how it works
Four steps to your first session.
Free phone call
A 15-minute conversation to understand where you are in your fertility journey and whether acupuncture is right for your situation.
15 minutes · no chargeInitial consultation
A 90-minute deep-dive: health history, cycle tracking, tongue and pulse diagnosis, and your first treatment. We review any IVF protocols and coordinate timing with your clinic.
90 minutes · $180Treatment series
Weekly or fortnightly sessions of 60 minutes. We adjust point prescriptions as your cycle progresses. Most fertility clients do 8–12 sessions before or alongside IVF.
60 minutes · $120 per sessionIVF-day support
Same-day acupuncture before and after embryo transfer at your clinic. We have agreements with Fertility Associates, Repromed and Auckland Fertility for treatment-room access.
2 × 25 minutes · $220 (both sessions)
our approach
TCM meets clinical evidence.
We follow the Paulus Protocol for pre- and post-transfer acupuncture — the same protocol used in the 2002 randomised trial that showed a 42.5% pregnancy rate versus 26.3% in controls. But we also individualise: every point prescription is adapted to your constitution and where you are in your cycle.
What we treat alongside fertility
Irregular cycles, PCOS-related anovulation, endometriosis pain management, luteal-phase support, stress and sleep disruption, and the side effects of IVF medications (bloating, headaches, mood changes). We do not diagnose or replace your specialist's medical advice.
Herbal support
Where appropriate, we prescribe granule formulas from Evergreen Herbs — TGA-listed, batch-tested, and safe alongside IVF medications. Common formulas include Gui Shao Di Huang Tang for kidney yin support and Wen Jing Tang for cold-pattern luteal deficiency.
practitioner
Dr Mei-Lin Chen, BHSc (Acu), PGDip Repro Med
Mei-Lin trained at the New Zealand School of Acupuncture in Wellington and completed a postgraduate diploma in reproductive medicine at the University of Auckland. She has worked exclusively in fertility acupuncture since 2018 and has supported over 400 IVF cycles.
She is a registered acupuncturist with the Acupuncture NZ professional body, ACC treatment-provider approved, and holds current indemnity insurance through Guild Insurance.
Acupuncture NZ
Full membership, registration #4712. Annual CPD verified.
ACC Provider
Approved for acupuncture treatment claims since 2019.
NZQA Level 7
Bachelor of Health Science (Acupuncture), 2017.
PGDip Repro Med
University of Auckland, 2020.
testimonials
Stories from our clients.
"After two failed transfers I started seeing Mei-Lin weekly. The third transfer — with acupuncture on the day — was the one that worked. Our daughter is now eight months old."
"I went in sceptical but the effect on my sleep and anxiety was immediate. By cycle three my progesterone levels had improved enough that my specialist was happy to proceed."
"Mei-Lin coordinated everything with Fertility Associates — she knew exactly which days mattered and was flexible with appointment times. I felt like I had a proper team."
"The herbal formula she prescribed for my luteal phase made a noticeable difference within two cycles. My spotting stopped and my cycle lengthened to 28 days."
frequently asked questions
Common questions about fertility acupuncture.
Does acupuncture improve IVF success rates?
Several randomised controlled trials show improved clinical pregnancy rates when acupuncture is performed around embryo transfer. The most cited is the 2002 Paulus study (Fertility and Sterility). Results vary, and we are transparent that acupuncture is a complement to — not a replacement for — your specialist's protocol.
How many sessions will I need?
Most fertility clients do 8–12 weekly sessions before or alongside IVF. If you are preparing for a natural conception, we typically recommend three months of weekly treatment to cover a full follicular development cycle. We review progress every four sessions.
Is acupuncture safe during IVF medication?
Yes. We avoid points contraindicated in early pregnancy and coordinate timing with your stimulation and transfer schedule. We communicate directly with your fertility clinic if you give consent.
Do you offer ACC-funded sessions?
If your fertility concerns relate to an injury (for example, pelvic surgery complications), ACC may cover part of your treatment. We can lodge an ACC45 claim on your behalf. Standard fertility support is private-pay.
What should I wear to a session?
Loose clothing is ideal — we need access to your lower legs, forearms and abdomen. We provide gowns if needed. The clinic is warm and private.
Where are you located?
Suite 4, 28 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024. Street parking is available on Mount Eden Road and Oaklands Road. We are a 5-minute walk from the Mount Eden train station.
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