Dear our patients!
We would like to inform you that our clinic will close from 2026 February 6th until February 27th. During this period, appointment booking by phone will not be available. If you wish to request an appointment or have any questions, please contact us by email: hongnbcc@gmail.com. Telephone appointment booking (+36 70 9431878) will be available again from March 2, 2026.
Thank you for your understanding. We hope to meet you soon.
A recent clinical study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine (October 2025) has provided new high-quality evidence on the role of acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and associated fertility challenges.
In this randomized, single-blind controlled trial, 134 women with PCOS and difficulty with ovulation received standard letrozole therapy. Half of the participants also received twice-weekly acupuncture sessions, while the control group received placebo (sham) acupuncture.
Key findings from the study:
This randomized controlled trial offers strong support for acupuncture as a cost-effective adjunctive therapy in PCOS-related infertility, especially when integrated with conventional treatments.
It’s important to emphasize that acupuncture is not used here as a replacement for standard medical care but rather as a supportive therapy that may enhance ovulation, hormone regulation, endometrial receptivity, and overall chances of pregnancy in women with PCOS.
The research above confirms that acupuncture can provide evidence-based complementary support for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), especially when applied in a structured and medically informed way.
At Vietkimhong Clinic, we support women with PCOS and fertility challenges through:
Learn more:
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If you would like to explore whether acupuncture may support your fertility journey, we welcome you to book a personal consultation.
Vietkimhong Clinic, 1051 Budapest, Arany János street.33, 1.floor.2 door, 127-es doorbell. Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9:30- 16:30. Dr. Nguyen Hong, Tel: +36 70 943 1878, Email: hongnbcc@gmail.com
Reference: Smith, C. A., de Lacey, S., Chapman, M., Ratcliffe, J., & Norman, R. J. (2019). IVF, acupuncture and mental health: a qualitative study of perceptions and experiences of women participating in a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture during IVF treatment. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 19(1), 1-10.
DOI: 10.1186/s12906-019-2505-1
URL: https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-019-2505-1
In vitro fertilization (IVF) is often a physically and emotionally challenging journey for many women. The process can bring hope but also stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. To better understand how acupuncture might influence women’s experiences during IVF, a recent qualitative study explored the perceptions and feelings of women who took part in a randomized controlled trial combining acupuncture with IVF treatment.
Researchers interviewed women undergoing IVF who were randomly assigned either to receive acupuncture or to a control group without acupuncture. The interviews focused on how women perceived acupuncture’s effects on their mental and emotional wellbeing throughout the IVF cycle. This approach gave insights beyond the usual medical outcomes by listening closely to women’s lived experiences.
Many women who received acupuncture described it as a source of relaxation and emotional support. They felt the treatment helped reduce their stress levels, calm their anxieties, and gave them moments of peace during what can otherwise be a very intense and overwhelming time. These emotional benefits contributed to a more positive IVF experience overall.
Some participants described acupuncture sessions as a “safe space” where they could momentarily escape the pressures of fertility treatments. The opportunity to rest and be cared for allowed them to reconnect with their bodies and emotions in a gentle way. This helped counterbalance the clinical and often stressful environment of IVF clinics.
IVF often involves many medical procedures, appointments, and waiting periods that can make women feel passive or powerless. In contrast, acupuncture offered a sense of agency. Women felt they were actively doing something positive for their bodies and minds, rather than simply waiting for test results or outcomes. This sense of control was empowering and helped reduce feelings of helplessness.
Infertility treatments frequently come with emotional challenges such as anxiety, depression, and fear of failure. The study highlighted that acupuncture could play a valuable role in supporting mental health during IVF. Women reported improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of emotional balance. Some even felt more hopeful and resilient, which are important factors that can influence fertility outcomes indirectly.
This study underscores the importance of holistic care in fertility treatments. Acupuncture is not just about improving physical symptoms or boosting pregnancy rates; it also addresses the mental and emotional struggles women face during IVF. By providing relaxation, emotional support, and a sense of empowerment, acupuncture can enhance the overall wellbeing of women on this difficult journey.
For women undergoing IVF, integrating acupuncture might offer more than just physical benefits—it can help create a more compassionate, supportive environment that respects both body and mind. If you’re considering complementary therapies during your fertility treatment, acupuncture could be a meaningful addition to your care plan.
Article title: A qualitative study on the experience of acupuncture treatment in infertile women
PubMed ID: 33665089
Authors: Lee, H.W., Choi, T.Y., Lee, M.S., Lee, H., Shin, B.C., & Ernst, E.
Published in: Integrative Medicine Research, 2020
DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.100686
Infertility can be one of the most emotionally and physically draining challenges a woman may face. It often affects not just the body, but also mental health, relationships, and even a woman’s sense of identity. While modern medicine offers treatments like IVF, many women are also turning to acupuncture as a supportive therapy to improve their overall wellbeing during the fertility journey.
A 2021 study conducted by the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine provides deep insight into how acupuncture is experienced by women with infertility. Instead of focusing on numbers like hormone levels or pregnancy rates, this research listened to women themselves—how they felt, what changed in their bodies, and how the treatment influenced their emotions and mindset.
Women interviewed in the study described how acupuncture helped them reconnect with their bodies. Many of them had struggled with symptoms such as feeling cold, tired, or emotionally disconnected. After a few months of treatment, they began to notice their bodies warming up—literally and figuratively. Hands and feet felt warmer, menstrual cycles became more regular, and energy levels started to rise.
For some, it was the first time in years they had felt “normal” again. These subtle but important physical changes helped build confidence and hope.
Beyond the physical effects, the emotional benefits of acupuncture stood out clearly in this study. Women often reported that acupuncture sessions became a “safe space” in the chaos of fertility treatments. They described feeling calmer, less anxious, and more emotionally resilient. Some said it was the only time during the week when they could truly relax, breathe, and just be themselves.
This is especially important because infertility is often accompanied by intense emotional strain, isolation, and a sense of helplessness. Acupuncture helped many participants feel more grounded and less overwhelmed.
Unlike the often rushed and clinical setting of conventional fertility clinics, acupuncture offered a more personal experience. Many women said they felt truly heard by their practitioner. This human connection, combined with the physical treatment, created a strong sense of trust and partnership. Instead of feeling like passive patients, they became active participants in their healing process.
The study also found that acupuncture had positive side effects beyond fertility. Women reported improved digestion, better sleep, fewer headaches, and a general feeling of better health. Even when pregnancy did not happen immediately, these changes helped them feel more in control and optimistic.
Most importantly, acupuncture helped restore self-trust. Many participants said they began to believe in their bodies again, even after years of doubt and disappointment.
Acupuncture is not a magic solution—but this study shows it can play a valuable role in a holistic fertility plan. It supports not just the reproductive system but the whole woman—body, mind, and spirit. For many, it’s not just about getting pregnant; it’s about healing, reconnecting with themselves, and finding a sense of peace during an incredibly stressful time.
If you are navigating infertility, acupuncture might offer more than you expect. It can become a gentle, consistent support that reminds you: you are not broken, and you are not alone.
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide, bringing emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) offer hope, but they also come with high costs, demanding protocols, and variable success rates. While these advanced treatments are often necessary, many couples overlook an important complementary option that could significantly support their fertility journey: acupuncture.
Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to promote balance and healing. Over the last two decades, it has gained increasing scientific recognition for its role in reproductive health. What makes it particularly valuable is how and when it’s used.
Too often, couples wait until their hormone levels—such as AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) or FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)—have already declined significantly before seeking alternative support. By that stage, egg quality, ovarian response, or uterine receptivity may already be compromised, making it harder for even the most advanced treatments to succeed.
Incorporating acupuncture early in the fertility process can improve key reproductive parameters before couples even reach the point of needing IUI or IVF. This early intervention may lead to better outcomes—and in some cases, even natural conception.
Studies have shown that when Western-based fertility treatments are combined with acupuncture, the success rate of conception can be increased by up to 26%.
According to a recent study by Tel Aviv University, when IUI was combined with TCM treatments, 65.5% of the test group were able to conceive, compared to 39.4% of the control group who did not receive acupuncture therapy. In 2025 a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Healthcare found that traditional Asian medicine, particularly acupuncture, is a safe and effective complementary therapy for improving ART outcomes. By enhancing blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulating hormones, and reducing stress, acupuncture creates a more favorable environment for conception.
One of the most widely cited studies, published in Fertility and Sterility (2002), demonstrated that women who received acupuncture both before and after embryo transfer had significantly higher pregnancy rates—42.5% compared to 26.3% in the control group.
Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, a stress hormone known to interfere with fertility, and to regulate the menstrual cycle, which is essential for timed conception efforts.
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it’s non-invasive, drug-free, and low-risk, especially when performed by a qualified practitioner. Unlike hormone therapy or surgery, acupuncture works in harmony with the body’s natural processes. This makes it an ideal first-line approach—or a supportive companion to conventional fertility treatments.
Many couples seek acupuncture only after multiple failed fertility treatments. But the best time to start is early—even when you’re just beginning to consider getting help. Strengthening the body’s internal balance before hormonal levels deteriorate gives you a better foundation for any future treatment.
If you’re experiencing fertility challenges, consider including acupuncture in your plan now, not later. Whether your goal is to optimize your natural chances or prepare for IUI/IVF, early intervention may significantly improve your journey—and bring you one step closer to parenthood.
Infertility affects approximately 16% of couples worldwide (1), and the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), is becoming increasingly common. However, IVF is an invasive, expensive, and emotionally taxing process, with success rates that range between 25–35% per cycle depending on factors like age and hormone levels. Given these realities, exploring complementary approaches before committing to IVF could be a valuable strategy, particularly when hormonal imbalances are still manageable.
One promising complementary method is acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique involving the insertion of fine needles at specific points in the body. Multiple studies have suggested that acupuncture can positively impact fertility by improving blood flow to reproductive organs, regulating hormone levels, and reducing stress—all crucial factors in conception.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Healthcare (2025) found that Asian traditional medicine, particularly acupuncture, appears to be a safe and effective complementary therapy that can be used to improve assisted reproductive technologies outcomes. Another study in Fertility and Sterility (2002) reported that acupuncture performed before and after embryo transfer increased IVF success rates from 26.3% to 42.5%.
Importantly, many couples wait until their hormone levels—such as AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone) or FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone)—are already in extreme decline before seeking help. At that point, treatment options may be more limited or require aggressive medical intervention. Early incorporation of acupuncture may help improve hormone profiles and reproductive function before reaching IUI or IVF, or even increase the chance of natural conception.
Furthermore, these approaches are low-risk and cost-effective, especially compared to IVF, which can cost thousands of dollars per cycle and often requires multiple attempts. They can also serve as part of a broader, holistic preparation for pregnancy—whether natural or assisted. In conclusion, couples facing fertility issues should consider integrating complementary therapies such as acupuncture early in their journey. These methods can enhance reproductive health, improve hormonal balance, and potentially increase the chances of natural conception or support IVF success when needed. Waiting until hormone levels are severely impaired may limit these benefits, so acting early could make all the difference.
Dear our patients!
We would like to inform you that our clinic will close from 2025 January 8th until February 13th. To book an appoinment, please contact us by email: hongnbcc@gmail.com , which is available from 2025 January 15th. Booking through telephone is available from February 14th +36 70 943 1878.
Thank you for your patience! We hope to meet you soon.
In general, donor eggs are often recommended to those wome whom has repeated failed IVF treatments, who are in late 40, who have low ovarian reserve or early ovarium insufficiency. It is absolutely reasonable to really think about using donor eggs, because at that stage, women are facing 2 options: (1) to using their own eggs with chance of success is as low as a few percentage. In theory, among those over 40, chance of getting pregnant is around 5-8% for each cycle. This chance even getting worse rapidly as the women is aging. (2) to have donor eggs with much higher chance of getting pregnancy: the chance of a fertilized donor egg producing properly developing embryos is about 80%, the chance that those embryos will implant in an uterus is about 75-85%, and the chance of clinical pregnancy is about 55-65%. Certainly, there are other factors which can affect the success of a pregnancy, but around 60% can be expected from a donor egg’s outcome.
In Hungary, using donor eggs is not a social norm. There are stil social attitute barrier and legal restrictions to have this: the egg donor can only be a direct relative of the couple, under 35 years of age, who has given birth at least once, has a living child and her spouse also agrees to the egg donation, etc.. From the side of the receiver, not every couple have access to information towards donor eggs and steps to get into this stage.
Of course there are „small windows” for those who is capable to seek for donor eggs with much less legal and social barriers. These options are available in some assisted reproductive centers in the Czech Repeblic, Croatia, Spain, and so on.
Obviously using donor eggs is a tough decision to make, from a physical- mental and also financial point of view. It is no doubt that a couple need a lot of information before really step into this process, and once they are in, they also have to follow a protocol. A lot of confusion can happend along the way, especially it is the case of their baby, so it is recommended to have a list of things to do and things to ask- do not hesitate to ask your doctors and nurses about the procedure, its pros and cons. The more understandable the protocol is to you, the more cooperation you have with your treatment team and therefore the better chance of success you may have.
Like any other treatment, there is no guarantee that IVF cycle with donor eggs cannot fail. It was showed that even the best looking, perfect, strongest embryos from donor eggs still could not successfully implant and develop in the uterus in many cases. The chance of success depend on many other factors, not only on the eggs’ quality, but also on the quality of the sperm, the quality of the women’s uterus, her endometrium, how her immune function, how the coagulation system function, and other factors that may not known yet to medical knowledge. However, IVF cycle with donor egg is still having highest success rate among IVF treatments, especially for women over 40 years old. When you are already recommended by your doctor about this option, think about it seriously, look for information, ask your doctors for information if there is still a lot of confusion. At the end, it is a very personal decision. There is no good or bad decision- it is your choice. But a decision in time make a huge difference, especially when time is not on your side.
If you look for more information of egg donors, we really recommend this site, where information is not only from doctors’ side, but also from the patient’s side, for the sake of better chance of success for women.
Author: Dr. habil. Hegyi Gabriella MD.PhD. Department of Complementary Medicine, Institute of Dietetic and Physiotherapy, University of Pécs
Full article can be found here
One of the main parts of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM, HKO) is acupuncture. Its classical basis is given by the “doctrine of the system of energy flow”, the underlying “channels”, or in other words, meridians and points. During the treatment, very thin, sterile needles are inserted into the acupuncture points on the skin surface at different depths. The inserted needles generates a sensory – which is activated pulse that travels to the spinal cord and then crosses the large ascending pathways through the nuclei of the thalamus to the cerebral cortex. Recent radiological examination methods (PET, fMRI) prove that acupuncture also activates other central nervous system structures such as nucleus accumbens, amygdala, habenula, thalamus nuclei.
The mechanism of action of acupuncture are:
According to WHO, acupuncture treatments can be applied for the following diseases:
Researchers found a statistically significant correlation between the number of treatments and the effectiveness. Patients who received less than six treatments hardly showed significant effective, but those got a course of at least 10 treatment did show a better recovery. This is the so-called cumulative effect.
A beautiful summer is coming with sunny days, green trees, blooming flowers and smiles on our faces. This summer we are full of hope that an usual life is coming back. A better life will flush out those worried eyes and uncertainty of future hide behind boring masks…
This spring and summer also bring so much happy for me to welcome little angels to the world. They are arriving to us in the next few months…I feel so thankful and grateful to be beside you in your journey for baby. It is hard to express how happy I am when you tell me that your pregnancy test is positive, when you bring me your Body Temperature chart with the line going up beautifully, and your very-first ultrasound test confirmed the pregnancy.. You also make me worried when sent me emails at 10 p.m. asking about your progesterone level, or your abdomen pain.. And then you comeback to me with the following Ultrasound test with the baby is growing little by little… In a strange and happy way, I also feel a deep contact with your babies, and you should know that I am also eager to meet him/her as much as you are..
For those whose success has not arrived yet, I understand how you feel. But an unsuccessful try is not the end of the world. You always can do it again, if you still have time. Success does not often come easily or accidently, it rather comes after many effort and a strong belief in it. Don’t be upset. Please take a holiday this summer to relax and refresh your body, your soul.. Enjoy sunlight, enjoy the summer’s wonder. Enjoy yourself and enjoy your time with your partner without worrying about anything. Take really good care for yourself and for him, because he is always there for you. Then comeback with a totally fresh you. And I am more than happy to meet you or meet you again after summer.
Thank you again to believe in me and acupuncture. My work as an acupuncturist is nothing more than support you as much as I can, so that you can achieve your best result with reproductive treatment, and we can finally meet your dream baby. Your success is my success, your baby is also my angel.