Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine for Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss Support
A Holistic Approach to Understanding, Preventing, and Healing from Miscarriage
In my practice, I have supported many women who have experienced miscarriage, whether it was a single loss or part of a pattern of recurrent pregnancy loss. I understand how devastating and frustrating it can be—not just the grief of loss but also the lack of answers. Many of my patients have been told that miscarriage is just "one of those things" or have been advised to wait until they’ve experienced three before any investigations are done. I don’t believe in waiting for multiple losses before taking action. I believe in understanding and supporting you as early as possible to help sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Miscarriage is often treated as something unpredictable, but both Western medicine and Chinese medicine recognise multiple factors that can contribute to pregnancy loss. What differs is the approach: Western medicine tends to focus on structural and genetic factors, while Chinese medicine looks at the underlying patterns of imbalance that may make pregnancy more vulnerable. By combining these perspectives, we can take a proactive approach to fertility and pregnancy care rather than waiting until problems arise.
The Emotional Impact of Miscarriage: Healing the Body and Mind
For many, miscarriage is not just a physical event—it is an emotional loss that can bring profound feelings of grief, sadness, and even guilt. It is natural to wonder if something could have been done differently or to feel disconnected from one’s body after an experience like this.
In my work, I have found that many women struggling with miscarriage feel unheard or dismissed. Acupuncture provides a space for both physical healing and emotional support—helping to restore balance, regulate stress hormones, and bring the nervous system into a state of calm. Chinese medicine views the mind and body as inseparable, and I often see how addressing emotional well-being can be just as important as supporting the physical aspects of pregnancy.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help:
Ease feelings of anxiety, grief, and emotional overwhelm
Support the nervous system and stress response
Rebuild confidence in the body’s ability to sustain a pregnancy
Create a sense of balance and grounding after loss
Understanding Miscarriage: A Western vs. Eastern Perspective
In Western medicine, recurrent miscarriage is typically only investigated after three consecutive losses. The most common causes include:
Chromosomal abnormalities – Issues in early cell division, often considered the most frequent cause.
Hormonal imbalances – Low progesterone (luteal phase defect) or thyroid dysfunction may impact implantation and pregnancy maintenance.
Structural issues – Fibroids, uterine abnormalities, or an incompetent cervix.
Immune or clotting disorders – Conditions such as antiphospholipid syndrome or thrombophilia.
While these factors are important, Chinese medicine takes a broader, more individualised approach, looking at the underlying patterns of imbalance that may contribute to pregnancy loss. These include:
Kidney Deficiency – Considered the root of reproductive health in Chinese medicine, a weakness in kidney energy (both yin and yang) can contribute to recurrent pregnancy loss, particularly if there is a history of fertility challenges or late maternal age.
Blood Deficiency or Stagnation – Insufficient blood supply to the uterus or poor circulation may prevent a pregnancy from being properly nourished.
Spleen Qi Deficiency – Weak digestive function can impact the body's ability to generate and maintain the resources needed to support a growing baby.
Liver Qi Stagnation – Often linked to stress, emotional strain, and hormonal imbalances, affecting implantation and pregnancy stability.
Excess Heat or Cold in the Uterus – Conditions such as inflammation or poor circulation may affect the uterine environment, making it less receptive.
Why Early Investigation & Support Matters
Waiting for three miscarriages before taking action is a reactive approach that can leave many women feeling powerless, there are some simple blood tests that may help provide some clarity.
Chinese medicine also offers a proactive model—one that recognises that even a single miscarriage may indicate an underlying imbalance that can be addressed before another pregnancy.
Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can play a vital role in:
Strengthening the uterine lining to support implantation.
Regulating hormonal balance and improving progesterone levels naturally.
Enhancing circulation to the reproductive organs.
Supporting emotional well-being and reducing stress-related imbalances.
Helping the body recover after miscarriage and preparing it for a future pregnancy.
Offering Hope & A New Perspective
Miscarriage is not always ‘unexplained,’ and there is much that can be done to understand and support the body through pregnancy. My experience working with women who have suffered pregnancy loss has shown me that each case is unique, and every woman deserves to be heard and supported. Chinese medicine provides a deeply rooted, holistic, and expert-driven approach to identifying imbalances, strengthening the body, and improving pregnancy outcomes.
By integrating this wisdom with modern medical understanding, we can move beyond simply waiting for loss after loss—and instead, take meaningful steps toward sustaining a healthy and successful pregnancy.