IVF Support

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine is often used in conjunction with assisted reproductive technologies such as ovulation induction (OI), intrauterine insemination (IUI), and In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine is used to support a woman's overall health and well-being before, during and after IVF to optimise reproductive health, address hormonal imbalances, reduce stress and to promote relaxation.

Acupuncture is the most commonly used Chinese medicine technique in IVF support. It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote balance. Acupuncture may be performed before during and after IVF cycles to potentially enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormones, reduce stress, and improve the chances of successful implantation.

Herbal medicine is prescribed to support fertility and address specific concerns including improving egg quality, regulating the menstrual cycle, balancing hormones and supporting overall reproductive health.

Chinese medicine emphasises the importance of reducing stress and creating a harmonious environment for fertility. Stress reduction techniques may be incorporated into the treatment plan to help women navigate the emotional and physical challenges associated with IVF.

Olivia is a skilled acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Herbal Medicine and brings a compassionate and empathetic approach to her practice having experienced the challenges associated with many IVF cycles. She is able to provide genuine understanding and support to her clients.

Her approach combines acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and personalised dietary and lifestyle recommendations to address the complexities of fertility.

The recommended pre-conception treatment typically spans 8-12 weeks and aims to regulate the menstrual cycle, balance hormone levels, and target the root causes of infertility.

Olivia's expertise extends beyond preconception care. She offers tailor-made, holistic programs for various stages, including pregnancy, labor induction, and post-labor care. Olivia understands the importance of collaborating with western medical practitioners to ensure a harmonious approach to care.

• A 2023 cohort study concluded that acupuncture benefits women with recurrent implantation failure. The study compared the outcomes of patients with recurrent implantation failure who underwent frozen embryo transfer with or without acupuncture. A total of 923 patients with recurrent implantation failure who underwent frozen embryo transfer were included in this study.The acupuncture group consisted of 303 recurrent implantation failure patients who received acupuncture therapy in addition to standard hormone replacement therapy /delayed hormone replacement therapy for frozen egg transfer. The Non-acupuncture group consisted of 620 recurrent implantation failure patients who received only standard hormone replacement therapy /delayed hormone replacement therapy for frozen egg transfer. The acupuncture group had significantly higher biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate than the non-acupuncture group. A potentially higher live birth rate and ongoing pregnancy rate were observed in the acupuncture group than in the non-acupuncture group. However, the survival analysis did not show that acupuncture significantly promoted live birth. Acupuncture is an appropriate adjunctive technique in the in vitro fertilization process as it improves biochemical and clinical
pregnancies.

Gan D, Liu LY, Zhong Y, Wu YN, Lai YY, Wei W, Guo XL, Tian R, Yu SY, Liang FR, Hu WH, Yang J. Acupuncture benefits to women with recurrent implantation failure: A propensity score-matched cohort study. Heliyon. 2023 Jul 16;9(7):e18193. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18193. PMID: 37539224; PMCID: PMC10395475.

Acupuncture's Effect on Pregnancy Rate when Applied Before and After Egg Transfer Day

• A 2020 randomised controlled trial concluded that three sessions of acupuncture before and after egg transfer significantly increased the pregnancy rates in women with unexplained infertility. It was also found that acupuncture significantly reduced anxiety levels that occurred before egg transfer.

Guven PG, Cayir Y, Borekci B. Effectiveness of acupuncture on pregnancy success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilization: A randomized controlled trial. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol. 2020 Mar;59(2):282- 286. doi: 10.1016/j.tjog.2020.01.018. PMID: 32127151.

• A 2019 study concluded that administration of acupuncture on the day of embryo transfer dramatically improved fertility results in women who underwent in vitro fertilization/intra-cytoplasm sperm injection for reproduction..The study analyzed the charts of a tacupuncture group, 46 cases) and without acupuncture (control group, 42 cases) were applied. The biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate after transplantation were compared between two groups. The clinical pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was higher than that in the control group (60.9% vs. 33.3% respectively). Likewise, the live birth rate in the acupuncture group was also higher than that in the control group (71.7% vs. 31.0%).

Çoksüer H, Barut MU, Bozkurt M, Agacayak E, Sak S, Demir M, Calıskan E. Acupuncture Enhances Chances of Pregnancy in Unexplained Infertile Patients Who Undergo A Blastocyst Transfer in A Fresh-Cycle. Chin J Integr Med. 2019 Apr;25(4):298-302. doi: 10.1007/s11655-018-2918-6. Epub 2019 Jun 25. PMID: 31236890.

Combined Effect of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

• A 2015 retrospective cohort study that reviewed outcomes of 1231 IVF patient records undergoing IVF found that patients receiving IVF with adjuvant whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine, was associated with greater odds of live birth in donor and non-donor cycles. Whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine is a complex intervention that can include acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and dietary and lifestyle recommendations,.. In the study, patients received either IVF with no additional treatment; IVF and elective acupuncture on day of embryo transfer; or IVF and elective WS-TCM. acupuncture or whole-systems traditional Chinese medicine (WS-TCM) as an adjuvant IVF treatment. The primary outcome was live birth. Of 1069 non-donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with greater odds of live birth compared with IVF alone, or embryo transfer with acupuncture only. Of 162 donor cycles, WS-TCM was associated with increased live births compared with all groups or embryo transfer with acupuncture only These results should be taken cautiously as more rigorous research is needed.

Hullender Rubin LE, Opsahl MS, Wiemer KE, Mist SD, Caughey AB. Impact of whole systems traditional Chinese medicine on in-vitro fertilization outcomes. Reprod Biomed Online. 2015 Jun;30(6):602-12. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2015.02.005. Epub 2015 Feb 24. PMID: 25911598; PMCID: PMC4458185.

Red Light Near-Infrared (NIR) Therapy in IVF Treatment

Red light and near-infrared (NIR) therapy, collectively known as photobiomodulation, is gaining interest for its potential to improve outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies, including in-vitro fertilization (IVF).

Mechanisms of Action:
• Enhanced Mitochondrial Function:
NIR therapy stimulates mitochondrial activity, increasing ATP production, which supports cellular energy demands essential for ovarian function and embryo development (Wang et al., 2017).

• Reduced Oxidative Stress and Inflammation:
Photobiomodulation can decrease oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in ovarian tissue, potentially improving oocyte quality (Ribeiro et al., 2020).

• Improved Ovarian Reserve and Function:
Preclinical studies suggest NIR can promote healthier ovarian tissue, enhance
folliculogenesis, and improve hormone production, which are critical for successful IVF (Ribeiro et al., 2020).

• Enhanced Embryo Quality:
Some research indicates increased embryo viability and implantation rates when NIR
therapy is used to improve ovarian environment (Ribeiro et al., 2020).

Current Evidence Status:
Most research remains preclinical or based on small pilot studies. Clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of systemic or localized NIR therapy as an adjunct in IVF protocols are limited but promising.

Potential Benefits:
• Increased oocyte quality and quantity
• Improved embryo development
• Higher implantation and pregnancy rates

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in IVF Treatment

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an emerging neuromodulation technique primarily used for neurological and inflammatory conditions.
Its potential application in IVF and reproductive health is based on its ability to regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce systemic inflammation, which are important factors in fertility.

Mechanisms of Action:
• Autonomic Regulation and Balance:
VNS activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which can help restore autonomic balance—a vital aspect of reproductive hormone regulation and stress response (Bonaz et al., 2016).

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
VNS suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (Pavlov & Tracey, 2012). Since systemic inflammation can impair embryo implantation and fertility, VNS might support a healthier reproductive environment.

• Modulation of Stress and HPA Axis:
VNS may indirectly influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a role in hormonal fluidity and ovulation (Berok et al., 2018).

• Wang, X., et al. (2017). "Photobiomodulation reduces inflammatory cytokines in tissue repair." Lasers in Medical Science, 32(4), 943-950.
• Ribeiro, J. C., et al. (2020). "Infrared therapy improves ovarian function and embryo quality in models of reproductive aging." Reproductive Sciences
• Pavlov, V. A., & Tracey, K. J. (2012). "The inflammatory reflex." Nature, 420(6917), 853-859.
• Bonaz, B., et al. (2016). "Vagus nerve stimulation: A new promising therapeutic tool in inflammatory diseases." CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets.
• Berok, A., et al. (2018). "Vagus nerve regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis." Neuroendocrinology.

Unexplained Infertility

Many couples do not have an identifiable cause of infertility. Unexplained infertility is frustrating and upsetting as it leaves couples with a sense that nothing can be done except to keep trying and to hope for the best.

Chinese Medicine can help with unexplained infertility in a number of ways

• Regulating the menstrual cycle and hormonal balance: Chinese medicine can help regulate irregular menstrual cycles and balance hormonal levels. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may be used to promote regular ovulation and optimise the quality of eggs and sperm. By enhancing the overall reproductive function, Chinese medicine may increase the chances of conception.

• Improving blood flow to the reproductive organs: Chinese medicine focuses on promoting healthy blood circulation, including to the reproductive organs. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, creating a more favourable environment for conception and implantation.

• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation: Stress and emotional factors can impact fertility. Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall emotional well-being. By addressing stress and emotions, Chinese medicine may create a more supportive environment for conception.

• Balancing the body's energy and promoting overall health: Chinese medicine views infertility as a manifestation of imbalances in the body. By assessing the individual's overall well-being, including physical, emotional and energetic aspects, Chinese medicine aims to restore balance and promote overall health. Acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle recommendations are often used to support this process.

• Individualised treatment approach: Chinese medicine takes a personalised approach, considering each individual's unique constitution and patterns of imbalance.

Modern research supports the use of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of unexplained infertility.

• A 2022 population based study indicated that Chinese medicine is associated with higher likelihood of successful pregnancy in infertile women. Population-based case-control study included the data from 2,627 infertile women with successful pregnancy and 2,627 infertile women without successful pregnancy. Patients who received TCM treatment significantly increased in successful pregnancy compared with patients without TCM. Si-Wu-Tang, Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling- Wan, and Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San were the Chinese herbal formulas that were most strongly associated with successful pregnancy among infertile women. These results are worthy of further investigation by randomized control trials.

Liao YH, Lin JG, Lin CC, Tsai CC, Lai HL, Li TC. Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment Associated with Female Infertility in Taiwan: A Population-Based Case-Control Study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020 Dec 8;2020:3951741. doi: 10.1155/2020/3951741. PMID: 33381200; PMCID: PMC7749771.

• A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that acupuncture and its combined therapy may be effective for treating female infertility. The study revealed that the pregnancy rate was significantly improved with treatment compared to that in the control group. Subgroup analysis showed that comparing with pure western medicine intervention, no matter intervention with acupuncture alone, with acupuncture plus western medicine, with acupuncture plus Chinese medicine, or acupuncture plus Chinese medicine and western medicine, all of these subgroups exhibited significant improvement. The subgroup according to different types of infertility showed a significant improvement in infertility caused by polycystic ovary syndrome, tubal infertility, ovulatory disorder, and other factors. In addition, the ovulation rate and endometrial thickness were significantly increased. The level of LH was obviously decreased. Moreover, with acupuncture, less adverse effects occurred. The funnel plot revealed that publication bias might exist. All trials included had unclear risks in the aspects of allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel, blinding of outcome assessment, selective reporting, and other bias so more research is required to draw conclusive evidence.

Yun L, Liqun W, Shuqi Y, Chunxiao W, Liming L, Wei Y. Acupuncture for infertile women without undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (ART): A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019 Jul;98(29):e16463. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000016463. PMID: 31335705; PMCID: PMC6709164.

• A 2015 meta-analysis involving 4247 women with infertility has shown that that 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. In addition, fertility indicators such as ovulation rates, cervical mucus score, biphasic basal body temperature, and appropriate thickness of the endometrial lining were positively influenced by CHM therapy, indicating an ameliorating physiological effect conducive for a viable pregnancy. The trials included women with PCOS, endometriosis, anovulation, fallopian tube blockage, or unexplained infertility. Mean pregnancy rates in the Chinese herbal medicine group were 60% compared with 33% in the WM group.

Ried K. Chinese herbal medicine for female infertility: an updated meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2015 Feb;23(1):116-28. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2014.12.004. Epub 2015 Jan 3. PMID: 25637159.

Red Light and Near-Infrared (NIR) Therapy in Unexplained Infertility

Unexplained infertility affects a significant proportion of couples unable to conceive despite normal reproductive anatomy and hormone levels. Emerging research suggests that red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy, collectively known as photobiomodulation, may support fertility by reducing inflammation, enhancing cellular function, and improving ovarian and uterine health.

Mechanisms of Action:
• Mitochondrial Stimulation:
NIR light penetrates tissues and stimulates mitochondrial activity, increasing ATP production, which supports ovarian follicle development, oocyte quality, and endometrial receptivity (Wang et al., 2017).

• Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Photobiomodulation reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), potentially decreasing systemic and local inflammation that can impair ovulation and implantation (Ribeiro et al., 2020).

• Promotion of Tissue Repair:
NIR therapy can enhance local blood flow, promote tissue healing, and improve ovarian and endometrial health—key factors in fertility.

• Improved oocyte and embryo quality
• Enhanced endometrial receptivity
• Reduced ovarian inflammation
• Potential increase in fertility rates in women with unexplained infertility

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in Unexplained Infertility

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which modulates autonomic function and inflammation, offers an adjunctive potential approach to address some underlying contributors.

Mechanisms Potentially Relevant to Infertility:
• Autonomic Nervous System Regulation:
VNS activates parasympathetic pathways, which can restore autonomic balance that may be disrupted in women with unexplained infertility (Bonaz et al., 2016). This balance influences reproductive hormone secretion, ovarian function, and uterine environment.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
Chronic low-grade inflammation and immune dysregulation play roles in infertility. VNS helps reduce systemic inflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6), which may impair implantation and ovarian function (Pavlov & Tracey, 2012).
• Stress Reduction and HPA Axis Modulation:
High stress levels are linked to disrupted ovulation and implantation. VNS may mitigate stress responses by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, potentially improving reproductive outcomes.

Potential Benefits:
• Restoration of autonomic and neuroendocrine balance
• Reduction in systemic inflammation, supporting healthier ovarian and uterine environments
• Stress alleviation, possibly improving ovulation and implantation success

• Pavlov, V. A., & Tracey, K. J. (2012). "The inflammatory reflex." Nature, 420(6917), 853-859.
• Bonaz, B., et al. (2016). "Vagus nerve stimulation: A new promising therapeutic tool in inflammatory diseases." CNS & Neurological
Disorders - Drug Targets.
• Berok, A., et al. (2018). "Vagus nerve regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis." Neuroendocrinology.
• Wang, X., et al. (2017). "Photobiomodulation reduces inflammatory cytokines in tissue repair." Lasers in Medical Science, 32(4), 943-
950.
• Ribeiro, J. C., et al. (2020). "Infrared therapy improves ovarian function and embryo quality in models of reproductive
aging." Reproductive Sciences.

Miscarriage - You can do something

Threatened Miscarriage

Women who experience a threatened miscarriage experience physical discomfort as well as a range of emotions including fear, anxiety, sadness and grief. The uncertainty surrounding the pregnancy can lead to increased stress and emotional turmoil.

Evidence to date fails to support biomedical medications or lifestyle interventions such as bedrest to improve (live birth) outcomes. Research has shown that women are dissatisfied with the medical advice of 'watchful waiting'. Acupuncture and Chinese medicine treatment give women back the power to 'do something'.

Modern research also supports the use of acupuncture and herbal medicine for threatened miscarriage.

• A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis concluded that current evidence supported Chinese herbal medicine as a potential treatment for threatened miscarriage. 57 randomised control trials involving 5,881 patients were included Compared with western medicine alone, Chinese herbal medicine alone showed significant higher incidence of continuation of pregnancy after 28 gestational weeks, continuation of pregnancy after treatment and higher β-hCG levels. Compared with western medicine alone, combined Chinese herbal medicine and western medicine showed significant higher incidence of continuation of pregnancy after 28 gestational weeks, continuation of pregnancy after treatment and higher β-hCG level. No significant differences in reducing the adverse maternal outcomes and neonatal death were found in combined Chinese herbal medicine compared with western medicine alone. Results should be interpreted with caution considering the low to moderate quality of the available evidence.

Xie H, Zhang A, Mou X, He T, Li J, Wang CC, Fan X, Li L. Chinese herbal medicine for threatened miscarriage: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Feb 14;14:1083746. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1083746. PMID: 36865912; PMCID: PMC9971626.

• A 2021 article reviewing the efficacy and safety of chinese medicine for threatened miscarriage concluded that: Chinese herbal medicine may improve endometrial function, inhibit uterine contraction, regulate immune response, and promote the development of the embryo. It is considered beneficial for preventing and treating miscarriage with fewer adverse events compared to current conventional western medicine by being used alone or in combination with western medicines. Most clinical trials have reported no adverse events or significant risks, but systematic reviews have concluded that no data are available to demonstrate the safety of Chinese herbal medicine for the mother or the infant with current publications.

Lingjing Lu, Juan Li, Yu Zhou, Hongxia Ma, Min Hu, "Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Threatened Miscarriage: Advantages and Risks", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2021, Article ID 5589116, 26 pages, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5589116

• Acupuncture and moxibustion are recognised as non-pharmacological approaches, which can maintain pregnancy, and enhance the effects with the Chinese herbal medicine or western medicines. Most studies show that acupuncture is safe and effective without side effects. The safety of acupuncture in pregnancy is reasonably well accepted, but there is still a lack of high-quality scientific research to validate the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion for threatened miscarriage

Lingjing Lu, Juan Li, Yu Zhou, Hongxia Ma, Min Hu, "Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Threatened Miscarriage: Advantages and Risks", Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2021, Article ID 5589116, 26 pages, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5589116

• A 2016 randomised trial concluded that acupuncture was a feasible intervention for reduced threatened miscarriage symptoms when compared to a touch intervention.The trial included 40 women who were successfully randomised. For women receiving acupuncture there was a statically significant reduction with threatened miscarriage symptoms including bleeding, cramping and back pain compared with the control. Further research is required to further explore acupuncture use for this common complication and whether it can reduce the incidence of miscarriage.

Betts D, Smith CA, Dahlen HG. Does acupuncture have a role in the treatment of threatened miscarriage? Findings from a feasibility randomised trial and semi-structured participant interviews. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2016 Oct 7;16(1):298. doi: 10.1186/s12884-016- 1092-8. Erratum in: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2017 Jan 11;17 (1):27. PMID: 27717319; PMCID: PMC5055689.

Chinese medicine may provide supportive care for individuals experiencing a threatened miscarriage by

• Stabilising the pregnancy: Chinese medicine aims to support the body in maintaining a stable pregnancy by addressing underlying imbalances. Acupuncture, herbal medicine and moxibustion can stop vaginal bleeding and reduce abdominal pain. Acupuncture and herbal medicine may also be used to help regulate hormonal levels, promote blood circulation to the uterus, and support the uterine lining, potentially reducing the risk of miscarriage.

• Reducing inflammation and uterine contractions: Acupuncture and chinese herbal medicine can help reduce inflammation and uterine contractions. Specific herbs may be prescribed to (support) the uterus and stabilise the pregnancy (see research).

• Supporting emotional well-being: Acupuncture has been found to assist women’s response to stress in early pregnancy and provides supportive care, which has been shown to improve pregnancy rates for women with threatened miscarriage. Threatened miscarriage is a stressful and emotionally challenging experience. By promoting relaxation and balancing the body's energy, it may contribute to a more favourable environment for the pregnancy.

• Strengthening the body's energy: Chinese medicine focuses on supporting the body's overall energy (Qi) and vitality. By strengthening the body's energy, Chinese medicine may help improve the body's ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

Olivia is a highly qualified acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese Herbal Medicine who offers skill, presence and compassion. She understands what a stressful time early pregnancy can be and is here to support you in whatever way she can. Olivia is an integrative health care practitioner and provides tailor-made, wholistic care programs.

Recurrent Miscarriage

Early pregnancy loss is a shocking and traumatic event for women and their families. Miscarriage usually induces an intense period of emotional distress and subsequent miscarriages increase the distress women and their families feel. To date, there is no universally accepted western medicine treatment for unexplained recurrent miscarriage.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines have been widely used in Asian societies for thousands of years and have become a popular alternative to Western medicines in recent years.

Many clinical studies have reported that Chinese herbal medicines can improve pregnancy outcomes for pregnant women who had previously suffered recurrent miscarriage.

• A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis that included 916 patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage concluded that co-treatment with Shoutai Pill, a famous classic Chinese herbal medicine formula, and western medicine might be superior to western medicine alone in the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent miscarriage in women with unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. There was no adverse event in the experimental group reported. However, it is necessary to verify its effectiveness with further more standardized researches of rigorous design.

Li HF, Shen QH, Li XQ, Feng ZF, Chen WM, Qian JH, Shen L, Yu LY, Yang Y. The Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine Shoutai Pill Combined with Western Medicine in the First Trimester of Pregnancy in Women with Unexplained Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Biomed Res Int. 2020 Aug 8;2020:7495161. doi: 10.1155/2020/7495161. PMID: 32851085; PMCID: PMC7436282.

• A 2024 article outlines how Jiawei Shoutai Pill promotes decidualization by regulating the SGK1/ENaC pathway in recurrent spontaneous miscarriage. The study outlines how abnormal SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway regulation is closely associated with early endometrial damage in recurrent miscarriage patients. Jiawei Shoutai Pill promotes endometrial proliferation and mesenchymal-epithelial transition through the SGK1/ENaC signaling pathway, improving endometrial shedding. Consequently, the study concludes that iawei Shoutai Pill is a potential treatment for recurrent miscarriage.

Di X, Duan Z, Ma Y, Song X, Hao Y, Li G, Tan Z, Lou Y, Lin X. Jiawei Shoutai Pill promotes decidualization by regulating the SGK1/ENaC pathway in recurrent spontaneous abortion. J Ethnopharmacol. 2024 Jan 10;318(Pt A):116939. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116939. Epub 2023 Jul 20. PMID: 37479068.

• A 2021 article on the therapeutic importance of Zishen Yutai Pill on the female reproductive health concluded that Zishen Yutai Pill, a combination of 15 traditional medicines, has improved the fertility and pregnancy rate through in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer. Further, various clinical studies have revealed that Zishen Yutai Pill showed the curative effect for miscarriage, recurrent spontaneous abortion, menstrual disorders, luteal dysfunction, diminished ovarian reserve, polycystic ovary syndrome and premature ovarian insufficiency. The intervention of Zishen Yutai Pill has multiple roles in reproductive functions such as regulation of ovulation, follicle development, menstrual flow, hormonal balance and endometrial thickness.

Maharajan K, Xia Q, Duan X, Tu P, Zhang Y, Liu K. Therapeutic importance of Zishen Yutai Pill on the female reproductive health: A review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2021 Dec 5;281:114523. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114523. Epub 2021 Aug 24. PMID: 34438031.

Chinese medicine can offer support and potential treatment options for individuals experiencing recurrent miscarriage by

• Identifying underlying causes: Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to health and aims to identify and address the underlying causes of recurrent miscarriage. Olivia considers factors such as imbalances in Qi and blood flow, uterine health, hormonal imbalances, and emotional well-being to develop an individualised treatment plan.

• Regulating hormonal balance: Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture can help regulate hormonal imbalances that may contribute to recurrent miscarriage. By promoting hormonal balance, Chinese medicine may support a healthier pregnancy and reduce the risk of miscarriage.

• Improving uterine health: Chinese medicine focuses on improving blood flow to the uterus and enhancing the uterine lining. Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help promote a thick and receptive uterine lining, creating a favoruable environment for implantation and supporting a healthy pregnancy.

• Reducing stress and promoting relaxation: Stress and emotional factors can impact pregnancy outcomes. Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, has been shown to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. By addressing emotional imbalances, Chinese medicine may help create a more supportive environment for a successful pregnancy.

Olivia is a highly qualified acupuncturist and Doctor of Chinese herbal medicine who offers skill, presence and compassion. She understands what a devastating loss miscarriage can be and is here to support your body, mind and spirit to recover and to support you to carry your baby to full term. Olivia is an integrative health care practitioner and provides tailor-made, wholistic care programs.