Summary:
Aligned Modern Health offers fertility acupuncture across Chicago and nearby suburbs—including Lincoln Park, River North, Evanston, and Deerfield —helping individuals and couples enhance conception outcomes, reduce stress, and support their IVF journey. Our clinicians contributed to one of the largest U.S. studies showing that acupuncture performed around embryo transfer can significantly increase live birth rates.

The Growing Role of Acupuncture in Fertility and IVF Care

Fertility acupuncture is gaining attention as both a calming and evidence-supported complement to reproductive medicine. By improving blood flow, balancing hormones, and easing stress, acupuncture supports both the physiological and emotional aspects of conception.

For anyone searching for IVF acupuncture near me in Chicago, Aligned Modern Health provides one of the most experienced fertility-focused acupuncture teams in the region. Our licensed acupuncturists work alongside patients before, during, and after fertility treatments to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support successful outcomes.

Find a convenient clinic offering fertility acupuncture near you — see all Aligned Modern Health locations across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

Clinical Insight from Aligned Modern Health

At Aligned Modern Health, much of what we practice is guided by real-world research. Our own Dr. Kate Phillippi, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, MSTOM, DACM, FABORM, helped lead a large-scale study published in Fertility & Sterility (2022), which found that acupuncture performed immediately before and after frozen embryo transfer (FET) was associated with 55 percent higher live birth rates compared to FET alone.

The research followed more than 2,300 IVF patients treated at Vios Fertility Institute/Kindbody in Chicago. Those who received individualized acupuncture had both improved live birth outcomes and 42 percent fewer biochemical pregnancies, suggesting that acupuncture may enhance uterine receptivity and early implantation stability.

Phillippi explains that acupuncture’s benefits stem from both physical and emotional mechanisms. “Acupuncture around embryo transfer helps calm the mind and body. It increases blood flow to the uterus, relaxes uterine muscles, and supports implantation while promoting overall ease,” she says.

Even more importantly, she encourages patients not to stress about perfect timing. “If it’s convenient, same-day acupuncture is ideal,” she notes. “If not, a session the day before or after can offer the same calming, supportive benefits.”

When and How Treatment Works Best

For most IVF patients, acupuncture sessions are scheduled immediately before and after embryo transfer. During treatment, needles are gently placed at key points to regulate blood flow and activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the body’s natural relaxation response. Patients rest quietly for about 20 to 30 minutes, and many describe feeling calm, centered, and emotionally balanced afterward.

This sense of deep relaxation isn’t just anecdotal. By activating the body’s “rest and digest” system, acupuncture may reduce uterine tension, support hormone balance, and help create an environment more conducive to implantation.

What the Broader Research Shows

Acupuncture’s potential benefits for fertility are supported by a growing body of research:

• Lee et al. (2015, Reproductive BioMedicine Online) conducted one of the largest U.S. studies on whole-systems Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for IVF support. This study compared outcomes among patients receiving no acupuncture, pre- and post-transfer acupuncture only, and comprehensive whole-systems TCM care (which included acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle guidance). Patients in the whole-systems group had significantly greater odds of live birth compared to those who did not receive acupuncture. PubMed link
• A 2025 meta-analysis in Frontiers in Reproductive Health found higher clinical pregnancy rates compared with no-treatment controls (RR ~1.25) Frontiers
• A 2020 synthesis in Wiley Clinical Research noted that multi-week acupuncture courses before IVF may further improve pregnancy rates, Wiley
• Research on stress and anxiety consistently shows measurable reductions in state anxiety and improved emotional well-being for IVF patients receiving acupuncture. National Library of Medicine

Together, these findings highlight acupuncture as a safe, low-risk therapy that complements medical fertility care and may enhance overall treatment experience.

Finding IVF Acupuncture Near Me in Chicago

Aligned Modern Health provides IVF-focused acupuncture at 16 clinics throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Lincoln Park, Andersonville, River North, South Loop, Streeterville, Logan Square, Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, Deerfield, Mt. Prospect, Elmhurst, Evanston, Kildeer, Orland Park, Park Ridge, and Vernon Hills.

Our practitioners regularly coordinate with local fertility centers to ensure appointments align seamlessly with transfer schedules—making it easier for patients to integrate same-day or near-day sessions into their IVF plan.

Whether you’re beginning treatment or planning an upcoming transfer, our team brings together traditional Chinese medicine and modern fertility expertise to support your reproductive health at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fertility Acupuncture

1. How can I find IVF acupuncture near me in Chicago?

Aligned Modern Health offers fertility-focused acupuncture across 16 clinics in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, including Lincoln Park, River North, Evanston, and Deerfield. Our licensed acupuncturists coordinate care with local fertility centers to provide same-day or near-day IVF acupuncture before and after embryo transfer.

You can see all Aligned Modern Health locations offering IVF acupuncture in Chicago.

2. Does acupuncture really improve IVF success?

A Chicago-based study led by Aligned Modern Health clinicians showed a 55% increase in live birth rates when individualized acupuncture was performed before and after embryo transfer compared with IVF alone.

3. How does acupuncture help improve fertility naturally?

Acupuncture supports fertility by improving blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, balancing reproductive hormones, and reducing stress hormones like cortisol. These effects help regulate ovulation, support implantation, and improve overall reproductive health for both women and men.

4. When is the best time to start acupuncture for IVF?

Starting acupuncture several weeks or even months before your IVF cycle can help prepare the body by regulating hormones, improving egg quality, and promoting uterine receptivity. However, research also shows that same-day acupuncture—performed immediately before and after embryo transfer—can be particularly beneficial for implantation and relaxation.

5. Can acupuncture help me get pregnant without IVF?

Yes. Many patients use acupuncture to support natural conception by improving menstrual regularity, reducing inflammation, and lowering stress. Acupuncture can also be paired with other fertility treatments such as IUI (intrauterine insemination) or used on its own to help optimize reproductive health.

6. Is fertility acupuncture safe?

Yes. When performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture is safe and well-tolerated during IVF and pregnancy.

7. What will I feel after treatment?

Most patients describe feeling deeply relaxed and centered. This reduction in stress and activation of the body’s calming response can have meaningful benefits for both emotional well-being and uterine readiness.

 

A Whole-Body Approach to Fertility Care

Fertility acupuncture bridges the gap between emotional balance and physiological readiness.

At Aligned Modern Health, our evidence-based approach empowers patients to feel calm, supported, and connected during every step of the fertility process.

For those looking for IVF acupuncture near me in Chicago, our team provides both the clinical expertise and compassionate care needed to make your journey to parenthood as supported as possible.