Fertility Support
Supportive Care During Fertility Planning and Treatment
Fertility challenges can be physically and emotionally demanding. Many people seek additional support when trying to conceive naturally, preparing for assisted reproductive treatment, or navigating the stress that often accompanies fertility care.
Fertility support at Herbs Meta is offered as adjunctive, supportive care. The focus is on helping the body regulate, supporting recovery, and easing the physical and emotional load associated with fertility planning or treatment without guarantees, pressure, or exaggerated claims.
At Herbs Meta, we provide acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine care in Richmond Hill to support individuals and couples navigating fertility planning and IVF treatment. Care is individualized and may include acupuncture alone or in combination with herbal prescriptions and supportive therapies, depending on each person’s presentation.
How Fertility Concerns Commonly Present
People seek fertility support with a wide range of experiences. Common themes include:
- Difficulty conceiving despite ongoing efforts
- Irregular or changing menstrual cycles
- High stress or emotional strain during fertility planning
- Fatigue, sleep disruption, or physical tension during treatment
- The physical and emotional demands of IVF or other assisted reproductive care
Rather than focusing on a single outcome, care is guided by how fertility challenges are affecting the whole system.
Our Approach to Fertility Support
Care is careful, conservative, and individualised, with respect for existing medical care.
Support may involve:
- Understanding cycle history, treatment timelines, and current concerns
- Supporting nervous system regulation and stress response
- Encouraging circulation and physical relaxation
- Adjusting care based on treatment phase and individual response
Acupuncture, herbal prescription, and supportive therapies may be used to complement fertility or IVF care, not replace it. Care is delivered within the context of your existing medical plan.
IVF Acupuncture Support
Acupuncture is commonly used by some people as supportive care during IVF and other assisted reproductive treatments.
IVF-focused care is often timed around:
- Treatment preparation
- Periods of increased stress or physical demand
- Post-procedure recovery
"Many patients also time sessions specifically around egg retrieval and embryo transfer, the two procedure days when timing matters most."
What This Type of Care Is Commonly Used For
Fertility support is often sought to help with:
Physical & Emotional Support
- Managing stress and emotional strain
- Supporting sleep and recovery
- Reducing physical tension during treatment cycles
Cycle & Treatment-Related Support
- Supporting the body during fertility planning
- Complementing IVF or assisted reproductive treatment
- Providing continuity of care alongside medical providers
This care does not replace fertility investigations, medical treatment, or specialist advice.
What to Expect During Treatment
Fertility support sessions are typically calm and gently paced.
In most cases:
- Fine, sterile needles are used with a conservative technique
- Sensations are usually mild and brief
- Many people feel relaxed or emotionally settled during treatment
- Rest after sessions is encouraged
Care is adapted around comfort, timing, and treatment phase.
How Many Sessions Are Usually Needed?
The number of sessions varies depending on:
- Whether care is focused on general support or IVF-related timing
- Stress levels and recovery capacity
- Individual response to care
Some people choose periodic support, while others prefer more consistent care during active treatment phases. Comfort and response are reviewed regularly.
When Fertility Support May Not Be the Right Fit
This approach may be less suitable when:
- Expectations focus on guaranteed outcomes
- Medical investigation or treatment is being delayed
- Emotional distress requires specialised psychological support
Used appropriately, fertility support can help people feel more grounded and supported during a challenging period.
Is Fertility Support Right for You?
This service may be suitable if you:
- Are trying to conceive and want supportive care
- Are undergoing IVF or assisted reproductive treatment
- Feel stress or tension is affecting your wellbeing
- Want conservative, non-invasive support alongside medical care
If this type of care is unlikely to be helpful, we will discuss alternative options so you can make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The current high-level evidence does not show that acupuncture directly improves IVF success or pregnancy rates. What it can do is help reduce the stress and physical tension that come with treatment. We coordinate around your fertility clinic, never in place of it.
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Timing is arranged in step with your clinic’s schedule. Tell us your treatment dates and we build sessions around them.
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Acupuncture is claimable under most extended health acupuncture benefits when it is performed by a CTCMPAO-registered practitioner. We direct bill through TELUS Health eClaims where your plan allows.
Meet Your Practitioners
Herbs Meta is staffed by registered TCM practitioners serving Richmond Hill.
Andrew Zheng, R. TCMP, R. Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription, Meridian Diagnostic
Andrew has dedicated over twenty years to study and practice of medicine. He holds an MD from UMC, Southwest Free Medical University (Sichuan) and completed TCM training at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. He also serves as a TCM college instructor teaching Meridian, Acupuncture, Acupuncture Therapeutics, and Clinical Internship. Fluent in Chinese, English, and Russian.
Melody Tian, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription, TCM Diagnostics
Melody is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario, and an instructor at the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM). For nearly five years she has taught TCM diagnosis and supervised clinical internships. She excels in tongue diagnosis and holistic, root-cause approaches to care.
Yi Ling Chan, R. TCMP, R. Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription, Women’s Health, Fertility
Yi Ling holds a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from UM, Southwest Free Medical University (Sichuan) and practiced Western family medicine for six years in Malaysia before undertaking formal TCM training in Canada. Her dual medical background allows her to offer an integrative perspective. Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien, and Malay.
Yang Wang, R.Ac, R.TCMP
Chronic Pain, Internal Medicine, Urological Conditions, Acupuncture
Yang Wang is a highly skilled, dual-trained medical professional and fifth-generation TCM practitioner. He holds a Master of Surgery from Peking University and served as a Urologist at Beijing Renhe Hospital for 13 years. He completed an intensive two-year Western Medicine to TCM program at Beijing Xiyuan Hospital and graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine (OCTCM).
Wenhao Yang, R.TCMP, R.Ac
Acupuncture, Herbal Prescription
Eric is a Registered Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner and Registered Acupuncturist in Ontario. He graduated from the Ontario College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and brings a thorough, patient-centred approach to assessment and treatment, with a focus on individualized care plans for both acute and long-standing health concerns.
Book a Fertility Support Appointment
If you are navigating fertility planning or treatment and would like to explore whether supportive care could be helpful, we’re here to assist.
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