Top five acupuncture points to boost fertility naturally

Acupuncture supports fertility by balancing the body and improving reproductive health. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture restores the body's energy flow (Qi), benefiting fertility by enhancing circulation and hormone balance.

Table of contents

1. Understanding acupuncture and its role in fertility 
2. Top five acupuncture points for fertility (and how they help)

3. Additional acupuncture points for fertility support

• Female fertility-focused acupuncture points
• Male fertility-focused acupuncture points

4. Taking the next step in your fertility journey

1. Understanding acupuncture and its role in fertility

Benefits for women

• Regulates menstrual cycles and ovulation
• Improves blood flow to the uterus
• Balances essential hormones
• Increases IVF success rates by improving hormone levels, egg and embryo quality, and implantation
• Reduces symptoms of conditions like PCOS and endometriosis by improving pelvic blood flow and reducing inflammation

Benefits for men

• Improves sperm count, motility (movement), and morphology (shape)
• Enhances testicular blood flow and hormone regulation
• Complements conventional fertility treatments effectively
• Reduces stress, improving overall sperm quality and sexual function

Stress relief (for both partners)

• Reduces stress hormones
• Promotes emotional well-being
• Creates a healthier environment for conception

At Harley Street Fertility Clinic, fertility treatments are tailored individually for optimal fertility outcomes. Remember, acupuncture works best alongside healthy lifestyle choices and medical treatments.

Key acupuncture points for fertility

• Conception Vessel (Ren meridian)
• Governing Vessel (Du meridian)

Stimulating these central pathways helps balance the body and supports fertility.

2. Top five acupuncture points for fertility (and how they help)

Below are the top five acupuncture points commonly used to support and boost fertility naturally. These points are selected based on their ability to:

• nourish reproductive organs
• balance hormones
• enhance overall reproductive health.

We will explain:

• where each point is located
• its benefits
• whether it’s helpful for female fertility, male fertility, or both.

i. Ren 4 (Guanyuan) – “Origin Pass”

Location of acupuncture point Ren 4

On the lower abdomen, approximately 3–4 finger widths below the navel (along the midline of the belly).

Benefits of Ren 4

Ren 4, also known as the Origin Pass, lies on the Conception Vessel (Ren) meridian, which is an important channel for both female and male fertility.

By stimulating Ren 4, we nurture and strengthen the Kidney energy and warm the uterus – key factors in female fertility. This can help regulate menstrual cycles, support ovarian function, and give an overall boost to your reproductive energy. Ren 4 is especially great for tackling irregular periods, low energy levels, and issues related to “cold” or deficient conditions in the womb.

For women who are older or have weak fertility energy, Ren 4 is often used to build up vital Qi and improve uterine lining receptivity.

Female fertility benefits

Ren 4 helps balance hormones and nourish the uterus, addressing problems like irregular cycles or painful periods. By energising the uterus and ovaries, it sets the stage for healthy ovulation and implantation.

Male fertility benefits

Ren 4 can benefit men by tonifying Kidney Qi. (In TCM, the kidneys store essence, which is vital for reproduction in both sexes.) Strengthening this foundational energy can improve libido and sperm quality.

In TCM practice, Ren 4 is even used for male issues such as impotence or low sperm motility, as it is said to invigorate the “Gate of Life” to enhance vitality.

Supporting acupuncture points

Ren 4 often works in synergy with other nearby acupuncture points. Just below it is Ren 6 (Qihai), another Conception Vessel point that strengthens Qi and blood, providing a solid foundation for overall health.

Points on the lower abdomen like Stomach 28 (Shuidao) and Stomach 29 (Guilai) are also sometimes used alongside Ren 4.These help relieve pelvic congestion and support uterine health, ensuring everything in the reproductive area flows smoothly. By combining Ren 4 with these complementary points, practitioners create a powerful synergy to support your fertility journey.  

ii. Stomach 36 (Zusanli) – “Leg Three Miles”

Location of acupuncture point Stomach 36

On the lower leg, about 3 finger widths below the bottom of the kneecap, and roughly one finger width lateral (toward the outer side) from the shin bone.

If you place your hand just below your kneecap, Stomach 36 lies in a tender depression one hand-width down, on the outer side of your tibia.

Benefits of Stomach 36

The acupuncture point Stomach 36, akaLeg Three Miles, is like a multipurpose “powerhouse” for your body. For general health, it boosts your energy (Qi) and strengthens your immune system.

When it comes to fertility, Stomach 36improves digestion and nutrient absorption, which are important for reproductive health. Think of it this way: if your body is better at absorbing vitamins and minerals from food, you’ll have a richer supply of blood and nutrients to send to your ovaries or testes.

By enhancing overall vitality, Stomach 36 creates a more favourable environment for conception. It’s a must-have point in many fertility acupuncture treatments, essentially helping to “fill the tank” so your body has the strength needed for pregnancy.

Female andmale fertility benefits

Stomach 36 is considered a unisex fertility point – it supports foundational health for both women and men. Women may notice improved energy and better digestion (useful if hormonal treatments or early pregnancy cause digestive upset), while men can benefit from the metabolic boost and stamina this point provides.

In TCM, strong spleen and stomach function (which ST36 promotes) leads to better blood production and nutrient delivery to all organs, including the reproductive organs. Thus, whether you’re trying to improve egg quality or sperm quality, ST36 helps by building a robust internal environment.

As a bonus, this point can also help calm the mind and reduce stress in both sexes, making it a great all-around wellness point.

iii. Liver 3 (Taichong) – “Great Rushing”

Location of acupuncture point Liver 3

On the top of the foot, in the webbing between the big toe and the second toe. Slide your finger between the first two toes and move it about 1–2 inches up (toward the ankle) until you find a tender depression – that’s Liver 3.

Benefits of Liver 3

Liver 3, or Great Rushing, is essential for keeping things balanced. This point is the source point of the Liver meridian, which plays a huge role in regulating the smooth flow of Qi throughout the body.

In the context of fertility, Liver 3 helps regulate Liver Qi, which is crucial for hormonal balance and regular menstrual cycles. By easing Liver Qi stagnation, we can alleviate stress, reduce PMS symptoms, and improve blood flow to the reproductive organs.

Liver 3 is often a key point for addressing issues like PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and endometriosis which, in TCM, are linked to stagnation or imbalances in the liver and blood.

This acupuncture point also has a calming effect – many patients find that needling Liver 3 helps melt away stress and irritability.

Female fertility benefits

For women, Liver 3 is fantastic for promoting regular, pain-free periods and balanced hormones. It can help with menstrual cramps, irregular cycles, and hormonal mood swings by smoothing the flow of Qi and blood through the pelvic region.

By tackling these issues, Liver 3 indirectly supports healthy ovulation and a hospitable uterine environment (key for implantation).

Women with conditions like PCOS often have Liver Qi stagnation; this point, in combination with others, can help restore flow and reduce cyst formation or menstrual irregularities.

Male fertility benefits

Men benefit from Liver 3 mainly through its stress-reduction and circulation benefits. High stress and “Liver Qi stagnation” can negatively affect male fertility by disrupting hormone levels (like testosterone) or contributing to sexual dysfunction.

By calming the nervous system and improving circulation, Liver 3 may help improve erectile function and ensure a healthy blood supply to the genital area. Think of it as helping to “clear the roadblocks” – stress or tension that might impede reproductive function are eased, so everything works more smoothly.

Managing stress is vital for maintaining hormonal balance and sexual health for men, and this point is often combined with other calming acupuncture points (such as Pericardium 6 or Yin Tang) to enhance stress relief even further.

iv. Spleen 6 (Sanyinjiao) – “Three Yin Intersection”

Location of acupuncture point Spleen 6

On the inner side of the lower leg, about 4 finger widths (roughly 3 inches) above the tip of the inner ankle bone (medial malleolus). You’ll find it just behind the tibia (shinbone) in a tender spot.

Benefits of Spleen 6

Spleen 6, or Three Yin Intersection, earns its name because it is where three major yin meridians (Spleen, Liver, and Kidney) intersect. This makes it a powerful gynaecological point.

Spleen 6 is key in regulating menstrual cycles and nourishing the uterus. It strengthens the spleen’s function of transforming food into blood and energy, ensuring the body has ample resources for a healthy reproductive system.

This point is particularly beneficial for addressing irregular menstruation, hormonal imbalances, and fertility challenges in women.

By focusing on Spleen 6, we help make sure your body has the energy (Qi) and nutrients (blood) it needs to create a comfortable home for a baby.

Female fertility benefits

Spleen 6 is often a staple in fertility acupuncture for women. It’s known to improve blood flow to the pelvic area and to help regulate the menstrual cycle. If you have scanty periods or issues with uterine lining thickness, SP6 can help by building blood supply. It’s also used to alleviate menstrual cramps and PMS due to its role in moving blood and calming the mind.

Essentially, SP6 supports the ovaries and uterus – enhancing egg quality and uterine receptivity by making sure they’re well-nourished and hormonally balanced.

(Note: Because SP6 can stimulate uterine contractions, practitioners avoid deep stimulation of this point during the luteal phase if you might be pregnant, and it’s contraindicated in pregnancy – a good example of why professional guidance is important.)

Male fertility benefits

SP6 can indirectly support male fertility by improving digestive health and nutrient absorption, which in turn can improve sperm health. It also helps calm anxiety and promote good sleep, which are beneficial for testosterone production and overall vitality.

In TCM, strengthening the spleen (which SP6 does) can help address issues like dampness or weight metabolism that might affect male fertility (for instance, improving diet and digestion could aid men with metabolic syndrome-related infertility). 

In summary, SP6 is a solid supporting point for men too, especially if stress or poor diet is impacting their fertility.

v. Kidney 3 (Taixi) – “Supreme Stream”

Location of acupuncture point Kidney 3

On the inner side of the ankle, in the depression between the Achilles tendon and the medial malleolus (the prominent inner ankle bone).

If you slide your finger from the tip of the inner ankle bone toward the Achilles tendon, Kidney 3 lies in the soft spot just behind the bone.

Benefits of Kidney 3

Kidney 3, known as Supreme Stream, is vital for strengthening Kidney Qi and Kidney Yin, which are both essential for reproductive health in TCM. The Kidney channel (meridian) governs the body’s essence (Jing) and has a direct influence on hormone production, sexual development, and fertility.

In women, robust Kidney energy supports egg quality, healthy follicles, and balanced menstrual cycles. In men, the Kidney channel is linked to sperm production and libido, so Kidney 3 is often used to address issues like low sperm count, poor motility, fatigue, or low sex drive.

Stimulating this acupuncture point essentially helps “recharge your batteries” – it taps into that deep essence reserve to fuel the reproductive system.

Female fertility benefits

For women, Kidney 3 helps balance hormones (supporting progesterone and oestrogen levels via Kidney Yin/Yang balance) and can improve ovarian function. It’s useful for those experiencing symptoms of kidney deficiency such as night sweats, lower back ache, or irregular periods.

By tonifying Kidney 3, we aim to enhance the quality of eggs and the regularity of ovulation, which can be especially useful for women with diminished ovarian reserve or those who are older and trying to conceive.

This point also complements treatments for conditions like hypothyroidism or premature ovarian insufficiency, which in TCM relate to Kidney energy.

Male fertility benefits

Strengthening the Kidney meridian can lead to improvements in sperm quality and quantity. For example, practitioners note that stimulating Kidney 3 can “help boost male sperm count and motility”, while also supporting healthy libido and erectile function.

It’s a key part of treating kidney deficiency-type male infertility.Signs might include lower back pain, fatigue, low sexual energy). By invigorating this point, we help fortify the “reproductive essence” needed for strong, motile sperm.

One fertility expert describes Kidney 3 as “an important point for both men and women”, noting it helps male sperm and female egg health alike.

Exploiting the fertility benefits of key acupuncture points

By incorporating these acupuncture points into your fertility journey, you can create a balanced and supportive environment for reproductive health. Each of the above points contributes in its own way – some increase blood flow to the uterus or testes, some calm the mind, and others rebuild the body’s energy reserves.

At Harley Street Fertility Clinic, our skilled acupuncturist will choose the right mix of points based on your unique situation, ensuring a holistic balance of body and mind on your path to parenthood.

3. Additional acupuncture points for fertility support

While the five points above are among the most used and broadly effective for fertility, acupuncture is highly individualised.

There are other powerful points that may be included in your treatment plan, especially tailored to either female or male fertility needs.

Female fertility-focused acupuncture points

Women commonly experience fertility challenges such as hormonal imbalances, irregular cycles, ovulation problems, or issues with uterine lining. Acupuncture can help by regulating hormones, improving blood flow, and supporting reproductive health.

Ren 6 (Qihai) – "Sea of Qi"

Location of acupuncture point Ren 6

Midline of the lower abdomen, about two fingers below the navel.

Benefits of Ren 6

• Boosts overall energy and strengthens uterine health.
• Regulates menstrual cycles and hormone balance.
• Improves egg quality and uterine lining.

Zigong – "Uterus Place"

Location of acupuncture point Zigong

Lower abdomen, one hand-width below and lateral to the navel on each side.

Benefits of Zigong

• Improves uterine tone and blood supply.
• Regulates menstrual cycles.
• Supports implantation and reduces conditions like fibroids or endometrial issues.

Spleen 10 (Xuehai) – "Sea of Blood"

Location of acupuncture point Spleen 10

Inner thigh, about two handwidths above the knee.

Benefits of Spleen 10

• Enhances blood circulation to the uterus.
• Regulates menstruation and addresses irregular or scanty periods.
• Helps manage conditions like PCOS and endometriosis.

Du 20 (Baihui) – "Hundred Meetings"

Location of acupuncture point Du 20

Top of the head.

Benefits of Du 20

• Lifts energy levels and mood.
• Reduces feelings of fatigue or low mood associated with fertility struggles.
• Supports hormonal balance by improving mental well-being.

Male fertility-focused acupuncture points

Men facing fertility issues such as low sperm count, poor sperm quality, or hormonal imbalances can benefit significantly from acupuncture. Treatment aims to enhance testicular health, regulate hormones, and improve circulation.

Bladder 23 (Shenshu)

Location of acupuncture point Bladder 23

Lower back, near the waist, lateral to the spine.

Benefits of Bladder 23

• Strengthens kidney and adrenal function, improving sperm production and quality.
• Boosts libido and overall reproductive vitality.

Du 4 (Mingmen) – "Gate of Life"

Location of acupuncture point Du 4

Lower back, midline just below waist level.

Benefits of Du 4

• Warms and energises the body, particularly beneficial for low sperm motility and low libido.
• Enhances blood circulation to reproductive organs.

Stomach 29 (Guilai) – "Return"

Location of acupuncture point Stomach 29

Lower abdomen, about four fingers below the navel, slightly lateral.

Benefits of Stomach 29

• Increases blood flow to testes and prostate.
• Helpful for conditions like varicocele or prostatitis affecting fertility.

Stomach 30 (Qichong) – "Surging Qi"

Location of acupuncture point Stomach 30

Groin area, level with pubic bone.

Benefits of Stomach 30

• Boosts sperm production and quality.
• Improves pelvic and reproductive blood flow.

Auricular (ear) acupuncture points

Key points: Ear Kidney, Ear Shenmen, Ear Testes, Endocrine.

Benefits of auricular acupuncture points

• Support stress reduction and hormonal balance.
• Provide continuous gentle stimulation to enhance sperm quality.

4. Taking the next step in your fertility journey

Considering acupuncture to support your fertility? You're not alone. Many people in the UK choose acupuncture as an additional therapy when trying to conceive.

Research from 2018 shows acupuncture can significantly boost the chances of live births in women undergoing IVF. Although more research is needed, the current results are promising enough that even the NHS and HFEA acknowledge acupuncture as helpful, especially for managing infertility-related stress.

You can book a consultation with our specialist, Maria, who has successfully guided many patients through fertility-focused acupuncture.

Acupuncture points and treatments at Harley Street Fertility Clinic are tailored individually, complementing medical treatment and lifestyle improvements for the best fertility outcomes.

We also recommend comprehensive fertility testing for both men and women if you haven't done it yet. Knowing your hormone levels, ovarian reserve, or sperm profile can help us track your progress and fine-tune your treatments.