For more than 20 years, Dr. Spence Pentland and the Yinstill team have supported individuals and couples through IVF and embryo transfer, developing a deep understanding of both the medical process and the physical and emotional experience surrounding this important day.
As British Columbia’s only complementary healthcare clinic focused exclusively on fertility and reproductive medicine, Yinstill provides acupuncture and naturopathic care designed to work alongside your fertility specialist’s treatment plan.
For patients choosing acupuncture around embryo transfer, our usual approach includes treatment within 24 hours before and again within 24 hours after the procedure, when appropriate and scheduling permits.
These appointments provide an opportunity to slow down, settle the nervous system, and receive thoughtful support during what can be one of the most significant moments of the fertility journey.
Below, we explore the traditional functions of the acupuncture points used in our embryo transfer protocols, including the Paulus protocol, and how they fit into our approach to complementary IVF care.
Embryo transfer within the next seven days? Please contact our team at 604-873-9355 or office@yinstill.com to discuss appointment availability.
Why Acupuncture Around Embryo Transfer?
Embryo transfer is often the culmination of weeks or months of preparation, medical treatment, and anticipation. Even when the procedure itself is relatively straightforward, the emotional significance can be considerable.
Acupuncture is commonly used as a complementary therapy during IVF, with treatment focused on supporting relaxation, reducing perceived stress, and helping patients feel physically and emotionally supported.
Research has also explored acupuncture’s potential effects on uterine circulation, hormonal signalling, and reproductive physiology. However, findings regarding implantation, pregnancy, and live-birth outcomes remain mixed, and acupuncture should not be presented as a proven way to improve IVF success rates.
At Yinstill, we believe the value of supportive care also lies in how patients experience their treatment: feeling calmer, more prepared, and cared for during an important medical milestone.
Our goals remain aligned with yours and those of your fertility clinic: a positive pregnancy test, a healthy pregnancy, and ultimately, a healthy live birth.
When Should I Book Embryo Transfer Acupuncture?
At Yinstill, our usual embryo transfer acupuncture approach includes:
Before embryo transfer: An acupuncture treatment within 24 hours before your scheduled transfer.
After embryo transfer: A second acupuncture treatment within 24 hours following the procedure.
Treatment timing is individualized according to your IVF schedule, clinical circumstances, and appointment availability.
We support patients undergoing both fresh and frozen embryo transfers (FET), including those receiving treatment at Olive Fertility Centre, Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (PCRM), Twig Fertility, Grace Fertility, and other reproductive medicine clinics.
Important: If your embryo transfer is expected within the next seven days, please call 604-873-9355 or email office@yinstill.com rather than relying solely on online booking.
For patients with more time before treatment, we encourage exploring our broader IVF preparation and complementary fertility care.
Acupuncture Points Used Before Embryo Transfer
The following points are drawn from the Paulus acupuncture protocol historically used in conjunction with IVF embryo transfer.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture points are selected according to traditional functions and the patient’s individual presentation. The descriptions below reflect these traditional indications rather than proven effects on implantation or IVF outcomes.
DU20 — Bai Hui (Hundred Meetings)
Located at the top of the head, DU20 is traditionally used to calm the spirit, settle the mind, and regulate Qi.
Within embryo transfer preparation, it is selected for its traditional calming and balancing functions, particularly when patients are experiencing anxiety or heightened anticipation.
ST29 — Gui Lai (Return)
Located in the lower abdominal region, ST29 is traditionally associated with reproductive and gynaecological health.
In TCM, it is used to regulate Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen and is commonly included in traditional approaches to menstrual and fertility concerns.
P6 — Nei Guan (Inner Gate)
P6 is widely used in acupuncture for nausea, emotional tension, and calming the mind.
Around embryo transfer, it may be selected to support relaxation and comfort during a procedure that can naturally produce nervousness or physical tension.
SP8 — Di Ji (Earth’s Mechanism)
SP8 is traditionally used for menstrual discomfort and lower abdominal pain.
In the context of IVF, its traditional role relates to regulating Blood and addressing discomfort associated with the reproductive system.
LIV3 — Tai Chong (Great Rushing)
LIV3 is commonly used to promote the smooth movement of Qi and address emotional tension.
During IVF treatment, it is traditionally selected to help settle frustration, stress, and the sense of internal tension that can accompany fertility procedures.
Ear Acupuncture Points Used Before Embryo Transfer
Auricular acupuncture is another component of the traditional Paulus protocol.
The original protocol uses different points on the left and right ears.
Left Ear
Shenmen
Traditionally used to calm the mind and support relaxation. Shenmen is among the most commonly used auricular points for stress and emotional tension.
Brain
An auricular point traditionally associated with nervous system and neuroendocrine regulation.
Right Ear
Uterus
Traditionally associated with gynaecological and reproductive health.
Endocrine
Used in auricular acupuncture traditions in relation to hormonal and endocrine balance.
These traditional associations should not be interpreted as evidence that stimulation of these points directly changes reproductive hormone levels or improves embryo implantation.
Acupuncture Points Used After Embryo Transfer
Following embryo transfer, the traditional Paulus protocol uses a different selection of acupuncture points.
At Yinstill, the intention of post-transfer care is to provide a calm, supportive treatment experience while respecting the patient’s medical instructions and individual circumstances.
LI4 — He Gu (Joining Valley)
LI4 is traditionally used to regulate Qi, address pain, and promote relaxation.
It appears in the historical post-transfer Paulus protocol. Because LI4 is also traditionally considered a pregnancy-caution point, its use requires clinical judgment and should not be interpreted as a universal recommendation for patients after embryo transfer.
ST36 — Zu San Li (Leg Three Miles)
ST36 is one of the most widely used acupuncture points in TCM.
It is traditionally associated with supporting Qi, digestion, general vitality, and recovery.
SP10 — Xue Hai (Sea of Blood)
SP10 is traditionally used to regulate Blood and address menstrual and gynaecological concerns.
Its inclusion in the historical protocol reflects these traditional TCM functions.
SP6 — San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection)
SP6 is traditionally associated with the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney channels, which play important roles in classical Chinese medicine approaches to reproductive health.
Like LI4, SP6 is traditionally considered a pregnancy-caution point. Its appearance in the historical protocol does not mean it is appropriate for every patient after embryo transfer.
Clinical note: The points described above are presented for education about the historical protocol. Actual treatment decisions are individualized by the practitioner and may differ according to the patient’s medical circumstances, pregnancy status, and fertility clinic instructions.
What Does the Research Say About Acupuncture and IVF?
Acupuncture has been studied in assisted reproductive medicine for many years, including research examining treatment around embryo transfer.
Some studies have reported improvements in reproductive outcomes, while others have found no significant differences. Results vary according to study design, treatment timing, acupuncture protocols, comparison groups, and the outcomes measured.
Importantly, current evidence does not consistently demonstrate that acupuncture performed around embryo transfer increases live-birth rates.
Research has also investigated acupuncture’s effects on stress, autonomic nervous system activity, circulation, and reproductive physiology. These potential mechanisms remain areas of ongoing investigation and should not be confused with demonstrated improvements in IVF success.
At Yinstill, we use acupuncture as part of a broader, evidence-informed approach to complementary reproductive care, recognizing both the limitations of the research and the importance of supporting patients throughout treatment.
Further reading:
Frequently Asked Questions About Embryo Transfer Acupuncture
Is acupuncture recommended before or after embryo transfer?
Some patients choose acupuncture both before and after embryo transfer. At Yinstill, our usual approach involves treatment within 24 hours before and after the procedure.
The decision is individualized, and acupuncture is optional complementary care rather than a requirement for successful IVF treatment.
Does acupuncture improve embryo implantation or live-birth rates?
Research findings are mixed. While some studies have reported favourable outcomes, the overall evidence does not consistently establish that transfer-day acupuncture improves implantation, clinical pregnancy, or live-birth rates.
We recommend viewing acupuncture as supportive care rather than a guarantee of improved IVF outcomes.
Can I receive acupuncture during a frozen embryo transfer (FET)?
Yes. Yinstill supports patients undergoing both fresh and frozen embryo transfers. Treatment is adapted to the patient’s protocol, medical history, and timing.
What if my embryo transfer is only a few days away?
Please contact Yinstill directly if your expected transfer is within seven days.
Phone: 604-873-9355
Email: office@yinstill.com
Our team can review appointment availability and help determine the most appropriate next step.
Do I need to begin acupuncture three months before IVF?
No. While several months can provide more time for broader fertility preparation, patients can begin complementary care at different stages of treatment.
If you are already approaching embryo transfer, we can focus on your immediate needs and timeline.
Does Yinstill work with my fertility clinic?
Yinstill regularly supports patients receiving care through Olive Fertility Centre, PCRM, Twig Fertility, Grace Fertility, and other reproductive medicine clinics.
Your fertility specialist remains responsible for your medical treatment. When appropriate and with your consent, Yinstill welcomes communication that helps support continuity of care.
What happens during an embryo transfer acupuncture appointment?
Your practitioner will review your treatment timing, relevant medical information, and how you are feeling.
Acupuncture is then provided in a quiet treatment setting, with an emphasis on comfort, relaxation, and individualized care.
Your practitioner will also consider any specific instructions from your fertility clinic.
More IVF Resources From Yinstill
Our reproductive medicine team provides complementary care throughout the IVF journey, not only on embryo transfer day.
Preparing for IVF & Embryo Transfer
Explore acupuncture, naturopathic care, nutrition, lifestyle foundations, treatment timing, and individualized IVF preparation.
The Male Factor™ — Male Fertility Support
Learn about sperm health, male fertility assessment, and ways male partners can participate more actively in fertility preparation.
Fertility Research Library
Explore research and education related to acupuncture, reproductive health, and complementary fertility care.
Clinic-specific IVF resources
Yinstill also provides information for patients receiving treatment through Olive Fertility, PCRM, Twig Fertility, and Grace Fertility.
Fertility Starter Kit and Patient Hub
Explore Yinstill’s fertility education, videos, resources, and ongoing support through our main website and Patient Hub.
Ready for More Support?
Book Embryo Transfer Acupuncture With Yinstill
Whether you are preparing for your first embryo transfer, approaching a frozen embryo transfer, or navigating another IVF cycle, our team is here to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported.
If your transfer is within seven days:
Call 604-873-9355 or email office@yinstill.com to discuss scheduling.
If you are planning ahead:
Book an IVF Consultation
Questions? Let’s Talk.
Not sure where to begin or which appointment is right for you?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss where you are in your fertility journey and how Yinstill may be able to support you.
Discovery calls are introductory conversations and do not replace medical consultations or personalized treatment planning.
