Our Fertility and IVF Support service at Restore Wellness uses acupuncture to enhance natural and IVF fertility cycles, addressing issues like irregular ovulation, hormonal imbalances, and stress.
Boost Your Fertility Journey
At Restore we often employ acupuncture to support natural and IVF fertility cycles and to maximise maternal health during pregnancy. Chinese medicine has a long and established history of improving fertility. Whether you are preparing to conceive, actively trying to conceive or embarking on IVF, acupuncture has a lot to offer. At Restore, the acupuncture team follow protocols supported by research to assist their patients to improve their fertility with acupuncture.
What Issues Can Our Treatment Help With?
- Irregular ovulation
- Hormonal imbalances
- Stress and anxiety
- PCOS and endometriosis
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Common Benefits of Our Treatments
- Optimises chances of natural conception
- Enhances success rates of IVF
- Regulates menstrual cycle
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Supports hormonal balance
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Optimising Natural Fertility with Acupuncture
Acupuncture can assist good healthy bodily function, and therefore is a wonderful way to help to optimise your chances of falling pregnancy naturally.
Acupuncture is often used to help regulate your menstrual cycle back on track, improve overall circulation and blood flow to your uterus and ovaries. Importantly acupuncture can assist your ability to manage the stress and anxiety that often accompanies infertility. The amount of treatment needed really depends on your individual situation, however, treatment is most successful when started earlier and timed around important events such as ovulation.
During the first trimester, acupuncture is used to help prevent miscarriage and provide a stabilising effect on the pregnancy, and regulate hormones. Acupuncture helps to minimise nausea, morning sickness, fatigue, migraines, bleeding, and spotting.
Our approach starts with a careful evaluation to uncover any underlying factors that may be preventing you from conceiving or maintaining a pregnancy. We will also help you navigate your fertility journey and support you in choosing your best treatment options. For optimal results, start treatments 3 months before you are trying to conceive or as soon as you find out you are pregnant. We especially recommend this for women having IUI/IVF procedures, especially if there are hormone, autoimmune, advance maternal age or implantation factors. Getting acupuncture on a regular basis during pregnancy can help you to relax and enjoy this incredible time in your life more fully.
Women undergoing fertility treatment are far more likely to successfully give birth if they also have acupuncture, a major scientific study has concluded. The research found that women suffering with fertility problems who underwent the ancient Chinese treatment increased their chance of having a baby from one in five to one in three. Researchers led by Ying Cheong, from the reproductive medicine unit at the University of Southampton and the city’s Princess Anne hospital, concluded that ‘acupuncture around the time of embryo transfer achieves a higher live birth rate of 35 per cent compared with 22 per cent without active acupuncture’. Embryo transfer is when an embryo that has been fertilised in the laboratory is implanted into a woman’s womb.
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The IVF Process
Research shows acupuncture can be an effective, low intensity procedure that may increase a woman’s resilience during assisted conception. Women who have acupuncture often report improvements in physical and mental health, including better sleep and improvements in mood and self-confidence. Some IVF clinics, such as Genea (formerly Sydney IVF) offer acupuncture clinics in-house as they have seen the wonderful effects of this safe and gentle form of complementary therapy.
Studies show that acupuncture can increase the chances that assisted reproductive technologies will result in a live birth by 60% or more. Our acupuncturists are qualified, registered and experienced in helping to support your fertility treatment, improve your health and wellbeing, and maximise your chance of taking home a healthy baby.
- Before & during the medication phase of IVF
Setting the internal environment for the body to make a baby is very important. Clinical trials show that acupuncture increases blood supply to uterus and ovaries and regulate fertility hormones which may contribute to follicle development and increased implantation.
Acupuncture can be used to help any side effects you might experience and reduce anxiety. Reduced fatigue, moodiness, abdomen swelling and discomfort and other side effects are reported by many women using acupuncture during their IVF cycle. In addition women report greater relaxation and control of anxiety.
- Before & after egg collection
Acupuncture is performed in the days after egg collection, to reduce any local tissue trauma or bleeding. It also helps to prepare a calm environment for the arrival of an embryo in 3 or 5 days time.
- Before & after embryo transfer
According to research, acupuncture performed at the right stage, can have significant benefit. The research found that the chance of the embryo implanting successfully, resulting in pregnancy, increased significantly if a woman underwent acupuncture around the same time as the transfer. Most clinical trials demonstrated a significantly increased chance of pregnancy (30%) after the administration of 2 acupuncture treatments, one before and one after the embryo transfer.
Acupuncture treatment in this stage helps increase blood supply to uterus and ovaries and regulate fertility hormones which may contribute to follicle development and increased implantation. Clinical trials were based on patients where the treatment was conducted within a few hours before and after transfer. This is why Restore is open 6 days per week, and takes Sunday appointments by prior arrangement for our patients having out of hours transfers.
- Before & during the medication phase of IVF
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PCOS and Endometriosis
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for reducing the pain and inflammation of PCOS and endometriosis. If you have PCOS or Endometriosis and are trying to conceive naturally or planning to do IVF, you can benefit from doing a course of acupuncture over 3 to 4 months to improve ovary function and egg quality. If you have PCOS and are trying to conceive naturally or planning to do IVF, you can benefit from doing a course of acupuncture over 3 to 4 months to improve ovary function and egg quality. For those PCOS patients who do IVF, certain acupuncture protocols during the stimulation phase and after embryo transfer will reduce the risk of hyper-stimulation.
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Managing Stress and Anxiety
Improvements in physical and mental health including better sleep and improvements in mood and self-confidence are all very important when trying to conceive. -While stress has no impact on the actual meeting of the sperm and egg, it can impact on the individual and also relationships. Acupuncture is an excellent modality to assist in reducing stress – a key issue for many couples struggling with infertility.
Treatment For Fertility and IVF Support
- Acupuncture
- IVF
Have Questions?
Talk to our therapists for personalised advice and support. We’re here to help you achieve optimal health & wellness.
Dr Shi Zong Zeng
TCM Dermatology Specialist
Dr. Shizong Zeng is a registered Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner and acupuncturist in Australia. With a heritage rooted in a family of TCM practitioners, Dr. Zeng has dedicated 41 years to the practice and research of TCM dermatology. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine from Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1978-1983) and a Doctorate in Medicine from Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (2015-2018).
Dr. Zeng is renowned for his expertise in treating persistent and complex skin conditions such as stubborn dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, urticaria (hives), and vitiligo. He has published over 20 academic research papers on dermatological treatments.
After immigrating to Sydney, Australia in 1991, Dr. Zeng established the first TCM dermatology clinic in the country. He played a pivotal role in founding the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Association and was instrumental in advocating for TCM legislation in Australia. He served as the President of the Australian Traditional Chinese Medicine Association for two terms and is currently the Honorary President.
Dr. Zeng also holds several esteemed positions including:
- Executive Committee Member of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS)
- Vice-Chairman of the World Traditional Medicine Forum Supervisory Committee
- Executive Director of the WFCMS Diagnostics Committee
- Senior Advisor of the WFCMS Pain Rehabilitation Committee
- Senior Advisor of the WFCMS Chronic Disease Management Committee
- Vice President of the World Federation of Natural Medicine
- Guest Professor at Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Hunan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dr. Zeng’s approach combines the wisdom of TCM with modern diagnostic techniques, ensuring comprehensive and personalised care for his patients. His dedication to advancing TCM dermatology has made him a highly respected expert in the field.
Dr Shi Zong Zeng
TCM Dermatology Specialist
Dr Alexandra Wahby
Osteopath
Alexandra enjoys treating a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints, with a particular interest in:
- Acute and chronic cervical pain
- Acute and chronic low back pain
- Headaches
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunctions
- Pregnancy-related low back pain
- Rib conditions
- Shoulder/knee conditions
- Ankle conditions
She employs a variety of osteopathic techniques, including:
- Dry needling
- Cupping
- Joint mobilisation
- Manipulation
- Soft tissue techniques
- Trigger point release
Alexandra places a strong emphasis on patient education, lifestyle modification and exercise prescription empowering individuals to make changes to their health and wellbeing that they can incorporate into their busy lives.
With a passion for sports, Alexandra has played netball at a high level. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, staying active through gym workouts, scenic walks, and Pilates, as well as indulging in yummy food and exploring restaurants.
Dr Alexandra Wahby
Osteopath
Dr Sarah Lal
Osteopath & Psychotherapist
Sarah graduated with a Masters degree from the British School of Osteopathy in London before moving to Australia in 2015. Here in Sydney, she completed a postgraduate degree in counselling and is now finalising her Masters of Psychotherapy. Sarah has a particular interest in the mind-body connection and helps people with psychosomatic presentations, chronic pain, and general mental health care with an emphasis on somatised Childhood Trauma. Her approach establishes a safe space before delving into your concerns.
With a decade of clinic experience, Sarah developed her post-graduate osteopathic training in pregnancy treatment and thoroughly enjoys helping expecting parents. Nowadays, Sarah primarily works as a Somatic Psychotherapist and integrates her knowledge from her Osteopathic training. Occasionally, Sarah will support Psychotherapy clients with chronic pain/illness to provide relief with Osteopathic treatment as required and liaise with other healthcare professionals for your care. Therapy is tailored to your needs with modalities such as Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, aspects of Gestalt therapy, Creative Arts therapies, and Mindfulness interventions.
Sarah enjoys staying up to date with the emerging sciences in the mind-body field, such as epigenetics of trauma and how “trauma sits in the body”. She believes that every person needs to be proactive in their healthcare and likes getting to know every individual well to provide the best care for mind and body concerns.
Dr Sarah Lal
Osteopath & Psychotherapist
Dr Sally Gole
Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Herbalist
Sally Gole is an accredited acupuncturist renowned for her work in the field of women’s integrative health. With over 15 years of experience Sally is considered one of Sydney’s leading fertility and women’s health acupuncturists.
Sally gained an Advanced Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine) from the Sydney Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and went on to complete a three month internship at the distinguished Nanjing University Hospital in China.
Sally is passionate about women’s health and strongly believes that acupuncture and natural therapies can play an important role in treating many conditions that contribute to infertility, miscarriage, immune compromise, anxiety and chronic illness. She also has extensive knowledge of working with patients who suffer from endometriosis, PCOS, natural killer cells and hormonal imbalances such as perimenopause, PMS and irregular cycles.
Sally has extensive knowledge of IVF processes and how she can assist her patients to potentially maximise their fertility outcomes. As men are just as integral to the fertility journey, Sally is also keen to work with men to support their fertility parameters and has significant experience in treating male infertility.
Sally uses an integrated and wholistic approach to treating her patients and each treatment is individualised to her patient’s needs. Her treatment protocols include Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese herbal remedies, dietary guidance, naturopathic supplementation, relaxation techniques and other natural tools. Sally is a registered member of the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia, Australia’s main regulatory body for the safe practice of traditional acupuncture and is registered with all the major health funds.
Dr Sally Gole
Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Herbalist
Dr Tom Kelton
Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine
Tom Kelton is a highly experienced acupuncturist of 10+ years, working tin the field of
fertility, IVF, and pregnancy care. He holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Traditional
Chinese Medicine) from the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) and is registered
with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as a Doctor of
Chinese Medicine. Tom is also a member of the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese
Medicine Association (AACMA).
Tom is skilled in various modalities, including acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, Chinese
massage (Tui Na), and cupping. His primary area of expertise lies in women’s health,
with a strong focus on fertility and pregnancy support.
Tom receives referrals from midwives at Birth Clinics, including RNS Hospital, as well as
obstetricians and fertility specialists. His practice, Restore, is situated in the heart of
Sydney’s fertility and pregnancy hub, allowing him to work closely with patients
undergoing IVF treatments and pregnant women receiving care at Royal North Shore,
Mater, and North Shore Private Hospitals.
Tom firmly believes that acupuncture plays a vital role in optimizing fertility and
pregnancy outcomes. He collaborates with healthcare professionals, including doctors,
midwives, and doulas, to provide comprehensive care for his patients. Whether
supporting natural conception, IVF cycles, or pregnancy wellness, Tom is dedicated to
helping his patients achieve successful fertility outcomes and healthy pregnancies.
Dr Tom Kelton
Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine
Dr Haolin Xie
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dr. Haolin Xie is a dedicated Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioner with a Master’s degree from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and 21 years of clinical experience. He is also a committee member of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Sichuan Traditional Chinese Medicine Association.
Since 2003, Dr. Xie has specialised in non-pharmacological treatments for infants, children, pregnant women, and women’s health. He excels in the application of TCM external treatments, combining techniques such as acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, scraping (Gua Sha), and Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage) with herbal medicine to address common and complex conditions in gynaecology, paediatrics, obstetrics, and musculoskeletal health.
Specialised Treatments:
- Paediatric Care
- Pregnancy and Postpartum Care
- Gynaecological Conditions
- Postpartum Disorders
- Breast Diseases
- Infertility Treatment
- Sleep and Stress Relief Therapy
- Women’s Anti-Aging and Beauty Treatments
- Pain and Sports Injury Treatment
Main Techniques:
- Acupuncture
- Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage)
- Gua Sha (scraping therapy)
- Moxibustion
- Cupping
- Singing Bowl Therapy
Dr. Xie’s approach integrates traditional wisdom with modern understanding to provide comprehensive and personalised care for his patients. His extensive experience and dedication to TCM make him a trusted and effective practitioner in his field.
Dr Haolin Xie
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Morena Vimercati
Remedial Massage Therapist
Morena has been practicing as a Remedial Massage Therapist and Holistic Massage Therapist for over a decade. She has acquired her expertise through studies in Italy, Australia, and Thailand. Integrating her knowledge from both Western and Eastern traditions, Morena offers a holistic approach aimed at providing both mental and physical benefits. Her treatments are designed to alleviate daily stress, address sports-related issues, work-related strains, injuries, and post-surgery discomfort. Each massage session is personalized, drawing from a variety of techniques to cater to individual needs.
Her repertoire of techniques includes:
- Swedish massage
- Remedial massage
- Myofascial Release
- Sports massage
- Vodder Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)
- Cranio-sacral therapy
- Thai massage
- Post and Pre-Pregnancy Massage
Morena is dedicated to enhancing range of motion, reducing accumulated stress, and releasing tension in muscle groups. She ensures a comprehensive approach to massage therapy, tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of her clients.
Registered with the Association of Massage Therapists (AMT) and holding up-to-date certificates and insurance, Morena upholds a strong work ethic. She is committed to delivering services of the highest quality and remains abreast of the latest trends and techniques in the field, continuously seeking opportunities for professional development.
Morena Vimercati
Remedial Massage Therapist
Nathalie Gagnon
Remedial Massage Therapist
Nathalie completed her Diploma of Remedial Massage in 2008. She since obtained further training in the fields of Sports, Pregnancy, Kahuna and Lymphatic Drainage Massage.
Nathalie practised in hotel spas and in a busy clinic in the Sydney CBD for 8 years before joining Restore, where she is now a valuable member of our team and much loved by her patients. She is often booked well in advance.
Nathalie is known for her ability to provide either a very firm, deep tissue, remedial massage, or a gentle relaxing massage, entirely dependant on the wishes of her patient. She also works with oncology and post-surgical patients with Lymphatic Drainage Massage. This allows patients with to achieve relief from their symptoms and improve their immunity and general quality of life.
In her remedial massages, she likes to blend the different techniques she learned throughout her career to treat your soft tissue injuries and aches and pains, while also aiming to provide a relaxing experience. Whether it be injury prevention and treatment, bad posture, pain and stress arising from sitting long hours at a desk or discomforts associated with pregnancy or caring for your littles ones, Nathalie may be able to assist you.
Nathalie is a member of ATMS and a provider with all health funds, with most claims available through HICAPS.
Nathalie Gagnon
Remedial Massage Therapist
Jing Jing Liao
Acupuncturist
Jingjing Liao holds a Master’s degree in Nursing from the University of Technology Sydney and is a registered nurse in Australia with 15 years of experience in internal medicine, surgery, rehabilitation, and dermatology. She also earned a Master’s degree in Acupuncture from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Since 2018, Jingjing has been using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) external therapies to treat common conditions in children, pregnant women, and postpartum recovery.
Specialised Treatments:
- Paediatric Care
- Pregnancy Care
- Postpartum Recovery
Main Techniques:
- Acupuncture
- Moxibustion
- Gua Sha (scraping therapy)
- Cupping
- Singing Bowl Therapy
- Essential Oil Aromatherapy
Jingjing Liao’s approach combines her extensive nursing background with her expertise in TCM to offer holistic and personalised care for her patients. Her dedication to improving the health and well-being of children and women makes her a valuable asset to Restore Wellness.
Jing Jing Liao
Acupuncturist
Shira Halberstadt
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
Shira is a Reflexologist, specialising in RLD. She works with clients of all ages dealing with a variety of health issues, but mostly women going through menopause symptoms and women facing and recovering from breast cancer and it’s side effects (Lymphoedema etc.)
Shira’s treatments combine traditional reflexology together with RLD (Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage), which is the application of reflexology for lymphatic drainage developed by the UK Sally Kay Method.
Shira discovered the healing beauty of reflexology during her own health journey, a modality that helped her to facilitate the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments and overcome lymphoedema. This personal path ignited her passion to help others in their healing journey.
Qualifications
- Certificate of Clinical Reflexology – The Australian school of Reflexology
- Approved RLD practitioner – Sally Kay method
- Member of the RAoA – Reflexology Association of Australia.
- Approved Reflexology Practitioner in Cancer care – Butterfly Touch Therapies
Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage
Reflexology is a gentle, non-invasive, complementary therapy based on the principle that different points on the feet correspond with certain areas of the body. RLD (Reflexology Lymph Drainage) is a unique reflexology technique which stimulates the lymphatic reflexes on the feet to improve the flow of the lymphatic system in the body.
Reflexology benefits
- Relaxation to the mind & body
- Improvement of of nerve functions
- raise energy levels
- Increase circulation
- Improve digestion
- Boost immune system
- Reduce pain and aches
Shira Halberstadt
Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD)
Lisa Madeley
Senior Receptionist
Lisa is our senior receptionist in charge or running our reception team. Lisa is an experienced administrator of allied health clinics and is a warm and supportive presence, helping to keep the Restore machine running smoothly. She divides her time between Restore and CancerFit in St Leonards.
Lisa Madeley
Senior Receptionist
Treatment Process
Our streamlined treatment process ensures you receive the best care at every step. From initial consultation to aftercare, we tailor our approach to your unique needs.
Initial Consultation
Begin with a free 15-minute consultation to understand your condition, symptoms, and lifestyle.
Comprehensive Diagnosis
Our practitioners conduct thorough assessments to identify the underlying cause of your issues.
Personalised Treatment Plan
Receive a customised treatment plan integrating Western and Chinese medicine to address your specific needs.
Ongoing Support and Follow-Up
Attend regular follow-up sessions to monitor progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Modern Therapy & Ancient TCM for Holistic Wellness
Modern Holistic Wellness
At Restore Wellness, we are your one-stop wellness solution for the whole family. We integrate cutting-edge Modern medicine with traditional Chinese therapies to provide comprehensive care.
Traditional Chinese Holistic Wellness
Our time-tested traditional Chinese medicine offers gentle and effective treatments. These therapies promote long-term health benefits, restoring balance and supporting overall wellbeing for every family member.