For couples and individuals navigating the path to parenthood, fertility acupuncture can be a gentle, supportive part of your care. At Artemis Wellness Clinic in Richmond BC, our Registered Acupuncturist Mandy Tam focuses on fertility acupuncture, supporting patients as they prepare for IVF, egg freezing, and natural conception with Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques that have been used for thousands of years.
Whether you are just beginning to explore fertility support or are already undergoing IVF treatment, acupuncture can be a supportive part of your plan. This guide explains how fertility acupuncture is used, what the research says, and what to expect at Artemis.
How Acupuncture Supports Fertility
Fertility acupuncture aims to address factors that can affect reproductive health. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, fertility depends on the balanced flow of energy and blood throughout the body, particularly to the reproductive organs. When that balance is disrupted by stress, hormonal imbalances, or chronic health conditions, conception becomes more difficult.
Researchers have studied several ways acupuncture may influence reproductive health, including blood flow to the pelvic organs, the menstrual cycle and the body’s stress response. Research in this area is ongoing, and acupuncture is used alongside, not in place of, the care you receive from your doctor or fertility clinic.
For many patients, the chance to slow down and relax is one of the reasons they choose fertility acupuncture in Richmond. The fertility journey can be emotionally exhausting, and an acupuncture session offers a calm, supportive space to rest. Learn more about acupuncture and TCM at Artemis.
Acupuncture and IVF: What the Research Shows
Acupuncture alongside IVF has been examined in many clinical studies, and researchers continue to study how it may relate to IVF outcomes. Many patients choose acupuncture during IVF to help them relax and to manage the stress that treatment can bring.
Some patients schedule acupuncture before and after embryo transfer. These sessions focus on relaxation, and many patients find them helpful for managing the anxiety of the two-week wait.
At Artemis Wellness Clinic, Mandy Tam works closely with patients undergoing IVF at fertility clinics across Metro Vancouver. She coordinates treatment timing with your IVF protocol so that sessions fit around the key dates of your cycle. Many of our IVF acupuncture patients in Richmond begin treatment several weeks before their retrieval or transfer cycle.
Egg Freezing and Acupuncture: Preparing Your Body
Egg freezing has become an increasingly popular option for women who want to preserve their fertility for the future. Whether you are freezing eggs for medical reasons or personal choice, the quality and quantity of eggs retrieved during the procedure directly impact your future options. Some patients include acupuncture as part of their preparation.
Egg freezing acupuncture focuses on relaxation, stress management and general well-being in the months leading up to retrieval. Many practitioners suggest beginning fertility acupuncture at least eight to twelve weeks before your planned egg retrieval.
At Artemis, acupuncture for egg freezing in Richmond is a common request, and some patients find that regular sessions help them feel calmer going into their retrieval cycle. Individual experiences vary.
What Happens During a Fertility Acupuncture Session at Artemis
Your first fertility acupuncture session at Artemis begins with a comprehensive intake assessment. Mandy Tam will review your medical history, menstrual cycle patterns, any fertility testing you have completed, and your overall health goals. This assessment allows her to create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
During the acupuncture treatment itself, thin, sterile needles are placed at specific points on the body. Common points for fertility acupuncture include areas on the abdomen, lower back, legs, and feet that correspond to reproductive function in TCM theory. The needles are very fine, and many patients find the experience relaxing.
Your first fertility visit is about 60 minutes and follow-up visits are about 40 minutes. Some patients find that they feel calmer and sleep better after a few treatments; individual results vary. For a broader understanding of TCM approaches, visit our guide to Traditional Chinese Medicine in Richmond BC.
Meet Mandy Tam: Registered Acupuncturist (R.Ac)
Mandy Tam is a Registered Acupuncturist at Artemis Wellness Clinic with a special focus on fertility and reproductive health. She combines traditional TCM techniques with a modern understanding of reproductive medicine to support her patients through their fertility care.
Mandy leads fertility acupuncture at Artemis, and our acupuncture team continues to grow — giving patients more scheduling flexibility for ongoing fertility support. If you are still comparing clinics, our guide on how to choose an acupuncturist in Richmond walks through what to look for.
Mandy takes a compassionate, patient-centered approach to care. She understands that the fertility journey is deeply personal and often emotionally challenging. Her goal is to create a treatment plan that supports not only your physical health but also your emotional well-being throughout the process. To learn more about Mandy and our entire team, visit our practitioners page.
Patient Experiences
Some patients have acupuncture during their fertility journey and find that they feel less stressed and more relaxed. Every patient’s experience is different, and individual results vary.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
The number of fertility acupuncture sessions you need depends on your individual situation. For patients preparing for IVF or egg freezing, Mandy typically recommends weekly sessions for 8 to 12 weeks before the procedure. This allows for a regular course of treatment.
For natural conception, treatment plans vary based on factors like cycle regularity, underlying health conditions, and how long you have been trying. Some patients come for a few cycles, while others continue with longer-term treatment. Mandy will assess your progress at regular intervals and adjust your plan as needed.
If you are currently undergoing IVF, acupuncture sessions are often scheduled around key milestones in your cycle, including before and after embryo transfer. Mandy coordinates timing carefully to complement your fertility clinic’s protocol.
Combining Acupuncture with RMT and Physiotherapy for Fertility Wellness
Fertility is not just about reproductive organs. Your overall physical health, stress levels, sleep quality, and musculoskeletal comfort all play a role in your ability to conceive and carry a pregnancy. At Artemis Wellness Clinic, these needs can be looked after in one place.
Near Richmond Centre, Artemis offers RMT, acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropractic and kinesiology under one roof. For fertility patients, this means you can combine acupuncture with registered massage therapy to help ease muscle tension, or work with our physiotherapist to address pelvic alignment and core stability.
This integrated approach is especially valuable during pregnancy, when your body undergoes rapid changes that can cause discomfort. Patients who build a relationship with our team during the fertility phase often continue care through pregnancy and postpartum recovery, all in one convenient location.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Acupuncture
Is fertility acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is a safe, minimally invasive treatment when performed by a Registered Acupuncturist. Mandy Tam uses sterile, single-use needles and follows all safety protocols. Fertility acupuncture is considered safe alongside IVF, egg freezing, and natural conception efforts.
When should I start fertility acupuncture before IVF?
Ideally, begin fertility acupuncture 8 to 12 weeks before your planned IVF cycle. This allows for a regular course of treatment before your cycle begins, although you can start at any point in your IVF journey.
Does insurance cover fertility acupuncture in Richmond?
Many extended health insurance plans cover acupuncture treatments. Artemis offers direct billing to major insurers including Pacific Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, and others. Check your plan for acupuncture coverage details.
Can acupuncture help with male fertility?
Some studies suggest that acupuncture may help sperm quality, motility and count, and men can include acupuncture as a supportive part of a fertility plan. Mandy Tam treats both male and female fertility concerns at Artemis.
How much does fertility acupuncture cost?
A fertility acupuncture initial visit is $150 and a follow-up visit is $130. We can bill many insurers directly; you pay only the part your plan does not cover (co-pay, deductible or amounts above your plan maximum). Contact us at 604-242-2233 for current pricing information and to verify your insurance coverage.
Book Your Fertility Acupuncture Consultation
Taking the first step toward fertility acupuncture is easy. Whether you are preparing for IVF, planning to freeze your eggs, or looking for natural support for conception, Mandy Tam and the team at Artemis Wellness Clinic are here to help.
Book your fertility acupuncture consultation online or call us at 604-242-2233.
Artemis Wellness Clinic is located at 130-5911 No. 3 Road, Richmond BC, V6X 0K9, just steps from Richmond Centre. We are open seven days a week.
