Liz Richards, L.Ac., MAcOM has been treating fertility patients with Traditional Chinese Medicine in Portland, OR since 2002. Here are ten IVF tips based on her clinical experience with patients receiving acupuncture at Blossom Clinic while undergoing IVF at Oregon Reproductive Medicine.

1. Begin acupuncture treatments right away:

The way you treat your body three months prior to your IVF egg retrieval and embryo transfer is more important than anything you can do immediately before your egg retrieval and embryo transfer. If you are reading this before your IVF cycle begins, start your acupuncture treatments at least three months prior to western therapy if you can. Read more about IVF and acupuncture here.

2. Have acupuncture on the day of your embryo transfer.

Here in Portland, OR, acupuncturists go to the fertility clinic with you on the day of transfer and give acupuncture directly before and after the embryo transfer. Will your fertility clinic allow an acupuncturist there on the day of transfer?

3. Starting now, eat energetically warm foods.

This means limited raw foods, no ice water and limited fruits and salads. Try to have your diet leaning in an energetically warm direction with around 80% of your diet warm, especially in the Fall and Winter. This keeps the qi and blood coursing through your organs, allows your energy to go where it needs to go and keeps your “jing fires” burning. We have a list here that breaks down warm foods into categories and your acupuncturist should be able to provide you with a similar list. Download my free e-book for more information on “warm foods”.

4. Eat pineapple with the core before, during and after bed rest (around implantation).

You can cut the pineapple into fifths, cross section-wise, and eat 1/5 per day… with the core. This helps implantation. My blog has an article about this. You can also supplement with Bromelain capsules.

5. Give yourself at least two days rest post embryo transfer.

This is based on my clinical experience. It is very important to take a break from the daily grind and allow your body to focus on implantation without every-day life stressors. Also, keep your torso and feet warm during post embryo transfer rest period. Think of yourself as an incubator.

6. Laugh during your post embryo transfer resting period.

Yes, you read that right. There was a funky little experimental study in Israel where they had “medical clowns” in the room for IVF patients. Patients with the clowns had higher success rates. Ha! Watch good funny shows on your bed rest. I personally love Modern Family, Mindy Project and New Girl.

7. Receive acupuncture after your embryo transfer.

After your post embryo transfer resting period, make sure the acupuncturist does lifting and holding points including GV 20 and Si Shen Cong. Have them keep it simple with points that aren’t too stimulating. PC 6 is a good point too.

8. Continue acupuncture during the first trimester.

Receiving acupuncture during the first trimester will relieve anxiety and can resolve digestive issues. We have proven points to help “hold” the pregnancy and stop bleeding. Sometimes herbs are indicated and should only be taken through the direct advice of your acupuncturist.

9. Make time for guided relaxations:

Lie down for 30 minutes each day and listen to guided relaxation CDs. My four favorites are Alice Domar, Belleruth Neparstek, Leslee Kagan and Circle and Bloom.

10. Expect the Unexpected…

Remember that nearly every IVF cycle has something unexpected happen and usually everything works out OK despite the minor glitch. So when that thing happens, remember what I said and move on. Everything is going to be ok.