Fertility Acupuncture & IVF Support in NYC
IVF-Focused Acupuncture Care
IVF treatment places significant demands on the body at every stage — hormonally, physically, and emotionally.
Acupuncture is timed around key IVF milestones — ovarian stimulation, egg retrieval, and embryo transfer — with the goal of supporting stress regulation, pelvic circulation, comfort, and overall treatment tolerance.
We have worked with many patients through IVF and IUI cycles in Long Island City and throughout NYC. Care is based on your treatment phase, protocol, and timeline, and is adjusted as your cycle progresses.
“About 4 months into my treatment at LIC Acupuncture focusing on fertility and IVF, I had a successful transfer and am now 8 months pregnant.”
Acupuncture Timed to Key IVF Phases
During Ovarian Stimulation
During stimulation, the ovaries are responding to injectable hormones designed to produce multiple follicles simultaneously. This places significant demand on the body — increasing blood flow requirements to the ovaries, elevating stress hormones, and in some cases causing bloating, pelvic discomfort, and fatigue.
Acupuncture during this phase is timed to support pelvic circulation, stress regulation, comfort, and the body’s ability to tolerate the demands of the medication protocol.
Before & After Egg Retrieval
Although egg retrieval is relatively quick, the ovaries are enlarged and sensitive from weeks of stimulation. Patients can experience bloating, cramping, and fatigue after retrieval — symptoms that can last a day or several days depending on how many follicles were retrieved and how the body responds.
Treatment before retrieval focuses on pelvic circulation, muscular tension, and comfort before the procedure. After retrieval, treatment may focus on pelvic discomfort, cramping, fatigue, and the transition toward the transfer phase.
Before & After Embryo Transfer
Embryo transfer is a key treatment window. Around transfer, acupuncture focuses on relaxation, pelvic circulation, nervous system regulation, and patient comfort during a high-stress phase of care. After transfer, treatment is adjusted to support the early post-transfer period and the waiting period.
IUI & Broader Fertility Support
IUI cycles place their own demands on the body, and the timing of treatment matters here as well — around ovulation induction, insemination, and the luteal phase. We also support patients managing fertility-related concerns such as PCOS, irregular cycles, and diminished ovarian reserve, where consistent care over several months may be more relevant than cycle-specific timing alone.
Pelvic Health and Fertility Support
Pelvic health concerns can overlap with fertility, reproductive health, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. Some patients seeking fertility support may also experience pelvic discomfort, low back or hip tension, urinary urgency or frequency, bowel symptoms, discomfort with sitting, or pain that affects movement, exercise, or intimacy.
When appropriate, acupuncture can be part of a broader care plan alongside care from a reproductive endocrinologist, OB/GYN, pelvic floor physical therapist, or other medical provider. Treatment is individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, goals, and overall health picture.
What to Expect
Consultation
You meet one-on-one with a licensed practitioner to go over your fertility history, current treatment stage, IVF or IUI timeline, and any other health factors that may be relevant. We discuss what treatment would involve, how care is structured around your cycle, and what to expect from the process.
Treatment
Sessions are hands-on and focused on your current cycle phase, symptoms, treatment schedule, and overall health picture. Most patients tolerate the needles well — you may feel a brief pinch or dull ache that fades quickly. If discomfort lingers, we reposition or remove the needle. Session length and focus are adjusted based on where you are in your cycle.
Timeline & Frequency
Many patients begin care three to six months before starting a cycle. Because ovarian follicles develop over several months, earlier preparation allows time to address cycle regularity, stress load, sleep, digestion, and other factors before stimulation begins. Patients with a history of failed cycles or more complex presentations often benefit from the longer end of that range.
Weekly sessions are standard throughout treatment, with increased frequency around egg retrieval and embryo transfer or when other health factors require more support.
Care Progression
As your treatment progresses, sessions are adjusted based on your protocol changes, how your body is responding, and what each phase requires. If musculoskeletal issues arise — common during IVF due to hormonal changes and reduced activity — those are addressed alongside fertility-focused care.
Patient Experiences with Fertility & IVF Support
"Bo was instrumental in my fertility journey including rounds of IVF through the time I gave birth to my twins. I especially appreciated how she targeted her treatment visit by visit based on what I needed that visit." — Talia M.
"She even went above and beyond and made herself available on the day of the embryo transfer for a visit even though she was off that day. Simply because she cares deeply about her clients and believes in the power of her work." — Dayna B.
"I always go to Bo and she's been so warm and inviting through my entire fertility process. I've referred so many people to her for various reasons, from allergies to injuries, and everyone sings her praises." — Claire A.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does acupuncture support fertility?
Acupuncture may support fertility care by helping with stress regulation, pelvic circulation, comfort, and treatment tolerance. For IVF and IUI patients, timing matters because each phase places different demands on the body.
When should I start acupuncture?
Ideally three to six months before beginning an IVF or IUI cycle. Starting during treatment may still provide benefit, particularly around key cycle phases.
How often should I come in?
Most patients come in once a week. Frequency increases at key points in the cycle and is adjusted based on your individual needs and protocol.
How long does treatment take to be effective?
Patients who begin three to six months before a cycle give their body more time to respond before stimulation begins. Earlier care allows time to address cycle regularity, stress load, sleep, digestion, and other health factors. For patients starting mid-cycle, treatment is focused on the immediate phase and may still provide useful support.
About Us
Whole-Person Approach
IVF places demands on more than the reproductive system. Stress load, sleep quality, digestion, and overall nervous system state can affect how patients feel and function during treatment. We consider these factors alongside cycle-specific care so treatment is more complete and individualized.
Personalized Treatment
Every patient arrives at a different point — in their cycle, their protocol, and their history with fertility treatment. We assess what's relevant to your specific situation and adjust treatment visit by visit, rather than applying the same protocol regardless of where you are in the process.
Clinical Expertise
Our practitioners have experience supporting patients through IVF, IUI, pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and reproductive health concerns. Sessions are one-on-one, hands-on, and adjusted as your treatment progresses and your needs change.
Additional Services
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy can help reduce muscular tension and support relaxation during fertility treatment and pregnancy. Prenatal massage is also available.
→ Learn more about Massage Therapy
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help maintain strength, mobility, and overall physical health during fertility treatment and pregnancy. Care may focus on supporting posture, maintaining physical conditioning during IVF cycles, and managing musculoskeletal discomfort so patients can stay active and comfortable as their body changes.
For Referring Providers
We work alongside reproductive endocrinology, OB/GYN, pelvic floor physical therapy, psychotherapy, and other medical care. Acupuncture is adjusted as treatment progresses and coordinated with the patient’s fertility care when applicable.
What to Expect When You Refer
New patients book online at licacuwell.com or by phone at (718) 806-1617.
The initial visit includes a focused consultation with review of fertility history, current treatment stage, and IVF/IUI protocol when applicable — followed by an individualized treatment plan and acupuncture treatment.
Clinical Communication
With patient consent, we send referring providers a brief acknowledgment after the first visit, a clinical update once treatment response is established, and an outcome note at major milestones. Clinical notes, cycle details, IVF/IUI timelines, lab work, and provider recommendations are welcomed and used in treatment planning.
Clinical Questions and Coordination
For clinical questions, coordination, or to discuss a patient before referral, contact us at clinic@licacuwell.com or (718) 806-1617.
Fertility Acupuncture & IVF Support in Long Island City
LIC Acupuncture & Wellness is located in Long Island City, Queens, and serves patients throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and nearby areas of Queens. Many patients visit our clinic for acupuncture support while undergoing IVF or IUI treatment with reproductive endocrinology clinics throughout NYC.
If you are undergoing IVF or IUI and seeking acupuncture aligned with your treatment timeline, schedule a fertility consultation to discuss your care plan.
Individual results may vary. No guarantee of specific results is warranted or implied. See full disclaimer.