In recent decades, there has been an increasing interest in acupuncture by Western medical practitioners for the treatment of both female and male factor infertility.
Many modern fertility clinics have started a hybrid approach of Eastern and Western medicine to their IVF and IUI treatment protocols, finding this combination to be more effective than the Western approach alone. Recent studies, analyzed together in the British Medical Journal, have demonstrated that acupuncture helps to increase IVF success rates.
With over a decade of experience treating fertility patients, Dr. Joel and his team will guide you to optimal fertility using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our methods are both infused with sacred tradition, backed by modern science, and innovations learned from Functional Medicine.
In recent decades, there has been increasing interest in acupuncture by Western medical practitioners for the treatment of infertility due to both female and male factors. Many modern fertility clinics have adopted a hybrid approach of Eastern and Western medicine for IVF and IUI treatment protocols, finding this combination more effective than Western medicine alone. Recent studies, analyzed together in the British Medical Journal, have demonstrated that acupuncture helps fertility and increases IVF success rates.
With over a decade of experience treating infertility patients, Dr. Joel and his team will guide you to optimal acupuncture fertility outcomes using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Our methods are infused with sacred tradition, backed by modern science, and enhanced by innovations from Functional Medicine.
Infertility acupuncture treatment improves IVF success rates
The studies don’t lie: acupuncture and herbal medicine has been shown to improve IVF pregnancy rates by up to 65% within a four-month period. This is according to data from the National Institutes of Health and the British Medical Journal.
Case reports from leading experts promote acupuncture for both male and female factor, noting that “acupuncture can be considered as successful treatment in restoring fertility in the patients by improving the sperm quality and ovaries function and balancing the endocrine system and hormones.” (Sources: “Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female infertility” from NIH.gov, “Acupuncture Treatment for Fertility” from NIH.gov)
According to another study from the NIH, management of female infertility with Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 3-6 month period, compared with Western Medical fertility drug therapy. These results come from a meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials including data from 4,247 women – a meaningful group showing clear results.
The analysis shows a greater likelihood of achieving pregnancy by integrating Chinese Herbal Medicine into your acupuncture fertility plan rather than using Western medicine drug therapy alone. We appreciate that the conclusion incorporates “Fertility Awareness Method” – a Western tool that uses Eastern modalities.

Acupuncture points support women on the path to conception
The path to a successful conception with acupuncture requires three things: commitment, a willingness to try Chinese herbs, and flexibility to make lifestyle changes.
A firm commitment to the process. Fertility acupuncture is most effective when you carve out the necessary time and energy. This means 20-30 minute visits 2-3 times per week over 3-6 months, alongside lifestyle changes. Patience matters: it can take 3 months to one year for acupuncture needles to help improve egg and sperm quality, even with consistent evidence-based acupuncture treatments.
A willingness to try Chinese herbs and nutritional supplements. Chinese herbs from our herbalist partners are pure, safe, and effective in helping treat both male and female infertility. We use supplements that match your functional lab picture – improving deficiencies and addressing what might otherwise cause harm.
Flexibility in making diet and lifestyle changes. From Tao of Fertility, Dr. Dao says: “Chinese medicine is about teaching women to look the natural approach… you become the authority on your own condition.” We guide you using the TCM tenets of food, environment, longevity, and exercise. The end goal is always healthy parents and a healthy baby.
Services offered to infertility patients at Ritual
- Fertility Acupuncture via Acu Naps
- Fertility Guidance, Coaching, Advocacy (virtual 20-minute sessions available)
- Herbal and Supplement Prescriptions
- Lab Testing
- Massage
- Integrative approach to complement IUI, Embryo Banking, and IVF
- LGBTQ+ family support
Getting started with infertility treatment in Vallejo
It all starts with lab work. Before working together, you’ll need updated lab results – taken within the past 6 months, ideally for both male and female factor.
Female factor: Comprehensive Hormone Lab Testing (i.e., FSH, Estradiol, AMH, Thyroid). Contact us if you would like us to order labs for you. We ask that you take tests between menstrual cycle day 20 through 25.
Male factor: We partner with MeetFellow for sperm analysis. Visit MeetFellow to get this done.
We work with you and your partner’s unique bodies and lifestyle to optimize your chances of conception. Ready to book a consultation with our team?