Acupuncture is the insertion of ultra-thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on the body which reside on channels or meridians; these are pathways in both the exterior and interior of the body. These points, when needled, can regulate the way in which the body functions. Acupuncture helps by addressing problems that affect fertility such as ovulation disorders.

Acupuncture, frequently combined with herbal medicine, has been used for centuries for the potential effect of improved ovarian and follicular function. Additionally, acupuncture can increase blood flow to the endometrium, helping to facilitate a thick, rich lining.

Acupuncture is similar to physical therapy in that it is a process-oriented method of medical intervention. It is better to do more than less. Patients are commonly treated for three to four months before progressing to insemination, in vitro fertilization (IVF), or donor-egg transfer. This pacing of treatment seems to have a therapeutic effect.

In a study by Stener-Victorin et al from the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology Fertility Centre, Scandinavia and University of Gothenburg, women are encouraged to receive acupuncture treatments pre and post embryo transfer.

Clinical observations from the Berkley Center for Reproductive Wellness suggest that the most effective fertility treatments involve a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, and traditional medicine. However, conception occasionally occurs when acupuncture and herbal medicines are used without traditional medical interventions.

There are minimal risks in using acupuncture for fertility treatment. The risk of miscarriage may increase if incorrect acupuncture points are used during pregnancy. This is one reason why those choosing to include acupuncture in their treatment regimen should only be treated by an acupuncturist who specializes in treating fertility disorders. Acupuncture is generally safe regardless of a person's medical history.

Acupuncture can be used to treat any type of fertility disorder including spasmed tubes. Spasmed tubes are often de-spasmed with acupuncture, though blocked tubes will not respond to acupuncture. Acupuncture is often combined with herbal remedies to treat elevated follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), repeated pregnancy loss, unexplained (idiopathic) infertility, luteal phase defect, hyperprolactinemia (when not caused by a prolactinoma), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) with annovulatory cycles, and male factor including men affected with sperm-DNA-fragmentation.

中极 Zhongji (CV3), 关元 Guanyuan (CV4), 三阴交 Sanyinjiao (SP6), and 子宫 Zigong (EX-CA1) are commonly chosen to treat infertility. However, individual acupuncture protocols should be adopted according to syndrome differentiation. Generally, for asthenia of Shen yang. 命门 Mingmen (GV4) and 肾俞 Shenshu (BL23) are added and moxibustion is often used. For asthenia of Shen yin, 太溪 Taixi (KI3) is often added. For phlegm and dampness, 阴陵泉 Yinlingquan (SP9), 丰隆 Fenglong (ST40), 足三里 Zusanli (ST36) And 脾俞 Pishu (BL20) are chosen. For blood stasis, 膈俞 Geshu (BL17) and 血海 Xuehai (SP10) are added. For qi stagnation, 肝俞 Ganshu (BL18) and 太冲 Taichong (LR3) are used.