Fertility & Pregnancy

Yes—acupuncture can support couples going through IVF by improving outcomes, reducing stress, and helping the body respond more favorably to treatment.

It works by increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulating hormones, and calming the nervous system—factors that can influence egg quality, implantation, and overall resilience during the IVF process. Research suggests measurable benefits: a meta-analysis in Fertility and Sterility found that “acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth,” while a review in Reproductive BioMedicine Online noted it may “increase uterine blood flow and modulate neuroendocrine factors.” Other studies, including one in BMJ Open, highlight reductions in anxiety and stress—key because emotional regulation can directly impact hormonal balance and IVF experience.

A fertility massage is a specialized, gentle bodywork technique designed to support reproductive health and improve your chances of getting pregnant.

It works by increasing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, supporting lymphatic drainage, reducing pelvic congestion, and calming the nervous system—helping create a more balanced, receptive environment for conception. Research supports these mechanisms: a review in Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies notes that massage can “enhance circulation and reduce stress-related hormonal disruption,” while findings published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice suggest bodywork may “improve pelvic blood flow and promote relaxation in women experiencing infertility.” Studies in Fertility and Sterility also emphasize the role of stress reduction in supporting reproductive outcomes.

Yes—Chinese herbal medicine can support fertility when prescribed appropriately, and when used correctly, it is designed to be safe—even if conception occurs unexpectedly.

Formulas are carefully tailored to your symptoms and constitution to regulate hormones, improve ovulation, support egg quality, and prepare the uterine environment, but they should be adjusted or paused once pregnancy is confirmed. Research in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews notes that Chinese herbal medicine may “improve pregnancy rates compared to some conventional treatments,” while a review in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlights its role in “modulating endocrine function and enhancing uterine receptivity.” When prescribed by a trained practitioner, formulas used in the preconception phase are selected with safety in mind, and many are not considered harmful in very early pregnancy, though guidance is important.

The key is working with an experienced herbalist, like Dr. Elizabeth, who knows when to shift or stop formulas, ensuring both effectiveness and safety at every stage.

You can begin prenatal massage by week 12, and it can support you physically and emotionally as your body changes.

It helps by reducing muscle tension, improving circulation and lymphatic flow, easing swelling, and calming the nervous system—often leading to better sleep and less discomfort as pregnancy progresses. Research in Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology found that prenatal massage therapy “reduced anxiety, decreased back and leg pain, and improved sleep,” while studies in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice note benefits for “circulation and overall maternal well-being.”

When performed by a trained practitioner, like Janice here at Dragonfly, prenatal massage is a safe, gentle way to help your body adapt and feel more supported throughout pregnancy.