Unexplained infertility accounts for 30–50% of couples who struggle to conceive and is something we see frequently in clinic. It is generally defined as the inability to conceive after a year of trying, without a clear medical explanation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), unexplained infertility is often attributed to subtle imbalances within the body’s organ systems, particularly the Kidneys, Liver, and Spleen. Such disharmonies may contribute to reduced egg quality, difficulties with implantation, or heightened immune responses. These patterns are thought to arise from factors such as emotional stress, overwork, prolonged use of hormones, or underlying constitutional weaknesses that may not appear in conventional medical tests.

One of the strengths of acupuncture clinics is the ability to carry out in-depth consultations. Unlike the shorter appointments that are common in conventional settings, an acupuncturist has the time to explore a patient’s full health history, menstrual cycle, and fertility profile in detail, paying attention to subtleties that may prove important.

This thorough assessment allows for a whole-body diagnosis and a more individualised treatment plan, often revealing contributing factors that may otherwise be overlooked.

It is also worth noting that fertility medicine varies between clinics and consultants, with each offering their own perspective. One clinic may diagnose “unexplained infertility,” while another, using different testing, may provide a more specific diagnosis. At Meditation TaiChi, our integrated approach helps guide patients toward appropriate investigations and treatments. In many cases, what is labelled as unexplained infertility could more accurately be described as undiagnosed infertility. Knowing which steps to take next—who to see, what tests to pursue, and what treatments to consider—can make all the difference in moving forward.

Our treatment for unexplained fertility generally involves:

1. Consultation - Assessment with our TCM fertility doctor

2. Acupuncture - Calms the immune response and enhances blood flow to the uterus

3. Herbal Medicine - Strengthens Kidney essence and supports healthy circulation

4. Lifestyle advice and health guide - Promotes emotional wellbeing and balanced nutrition

Anovulatory menstrual cycles—where ovulation does not occur—can be a significant barrier to conception and may indicate underlying hormonal imbalances. If left unaddressed, these irregular cycles can contribute to infertility, disrupted hormone function, and other reproductive health concerns. At Meditation TaiChi, we take a personalised, evidence-informed approach to supporting ovulation through traditional Chinese medicine.

How Acupuncture Supports Ovulation

Acupuncture promotes hormonal balance, enhances blood flow to the ovaries, and reduces stress—all essential for healthy ovulatory function. Research has highlighted its benefits in:

• Regulating reproductive hormones: Acupuncture can influence key hormones such as luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), helping to support ovulation. (Stener-Victorin et al., 2000)

• Enhancing ovarian function: Studies suggest acupuncture may improve ovulation rates, particularly for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). (Zhang et al., 2003)

• Reducing stress and balancing the nervous system: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can disrupt reproductive hormones. Acupuncture has been shown to lower stress markers, creating a more favourable hormonal environment for ovulation. (Eshkevari et al., 2013)

Acupuncture and Medication: A Synergistic Approach

For women undergoing medical treatment for anovulation, acupuncture can be safely combined with ovulation-inducing medications such as Letrozole, Clomid, Tamoxifen, or Metformin (for PCOS). Research indicates that combining acupuncture with these treatments can lead to higher pregnancy rates than medication alone. (Acupuncture in Medicine, 2020)

Your Personalised Treatment Plan

Our approach begins with a thorough consultation to identify the underlying causes of your anovulatory cycles. Whether due to PCOS, stress, thyroid imbalances, or other factors, we create a tailored plan of acupuncture and herbal medicine designed to restore your body’s natural rhythm.

Take the Next Step Toward Balanced Hormones and Ovulation

If you’re experiencing irregular cycles or anovulatory infertility, acupuncture may be the missing piece in your fertility journey. Contact us today to book a consultation and begin supporting your body naturally.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sperm health is thought to depend on the Kidney system, which is linked to reproductive energy and vitality. Problems such as low sperm count or poor motility are often connected to a lack of Kidney strength, internal heat and dampness, or poor circulation. Stress, overwork, excessive sexual activity, and unhealthy diet or lifestyle choices can all play a role in these imbalances.

The diagnosis of male infertility in Chinese medicine is generally more straightforward than in women and usually falls into three main categories:

1. Constitutional weakness of the sperm In these cases, sperm count may have always been low, motility sluggish, and abnormality rates high. This can result from hereditary factors or early-life illnesses that prevented the testes from fully developing. In Chinese medicine, this reflects a weakness of Kidney energy, which must be nourished to improve sperm quality.

2. Blockage of sperm pathways Here, sperm are produced but unable to reach their destination due to obstruction. In Western medicine, this may be explained by conditions such as varicocele. Chinese medicine interprets it as stagnation of Qi and Blood, and treatment often involves herbs that promote circulation in the genital area.

3. Damage caused by heat Because the testes function best in cooler conditions, excess heat can disrupt sperm production. Daily factors such as alcohol and caffeine are considered heating and may lower sperm counts. Certain medications, including those used for epilepsy and chemotherapy, can have similar effects, as can infections, sexually transmitted diseases, or mumps. In these cases, heat may damage and weaken Kidney energy, further complicating fertility. Treatment focuses on clearing residual heat while restoring Kidney strength.

Our fertility treatment for low sperm count combines:

1. Consultation - Assessment with our TCM fertility doctor

2. Acupuncture - Enhances testicular blood flow and supports hormonal balance

3. Herbal Medicine - Strengthens Kidney energy and promotes healthy sperm production

4. Lifestyle advice and health guide - Advice on diet, stress management, and sexual health

Since sperm take about three months to mature, treatment must be sustained over several months. For this reason, herbal medicine is often preferred, as it can be taken daily in capsule form, providing steady, effective support over a typical course of at least six months.

While recurrent miscarriage is defined as the spontaneous loss of three or more consecutive pregnancies, even a single loss can be profoundly distressing, both physically and emotionally.

At Meditation TaiChi, we take a holistic and thorough approach to identify potential factors contributing to miscarriage, including:

• Embryo quality issues

• Hormonal imbalances (such as progesterone or thyroid function)

• Blood clotting disorders

• Immunological factors

The Benefits of Acupuncture for Recurrent Miscarriage

1. Regulating Hormones: Acupuncture can help correct hormonal imbalances that may contribute to miscarriage, supporting the body’s natural ability to maintain a healthy pregnancy environment.

2. Reducing Stress: Emotional and physical stress can play a significant role in miscarriage. Acupuncture activates the body’s relaxation response, helping to lower stress and promote balance for conception.

3. Improving Blood Flow: Proper circulation to the reproductive organs is essential for a healthy pregnancy. Acupuncture enhances blood flow, ensuring vital nutrients reach the uterus and creating a nourishing environment for the embryo.

4. Enhancing Immune Function: Acupuncture can help modulate the immune system, addressing potential immune-related factors that may influence miscarriage risk.

5. While research on acupuncture and threatened miscarriage is limited, studies suggest positive benefits from supportive care. Some IVF units that incorporate in-house acupuncture have also reported lower miscarriage rates.

Your Personalised Acupuncture Journey

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), recurrent miscarriage is often associated with Kidney deficiency, Qi and Blood deficiency, or internal Heat affecting the womb, which can weaken the body’s ability to support and sustain a pregnancy. Contributing factors may include chromosomal abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, emotional stress, overwork, or past trauma that disrupts the body’s natural capacity to maintain a healthy pregnancy.

Our experienced practitioners offer a personalised approach, tailoring your treatment plan to your individual needs. By combining traditional Chinese medicine with modern understanding, we support your body, mind, and reproductive health every step of the way.