Fertility Acupuncture in Melbourne
Fertility Support with Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Trying to conceive can be one of the most demanding experiences in a person's life, physically and emotionally. Flow Acupuncture provides fertility acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine at our clinic in Deepdene, on the Balwyn border in Melbourne's inner east. Dr Jenny Kwon and Dr Vivian Chow, both AHPRA-registered Chinese medicine practitioners, support women and couples through natural conception, unexplained infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, and IVF and frozen embryo transfer cycles.
We work alongside your fertility specialist, gynaecologist or GP — never in place of them. We will not ask you to stop any medical treatment, and with your permission we are happy to keep your care team informed.
Who We See
- Couples preparing for natural conception
- Unexplained infertility
- PCOS, including irregular or absent ovulation
- Endometriosis
- Irregular, painful or absent periods
- Women with low ovarian reserve preparing for IVF
- Male partners — sperm count, motility and morphology concerns
- Recurrent pregnancy loss, alongside specialist care
- IVF and frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles
How Fertility Acupuncture Works at Flow
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1
Initial consultation (60–75 minutes)
We review your menstrual cycle history, any cycle tracking or temperature charts, previous test results and fertility treatment to date, and your general health, sleep and stress. Your practitioner then makes a Chinese medicine assessment using pulse and tongue diagnosis. Acupuncture is included in this first appointment.
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2
A treatment plan matched to your cycle
Regular weekly treatment is usually recommended while preparing to conceive, with additional sessions around certain phases of your cycle. Chinese herbal medicine may be added where appropriate. Herbal medicine is reviewed before any IVF cycle begins and is generally paused during IVF medication unless your fertility specialist agrees otherwise.
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3
Regular review
We review progress with you every few cycles and adjust the plan as your circumstances change — for example when moving from natural conception attempts to IVF.
Preparing for Natural Conception
Many patients start fertility acupuncture around three months before they begin trying to conceive. This allows time to observe several menstrual cycles and work on the factors Chinese medicine looks at closely: cycle regularity, period pain, sleep, stress and general wellbeing. If you are already trying, it is not too late to begin.
PCOS, Endometriosis and Irregular Cycles
PCOS and endometriosis are among the most common conditions we see in our women's health practice. Chinese medicine assesses each case individually, focusing on cycle quality and on associated symptoms such as pain, bloating and fatigue. Treatment is always provided alongside care from your gynaecologist or GP.
Male Fertility
Male factor contributes to a significant share of fertility difficulty, so we encourage both partners to be assessed. If you have not yet had a semen analysis, your GP can arrange one. Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle advice can be used alongside medical care, and some couples choose to attend together.
IVF and Frozen Embryo Transfer Support
We offer acupuncture across each stage of an IVF or FET cycle:
- Before the cycle — preparation in the months leading up to IVF
- During ovarian stimulation (the injection phase)
- Around egg collection
- Before and after embryo transfer
- During the two-week wait
What the Research Says
We believe you should know what the evidence shows before you start. Several small trials from 2002–2006 reported higher pregnancy rates when acupuncture was given around embryo transfer. However, the largest Australian trial to date — 848 women across 16 IVF centres in Australia and New Zealand, published in JAMA in 2018 — found no significant difference in live birth rates between acupuncture and a sham treatment (18.3% compared with 17.8%). Women in that trial did report that acupuncture helped them cope with the stress of IVF.
We do not promise better IVF or pregnancy outcomes. What we aim to offer is individual support through a demanding process — for stress, sleep, cycle health and wellbeing — alongside the medical care of your fertility specialist.
Source: Smith CA, de Lacey S, Chapman M, et al. Effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture on live births among women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2018;319(19):1990–1998. Read the study
Your Practitioners
Dr Jenny Kwon
Chinese Medicine PractitionerMore than 10 years of clinical practice, including work in acupuncture IVF clinics. Clinical interests in fertility, pregnancy support and women's health. AHPRA-registered; member of AACMA.
Dr Vivian Chow
Chinese Medicine PractitionerIn practice since graduating from RMIT in 2007, including acupuncture clinics supporting women's health and IVF patients. Clinical interests in Chinese medical gynaecology, IVF support and pregnancy acupuncture. AHPRA-registered; member of AACMA.
Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial fertility consultation and treatmentapprox. 60–75 min | $125 |
| Follow-up treatmentapprox. 45–60 min | $95 |
| IVF injection (stimulation) phase sessionsTerms and conditions above | $90 per session |
| Chinese herbal medicinePriced per prescription | usually $45–65 per week |
No referral is needed. Many private health funds include acupuncture in extras cover — check with your fund for your rebate. On-the-spot HICAPS claiming is available at our clinic.
Fertility Acupuncture Melbourne — FAQ
When should I start acupuncture for fertility support?
Many patients begin around three months before trying to conceive or starting an IVF cycle. This gives time to observe several cycles and work on factors such as cycle regularity, sleep and stress. If you are already trying or already in an IVF cycle, it is not too late — acupuncture can be started at any stage.
Does acupuncture improve IVF success rates?
The research is mixed. Several small trials from 2002–2006 reported higher pregnancy rates with acupuncture around embryo transfer, but the largest Australian trial, published in JAMA in 2018 with 848 women, found no significant difference in live birth rates compared with a sham treatment. We do not promise better IVF outcomes. Our aim is to support you through the process alongside your fertility specialist, and we are happy to talk through the research with you.
Do you see patients with PCOS or endometriosis?
PCOS and endometriosis are among the most common conditions we see. Chinese medicine assesses each case individually, focusing on cycle quality and symptoms such as pain, bloating and fatigue. We work alongside your gynaecologist and fertility specialist and never advise patients to stop medical treatment.
Can my partner have fertility acupuncture too?
Yes, and we encourage it. Male factor contributes to a significant share of fertility difficulty. We see male partners for fertility support using acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle advice, alongside any medical investigations your GP or specialist arranges.
Is acupuncture safe during IVF and early pregnancy?
Acupuncture is commonly used during IVF and early pregnancy. Our AHPRA-registered practitioners adjust point selection and technique for each stage of your cycle and pregnancy. As with any treatment, side effects are possible — most commonly minor bruising, soreness or light-headedness. Please let your fertility specialist know you are having acupuncture, and tell us about every medication you are taking.
Do I need a referral for fertility acupuncture?
No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by phone. Bring any recent test results, cycle charts or IVF treatment details to your first appointment.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your situation and goals. Your practitioner will suggest a plan at your first consultation — commonly weekly treatment while preparing to conceive — and review it with you every few cycles.
Important information
Fertility acupuncture and Chinese medicine are not a substitute for medical fertility investigation or treatment. We do not claim that acupuncture or Chinese herbal medicine will result in conception, pregnancy or a live birth, or improve IVF success rates. If you are under 35 and have been trying to conceive for 12 months, or 35 or over and trying for 6 months, please see your GP about fertility investigations.
The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or other treating health practitioner. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are used alongside, not instead of, conventional medical care. Do not stop or change any medical treatment without first speaking with your doctor. Individual responses to treatment vary and no particular outcome can be guaranteed. Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into the skin and, like any treatment, may cause side effects such as minor bruising, soreness or light-headedness; your practitioner will discuss these with you before treatment. Chinese herbal medicine can interact with other medicines — tell your practitioner about all medicines and supplements you take.
Dr Jenny Kwon and Dr Vivian Chow are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia through AHPRA. "Dr" is used as a courtesy title: they are Chinese medicine practitioners and are not registered medical practitioners.