A holistic approach to IVF
A Conversation with Professor Tim Child and Colette Assor, FBAcC.
This article was originally published on IVF Babble. It is shared here unchanged apart from the title and layout.
Professor Tim Child shares his insights on IVF and the importance of choosing a qualified practitioner. Navigating the journey of infertility and IVF can be both challenging and emotionally taxing. With so many factors influencing fertility and treatment outcomes, many individuals and couples are turning to holistic approaches to support their well-being. Combining traditional medical treatments with holistic therapies such as acupuncture, stress management, and nutrition offers a holistic way to nurture both body and mind during this complex process.
Here we explore the benefits of a holistic and integrated approach to IVF — including the role of acupuncture in fertility care — and offer expert guidance on how to choose a qualified Acupuncture practitioner.
What are your views on an integrated approach to fertility treatment?
“I’m a strong advocate. It makes perfect sense that fertility outcomes are optimised when individuals are in the best possible physical and mental health while trying to conceive. I encourage my patients to adopt a holistic approach, which includes eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants (with support from a registered dietitian or nutritionist if needed), avoiding smoking or vaping, minimising or eliminating alcohol consumption, and maintaining a regular exercise routine. I also emphasise the importance of mental health support, recommending counselling where helpful, and suggest considering acupuncture as part of their fertility journey.”
What are your views on seeking an acupuncturist on an accredited register?
“I always advise my patients considering acupuncture to work with a practitioner listed on the British Acupuncture Council Register. This accreditation ensures the practitioner has undergone proper training and adheres to professional standards that prioritise safety and effectiveness. Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves an acupuncturist—even after just a weekend course—which makes it critical to seek out a qualified, accredited practitioner. Choosing someone from The British Acupuncture Council Register is the simplest way to ensure high-quality care that minimises risks and enhances potential benefits.”
What are your views on acupuncture in support of IVF?
“In my experience, acupuncture can help improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles—such as those caused by PCOS—who are trying to conceive naturally. It appears to support the complex hormonal interactions between the brain and the ovaries. When it comes to IVF, the evidence on whether acupuncture improves live birth rates is in my opinion mixed, with studies showing differing results. However, live birth rate isn’t the only important outcome. Psychological well-being and stress reduction are critical aspects of fertility care, particularly during the emotional demands of IVF treatment. Many of my patients report feeling calmer, more positive, and more in control when combining acupuncture with IVF. For me, those improvements in mental health and overall experience are valuable outcomes in themselves.”
What is an Integrated or holistic approach to Fertility care?
Integrative approaches to fertility treatment combine conventional medical treatment with complementary therapies, for example, acupuncture, stress reduction techniques, and nutrition. These approaches aim to improve overall health by supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
An integrated approach to IVF is a strategy that considers the many factors that can affect the success of IVF treatment. These factors include lifestyle choices, diet, relationships, and medical conditions.
Many people combine IVF with acupuncture, counselling, nutrition, and other natural therapies to support their health and wellbeing and improve their chances of pregnancy.
Integrative approaches are often used in conjunction with, rather than as a substitute for, conventional medical treatments.
What are the benefits of a holistic approach to IVF?
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Improved emotional wellbeing
- Decreased side effects of medication
- Potentially better treatment outcomes
Overall, integrative health approaches can offer a more comprehensive and patient-centred approach to healthcare, which may lead to improved outcomes and better quality of life for patients struggling with fertility problems.
What is Acupuncture and how can it support IVF treatment?
Acupuncture originated in the East and is part of a system of medicine called Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Acupuncture is one of the most popular complementary therapies used alongside IVF. Treatment involves the insertion of ultra-fine sterile needles at various points on the body to restore its natural equilibrium.
Research suggests Acupuncture may potentially enhance IVF outcomes. Also, acupuncture may alleviate stress and anxiety for women undergoing IVF treatment.
It is important to note that more studies are needed and the scientific evidence on acupuncture is not conclusive.
How can a holistic approach impact emotional wellbeing during IVF
Relaxation and emotional wellbeing are at the core of the holistic approach, and patients often report feelings of deep relaxation and better-quality sleep after an acupuncture session.
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, (fight- or- flight response), whilst acupuncture is shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which initiates the relaxation response.
Studies further indicate that acupuncture treatment can reduce stress and/or anxiety and increase women’s ability to cope with the IVF process. A systematic review that also included this study found that traditional acupuncture could be an effective strategy to alleviate stress and anxiety experienced by sub-fertile women.
How does Acupuncture work?
From a biomedical viewpoint, the mechanism by which acupuncture effects the hormonal system is still being investigated.
Evidence suggests that the stimulation of specific acupuncture points can influence hormonal release and regulation by modulating the Hypothalamus- pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis. This consists of an intercommunicating set of neural and endocrine tissues that function as a highly integrated unit in the regulation of fertility.
Several studies, show that Acupuncture may help regulate the HPA axis and restore balance in the body’s stress response.
As part of this stress response, the HPA axis also mediates the reproductive system via (HPG) axis.
How to choose your Acupuncturist?
The HFEA are the UK’s independent regulator of fertility treatment and research using human embryos. A world-class expert organisation in the fertility sector.
The HFEA and the NHS recommend choosing an acupuncturist who is a member of a national acupuncture organisation on an accredited register.
The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC) is the leading professional organisation for acupuncture in the UK.
Members of the British acupuncture council have a professional level accredited qualification at degree level belong to an accredited register, regulated and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health & Social Care (PSA).
Acupuncture is not regulated by law. Therefore, it is advised that the public seek an acupuncturist on an accredited register.
Members of the British Acupuncture Council are currently the only practitioners listed on an accredited register.
The PSA protects the public by overseeing the regulation and registration of healthcare professionals – including statutorily regulated professions, such as the Nursing and Midwifery Council, and Accredited Registers like the BAcC. This offers a quality mark for high training standards, safe practice and professional conduct.
About the Authors
Dr Tim Child is a Professor at Oxford University, on the Board of the HFEA (the UK’s regulator of fertility treatment and research), and is Chair of Trustees of The Fertility Alliance charity. He is also a Visiting Professor at the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Sichuan, China.
Colette Assor is a Fellow and member of The British Acupuncture Council with 25 years experience. Specialist interests: fertility, stress and women’s health. Colette currently practises Acupuncture in London.
