Fertility

Explore options to support female fertility and IVF with acupuncture

Support Your Path to Pregnancy

At Sustain Health, we understand that the fertility journey can feel isolating and overwhelming. When hope starts to feel distant, the pressure, confusion, and abundance of advice available can leave many feeling disconnected from themselves and their bodies.

Our holistic approach to fertility support centers around nurturing this connection, viewing fertility not as a condition, but as a relationship between body, mind, and partner or self.

Using Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, we aim to harmonise the body’s systems, focusing on Qi and Blood flow to the reproductive system. For many, modern life can feel like a cycle of success and burnout, leaving little energy for nurturing the body and mind. So we work to help individuals rebuild a natural rhythm.

Our approach considers both the internal relationship with oneself and the connection with a partner, seeing them as interwoven aspects of fertility health. Treatments focus on bringing warmth and balance back to these connections, rather than emphasising knowledge or technicality. We encourage a shift away from self-criticism or “head-centric” thinking about fertility, fostering instead a supportive relationship with the body that many have lost.



At Sustain Health, our experienced practitioners take time to understand your unique health landscape, offering an approach that goes beyond a treatment plan and aims to support your entire well-being. Whether you’re pursuing natural conception, IVF, or embarking on a solo or same-sex parenting journey, our focus is on helping you reconnect, heal, and move forward with greater confidence in your body and path ahead.

Does acupuncture really help fertility?

How it works

Acupuncture employs fine needles to target specific points, aiming to regulate blood flow, as well as neural, chemical, and hormonal signals. In the context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this process is thought to balance the energy, or qi (pronounced ‘chi’), to encourage better bodily function. Acupuncture seeks to create an environment conducive to natural healing, offering an alternative to synthetic drugs or surgical interventions.

Fertility and Menstrual Cycle Balance

The balance of your menstrual cycle may have an association with fertility. Herbal medicine, as part of traditional practice, aims to support cycle regulation, which might be beneficial in enhancing fertility conditions. Peony Root (Chi Shao 赤芍) is one ingredient often considered in this context, traditionally used to assist in managing menstrual irregularities..

The Endocrine System
The Meridian System

The endocrine system consists of a complex network of glands and organs. It utilises hormones to regulate various bodily functions such as metabolism, energy levels, reproduction, growth and development, as well as your response to injury, stress, and mood changes. It may have a connection to your fertility.

May reduce stress

Stress may lead to the release of cortisol, potentially affecting the hormonal balance crucial for the reproductive cycle

Balance hormones

Acupuncture aims to have a stabilising influence on various bodily systems, including reproductive hormones

Nervous system regulation

Acupuncture may assist in facilitating normal communication between the pituitary gland and ovaries.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a meridian, also known as Jing Lou, serves as a conduit for the flow of qi and energy. These pathways have various names, including acupuncture meridians, acupoints, and energy vessels. While meridians are conceptually akin to the circulatory system, they are not visible to the naked eye.

Can restore balance

Acupuncture aims to redistribute energy by directing the flow of qi throughout the body

May increase blood flow

May enhance blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries

May assist in removing obstructions

Acupuncture aims to enhance body function by targeting areas perceived as blocked or stagnant in Traditional Chinese Medicine

We collaborate with you and your Western doctors to address various aspects of life, aiming to enhance your chances of conceiving.

For new patients, we provide a unique Care Plan to establish treatment expectations and reflect on outcomes.

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Sustain Health Fertility Program

Preparation Support

Exploring your options and preparing your body.

1

GP Consult
To start your journey, we highly recommend that you discuss your options with your General Practitioner, who may refer you to a Fertility Specialist to assess your options. You may then be recommended various prescriptions and tests.
However, you do not need a GP referral to visit us.

2

First Visit
For your first appointment, your practitioner spends 60 minutes with you to understand you and your lifestyle.
We explore your medical history and diagnose by feeling your pulse, viewing your tongue, and palpating points on your body.
We also include education regarding acupuncture, herbs, lifestyle and fertility in all our sessions.

3

Herbal Medicine Prescription
Your practitioner will prescribe you personal herbs to support your fertility and any other ailments. These may change as your condition improves.

4

Acupuncture Treatments
  
- May help support energy and blood flow
  
- Can support natural production of milk supply
  
- Could relieve stress & mood imbalances 
  
- May assist in supporting your sleep
  
- Can address additional symptoms

Conception Support

Select your journey type

Natural

1

Acupuncture Treatments
- Acupuncture may help regulate menstrual cycles and manage pain or discomfort.
- Aim to improve uterine lining and egg quality.
- Aim to support kidney, spleen, and liver function, as well as the flow of qi.
- Aim to prepare the body to be more conducive for pregnancy.
- May help in stress relief and sleep support.
- Aim to reduce risk factors that could lead to miscarriage.
- Can also be considered for managing other symptoms

2

Pregnancy Test
After trying for a baby, a Pregnancy Test is taken and if positive, the program will progress into supporting your pregnancy, as outlined in the next phases.

IVF

Timing
In vitro fertilisation (IVF) support relies heavily on careful timing to increase your chances of success. IVF can also be a very stressful period, and acupuncture will help alleviate stress as well as any side effects from IVF medication.

1

Ovarian Stimulation Drugs
After the first day of your period, you begin injections to stimulate follicular growth before a final trigger injection to release the eggs.

2

Acupuncture Treatments
- Acupuncture may assist in regulating menstrual cycles and managing pain or discomfort.
- May aim to enhance the quality of the uterine lining and eggs.
- Targets supporting the function of the kidneys, spleen, and liver, as well as optimising the flow of qi.
- Aims to condition the body to be more favourable for pregnancy.
- Could offer support for stress relief and improved sleep.
- Targets minimising risk factors potentially leading to miscarriage.
- May also be an option for managing other unlisted symptoms.

3

Egg Retrieval
Your eggs are collected, fertilised and cultivated into embryos. Extra embryos will be frozen for future embryo transfer cycles if needed.

4

Acupuncture Treatments
- May assist in reducing inflammation following egg collection.
- Could help address Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) and support recovery.
- Aims to aid in restoring normal bowel movements.
- May offer support for energy levels and sleep quality.
- Targets preparing the body for embryo transfer.
- Could offer support in stress relief.
- May also be an option for managing other unlisted symptoms

5

Embryo Transfer
The embryo is implanted in your womb.

6

Acupuncture Treatments
- May help calm the nervous system.
- Aims to encourage blood flow to the uterus.
- Could assist in stress reduction and sleep support.
- Targets supporting the implantation of the embryo.
- May also be an option for managing other unlisted symptoms.

7

Pregnancy Test
The test is taken 2 weeks after insemination and if positive, the program will progress into supporting your pregnancy, as outlined in the next phases.

IUI

Timing
Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) support relies heavily on careful timing to increase your chances of success. IUI can also be a very stressful period, and acupuncture will help alleviate stress as well as symptoms from medication.

1

IUI Insemination
After sperm collection, insemination to fertilise your eggs is performed via a syringe at home or by your GP or Fertility Specialist.

2

Acupuncture Treatments
- May help alleviate side effects from medications.
- Aims to support digestion throughout the reproductive cycle.
- Could improve blood flow to the uterus.
- May assist in stress relief and sleep support.
- Targets supporting the implantation of the embryo.
- Aims to prepare the body to be more conducive for pregnancy.
- May also be an option for managing other unlisted symptoms.

3

Pregnancy Test
The test is taken 2 weeks after insemination and if positive, the program will progress into supporting your pregnancy, as outlined in the next phases.

Egg/Embryo Freezing

1

Ovarian Stimulation Drugs
After the first day of your period, you begin injections to stimulate follicular growth before a final trigger injection to release the eggs.

2

Acupuncture Treatments
- May help alleviate side effects from IVF medications.
- Aims to improve circulation and nutrition to ovarian follicles.
- Could support digestion throughout the reproductive cycle.
- Targets improving blood flow to the uterus.
- May assist in stress relief and sleep support.
- Aims to prepare the body to be more conducive for pregnancy.
- May also be an option for managing other unlisted symptoms.

3

Egg Retrieval
Your eggs are collected and then frozen, or fertilised and cultivated into embryos before freezing. You may also pass them to a gestational carrier.

Pregnancy Support

Growing a healthy baby and easing your symptoms.

1

Acupuncture Treatments
- Aim to reduce risk factors that could lead to miscarriage.
- May help alleviate symptoms of morning sickness.
- Targets strengthening the back for better support.
- Could offer a boost in energy and relieve fatigue.
- Aims to ensure optimal nutrition is reaching the baby.
- May support deep, restful sleep.
- Could assist with managing swelling and water retention.
- May help address various bodily discomforts.
- Aims to correct birthing position in preparation for labour.
- May support the onset of labour through acupuncture induction.
- Targets stress relief and emotional well-being.
- May also be an option for managing other unlisted symptoms.

2

Birth
Congratulations! Your work has paid off and it’s time to celebrate.

Postpartum Support

Helping you recover and get back on your feet.

5

Acupuncture Treatments
- May assist in supporting energy levels and addressing blood-loss concerns.
- Aim to support natural milk supply.
- May offer support for stress and emotional well-being postpartum.
- Could aid in improving sleep quality.
- May also be an option for managing other symptoms.

FAQs

Can herbal medicine boost fertility?

How it works
Chinese herbal medicine is based on the principle of pattern differentiation, focusing on a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s signs and symptoms from head to toe. Rather than directly treating symptoms or diseases, Chinese herbal medicine aims to address a person’s overall biochemical imbalances using natural plant-based ingredients in powdered form.

Impact on fertility
Your fertility journey and menstrual cycle balance may be interconnected. Herbal medicine, including ingredients like Peony Root (Chì Sháo 赤芍), has been traditionally used to manage menstrual irregularities. It’s important to discuss with a qualified acupuncturist to determine if this could be a complementary option for your individual situation

Formulas mixed on site
Our Chinese herbal medicine pass through stringent quality control systems to ensure they are pure and not adulterated

Why should I choose Sustain Health to support my fertility?

Fertility acupuncture is often considered by IVF centres as a supportive approach alongside fertility treatments, tailored to the unique needs of each patient. At Sustain Health, our focus is on providing fertility acupuncture, a service we have been dedicated to for nearly two decades, assisting couples and individuals. Our practitioners are experienced and have a concentrated practice in this area of acupuncture, with our team being led by Dr Scott Ling. Dr Ling integrates his extensive knowledge from a Master’s of Reproductive Medicine from UNSW into his role as Chief Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner.

How long does it take for fertility acupuncture to work?

After your first treatment, you will start to feel the effects of acupuncture. You should generally expect to see improvements in the first three treatments. If you are undergoing IVF or IUI, we recommend coming in 3 months before.

Will herbal medicine or acupuncture interfere with my IVF/IUI?

If you are undergoing IVF, IUI, or taking certain fertility medication, you will need to talk to a practitioner about whether herbal medicine is right for you. Acupuncture, however, is completely fine.

Upfront Program Fees

Practitioner Differences

It is important to be matched to a practitioner that suits you best.Their prices differ due to seniority, experience, and clinical focus. Find out who you connect with the most by reading about Our Team or discuss your options via our online 15 minute Complimentary Consultation.

Methods of Payment

Consultation fees are GST-exempt and can be paid at reception after your treatment via EFTPOS, cash, bank transfer, or credit card (including AMEX).

Program End

If you become pregnant during your Fertility Program, the services will change to support your pregnancy as outlined in the timeline, but the cost and duration will remain the same. You can also hold any remaining pre-paid treatments for use in the future.Once you have completed your Fertility Program you can choose to renew it, depending on your pregnancy outcome.

Insurance Rebates

We are registered with HICAPS and participating Health Funds can be found here. However, the ability to claim the cost of our services is dependent on your coverage. Most Health Funds cover acupuncture, but with varying rates.
Bring your Health Fund card to claim rebates upon payment or ask for an invoice. Packages or Programs purchased upfront can be claimed via invoice.
Most of our practitioners are registered with Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Workspace. Our chiropractors are also registered with Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM), which are funded by Medicare. Our services can be claimed with a valid referral.Please Contact Us for more information.

Rescheduling and Cancellations

Late cancellation or rescheduling consultations without 24-48 hour notice (depending on consultation length) will incur a cancellation fee of $40.

Transparency of Treatment

Sustain Health’s focus is helping people. Depending on the complexity of your condition, if we cannot help you within the first 3-6 sessions, we will refer you to other appropriate health care professionals.

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Dr Scott Ling

BMed MReproMed PhDChinMed

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Insurance Rebates

You may be able to claim treatment costs on your Health Insurance.

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Parking Options

Please allow extra time on your first visit to find the best parking option for you. There is limited free and paid parking available on York Street in front of the clinic. Alternatively, there is limited free parking available in the underground carpark at South Melbourne Central on Cecil Street. Please be aware this carpark is a 5-7-minute walk from the clinic.

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Simply catch the No. 12 Tram and get off at Stop 12 (York Street/Clarendon Street). Walk down York St for 2 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance. Alternatively, you can catch No. 58 and get off at Stop 117 (York Street). Walk up York St for 4 minutes until you reach our clinic entrance.

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