Stress and anxiety levels can be significantly higher during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, particularly if the woman has tried multiple times to conceive without success. This is because reproducing is one of our most compelling biological urges and the inability to do so causes stress that can profoundly affect our wellbeing. Recurring stress puts the body in a state that produces several hormones and chemicals that can further put the body away from the ideal state to achieve pregnancy. Peradventure if the stress level increases during this period, then the chances of getting a successful IVF treatment is low.

Acupuncture originated from the integral part of Chinese medicine, which has been known to exist for more than three millenniums. Using acupuncture has become a norm in the western world due to increase in popularity. It is an excellent stress reduction therapy which can significantly reduce your stress levels and improve your general wellbeing to increase your chances of having a successful IVF treatment. With various research carried out, acupuncture has been found to inhibit the hormones responsible for stress thereby increasing the level of endorphin*. Positive reviews are made by patients after they have undergone acupuncture treatment in which most have experienced a relaxed body, not minding the stress associated with IVF treatment.

A study carried out measuring the dose dependent effect of acupuncture on stress for women undergoing IVF discovered that elevated stress levels persist in women receiving only a single acupuncture treatment on the day of embryo transfer. It was also observed that women who were administered series of acupuncture treatment before the embryo was transferred experienced a high reduction in the level of stress*.