Ariel Kallenbach is a licensed acupuncturist at the Acupuncture Clinic of Boulder

by Ariel Kallenbach, L.Ac., MACCHM

Acupuncture and moxibustion have been integral to treating gynecological conditions for centuries, offering natural ways to enhance overall health and address specific concerns. In recent years, modern research has increasingly validated the benefits of these therapies, showing how they can complement conventional treatments, including IVF, to improve outcomes.

Acupuncture and Moxibustion improve IVF outcomes. Acupuncture Clinic of Boulder supports CCRM and Conceptions as an adjunct therapy.

Going through the In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) process can be both exciting and challenging. 

While it provides a pathway to parenthood, it often involves a significant emotional, physical, and financial investment.  Even with advanced medical technology, not every IVF cycle results in pregnancy.

Fortunately, research shows Traditional Chinese Medicine, using acupuncture and moxibustion, can enhance IVF outcomes and help prevent cycle cancellation. One recent study highlights how moxibustion, in particular, can support women with poor ovarian response (POR), a group that typically faces tougher odds during IVF.

Understanding Poor Ovarian Response (POR)

Poor ovarian response (POR) occurs when a woman’s ovaries produce fewer eggs than expected during ovarian stimulation, a key step in the IVF process. POR is especially common among women over 35 and those with lower ovarian reserves. For these women, IVF outcomes tend to be less favorable, leading to fewer retrieved eggs, lower embryo quality, and reduced chances of a successful pregnancy.

Moxibustion’s Impact on IVF Outcomes

This randomized controlled trial from 2024 involved 100 women aged 35-44 who had antral follicle counts less than or equal to 5, anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels less than or equal to 1.2 ng/mL, and had a previous poor response to ovarian stimulation, retrieving less than 4 oocytes. An antral follicle count (AFC) is a measurement of the number of small, fluid-filled sacs present in a woman’s ovaries, typically assessed through a transvaginal ultrasound early in her menstrual cycle, which provides an indication of her ovarian reserve, or the number of eggs she has remaining in her ovaries (a low AFC can suggest diminished fertility potential). 

Half of these women received IVF treatment alone, while the other half received 12 sessions of moxibustion at the umbilicus (belly button) leading up to their egg retrieval alongside IVF treatment. 

Key Findings

The results were promising for women who incorporated moxibustion into their IVF journey:

  • Higher egg retrieval numbers: Women in the moxibustion group had significantly more retrieved oocytes (5.8 vs. 4.7).
  • Improved embryo quality: The number of mature oocytes (5.0 vs. 3.0) and available embryos (4.0 vs. 2.0) were also higher in the moxibustion group.
  • Better cumulative live birth rates: While not statistically significant, the live birth rate was higher in the moxibustion group (27.3%) compared to the control group (13.3%).
  • No adverse effects: Moxibustion was found to be a safe complement to IVF treatment.
Acupuncture Clinic of Boulder supports IVF outcomes with acupuncture and moxibustion.

What is Moxibustion and How Does it Support Egg Retrieval?

Moxibustion, or moxa for short, is a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) technique that uses the warming properties of mugwort (artemisia) to stimulate specific acupuncture points. Unlike acupuncture, which uses needles to send signals to the body, moxa uses heat to achieve similar therapeutic effects.

One key point for moxibustion in fertility treatment is Shen Que (Ren-8), located at the navel. Known as the “Spirit Gate,” this point is deeply connected to vitality and reproductive health. From a TCM perspective, Ren-8 is where vital energy, also called “Shen Qi,” converges. By warming this area with moxa, practitioners aim to enhance the body’s vital essence, improve ovarian function, and reduce oxidative stress in aging ovaries—an important factor in fertility and IVF success.

Scientific studies further support moxibustion’s role in fertility enhancement. For example:

  • A 2019 study found that moxa improved the antioxidant capacity of aging ovaries and reduced cell death (apoptosis), supporting healthier ovarian function (Yang et al., 2019).
  • Another study in 2022 revealed that moxibustion reduced mitochondrial dysfunction in cases of premature ovarian insufficiency, a condition that can impact fertility (Yin et al., 2022).

These findings highlight moxibustion’s potential as a complementary tool for patients looking to enhance their ovarian health and improve their chances of success with IVF.

Why This Matters

Age-related ovarian decline presents significant challenges during IVF, including higher risks of poor outcomes, cycle cancellations, genetically abnormal embryos, and miscarriage. For individuals facing these obstacles, moxibustion offers a gentle, non-invasive method to support ovarian health and improve IVF outcomes.

Incorporating moxibustion into your treatment plan may be a valuable option, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with poor ovarian response. By combining the time-tested wisdom of traditional Chinese Medicine with modern fertility treatments, moxibustion brings renewed hope to those navigating the emotional and physical complexities of infertility.

At the Acupuncture Clinic of Boulder, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care to support you on your path to parenthood. If you’re curious about how acupuncture and moxibustion can enhance your IVF journey, we’d be honored to help. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step in your fertility care.

Sources:

Song, J., Sun, Z., & Ma, Y. (2024). Efficacy and safety of Shen Que (RN8) moxibustion on reproductive outcomes in unexpected poor ovarian responders: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Ovarian Research, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13048-024-01493-2

Yang, X., Wang, W., Zhang, Y., Wang, J., & Huang, F. (2019). Moxibustion improves ovary function by suppressing apoptosis events and upregulating antioxidant defenses in natural aging ovary. Life Sciences, 229, 166–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2019.05.040

Yin, Y., Li, H., Qin, Y., Chen, T., Zhang, Z., Lu, G., Shen, J., & Shen, M. (2022). Moxibustion mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammatory activation in cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian insufficiency rats. Life Sciences, 314, 121283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121283