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Fertility Acupuncture Melbourne
Advanced Integrative Chinese Medicine. Over 22 Years of Clinical Expertise in Fertility & Reproductive Health.
For over two decades, Elsternwick Acupuncture has been dedicated to advancing fertility acupuncture and integrative Chinese Medicine in Melbourne, establishing a reputation for clinical expertise in fertility and reproductive health.
Led by Dr Emma Vanheems (Chinese Medicine), our experienced team brings together advanced Chinese medicine diagnosis, reproductive science and a comprehensive understanding of the hormonal, medical and lifestyle factors influencing fertility.
We work with women and couples preparing for pregnancy, experiencing difficulties conceiving or navigating complex reproductive health conditions, including those undergoing IVF.
Our approach extends well beyond acupuncture alone. We examine your reproductive history, review relevant clinical investigations and develop an individualised treatment plan informed by both Chinese medicine and modern reproductive healthcare.
Because fertility is complex. The clinical approach should reflect that.

Dr Emma Vanheems
Founder & Principal Integrative Doctor of Chinese Medicine
Over 22+ years of clinical expertise in Fertility, IVF & Complex Women’s Health

Our Approach to Fertility Acupuncture in Melbourne
Advanced Integrative Chinese Medicine & Reproductive Health
A fertility assessment should go beyond a single blood test, diagnosis or menstrual cycle.
We take the time to understand your complete reproductive history, examining menstrual and ovulatory patterns, previous pregnancies, fertility investigations and the broader factors influencing your health.
This includes reviewing relevant pathology, hormone results, thyroid function, metabolic health, basal body temperature (BBT) charts and the quality and regularity of your menstrual cycle.
We also assess sleep, stress, nutrition, environmental exposures and individual Chinese medicine patterns.
Using this information, alongside detailed Chinese medicine diagnosis, we develop individualised fertility treatment protocols that may incorporate acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cycle-specific treatments and targeted nutritional and lifestyle recommendations.
Our protocols are carefully considered and adjusted throughout the menstrual cycle, or coordinated with the different stages of IVF treatment. We also work alongside GP’s, fertility specialists, obstetricians and gynaecologists integrating relevant medical investigations and treatment where appropriate.
Whether you’re trying to conceive naturally, experiencing complex fertility challenges or undergoing assisted reproduction, our focus is on understanding your individual circumstances and providing a clear, clinically informed plan.
Our approach goes beyond generic acupuncture protocols, we bring together the depth of advanced Chinese medicine and modern reproductive knowledge to provide the highest level of integrative fertility care.
Fertility Conditions We See in Clinic
Our Melbourne fertility acupuncture clinic supports women and couples navigating a wide range of reproductive health concerns, including:
- Unexplained infertility
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) and irregular ovulation
- Endometriosis and adenomyosis
- Recurrent miscarriage and pregnancy loss
- Diminished ovarian reserve and low AMH
- Irregular menstrual cycles and luteal phase concerns
- Thyroid and metabolic conditions relevant to fertility
- Age-related fertility concerns
- Male-factor fertility concerns
- Preparation for IVF, IUI and other assisted reproductive treatments
We regularly see patients whose investigations have been reassuring but who are still experiencing difficulties conceiving, as well as those with established reproductive health diagnoses requiring specialist care.
Our Clinical Approach
Understanding Your Reproductive Patterns
We take a detailed look at your reproductive history, menstrual cycle, ovulatory patterns and relevant fertility investigations.
We carefully review and interpret your blood test results, including reproductive hormones, thyroid function, iron status and metabolic markers, to build a more complete picture of your reproductive health.
By considering these findings alongside your symptoms, medical history and Chinese medicine assessment, we develop an individualised approach to your fertility care.
Looking Beyond the Reproductive System
Reproductive health does not exist in isolation.
Nutrition, metabolic function, sleep, psychological wellbeing and general health all form part of our assessment.
Where relevant, we discuss dietary patterns, nutrient intake, lifestyle considerations and findings from investigations undertaken by your medical team.
Acupuncture Informed by Your Individual Presentation
Treatment is guided by your Chinese medicine diagnosis, current symptoms and stage of reproductive care.
Rather than applying an identical acupuncture protocol to every patient, we review your presentation over time and adjust treatment as clinically appropriate.
Fertility Acupuncture and IVF Support in Melbourne
At Elsternwick Acupuncture, we provide advanced IVF acupuncture care in Melbourne, working alongside your fertility specialist’s treatment.
Our approach takes into account your reproductive history, fertility investigations and individual IVF protocol. Acupuncture appointments may be incorporated during ovarian stimulation, around egg collection, before fresh or frozen embryo transfer and throughout your IVF journey.
Where appropriate, we also liaise with fertility specialists, GPs and other treating practitioners to provide coordinated, integrative reproductive care.
Explore our dedicated IVF Acupuncture Melbourne page for more information about our approach to assisted reproductive treatment.

Meet Our Doctors of Chinese Medicine & Fertility Acupuncturists
Dr Emma Vanheems
Dr Catherine Farchione
Senior Integrative Doctor of Chinese Medicine, Nutritionist, and Fertility Coach with 20+ years of experience.
Dr Louise Osborn
Louise is a compassionate Acupuncturist and Chinese Medicine Practitioner with a special interest in women’s health.
Begin Your Fertility Care With Us
Whether you are beginning to explore your fertility, have been trying to conceive for some time or are navigating a more complex reproductive history, we provide fertility acupuncture and integrative Chinese Medicine grounded in over 22 years of clinical experience.

