Fertility is often oversimplified into something that should just happen if you reduce stress. The reality is much more nuanced. Learn how acupuncture supports fertility, hormone balance, and ovulation naturally with Dr. Kayla Borchers of Holistically Well and Emily Marson of Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture and Movement Studio.
In this conversation, we’re diving into integrative fertility care, including how acupuncture can support hormone balance, ovulation quality, and overall reproductive health. Discover how to improve egg quality, regulate cycles, and prepare your body for pregnancy with integrative care.
EPISODE 53 | HOLISTICALLY WELL PODCAST: INTEGRATIVE FERTILITY CARE: ACUPUNCTURE, NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION, AND HORMONE HEALTH
Whether you learn best by listening, reading, or watching, there is something for you! You can catch the audio version on the Holistically Well Podcast—available on all your favorite platforms!
Holistically Well Podcast on Apple | Episode 53
Holistically Well Podcast on Spotify | Episode 53
Holistically Well Podcast on YouTube | Episode 53
Integrative Dry Needling and acupuncture utilize the same needle for treatment. From a purely physical standpoint, both approaches involve the insertion of a thin, sterile, filament needle into the body to create a therapeutic response. This often leads to improved blood flow, modulation of the nervous system, and a reduction in pain or tension within the surrounding tissues.
Where the overlap becomes especially meaningful is in how the body responds. Regardless of the framework used—whether rooted in traditional Eastern medicine or modern Western anatomy—the needle itself serves as a stimulus. It invites the body to shift out of a guarded, protective state and into one that supports healing. We often see changes in muscle tone, improved tissue mobility, and a downregulation of heightened pain signals.
From a clinical perspective, both methods can be incredibly supportive for women navigating pelvic pain, tension patterns, or even fertility-related concerns. By influencing circulation, supporting lymphatic movement, and calming the nervous system, needling can help create an internal environment that is more receptive to healing.
While the philosophies behind acupuncture and dry needling differ, there is a shared goal: to restore balance within the body and support its natural capacity to heal—something that becomes especially important in seasons like preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery.
KEY EPISODE TAKEAWAYS
🌿 Acupuncture supports fertility by improving blood flow and hormone signaling
🧠 Chronic stress can disrupt ovulation by keeping the body in a fight-or-flight state
🔥 “Cold uterus” often reflects poor circulation to reproductive organs
🥚 Egg quality can be influenced 3–4 months before ovulation
🤍 Fertility support is not just for conception… it impacts pregnancy and postpartum outcomes too
What Does Acupuncture Do for Fertility?
Let’s make this simple and tangible! Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture and Movement Studio Founder and Clinical Director, Emily Marson, puts it best:
Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points in the body to create a physiological response.
This includes:
- Increasing blood flow to reproductive organs
- Supporting communication between the brain and ovaries
- Regulating the nervous system
- Influencing hormone signaling pathways
When a needle is placed, the body responds by sending:
- blood
- lymph
- signaling molecules
to that area… which helps restore function.
This is especially important for fertility, where timing, circulation, and communication all matter. As a holistic orthopedic and pelvic health Doctor of Physical Therapy (and a mama x4!) acupuncture has been a true support in helping my body feel safe enough to receive and respond.
Emily leads a high volume fertility practice, over 500 appointments per month, and has supported more than 1,000 women through preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum through Aphrodite Fertility Acupuncture and Movement Studio. What I appreciate about Emily’s work is that it translates hormones into plain English. It honors the nervous system, which is something we’re all about here at Holistically Well!
The Nervous System’s Role in Fertility
Our body cannot prioritize reproduction if it feels like it’s in survival mode.
When you’re stuck in a chronic stress state:
- cortisol stays elevated
- the brain prioritizes “safety” over reproduction
- hormone signaling becomes disrupted
This is why simply “relaxing” isn’t helpful advice. Regulating your nervous system daily is.
Even small shifts like stepping outside into sunlight and slowing your breath can help your body move back into a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, where fertility can be supported. One of my favorite ways to create moments for me is PROGRAM HERE.
Common Fertility Patterns Seen in Women
Every woman is different, but there are a few patterns that show up frequently in clinical practice:
1. Luteal Phase with Low Progesterone
- Short luteal phase
- Low progesterone production
- Difficulty sustaining implantation
2. Irregular Ovulation or Timing Issues
- Ovulating later than expected
- Misinterpretation from apps
- Missing the true fertile window
3. PCOS, Endometriosis, or Immune Imbalances
- More complex cases that require deeper support
- Often involve inflammation, hormone dysregulation, or immune response
The “Cold Uterus” Concept (And Why It Matters)
This term might sound unfamiliar… but the physiology behind it is very real.
A “cold uterus” typically means:
- reduced blood flow to the reproductive organs
- lower circulation of hormones to the ovaries and uterus
And since blood carries hormones, this directly impacts fertility.
Simple ways to support this:
- heat on the lower abdomen
- warming foods
- movement to increase circulation
- therapies like acupuncture or manual therapy
When you improve circulation, you improve hormone delivery and responsiveness.
How Acupuncture Supports Ovulation Quality
Ovulation is not just about releasing an egg… it’s about the quality of that process.
Acupuncture can:
- stimulate blood flow directly to the ovaries
- support follicle development
- enhance communication along the HPO axis (hypothalamus–pituitary–ovary)
This can lead to:
- stronger ovulation
- more regular cycles
- improved hormone signaling
Why Preconception Support Matters (Even If You’re Not Trying Yet)
The egg you ovulate today started developing 3–4 months ago.
Which means…
What you do now impacts your fertility later.
Preconception support can help:
- improve egg quality
- regulate cycles
- reduce pregnancy symptoms
- create a smoother postpartum experience
You don’t need to wait until you’re struggling to conceive to start supporting your body.
Acupuncture During Pregnancy & Postpartum
Fertility support doesn’t stop at conception!
During Pregnancy Acupuncture Can Help With
- nausea
- fatigue
- anxiety
- back pain and sciatica
- nervous system regulation
Postpartum Acupuncture Can Help With
- milk production
- hormone recovery
- reducing muscle tension
- emotional regulation
- minimizing hair loss
Postpartum is one of the most under-supported seasons and often when women need care the most. It is exactly why the Holistically Well Postpartum Program was created as Dr. Kayla moved through her own first 12 weeks of healing with her third baby.
Inside, you will learn the exact blueprint to return to running and jumping without pain or leakage, all from the comfort of home.
Postpartum exercise guided by a doctor without needing a gym babysitter or complicated equipment. Yes please! All programs are HSA and FSA eligible.
Explore Support with Dr. Kayla & The Holistically Well Team
You deserve to feel confident and connected to your body throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Book your pelvic floor consultation — available virtually worldwide or in-person in Sidney, Ohio!
For expert guidance on safe, holistic strategies in preparing for pregnancy, recovering postpartum, or addressing chronic pelvic or orthopedic issues, explore Dr. Kayla’s Online Programs to learn how nutrition, movement, and nervous system support impact your overall well-being!
