Thinking about acupuncture for infertility? It’s a great option—but not all acupuncturists are equally equipped to help. At Newport Wellness Group, we often hear from clients in Costa Mesa wondering if any acupuncturist can support them on their fertility journey. The short answer? No. Infertility is complex, and specialized training is crucial. Let’s explore why it matters who you trust with this important part of your life.
General vs. Specialized Acupuncturists
Not all acupuncturists are the same. General acupuncturists are trained to handle a variety of health concerns—pain relief, stress, digestive issues. But infertility? That’s different. It demands more than basic acupuncture skills. It requires deep knowledge of reproductive health, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), and how acupuncture integrates with these treatments.
What makes a specialized fertility acupuncturist different? Education. The right acupuncturist will have pursued advanced education in reproductive medicine. This is crucial for anyone dealing with infertility—especially those who have had failed IVF treatments.
Four Types of Acupuncturists
There are four main categories of acupuncturists who may treat infertility. Understanding these helps you make an informed choice.
1. General Acupuncturists: These acupuncturists may say they can help with infertility, but they lack the specialized education necessary to evaluate, diagnose infertility and deem who is an appropriate candidate for acupuncture. They are a good fit if you are seeking emotional support while going through IVF treatment (the IVF will have completed the medical evaluation to deem which infertile patients are able to try IVF).
2. Specialized Training in Reproductive Medicine: These acupuncturists have completed additional education to support fertility treatments. They understand ART more deeply but might not have specific certifications like ABORM (American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine).
3. ABORM-Certified Acupuncturists: These practitioners have completed rigorous training and passed exams to prove their expertise in reproductive medicine. They work closely with women, supporting them at every stage of ART—but may allow the patients to try acupuncture as they wish.
4. ABORM-Certified who specialize: These acupuncturists have pursued further specialized education on specific infertility diagnoses. They can determine if acupuncture is right for your case and advise if alternative treatments are worth pursuing. They only treat specific IVF related failures (thin uterine lining, poor responders, poor embryo quality, implantation failures, lack of trilaminar lining, etc.)
Why Specialized Training Matters
Why does specialized training matter so much? Because infertility is complex. It’s not just about relaxing the body. When you’re undergoing treatments like IVF, you need an acupuncturist who understands medications, IVF cycles, and which acupuncture protocols may increase your chance of becoming a mother and father.
At Newport Wellness Group, located in Newport Beach and serving Costa Mesa and beyond, we emphasize comprehensive care. Dr. Shabnam Pourhassani, DACM, LAc, is an ABORM fellow who has undergone years of specialized training in reproductive medicine. She knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to infertility.
Avoiding Pitfalls with General Acupuncturists
Imagine this: You’re trying acupuncture because you heard it could boost your chances of conceiving. You visit a general acupuncturist who promises they can help. But here’s the catch—without proper training, they may not know how to interpret your infertility test results or understand your IVF treatment. They might not know which acupuncture points to avoid with certain medications. Worse, you could waste precious time and money on ineffective treatments.
We want to save you from these pitfalls. At Newport Wellness Group, every treatment plan is designed specifically for your diagnosis, keeping your overall fertility journey in mind.
Tailored Acupuncture for Men and Women
The right acupuncturist will tailor treatments for your specific needs. Dr. Pourhassani, for example, doesn’t use the same protocol for every patient. She focuses on the details—your diagnosis, your IVF cycle, your unique challenges. This personalized approach is what sets specialized acupuncturists apart from generalists.
The difference might seem subtle, but it’s everything acupuncture protocol can make all the difference. For those with specific diagnoses like PCOS, a specialized approach can lead to better outcomes and a clearer path to conception. For those who have had poor IVF outcomes, or failed IVF cycles-the right acupuncturist means you can have a biological child.
When to Seek a Specialist
When should you seek a specialist? If you’re facing infertility, considering IVF, or have been struggling to conceive, or you would like to avoid trying to get pregnant without guidance based on current scientific understanding—you need more than just general acupuncture. Specialized acupuncturists like those at Newport Wellness Group integrate with your overall treatment plan.
Expertise at Newport Wellness Group
At Newport Wellness Group, we’re proud of the specialized expertise we bring. Dr. Pourhassani’s nearly twenty years in the infertility means she’s uniquely qualified to handle the most complicated reproductive cases. Her
Choosing the Right Acupuncturist
Choosing the right acupuncturist can be the difference between progress and stagnation. Not all acupuncturists are equipped to handle infertility—and that’s okay. But you deserve to know the difference. At Newport Wellness Group, we’re transparent about our qualifications, our training, and what we can do to support you. Infertility is too important to leave to chance. Partner with a team that has a history of positive pregnancy tests which lead to babies.
If you’re dealing with infertility, don’t leave your care in the hands of just any acupuncturist. At Newport Wellness Group, we serve patients from Costa Mesa and throughout Southern California, offering specialized acupuncture care for those on their fertility journey. Dr. Pourhassani’s expertise, training, and compassionate approach make all the difference. Ready to take the next step with someone who truly understands the complexities of infertility? Contact us today, for an evaluation and consultation, we can’t help every infertile couple, but we can help many- let’s work together to improve your chances of becoming a mother and father.
In California, patients do not need a referral from an MD to consult with an acupuncturists. Medical doctors have not received education about acupuncture during medical school or residency.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only. Prospective patients must have consultations with one of our acupuncturists who will deem if acupuncture is recommended.