Acupuncture works best when a functional problem is the cause of infertility, specifically when endometriosis, ovulatory problems or hormonal imbalances are the cause for not getting pregnant. Research studies demonstrates that during the first three weeks of pregnancy women with high cortisol levels (cortisol is a hormone responsible for several stress related activities in the body) are nearly three times more likely to miscarry than women with normal levels of cortisol.

The study found that miscarriages were 2.7 times more likely among women with increased cortisol levels. Miscarriages happened after an average of about two weeks of pregnancy. 90% of women with high cortisol levels miscarried in the first three weeks of pregnancy. 33% of women with normal cortisol levels miscarried in the first three weeks of pregnancy. To keep cortisol levels healthy and under control, the body's relaxation response must be activated. You can learn to relax your body with various stress management techniques & you can make lifestyle changes in order to keep your body from reacting to stress in the first place. The following have been found by many to be helpful in relaxing the body & mind, aiding the body in maintaining healthy cortisol levels.