Preparing for IVF involves more than medications and monitoring—it’s an opportunity to nourish your body, regulate your hormones, and ground yourself emotionally. At Lisa Meyerson Acupuncture in Evanston, I work with patients to approach IVF preparation holistically, using the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support each phase of the process.
Whether you’re weeks or months away from starting your IVF cycle, here are essential IVF preparation tips to help you feel stronger, calmer, and more supported.
1. Give Yourself Time to Prepare—If You Can
Ideally, give yourself 1–3 months before IVF to focus on health-building treatments. In Chinese medicine, this is known as a "preconception care window," where we gently regulate the menstrual cycle, nourish blood and yin, and calm the nervous system.
This timeframe allows us to improve:
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Egg quality and uterine lining
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Hormonal balance
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Stress resilience and sleep
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Digestive and immune function
Even a few weeks of preparation can make a big difference.
2. Start Acupuncture Before Your Cycle Begins
Acupuncture is one of the most effective tools you can use to prepare for IVF. Research shows that acupuncture before and during IVF improves ovarian response, enhances blood flow to the uterus, and reduces anxiety—all important factors for success.
At my clinic, I offer cycle-specific acupuncture protocols:
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Before stimulation to regulate hormones
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During stimulation to improve egg development
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Post-transfer to support implantation and reduce uterine contractions
Patients often report better sleep, less stress, and a deeper connection to their bodies.
3. Nourish Yourself with Womb-Friendly Foods
In Chinese medicine, we recommend warming, easy-to-digest foods that support spleen qi, blood, and kidney yin—all essential for reproductive health.
Do include:
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Soups, stews, congee
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Cooked vegetables (especially dark greens and root veggies)
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Black beans, sesame, dates, eggs
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Bone broth, seaweed, small amounts of liver or high-mineral foods
Avoid or limit:
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Iced drinks and cold/raw salads
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Sugar, processed snacks, alcohol
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Excessive caffeine (green tea or roasted dandelion root is a great swap)
Food is medicine—and what you eat can help create a warm, receptive uterine environment.
4. Tend to Your Nervous System
Fertility journeys can be emotionally intense. Make stress management part of your IVF preparation plan. Chronic stress affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis, making it harder for your body to regulate hormones and ovulate effectively.
Supportive practices include:
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Daily acupuncture
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Breathwork or meditation
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Nature walks or light yoga
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Massage, journaling, or quiet creative time
TCM emphasizes the Heart-Uterus connection, which means tending to your emotions is just as important as physical prep.
5. Optimize Sleep and Digestive Function
If your sleep or digestion is off, your energy and blood production may be impacted. Good sleep is when the body repairs and hormone production stabilizes. Healthy digestion ensures your body is absorbing the nutrients needed to build qi and blood.
Tips:
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Aim for 7–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep
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Avoid screens 1 hour before bed
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Eat dinner early and warm
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Take slow, mindful bites—don’t eat on the run
We may also use gentle herbs or acupressure to support these systems if needed.
6. Build a Team You Trust
IVF can feel isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Having a circle of support—medical providers, therapists, fertility-friendly practitioners—helps ease the emotional burden.
I often coordinate with local fertility specialists, OB-GYNs, and reproductive endocrinologists to create integrated, collaborative care for my patients.
Whether you’re new to acupuncture or just need someone to walk beside you during this time, you’re welcome here.
Ready to Prepare for IVF with Holistic Support?
Let’s give your body, heart, and mind the care they need as you begin your IVF cycle.
Call or text 773-517-7187
Book your session at www.lisameyerson.com
You don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to support your IVF journey with wisdom, warmth, and individualized care.
Read Next: Why Acupuncture Before and After Your IVF Cycle Matter
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