When you think of using Chinese medicine to boost your fertility, you probably think of getting acupuncture. But there’s so much more to Chinese medicine than acupuncture alone. One of the most effective modalities you can use to support your fertility is acupressure -- and the best part is, you can do it in the comfort of your home. In fact, what you do at home on a daily basis is as important, if not more important, for bringing your health into balance.

We caught up with fertility expert and acupuncturist Heidi Brockmyre to learn more.

Are acupressure points the same as acupuncture points?

Yes! Both methods involve stimulating the same acupoints located on acu-meridians. The acupoints are identifiable locations of increased electrical activity that, when stimulated, send a message to your nervous system to influence the output of your hormones, increasing circulation to specific areas of the body, like your reproductive organs.

The difference between acupressure and acupuncture is the method of stimulation. Acupuncture works by inserting a needle into the acupoint while acupressure involves applying pressure with either your fingers or an acupressure tool.

How does acupressure work?

The Chinese medicine approach is based on a foundational principle that says, ‘Where there’s free flow, there is health. Where there’s blockage, there is disease.’

The acu-meridians are energetic pathways that deliver blood, nutrients, oxygen, and life force energy throughout all tissues of the body, including your organ systems. Just like rivers get damned up in one spot and the river runs dry downstream, so can the energetic flow throughout our body.

By stimulating acu-points, the flow can be opened up and redirected throughout the body so that all organ systems are being nourished and given the life force energy they need to thrive.

How does acupressure work to improve fertility?

Chinese medicine sees the body as a whole rather than separate systems functioning independent from one another. In other words, if you have digestive issues, it directly impacts your reproductive health. In the same fashion, your thoughts and feelings also impact your physical health and vice versa.

When it comes to supporting your fertility, besides restoring healthy flow to your ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterus, the goal is to bring your entire body as well as your mind into balance.

Acupressure helps to not only calm your mind, but also helps improve digestion, balance hormones, detoxify the body, and improve circulation to your reproductive organs.

Are there advantages to doing acupressure over acupuncture?

Consistency is key for restoring your fertility. Luckily all you need to give yourself acupressure are your fingers so you can send fertility-enhancing signals to your body on a daily basis. You don’t even have to change out of your pajamas!

Not everyone has access to acupuncture in their area, so acupressure is a great alternative. If you are seeing an acupuncturist, doing acupressure on the days between your appointments can enhance the effect of their treatments.

Plus, acupressure eliminates the need to overcome your fear of needles, if that’s a problem for you.

Is it safe?

Yes, it’s absolutely safe! Not only that, but giving yourself acupressure to boost your fertility comes with the added benefit of positive side effects, like improved quality of sleep, a boost in energy, a feeling of calm, and better digestion.

That being said, there are a few acupressure points that are recommended to avoid during pregnancy.

How do you know which points to use?

The better designed the acupressure sequence, the better the results.

Rather than simply ‘Googling’ acupressure points for fertility, it’s best to consult with a Licensed Acupuncturist. You may get results from sampling a few points that you find online, but there are some points that should not be used at certain times during your cycle.

Additionally, when specific points are used in combination with one another, and in a particular order, they have a more intentional therapeutic effect, like supporting implantation or stimulating ovulation.

Behind every powerful sequence there are ages of experience and passion.