Transfer Day Acupuncture

Discover the benefits of combining the best of Eastern
and Western medical techniques to conceive

A windowsill decorated with lit tealight candles in gold holders, a potted succulent plant, a rock with purple crystals, and a black vase with white stripes, near a window with white blinds.

Orchid Chinese Medicine is thrilled to partner with the team at KindBody Milwaukee to offer onsite acupuncture treatment the day of your embryo transfer.

Aside from helping to calm transfer day nerves, recent data shows that a series of 2 acupuncture sessions in the window immediately before and after your procedure offers the following:

  • Improved fresh transfer success rates
    by 65%

  • Increased FET live birth rates by 55%

  • Decreased incidence of chemical pregnancy by 42%

Many reproductive endocrinologists and fertility clinics are now incorporating acupuncture, supplements, and other complementary modalities as a standard component of IVF protocols to improve treatment success.

Research into the use of acupuncture with IVF shows a clear increase in rates of conception and live births in women who receive acupuncture throughout the IVF process, as compared to those who have IVF only (with no acupuncture treatment).

A massage room with a massage table covered in white sheets, a potted plant near the window, a black vase and small decorative items on the window sill, a framed abstract art piece on the wall, a cozy bench with black and white striped pillows, a brass floor lamp with a dome-shaped shade, and a beige textured carpet.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • So, let’s get the important stuff out of the way. The acupuncture needles will be far smaller than the thinnest needles you’ve used during your fertility treatment. (That’s right, no PIO needles here!)

    We find that a 40-gauge needle — similar in thickness to an eyelash or eyebrow hair — is a great size to use for your acupuncture treatments. Most don’t feel the needles at all once they’ve been inserted.

    The most common thing you may feel during your session is a deep state of sleepiness or relaxation. This is due to the endorphins (brain chemicals) released during acupuncture and may continue throughout the rest of the day.

    Prior to your transfer, your medical history will be thoroughly reviewed to create a customized treatment just for you. Current data shows this to be more effective than standard, protocol-based treatments.

    A series of tiny, disposable needles will be placed throughout areas on your arms, legs and lower abdomen. You’ll then rest comfortably for about 30 minutes before we return to remove the needles, leaving you refreshed and ready for your next steps of the day.

  • We’re glad you asked — fertility is our specialty!

    Orchid serves as Milwaukee’s oldest acupuncture practice dedicated to the treatment of reproductive health. We are proud to be the home to 2 of only 4 acupuncturists in Wisconsin with specialty board certification (ABORM) for fertility care.

    Put simply, this means that you are partnering with dedicated providers who have undergone extensive training to bring you the best in fertility, pregnancy, and postnatal wellness.

    Each of our providers has over 17 years of professional experience and ongoing training in providing IVF-related support.

    Ahead of transfer day, your provider will complete a thorough chart review and develop a treatment tailored to your unique health history.

  • Our goals the day of your transfer will be to increase pelvic blood flow and decrease uterine cramping that may interfere with a successful implantation. Acupuncture is time tested, safe and effective for all phases of conception and pregnancy/postpartum when treatment is given by an experienced provider.

    For more information on acupuncture & IVF, please see this video from The Egg Whisperer, featuring one of our fellow ABORM members.

  • We can’t wait to work with you! Please contact your treatment team at KindBody Milwaukee for scheduling and current pricing.

Learn more about our IVF programming
“My inner world creates my outer world.”
— T. Harv Eker

“When I was prepping to start IVF, my fertility clinic suggested acupuncture and referred me to Orchid.
Appointments never feel rushed, the space is warm and inviting, and everyone you come into contact with is a pleasure to talk with.
I would 100% recommend to anyone going through infertility.” - KD