For centuries, acupuncture has been used to treat a multitude of physical and emotional disorders.  Nowadays, people most often recognize the benefits that acupuncture can provide for pain relief.  However, much research has been conducted in the field of infertility.  One recent study conducted in Germany compared 2 groups of women receiving IVF treatment.  The control group received only IVF treatment while the experimental group received 2 acupuncture treatments on the day of IVF transfer (one before and one immediately after).  The results showed pregnancy rates of 42.5% in the experimental group compared to 26.3% in the control group.  Another study published in 2005, looked at male factor infertility.  With acupuncture, there was a marked improvement in sperm motility and quality. 

            The great thing about acupuncture and TCM is that it can be performed alone or in conjunction with medicated fertility cycles.  The basic concept is that with the insertion of fine needles, blood flow increases locally to the uterus and ovaries (or testes in males).  By nourishing these organs locally, it is theorized that there will be improvement in egg quality and thickness of the uterine lining.  For more information on acupuncture studies for fertility, check out the link below: 

http://www.acufinder.com/Acupuncture+Information/Detail/Acupuncture,+Fertility+Research+Delivers+Healthy+Results