Fertility Support in Portland, Maine

How We Approach Fertility

In Chinese medicine, a healthy, optimized menstrual cycle is the foundation for conception. Before actively trying to conceive, we focus on bringing your cycle into balance by reducing pain and clotting, regulating blood volume and cycle length, optimizing sleep and energy, and harmonizing your emotions. The goal is three to four healthy menstrual cycles before actively trying to conceive.

Personalized Chinese herbal medicine plays a central role in fertility treatment at Point Acupuncture. When taken consistently, herbs work as a regular, steady form of treatment, sending a message to the body and nudging it towards a state of balance and regulation. As your symptoms shift, your formula is modified accordingly.

A large majority of fertility patients present with signs of insufficient circulation. This often presents as cold hands and feet, a tendency toward feeling cold, or reduced warmth in the lower abdomen. In Chinese medicine, this tells us circulation is not robust enough to fully nourish the body's core and reproductive system. It's difficult to conceive in a cold uterine environment just like it's difficult to grow a garden in the winter. Through warming herbs and acupuncture, we work to build blood volume, strengthen circulation, and create a nourishing internal environment.

What to Expect

Patients taking herbs consistently typically notice improved symptoms before and during their next menstrual cycle. As your body shifts, your herbal formula is modified to reflect those changes.

We recommend tracking your basal body temperature throughout your cycle. Taken first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, BBT reveals whether ovulation is occurring, identifies your fertile window, and gives us valuable diagnostic information about your hormonal patterns. For patients who run cold, a consistently low BBT also confirms what we are working to shift.

Alongside herbal medicine, we recommend liver pills and collagen to support blood building and tissue health. Additional dietary recommendations are tailored to each patient.

Acupuncture sessions for fertility are designed to deeply calm the nervous system. The goal is to relax the mind-body-spirit and to begin to train the nervous system to access this sense of calm during the ups and downs of everyday life.

Learn more about what to expect at your first visit.

Who We Treat

We work with anyone pursuing natural conception who is looking for a thorough, individualized approach. If you have been trying to conceive without success or are looking to optimize your overall health before conceiving, Chinese medicine may offer the support you need.