Infertility drives women to despair. It changes how you perceive yourself and changes your world view. All of a sudden you’re obsessed with how to ‘fix’ your body. This often leads to unhealthy thought patterns, which lead to unhealthy decisions – which can change the trajectory of your life. This is when my practice of yoga, meditation, journaling helped me centre myself and act from a space of intention, rather than defeat and despair.
I was reluctant to over-medicate my body and I inherently believe in alternative therapy, which is probably why I decided to try holistic healing modalities before throwing in the towel and schedule an IVF appointment.
One of the more interesting modalities I discovered was acupuncture, a part of TCM – Traditional Chinese Medicine. I’ve always seen acupuncture as an exotic treatment. To be honest, I didn’t know much about it until I heard about it in a podcast about conception.
I discovered Dr. Beena Mathew on the internet and found out we had SVYASA in common. During our first appointment she asked me detailed questions about my lifestyle, examined my medical reports and infused me with the kind of positivity only holistic health practitioners can.
Now that the journey is behind me, I decided to reach out to Dr. Beena with a few questions about how acupuncture can support women who are trying to conceive.
Why Acupuncture Might Help If You’re Trying to Conceive
1. Pragya: How does acupuncture support the body during the conception phase — especially for women navigating irregular cycles, hormonal imbalances, or unexplained infertility?
Dr. Beena: Acupuncture for fertility works gently but deeply to bring the body into balance. For women dealing with irregular cycles, hormonal shifts, or unexplained infertility, it can help regulate the menstrual cycle, improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, and reduce stress — all of which create a healthier foundation for conception. It doesn’t force the body into pregnancy, but rather supports the internal environment so conception can happen more naturally. Whether you’re trying on your own or using assisted methods like IVF, acupuncture can be a steady ally throughout the process.
2. Pragya: From your perspective as a Naturopathy doctor, what are some common patterns or imbalances you see in women trying to conceive, and how do you address those with acupuncture?
Dr. Beena: In my practice, I often see women whose fertility challenges are rooted in subtle imbalances — things like emotional stress, digestive issues, or fatigue that don’t always show up in lab reports. Acupuncture helps us understand and treat these patterns. For instance, some women may be energetically depleted and need more nourishing support, while others may be carrying emotional tension or stress that blocks their natural rhythms. What I love about acupuncture is how personalized it can be — we don’t just treat a symptom like irregular periods, we support the whole woman, physically and emotionally, to bring her back into balance.
3. Pragya: Is acupuncture safe and beneficial throughout all trimesters of pregnancy? Are there specific points or treatments that are particularly supportive at different stages?
Dr. Beena: Yes, when done by a trained practitioner, acupuncture is safe and supportive across all stages of pregnancy. In the first trimester, we focus on easing nausea and anxiety and supporting implantation. The second trimester is often more stable, so treatments can be tailored to physical changes like backache or digestion. In the final trimester, we prepare the body for labor and support the baby’s positioning. Postpartum, acupuncture helps with recovery, emotional well-being, and lactation. At every stage, we adapt the treatment to what the body needs — gently and safely.

In my final trimester I was grateful for all the acupuncture sessions I had made time for early in the pregnancy.
4. Pragya: We often talk about physical health in pregnancy, but what about emotional resilience and mental health? Can acupuncture support women struggling with fear, anxiety, or mood shifts during pregnancy?
Dr. Beena: Absolutely. Pregnancy can stir up a lot — joy, yes, but also fear, anxiety, and even past trauma. Acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, calm the mind, and bring emotional balance. It’s especially helpful for women who are overwhelmed or struggling with sleep, mood swings, or anxiety about birth and motherhood. By working with the body’s energy pathways, we can gently release emotional tension and help women feel more grounded and supported. I often combine this with breathwork, nourishing foods, and simple practices that help women reconnect with themselves during this big transition.
5. Pragya: For women undergoing assisted reproductive technologies like IVF or IUI, how can acupuncture for fertility complement those treatments? What does the research or your clinical practice suggest?
Dr. Beena: Acupuncture pairs beautifully with IVF and IUI. It doesn’t replace the treatment — it strengthens it. Research shows that when done around embryo transfer, acupuncture can increase success rates by improving blood flow, calming the nervous system, and supporting hormonal balance. Clinically, I’ve seen it help women feel more grounded through the rollercoaster of injections, scans, and waiting. Before treatment starts, we work to regulate cycles and prepare the body. During stimulation, it helps with egg quality and side effects. Around transfer, it supports implantation. And afterward, it helps ease anxiety during the two-week wait and stabilizes early pregnancy. Fertility isn’t just physical — acupuncture helps support the emotional and energetic layers too, which can make all the difference.
6. Pragya: Are there any self-acupressure points or lifestyle tips you recommend for women in the preconception or early pregnancy phase?
Dr. Beena: Definitely. Simple acupressure and mindful routines can be very supportive during this time. Points like SP6 and ST36 help boost energy and regulate cycles, while Yin Tang at the third eye can calm the mind. In early pregnancy, PC6 is wonderful for easing nausea and emotional restlessness. I often guide women to pair this with gentle breath work, nourishing warm meals, and creating a slow, steady rhythm in their day. Think of it as preparing the soil before planting a seed — it’s not about doing more, but about being more present, more nourished, and more connected.
When your body and mind are in sync, it becomes easier to welcome new life.
You’re Not Alone in This Journey…
I hope you found this blog useful – specially if you’re in that tumultuous phase of trying to conceive. I’ve also written about how acupuncture can help women both physically and emotionally during the postpartum phase in this blog.
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