recovering from loss — Chinese medicine offers a deeply supportive, evidence-informed complement to your fertility journey. Dr Christine Shen (Acupuncturist) has specialised in fertility acupuncture and integrative reproductive care.
Natural Conception Support
True fertility is not just the absence of pathology — it is a positive state of vitality, hormonal harmony and reproductive readiness that Chinese medicine has sophisticated tools to cultivate. When couples struggle to conceive despite "normal" results, Chinese medicine can identify functional imbalances that conventional testing doesn't capture.
Dr Shen works with couples over a minimum 3-month preparation phase — the time it takes for both sperm and oocytes to mature through their developmental cycles. This window is a powerful opportunity to optimise reproductive function from within.
We treat causes across the full spectrum: unexplained infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, premature ovarian insufficiency, thin endometrium, recurrent miscarriage, poor sperm parameters, and fertility challenges associated with age or previous cancer treatment.
IVF & ART Support
Dr Shen works alongside your IVF clinic to time acupuncture and herbal support precisely with your treatment protocol. The goal: the best possible eggs, the best possible sperm, and the most receptive uterine environment for implantation.
The most impactful phase. Herbal medicine and acupuncture work on oocyte quality before they enter the 90-day maturation cycle, improving mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress.
Acupuncture supports follicular development, reduces hyperstimulation risk and promotes calm nervous system regulation during the intensity of stimulation.
The pre- and post-transfer acupuncture protocol is one of the most researched applications of acupuncture in fertility medicine. We schedule sessions immediately before and after transfer.
The two-week wait can be emotionally demanding. Acupuncture supports early implantation, reduces progesterone side effects and provides genuine emotional regulation during this period.
Whole-Couple Care
Male factor contributes to approximately 50% of fertility challenges — yet it is often undertreated. Dr Shen offers dedicated sperm quality optimisation programmes for male partners, as well as integrated couple protocols.
Comprehensive hormonal and reproductive optimisation — from menstrual cycle regulation through to IVF cycle support, early pregnancy care and miscarriage prevention.
Sperm take 72–90 days to mature. A 3-month intervention window with acupuncture and targeted herbal medicine can substantially improve sperm count, morphology and DNA fragmentation.
Research-Informed Practice
A growing body of research supports the role of acupuncture in reproductive medicine. Studies published in Fertility and Sterility, Human Reproduction and the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine have demonstrated that acupuncture during IVF cycles is associated with improved clinical pregnancy rates, increased uterine blood flow measured by Doppler ultrasound, reduced anxiety and stress during treatment, and improved embryo quality markers in some populations.
Chinese herbal medicine research shows promising effects on oocyte quality, endometrial receptivity, sperm parameters and hormonal regulation — with an accumulating evidence base informing Dr Shen's clinical practice.
Dr Shen's clinical protocols are developed in alignment with current reproductive medicine research and are updated regularly. She maintains open communication with IVF clinics and reproductive endocrinologists to ensure integrated, evidence-informed care.
How to Begin
15-minute phone consultation to discuss your history, current status and whether Chinese medicine is appropriate for your situation.
90-minute in-depth assessment: full reproductive history, current investigation results, TCM diagnosis, herbal prescription and treatment plan.
Weekly acupuncture aligned with your menstrual cycle phases. Monthly herbal formula adjustments. Dietary and lifestyle optimisation.
For IVF patients: coordinated acupuncture timed to your stimulation protocol and embryo transfer dates. For natural conception: continued cycle-phase treatment with cycle tracking.
Acupuncture and herbal support through the first trimester, when the risk of miscarriage is highest. Gentle, evidence-appropriate protocols to support implantation and early development.
Book a free 15-minute fertility consultation with Dr Christine Shen (Acupuncturist) — compassionate, specialised, evidence-informed care.