A Case of Successful Pregnancy via IVF Assisted by Stage-Based Acupuncture Therapy in a Patient with Diminished Ovarian Reserve
Author: Zhu Xiuting Supervisor: Dr. Zheng Guoping
Abstract
Patient R.L., a 35-year-old Caucasian female, underwent IVF due to male factor vasectomy and her own diminished ovarian reserve (AMH 0.56 ng/mL). The first IVF cycle (7 oocytes retrieved, 0 embryos formed) failed. Before and during the second cycle, she received pure Traditional Chinese Medicine stage-based acupuncture therapy. The treatment principle was based on supplementing the kidneys and replenishing essence, coursing the liver and fortifying the spleen, and regulating and supplementing the thoroughfare and conception vessels. The acupuncture prescription was dynamically adjusted according to the menstrual cycle and IVF process (follicular phase, ovulation/fertilization phase, and luteal/implantation phase). After intervention, the patient’s symptoms such as energy level, mood, abdominal distension, and loose stools significantly improved. In the second cycle, 6 oocytes were retrieved, successfully culturing 2 high-quality embryos. Clinical pregnancy was achieved after the transfer of 1 embryo. This case suggests that systematic stage-based acupuncture therapy may serve as an effective adjunctive intervention for IVF, particularly in patients with diminished ovarian reserve, potentially by improving oocyte quality, regulating endometrial receptivity, and alleviating psychological stress.
Keywords: Acupuncture; In Vitro Fertilization (IVF); Diminished Ovarian Reserve; Menstrual Cycle-Based Therapy;
I. Case Data
General Information: Patient R.L., female, 35 years old, married. Initial consultation date: April 30, 2025.
Chief Complaint: Presented on day 10 of ovarian stimulation in the first IVF cycle.
Present History: Underwent IVF/ICSI directly due to obstructive azoospermia following her partner’s vasectomy 9 years prior. AMH in November 2024 was 0.56 ng/mL. At the initial consultation, she was in the stimulation phase of her first IVF cycle, having used stimulation injections for 10 days, with egg retrieval scheduled for the next day. Prior to stimulation, she had taken combined oral contraceptives (Levlen ED) for 5 weeks for pituitary down-regulation. Constitutionally, she had low energy and high stress, a tendency to depression, heat aversion, tinnitus, abdominal distension, and loose stools.
Past History: Unremarkable.
Menstrual and Obstetrical History: Menarche at age 12, cycle 27-31 days, duration 5 days, scanty flow. Last menstrual period (LMP): April 19, 2025. Obstetrical history: G0P0A0.
Examination Findings:
Tongue: Pale purple tongue body, yellow fur at the root, dental impressions and red prickles at the margins.
Pulse: Deep, weak at the cubit, stringlike on deep pressure.
Auxiliary Examinations:
Western Diagnosis: 1. Primary Infertility (Male Factor); 2. Diminished Ovarian Reserve (AMH 0.56 ng/mL).
Pre-treatment sex hormone panel was reported as normal. Gynecological ultrasound showed no abnormalities.
II. Basis for Diagnosis
TCM Diagnosis: Infertility (kidney essence depletion, liver qi binding depression, spleen failing to move and transform). Basis: According to Zhongyi Fukexue [Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology] [2] and the correlation of all 4 examinations. The patient’s advanced age, low AMH, and deep pulse weak at the cubit indicate kidney essence depletion and insufficient reproductive essence; depressive mood and stringlike pulse indicate liver qi binding depression; abdominal distension, loose stools, and dental impressions on the margins of the tongue indicate liver depression exploiting the spleen, leading to the spleen failing to move and transform.
Western Diagnosis: Primary infertility; diminished ovarian reserve.
III. Treatment Plan:
1. Emotional counseling and dietary advice: Strive to maintain calm and a happy mood. Establish healthy eating habits such as maintaining a 3-hour gap between dinner and bedtime, drink more lemon water, and avoid strenuous exercise.
2. Acupuncture using the menstrual cycle method, 1-2 times per week, with the possible addition of cupping.
3. Treatment principle: Primarily supplement the kidneys and replenish essence, secondarily course the liver and fortify the spleen, and regulate the thoroughfare and conception vessels, with stage-based treatment.
4.Stage-Based Treatment Protocol
1) Follicular Development Phase: During cycle days 4-12 (9 days), treatment focused on supplementing the kidneys and nourishing essence, along with moving the spleen, coursing the liver, and quickening blood.
Acupuncture Prescription 1: CV-03 (zhōng jí, Central Pole), CV-04 (guān yuán, Pass Head), bilateral ST-29 (guī lái, Return), bilateral EX-CA1 (zǐ gōng, Infant’s Palace) — the 6 Gynecological Points; KI-03 (tài xī, Great Ravine), SP-06 (sān yīn jiāo, 3 Yin Intersection), SP-09 (yīn líng quán, Yin Mound Spring), ST-36 (zú sān lǐ, Leg 3 Li); HT-07 (shén mén, Spirit Gate), LI-04 (hé gǔ, Union Valley), GV-24 (shén tíng, Spirit Court); Spirit-Settling Needles: bilateral GB-14 (yáng bái, Yang White) and EX-HN3 (yìn táng, Hall of Impression).
This prescription uses HT-07 (shén mén, Spirit Gate), GV-24 (shén tíng, Spirit Court), and Spirit-Settling Needles combined with LI-04 (hé gǔ, Union Valley) to quiet the spirit and regulate qi. It employs the 6 Gynecological Points to regulate the qi and blood of the thoroughfare and conception vessels, nourish the ovaries, and strengthen the uterus. KI-03 (tài xī, Great Ravine), SP-06 (sān yīn jiāo, 3 Yin Intersection), and SP-09 (yīn líng quán, Yin Mound Spring) were selected to nourish liver and kidney essence and blood, and support the uterus. These points are assisted by ST-36 (zú sān lǐ, Leg 3 Li) to fortify the spleen, and supplement and regulate center qi. The points work synergistically to improve reproductive function, relax the body and mind, regulate the qi dynamic, and balance yin and yang, creating a favorable internal environment for conception.
Cupping Therapy:
“Cupping Method to Free the Governing Vessel”: Cupping applied along the governing vessel and bladder channel on the back to invigorate yang qi, improve qi and blood circulation, and synergize with acupuncture to enhance the therapeutic effect.
2) Ovulation and Fertilization Phase: During cycle days 13-19 (7 days), treatment was based on the foundation of replenishing kidney essence, with additional emphasis on moving qi, quickening blood, coursing the liver, and quieting the spirit.
Pre-Transfer Acupuncture Prescription 2-1: GV-24 (shén tíng, Spirit Court), 6 Gynecological Points, SP-06 (sān yīn jiāo, 3 Yin Intersection), SP-10 (xuè hǎi, Sea of Blood), PC-06 (nèi guān, Inner Pass), LV-03 (tài chōng, Supreme Surge); KI-03 (tài xī, Great Ravine) and ST-36 (zú sān lǐ, Leg 3 Li).
Post-Transfer Acupuncture Prescription 2-2: GV-20 (bǎi huì, Hundred Convergences), GB-08 (shuài gǔ, Following the Bone), SP-10 (xuè hǎi, Sea of Blood); Spirit-Settling Needles: bilateral GB-14 (yáng bái, Yang White) and EX-HN3 (yìn táng, Hall of Impression). Supplementing methods were used for ST-36 (zú sān lǐ, Leg 3 Li) and KI-03 (tài xī, Great Ravine), and draining methods were used for PC-06 (nèi guān, Inner Pass) and LV-03 (tài chōng, Supreme Surge).
3) Luteal and Implantation Phase: During cycle days 20-28 (9 days), treatment focused on supplementing the kidneys, fortifying the spleen, boosting qi, and regulating blood to promote implantation and growth.
Post-Pregnancy Acupuncture Prescription 3: GV-20 (bǎi huì, Hundred Convergences), GB-08 (shuài gǔ, Following the Bone), SP-10 (xuè hǎi, Sea of Blood), ST-36 (zú sān lǐ, Leg 3 Li), KI-03 (tài xī, Great Ravine); Spirit-Settling Needles: bilateral GB-14 (yáng bái, Yang White) and EX-HN3 (yìn táng, Hall of Impression). Post-pregnancy support: From the positive pregnancy test until 12 weeks gestation, continue using Post-Pregnancy Acupuncture Prescription 3 to support the pregnancy and prevent miscarriage.
III. Detailed Treatment Process
End of First IVF Cycle (Initial Consultation):
April 30, 2025 (cycle day 11, stimulation day 10): Patient presented for initial consultation and treatment the day before egg retrieval, with significant mental stress, abdominal distension, and loose stools. Administered Follicular Phase Prescription 1, adding ST-25 (tiān shū, Celestial Pivot) and SP-15 (dà héng, Great Horizontal) to specifically address abdominal distension and loose stools.
May 1, 2025 (egg retrieval day): 7 oocytes retrieved. 2 fertilized after ICSI, but ultimately no transferable embryos formed. Cycle failed.
Preparation Phase for Second IVF Cycle:
May 2, 2025 (cycle day 13): Presented for treatment 1 day after retrieval. Patient reported improved sleep, along with the disappearance of tinnitus, abdominal distension, and loose stools, but still experienced low energy. Administered Ovulation Phase Prescription 2-1 with lumbar cupping.
May 7, 2025 (cycle day 18): Transfer canceled for this cycle due to no transferable embryos. Tongue: purple body, thin white fur with dental impessions and prickles. Pulse: deep, weak at the cubit. Continued Prescription 2-1 for consolidation.
May 14, 2025 (new cycle day 3): Last menstrual period started May 12, cycle shortened to 23 days, with spotting before period. In good spirits, but reported teeth grinding and lower abdominal distension. Tongue: pale purple body, thin white fur. Pulse: deep, stringlike. Entering new follicular phase, initiated Prescription 1.
May 21, 2025 (cycle day 10): Menstruation lasted 4 days, with acceptable flow/color/quality, but prolonged spotting for 4 days after period and lower abdominal distension. Egg retrieval planned for June 11-13. Tongue: purple body, thin white fur. Pulse: deep, stringlike, slightly rapid. Continued Prescription 1 with back cupping.
May 28, 2025 (cycle day 17): Low energy; testing found low blood iron. Tongue: purple body, thin white fur with dental impressions and prickles. Pulse: deep, stringlike. Administered Prescription 2-1.
Active Phase of Second IVF Cycle:
June 4, 2025 (artificial cycle day 7): Patient completed artificial cycle preparation as instructed (took Levlen ED for 13 days). LMP started May 29, stimulation began on cycle day 3. Continued intervention with Follicular Phase Prescription 1.
June 11, 2025 (cycle day 14): Ultrasound monitoring showed 1 dominant follicle + 1 small follicle in right ovary; 2 dominant follicles + 4 poorly defined follicles in left ovary. Egg retrieval scheduled for tomorrow. Patient had low energy and high stress. Administered Prescription 2-1.
June 12, 2025 (egg retrieval day): 6 oocytes retrieved. 5 injected after ICSI, 3 fertilized normally, ultimately culturing into 2 high-quality embryos.
June 14, 2025 (cycle day 17): Treatment 2 days after retrieval. Spirit improved compared to before, still some abdominal distension. Administered Prescription 2-1.
June 17, 2025 (transfer day): One Day-5 embryo transferred, the other frozen.
Post-Transfer and Early Pregnancy:
June 21, 2025 (post-transfer day 4): Tongue: purple body, thin white fur, dental impressions, prickles. Pulse: deep, string-like. Switched to fetus-quieting mode, initiated Post-Transfer Prescription 2-2, provided dietary advice (e.g., mutton, black tea, and beef soup to supplement the kidneys, qi, and blood).
June 24, 2025 (post-transfer day 7): Urine HCG positive. In good spirits, reported left lower abdominal distension and frequent urination. Tongue: pale purple body, thin white fur with dental impressions and prickles. Pulse: deep, stringlike. Switched to Post-Pregnancy Prescription 3; advised to avoid strenuous activity, long trips, and sexual intercourse.
June 28, 2025 (post-transfer day 11): Blood HCG confirmed positive. Left lower abdominal distension improved, but frequent urination persisted. Tongue and pulse unchanged. Continued Prescription 3.
July 5, 2025 (post-transfer day 18): Repeat blood HCG showed good doubling (D13: 1388 IU/L). Frequent urination. Tongue: dark purple body, slight yellow fur at root, dental impressions, prickles. Pulse: deep, stringlike. Continued Prescription 3.
July 12, 2025 (post-transfer day 25): Urination returned to normal. Tongue: pale purple body, thin white fur at root, dental impressions on both sides still present, but prickles significantly improved. Pulse: deep, stringlike. Continued Prescription 3.
July 23, 2025 (post-transfer day 36, 7 weeks + 4 days gestation): Ultrasound confirmed intrauterine clinical pregnancy, fetal heart rate 140 bpm. Continued Prescription 3 to support pregnancy until 12 weeks gestation.
IV. Treatment Outcomes
1. Improved IVF Outcome: The first cycle had a low fertilization rate (2/7, ~28.6%), with no transferable embryos. The second cycle had an improved fertilization rate (3/5, 60%) and yielded 2 high-quality embryos, ultimately leading to successful pregnancy.
2. Improvement in Clinical Symptoms: During treatment, the patient reported significant improvements in energy, mood, abdominal distension, and loose stools.
3. Changes in Tongue and Pulse: As treatment progressed, the prickles on the tongue improved markedly and the yellow fur at the tongue root turned white; the pulse remained deep and stringlike, but showed an overall positive trend.
V. Discussion and Insights
1. The combination of pattern identification and stage-based treatment was key in this case. The patient presented with a complex pattern of kidney essence depletion (deep pulse weak at the cubit, low AMH), liver qi binding depression (depressive mood and stringlike pulse), and spleen failing to move and transform (abdominal distension, loose stools, and dental impressions on the tongue margins). The treatment adopted the principle of “primarily supplementing the kidneys and replenishing essence, secondarily coursing the liver and fortifying the spleen, and regulating the thoroughfare and conception vessels, with stage-based treatment”. Based on the physiological demands of different IVF stages (follicular development, fertilization, implantation), the treatment principle and point selection were dynamically adjusted, forming a complete treatment chain of “supplementing the kidneys – quickening blood – preventing miscarriage”, reflecting the advantage of TCM’s holistic regulation.
2. The effectiveness of pure acupuncture intervention deserves attention. In this case, without using Chinese herbal medicine, systematic acupuncture therapy alone achieved a reversal of the IVF outcome from complete failure to successful pregnancy, demonstrating the potential value of acupuncture as an independent intervention. Its mechanism of action may be related to multi-target effects such as regulating the qi and blood of the thoroughfare and conception vessels, improving the ovarian microenvironment, modulating endometrial receptivity, and alleviating psychological stress.
3. “Simultaneous regulation of body and mind” is a characteristic feature. The treatment protocol consistently included points for quieting the spirit and stabilizing the mind (e.g., HT-07 [shén mén, Spirit Gate], GV-24 [shén tíng, Spirit Court], and Spirit-Settling Needles), which holds positive significance for alleviating the anxiety of IVF patients and improving the endocrine environment.
VI. Conclusion
This case confirms that stage-based acupuncture therapy guided by TCM pattern identification can effectively improve IVF outcomes in patients with diminished ovarian reserve. Through personalized intervention throughout the entire process, it demonstrates unique advantages in improving oocyte quality, optimizing embryonic development potential, and preparing the endometrium.
References
[1] Zheng Guoping. A Proven Case of Primary Infertility and Repeated IVF Failure. 2013.
[2] Zhang Yuzhen. Traditional Chinese Medicine Gynecology. Beijing: China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2007.
针灸分期疗法辅助卵巢储备功能减退患者体外受精成功妊娠一例
作者：朱秀婷 指導老師： 鄭國平博士
摘要
患者R.L.，35歲白人女性，因男方輸精管結紮及自身卵巢儲備功能減退（AMH 0.56 ng/mL）接受體外受精助孕。首週期IVF（獲卵7枚，成胚0枚）失敗。第二週期前及過程中，接受純中醫針灸分期療法干預。治法以補腎填精、疏肝健脾、調補衝任為原則，根據月經週期及IVF進程（卵泡期、排卵受精期、黃體著床期）動態調整針灸處方。干預後，患者精力、情緒、腹脹、便溏等症狀顯著改善。第二週期獲卵6枚，成功培養2枚優質囊胚，移植1枚後臨床妊娠成功。本案例表明，系統化的針灸分期療法可能透過改善卵子品質、調節內膜容受性及緩解情志壓力，成為輔助IVF，特別是針對卵巢儲備功能減退患者的有效干預手段。
關鍵詞：針灸；體外受精（IVF）；卵巢儲備功能減退；月經週期療法；
一、病例資料
一般資料: 患者R.L.，女性，35歲，已婚。初診日期：2025年4月30日。
主訴: 首次IVF週期促排卵第10天就診。
現病史: 因男方九年前輸精管結紮術後梗阻性無精子症，直接行IVF/ICSI助孕。2024年11月查AMH 0.56 ng/mL。初診時正處於首次IVF促排階段，已使用促排針10天，計劃次日取卵。促排前曾連續服用複方口服避孕藥（Levlen ED）5週進行垂體降調節。平素精力差，壓力大，心情易抑鬱，怕熱，耳鳴，腹脹，便溏。
既往史: 無特殊。
月經及生育史: 月經12歲初潮，週期27-31天，經期5天，量少。末次月經：2025年4月19日。生育史：G0P0A0。
診察所見:
舌診：舌紫淡，舌根部苔黃，舌邊有齒痕和點刺。
脈診：脈沉尺弱，沉取脈弦。
輔助檢查:
西醫診斷：1. 原發性不孕（男方因素）；2. 卵巢儲備功能減退（AMH 0.56 ng/mL）。
性激素六項（初診前）報告正常，婦科超聲無異常。
二、診斷依據
中醫診斷: 不孕症（腎精虧虛，肝氣鬱結，脾失健運）診斷依據：依據《中醫婦科學》[2]及四診合參。患者高齡，AMH低下，脈沉尺弱，為腎精虧虛，生殖之精不足；情志抑鬱，脈弦，為肝氣鬱結；腹脹便溏，舌邊齒痕，為肝鬱乘脾，脾失健運之象。
西醫診斷: 原發性不孕；卵巢儲備功能減退。
三、治療計劃：
1.情緒疏導，健康飲食建議：儘量保持平和，愉悅心情。建立健康飲食習慣如晚飯後至睡前應間隔三小時及以上，多喝檸檬水，避免做劇烈運動等。
2.針灸以月經週期法治療，每週1-2次，可拔罐加以輔助。
3.治療法則：補腎填精為主，疏肝健脾為輔，調補衝任，分期調治。
4.分期治療方案
1）卵泡發育期：月經週期CD4-12(9天) 本期治療方法補腎養精為主，兼運脾疏肝活血。
針灸處方1：中極、關元、（雙）歸來、（雙）子宮—婦科六針；太溪、三陰交、陰陵泉、足三里；神門、合谷、神庭；定神針：雙側陽白，印堂。
本方案取神門、神庭、定神針配以合谷，以安神定志、疏理氣機；運用婦科六針調補衝任氣血、濡養卵巢、強壯子宮；選取太溪、三陰交、陰陵泉以滋補肝腎精血，助養胞宮，輔以足三里健脾、調補中氣。諸穴協同，既可改善生殖功能，又能放鬆身心、調理氣機、平衡陰陽，共同營造良好的孕育內環境。
拔罐療法：
“通督拔罐法” 拔罐於背部督脈，膀胱經，以振奮陽氣，改善氣血循環，協同針灸療法，提高治療效果。
2）排卵及受精期CD13-19（7天）本期治療方法為在填補腎精的基礎上，加重行氣活血、疏肝安神。
移植前針灸處方2-1：神庭，婦六針，三陰交，血海，內關，太沖；太溪，足三里。
移植後針灸處方2-2：百會，率谷，血海，定神針：雙側陽白，印堂；補足三里和太溪，瀉內關和太沖。
3）黃體及著床期CD20-28（9天）本期治療方法：補腎健脾、益氣調血以促著床，促生長。
懷孕後針灸處方3：百會，率谷，血海，足三里，太溪，定神針：雙側陽白，印堂。孕後支持：驗孕陽性至妊娠12週，繼續採用懷孕後針灸處方3支持妊娠，預防流產。
三、診療過程詳錄
第一IVF週期末段（初診）：
2025年4月30日（週期第11天，促排第10天）： 患者於取卵前一日初診。症見精神壓力大、腹脹、便溏。予卵泡期處方1，並加用天樞、大橫以針對性緩解腹脹便溏。
2025年5月1日（取卵日）： 取卵7枚，行ICSI後2枚受精，但最終無可移植胚胎形成，週期失敗。
第二IVF週期前準備階段：
2025年5月2日（週期第13天）： 取卵後一日就診。患者反饋睡眠好轉，耳鳴、腹脹、便溏消失，但仍感精神欠佳。予排卵期處方2-1並配合腰部拔罐。
2025年5月7日（週期第18天）： 因無可移植胚胎，本週期取消移植。舌紫苔薄白有齒痕點刺，脈沉尺弱。繼續予處方2-1鞏固。
2025年5月14日（新週期第3天）： 上次月經於5月12日來潮，週期縮短至23天，經前曾有滴點出血。精神尚可，訴磨牙、下腹脹。舌紫淡苔薄白，脈沉弦。進入新週期卵泡期，啟用處方1。
2025年5月21日（週期第10天）： 月經行經4天，量色質尚可，但經後淋漓出血4天，下腹脹。計劃於6月11-13日取卵。舌紫苔薄白，脈沉弦略數。繼用處方1並配合背部拔罐。
2025年5月28日（週期第17天）： 精神欠佳，查有低血鐵。舌紫苔薄白有齒痕點刺，脈沉弦。予處方2-1。
第二IVF週期進行階段：
2025年6月4日（人工週期第7天）： 患者已按醫囑完成人工週期準備（服用Levlen ED 13天），末次月經於5月29日來潮，已於週期第3天開始促排。繼續按卵泡期處方1進行干預。
2025年6月11日（週期第14天）： 超聲監測顯示右卵巢有1優勢卵泡+1小卵泡；左卵巢有2優勢卵泡+4邊界欠清卵泡。定於明日取卵。患者精神欠佳，壓力大。予處方2-1。
2025年6月12日（取卵日）： 取卵6枚，行ICSI後5枚注射，其中3枚正常受精，最終培養成2枚優質囊胚。
2025年6月14日（週期第17天）： 取卵後二日就診，精神較前好轉，仍有腹脹。予處方2-1。
2025年6月17日（移植日）： 移植1枚5日囊胚，另1枚凍存。
移植後及妊娠早期：
2025年6月21日（移植後D4）： 舌紫苔薄白齒痕點刺，脈沉弦。轉為安胎模式，啟用移植後處方2-2，並給予飲食建議（如羊肉、紅茶、牛肉湯以補腎補氣血）。
2025年6月24日（移植後D7）： 尿HCG檢測陽性。精神可，訴左側下腹脹、小便頻。舌紫淡苔薄白有齒痕點刺，脈沉弦。轉為懷孕後處方3，並建議避免劇烈活動、長途旅行及性生活。
2025年6月28日（移植後D11）： 血HCG確認陽性。左側下腹脹好轉，小便仍頻。舌脈同前。持續處方3。
2025年7月5日（移植後D18）： 複查血HCG示數值良好翻倍（D13: 1388 IU/L）。小便頻，舌紫暗舌根苔微黃，有齒痕點刺，脈沉弦。持續處方3。
2025年7月12日（移植後D25）： 小便恢復正常，舌紫淡舌根部苔薄白，舌兩側齒痕仍在，但點刺明顯改善，脈沉弦。持續處方3。
2025年7月23日（移植後D36，孕7週+4天）： 超聲檢查確認宮內臨床妊娠，見胎心140 bpm。持續處方3以支持妊娠至孕12週。
四、治療效果
1.IVF結局改善: 首週期受精率低（2/7，約28.6%），無可移植胚胎；第二週期受精率提升（3/5，60%），並獲得2枚優質囊胚，最終成功妊娠。
2.臨床症狀改善: 治療過程中，患者自述精力、情緒、腹脹、便溏等症狀得到顯著改善。
3.舌脈變化: 隨治療推進，舌象中點刺明顯改善，舌根部黃苔轉白；脈象始終呈沉弦，但整體狀態向好。
五、討論與體會
1.本案辨證與分期論治的結合是關鍵。患者表現為腎精虧虛（脈沉尺弱、AMH低下）、肝氣鬱結（情緒抑鬱、脈弦）和脾失健運（腹脹便溏、舌邊齒痕）的複合證型。治療上採用”補腎填精為主，疏肝健脾為輔，調補衝任，分期調治”的治則，依據IVF進程中卵泡發育、受精、著床不同階段的生理需求，動態調整治則與選穴，形成“補腎-活血-安胎”的完整治療鏈條，體現了中醫整體調理的優勢。
2.純針灸干預的有效性值得重視。本案在未使用中藥的情況下，僅透過系統針灸調理，即實現了IVF結局從完全失敗到成功妊娠的逆轉，證明了針灸作為獨立干預手段的潛在價值。其作用機制可能與調理衝任氣血、改善卵巢微環境、調節內膜容受性及舒緩情志壓力等多靶點效應有關。
3.“身心同調”為特色。治療方案中始終貫穿安神定志的穴位（如神門、神庭、定神針），對於緩解IVF患者的焦慮情緒、改善內分泌環境具有積極意義。
六、結論
本案例證實，以中醫辨證論治為指導的針灸分期療法，能有效改善卵巢儲備功能減退患者的IVF結局。其透過全過程的個體化干預，在提升卵子品質、優化胚胎發育潛能及準備子宮內膜方面展現出獨特優勢。
参考文献
[1] 鄭國平. 原發性不孕，反覆試管嬰兒失敗驗案一則. 2013.
[2] 張玉珍. 中醫婦科學. 北京: 中國中醫藥出版社. 2007.
