Fertility Acupuncture Middlesbrough & Teesside | Deanna Thomas
Fertility Acupuncture · Teesside & Beyond

You deserve more than
"just keep trying."

Fertility Acupuncture Middlesbrough & Teesside — Specialist Care for Natural Conception, IVF Support & Women's Health

Specialist fertility acupuncture for women and couples who want personalised, evidence-informed care — not a waiting room and a pamphlet. If you're ready to truly understand your body and get real support, you're in the right place.

⭐ 700+ Five-Star Reviews on Fresha 🏆 Three Best Rated 2025 70% Programme Success Rate* DipObsGyn · Naava Carman Trained MBAcC · CNHC Registered
Book a Fertility Consultation — £99 Explore the Programmes

No hard sell. No waiting lists. No one-size-fits-all plans.

Does any of this feel familiar?

You're not imagining it.
And you're not alone.

These are the things I hear most often from women who find their way here.

You've been trying for months — or years — and no one can explain why.
Your clinic has told you "everything looks fine" but something still feels off.
You're preparing for IVF and want to do everything possible to support your chances.
You've had a failed cycle and you're wondering what can be done differently.
You feel like your body is working against you, and you're exhausted by it.
You want a practitioner who actually listens — not five minutes and a prescription.
Is this right for you?

Two honest lists.

This is for you if…

  • You want to understand what's actually happening in your body — not just wait and hope
  • You're preparing for IVF and want to do everything you can to support your cycle
  • You've been told "everything is normal" but something doesn't feel right
  • You want a practitioner who will really listen — not five minutes and a referral
  • You're open to a whole-body approach that works alongside conventional medicine
  • You're ready to actively invest in your fertility — not just wait for something to happen

This probably isn't for you if…

  • You're looking for a guaranteed outcome. Nobody can offer that honestly, and I won't.
  • You want a quick fix. Fertility acupuncture is a sustained investment of time and care.
  • You need emergency medical care. I work alongside medicine — never instead of it.
  • You're looking for the cheapest option. I'm a specialist, and my pricing reflects that.

Being clear about who I serve means I can show up fully for the people I do.

How It Works

Simple. Supportive. Yours.

No complicated intake processes. No pressure. A clear, caring pathway from first contact to ongoing support.

1

Book Your Consultation

Online booking via Fresha, in your own time. 75 minutes set aside just for you. Free parking at Acklam Shops next door.

2

Your Appointment

A full clinical assessment plus a personalised acupuncture treatment on the day. Nothing generic. Everything tailored to your body and cycle.

3

Your Plan Arrives

Within 48 hours, your written treatment plan lands in your inbox — your Chinese Medicine pattern, recommendations, and an honest path forward.

4

Ongoing Support

Continue with PAYG sessions or a structured programme — whichever suits your needs, timeline, and budget. No pressure, ever.

The Science — Made Human

How fertility acupuncture
actually works

Most women have a vague sense that acupuncture "might help with hormones" — but very few have ever had it explained clearly. So let me try, from both angles I work with.

In Western terms

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system, triggering a cascade of physiological responses. For fertility, the evidence points to four key mechanisms:

  • Improved uterine blood flow — better circulation to the uterus and ovaries is critical for egg quality and implantation
  • HPA axis modulation — regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, the hormone cascade that governs your cycle
  • Cortisol regulation — chronic stress suppresses ovulation; acupuncture consistently reduces cortisol and activates the parasympathetic nervous system
  • Endorphin release — natural pain relief, improved sleep, and a calmer emotional baseline — all of which matter for fertility

In Chinese Medicine terms

Traditional Chinese Medicine views fertility through the lens of Qi (energy) and Blood — their quality, quantity, and ability to flow freely through the body.

  • The Kidney system — in TCM, the Kidneys govern reproductive essence, hormone function, and the fundamental energy of fertility
  • The Chong Mai & Ren Mai — the extraordinary vessels most intimately connected to the menstrual cycle and uterus
  • Your unique pattern — two women with the same Western diagnosis may receive completely different treatment. TCM treats you, not your label
  • Cycle-phase treatment — building in the follicular phase, supporting ovulation, nourishing in the luteal phase

These two frameworks aren't in conflict. They're looking at the same body through different lenses — and I use both. That's what specialist training gives you.

What To Expect

What actually happens
in a session

One of the biggest barriers to booking is simply not knowing what to expect. Here's the honest, no-mystery version of what a session with me looks like.

🚪

You arrive. We talk.

There's no rush. I want to understand not just your medical history but how you're feeling — your sleep, your digestion, your cycle, your emotional state. In Chinese Medicine, all of these things tell me something important.

🪡

The needles (yes, really)

They're hair-fine — nothing like an injection. Most people are surprised by how little they feel. Common sensations are a dull warmth or gentle ache — what we call the 'arrival of Qi.' Many points you barely notice. You're always in control.

😴

You rest

Typically 10–20 needles, left for around 25–30 minutes. Most people fall asleep. Many describe a floating, deeply relaxed state. Some release emotions they didn't realise they were carrying. That's normal — and welcome.

✨

Afterwards

Most people leave feeling deeply calm — sometimes sleepy for the rest of the day. That's your body working. Some feel energised and lighter. Either way, something has shifted. I'll tell you what I observed and what I'm working on.

💬
"I was terrified of needles before my first session. I nearly cancelled twice. I fell asleep within five minutes. I couldn't believe how safe I felt."
— Client from Middlesbrough · Fresha Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What We Work With

Fertility acupuncture isn't a magic fix.
It's regulation, consistency, and timing.

I want to be honest with you: acupuncture is not a guaranteed route to pregnancy. If anyone tells you otherwise, walk away. What it can do — when applied by a specialist, at the right time, in the right sequence — is create the conditions your body needs to function optimally.

That means working on your cycle, your stress response, your blood flow, your sleep, your inflammatory load, and the energetic patterns that Chinese Medicine has observed for thousands of years. I'll also review your blood test results in detail — looking at markers that are often dismissed as "within range" but that tell a more nuanced story — and make targeted supplement recommendations to support what the acupuncture is doing. When those things work together, things often start to change.

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. I trained under Naava Carman, one of the UK's leading fertility acupuncture educators. Every client I see receives a plan built around their specific situation. There is no "standard protocol" here.

🌿

Natural Conception Support

Cycle regulation, hormone balance, and preparing your body for conception naturally.

💉

IVF & Assisted Conception

Structured support through stimulation, retrieval, and transfer — timed to your protocol.

💔

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss

Compassionate, evidence-informed support for women who have experienced loss.

🔬

Unexplained Infertility

When you've been told "nothing is wrong" — there is almost always more to explore.

🌸

PCOS & Endometriosis

Condition-specific support to reduce symptoms and improve the reproductive environment.

🧬

Male Factor Fertility

Supporting sperm quality and motility as part of a whole-couple approach.

The Fertility Consultation

This is not "just an appointment."
This is where your plan begins.

Let me put £99 in perspective. A single IVF cycle costs between £3,000 and £15,000. If you conceive — which is the whole point — you're looking at the single largest financial investment of your life. Against that backdrop, £99 for 75 minutes with a specialist who will actually understand what's happening in your body and hand you a written plan isn't an extravagance. It's one of the wisest investments on your entire fertility journey.

And the benefits aren't limited to fertility. Women consistently tell me that within weeks of starting treatment, they're sleeping better, feeling less anxious, experiencing fewer symptoms, and generally feeling more like themselves than they have in years. This is whole-body care.

🕐

75 Minutes. Just You.

Most appointments are 10 minutes. Yours is 75. I go through your full history — reproductive, medical, emotional, lifestyle — so I understand your body, not just your diagnosis. You receive a full acupuncture treatment during the session, tailored specifically to you.

📋

Your Plan — In Your Inbox

Within 48 hours, a written treatment plan by email. Not a generic leaflet. A personalised document mapping your Chinese Medicine pattern, your recommendations, and your path forward — yours to keep and refer back to.

🔍

Someone Who Digs Deeper

I'm trained to think outside the box and question a little more. I review your blood test results in detail — including markers that are often overlooked — and I'll ask questions nobody else has thought to ask. If I think further investigations would help, I'll tell you.

🤝

No Pressure — Ever

After our consultation, you'll know exactly what I recommend and why. Some people book a programme. Some come for occasional sessions. Some just need the consultation itself. The choice is always yours.

£99
Initial Consultation
75 minutes · in clinic

This is not just a conversation. You receive a full personalised fertility acupuncture treatment on the day — tailored to where you are in your cycle. You also receive a written treatment plan by email within 48 hours, covering your Chinese Medicine pattern, recommendations, cycle mapping guidance, supplement and lifestyle review, and a clear path forward.

  • Full reproductive and medical history intake
  • Personalised fertility acupuncture treatment (in-session)
  • Chinese Medicine pattern differentiation
  • Written treatment plan emailed within 48 hours
  • Blood test & sperm analysis review & interpretation
  • Targeted supplement recommendations
  • Cycle mapping & BBT guidance where relevant
  • Honest, no-pressure recommendations
"I was hesitant because of the cost. But after that first consultation I cried — because for the first time in two years, someone had actually listened to my whole story and come up with a real plan. I wished I'd come sooner."
— Client from Yarm, Natural Fertility Programme™ · Fresha Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Your Consultation — £99

No waiting list · Free parking at Acklam Shops · 0800 593 2023 · 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough

Structured Support

Ready to commit to a programme?

Both programmes begin with a full consultation. They're structured, sequenced, and built around your specific pathway — not a series of random sessions.

Natural Conception

The Natural Fertility Programme™

For women and couples trying to conceive naturally — with or without a diagnosis.

70%
success rate
tracked clinical outcomes
£999
Full programme · instalment options available
  • Full consultation + structured plan over 4+ months
  • Cycle-phase specific treatment sequencing
  • BBT charting and cycle awareness coaching
  • Lifestyle, supplements & nutrition guidance
  • Ongoing support between sessions
  • PCOS, endometriosis & hormone balance
Find Out More →
IVF & Assisted Conception

Roots To Transfer™

For women preparing for IVF, FET, IUI or donor cycles — timed to your clinic protocol.

£799
Full programme · instalment options available
  • Full consultation + structured 12-week plan
  • Timed to your specific clinic protocol
  • Pre-stimulation prep & lining support
  • Transfer-day acupuncture included
  • Post-transfer support & implantation focus
  • Works alongside your NHS or private clinic
Find Out More →

Not sure which is right for you? Your consultation will clarify exactly what's recommended — and there is never any pressure to commit to more than you're ready for.

Why Choose Deanna

Fertility acupuncture is a specialism.
Not an add-on.

Most acupuncturists offer fertility treatment as one service among many. My entire practice is built around fertility and women's health. It is not a sideline. It is everything I do.

That focus means the level of specialist training, the depth of clinical knowledge, and the quality of your care is simply not comparable to a general practitioner who occasionally treats fertility clients.

700+
Five-Star Fresha Reviews
70%
Programme Success*
8+
Years Fertility Focus

*Tracked clinical outcomes across Natural Fertility Programme™ clients. Individual results vary.

🏆 Three Best Rated 2025 🏅 Highly Recommended 2025
  • 🎓

    Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynaecology

    Advanced reproductive health qualification — rare in acupuncture practice.

  • 🌱

    Naava Carman Trained

    Trained under one of the UK's most respected fertility acupuncture educators. Fertility Support trained to think beyond the basics.

  • 🔬

    Reproductive Immunology Training

    Specialist knowledge in how immune function intersects with fertility — a key factor in unexplained infertility and recurrent loss.

  • ✅

    MBAcC · CNHC Registered

    Full professional membership and registration. Insured, regulated, and accountable.

  • 💜

    Fat-Positive · Trans-Inclusive · Queer-Friendly

    A genuinely inclusive clinic. Every body, every pathway, every family structure is welcome here.

  • 🤝

    Works Alongside Your Medical Team

    I work in collaboration with your GP, consultant or IVF clinic — not instead of them. Joined-up care, always.

A note from Deanna

I want to be honest about why I do this work.

I've sat with hundreds of women on their fertility journeys. I've seen the loneliness of it — the appointments that feel dismissive, the statistics that feel cold, the months and years that start to feel like they're just disappearing. I've seen what that does to a relationship, to a sense of self, to hope.

And I've also seen something shift. Not always quickly. Not always in the way anyone expected. But something shift — when the body feels supported, when someone is finally being truly heard, when a plan is built around a real person instead of a diagnosis.

I became a fertility specialist because I believe every woman navigating this deserves someone who will think deeply about her specific situation. Not apply a protocol. Not move through a waiting list. Think. Listen. Stay curious. Ask the questions nobody else thought to ask.

If you book a consultation with me, I will show up for you completely. I won't have all the answers. But I will always keep looking for the right questions. That's what I can promise.

Deanna Thomas
BSc (Hons), Lic.Ac, MBAcC, DipObsGyn · Fertility & Women's Health Specialist
Deanna Thomas – fertility acupuncture specialist in her treatment room, Middlesbrough
The clinic · 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough
What the Research Says

Evidence-informed.
Not evidence-promised.

Acupuncture is not magic. But the research is meaningful — and growing. Here's an honest snapshot of what the evidence supports, and what it doesn't.

3,188 women studied

IVF live birth rates — the gold standard

A 2018 comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 randomised controlled trials involving 3,188 sub-fertile women found acupuncture significantly improved live birth rates for those undergoing IVF or ICSI (RR 1.36, P=0.006). Live birth — not just clinical pregnancy — is the measure that actually matters. Source: British Acupuncture Council evidence fact sheet.

After failed cycles

An RCT of 84 patients with at least two failed IVF cycles found clinical pregnancy rates of 35.7% in the acupuncture group versus 7.1% in the control group — a significant difference for people who had already been told treatment wasn't working. (Isoyama et al., Acupuncture in Medicine 2013)

Uterine blood flow

Multiple studies demonstrate acupuncture improves uterine artery blood flow — critical for endometrial lining quality and embryo implantation. Improved ovarian blood supply has also been shown to improve biochemical and clinical pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF.

Stress, anxiety & IVF outcomes

Assisted reproduction is genuinely stressful — and stress directly suppresses ovulation and progesterone. A systematic review found traditional acupuncture is an effective strategy for alleviating stress and anxiety in sub-fertile women undergoing IVF. Source: BAcC evidence fact sheet.

Why the programme model matters — backed by evidence

The BAcC evidence fact sheet notes that the effectiveness of acupuncture for IVF appears to be dose-dependent — a sufficient number of sessions over an adequate period of time is required to see meaningful results. This is exactly why a structured programme, timed to your protocol and beginning well before transfer, produces better outcomes than a single session on the day. It's also why I don't offer ad hoc "day of transfer only" appointments.

A note on the evidence base: Not every study shows the same results — and I won't pretend otherwise. Research in this field is complicated by varied protocols, small sample sizes, and the difficulty of designing true control conditions. What matters is the overall direction of the evidence, the physiological mechanisms we understand, and the outcomes I track in my own practice. I will always be honest with you about what acupuncture can and cannot offer.

Evidence sourced from the British Acupuncture Council's regularly updated research fact sheets. Full references at acupuncture.org.uk

What Clients Say

Real words. Real people.
Real results.

Over 700 five-star reviews on Fresha. Here are three that speak to the experience of working with Deanna.

★★★★★
"I went to see Deanna as I was having trouble falling pregnant and realised my cycle was slightly shorter than it should be. Through her guidance and acupuncture we managed to lengthen my luteal phase and as I write this, I'm sat with my newborn on my knee. It took 15 months in total but only 4 months of seeing Deanna to finally get my baby boy."
Katie Stanton · Natural Conception · Fresha Review
★★★★★
"I'd been trying to get pregnant for nearly 8 months with no success. I decided to see Deanna as a last hope, and from the very first treatment, everything changed. Within just 4 weeks, my cycle had already started to regulate — from 23 days to 26 — and I found out I was pregnant. Deanna is an actual miracle worker."
Amy · Natural Conception · Fresha Review
★★★★★
"After a failed IVF cycle and being told we had no chance of conceiving naturally due to my wife's PCOS and my own sperm morphology issues, we came to Deanna as a last try. To our absolute shock, we conceived naturally before treatment even began. We now have a healthy baby boy. We'll be forever grateful."
Chris · Natural Conception after IVF · Fresha Review
Areas We Serve

Specialist fertility care
for Teesside and beyond

The clinic is at 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough. With free parking at Acklam Shops next door, clients travel from across Teesside, North Yorkshire and County Durham for specialist care they can't find locally.

Yarmapprox. 15 mins Ingleby Barwickapprox. 13 mins Nunthorpeapprox. 10 mins Guisboroughapprox. 22 mins Stokesleyapprox. 20 mins Northallertonapprox. 28 mins Darlingtonapprox. 30 minsIVF Clinic Hartlepoolapprox. 22 minsIVF Clinic Wynyardapprox. 15 mins Hutton Rudbyapprox. 20 mins

Don't see your area? Get in touch — if you can get to Middlesbrough, you can access specialist fertility care that isn't available locally.

Your Questions, Honestly Answered

Fertility acupuncture —
what you really want to know

Does acupuncture hurt?

Honestly — much less than almost everyone expects. The needles used in acupuncture are hair-fine — completely different from a blood test or injection. Most people barely feel them going in. Common sensations are a dull warmth, a gentle ache, or a slight tingling around the needle site. That's called 'de qi' — the sensation of energy arriving — and it's a good sign.

Some points are more sensitive than others. If something is uncomfortable, we adjust immediately. You are always in control. "I nearly didn't come because I thought it would hurt" might be the most common thing I hear from new clients.

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your situation — which is exactly why the consultation exists. For natural conception support, I ask for a minimum of four months of regular treatment. This isn't arbitrary — eggs take 90 days to mature and sperm takes 74 days, so the work we do today is influencing the cells that will matter three months from now. Both partners need time for those changes to take effect.

For IVF support, I work to a three-month timeline timed specifically to your protocol — stimulation phase, egg collection, and transfer.

Your written plan will give you a clear recommendation — and I will always be honest about what I think is realistic and why.

Is acupuncture safe if I'm taking fertility medications or going through IVF?

Yes — when delivered by a qualified, experienced specialist. Acupuncture does not interfere with fertility medications, stimulation drugs, or the IVF process. It is complementary to your clinic's protocol, not in competition with it. I work with many women attending the ARU Hartlepool, London Women's Clinic Darlington, James Cook University Hospital, and private clinics across the country.

If you have specific concerns about your medication or protocol, I'm always happy to discuss them — and where relevant, I will defer to your medical team. Joined-up care is always the priority.

Can my partner be involved or have treatment too?

Absolutely. Fertility is rarely just one person's journey, and male factor infertility accounts for around 50% of fertility challenges. Acupuncture has good evidence for supporting sperm quality, motility, and morphology — and I am happy to treat both partners as part of a whole-couple approach. Partners are also welcome to attend consultation appointments for support.

Is £99 really worth it for a consultation?

Let's put it in context. A single IVF cycle costs between £3,000 and £15,000. £99 for 75 minutes with a specialist who will actually understand your body — and give you a written plan tailored specifically to you — is not an extravagance. It's a fraction of what you'll spend, and arguably one of the most valuable hours in your fertility journey.

What you actually get: undivided time with a practitioner holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, a full acupuncture treatment on the day, and a written plan within 48 hours. Not a leaflet. A real plan.

And the benefits go beyond fertility. Women consistently tell me that within a few weeks of treatment they're sleeping better, less anxious, experiencing fewer symptoms, and feeling more like themselves than they have in years. This is an investment in your whole health.

How is this different from a general acupuncturist?

Most acupuncturists offer fertility treatment as one item on a long menu of services. Deanna's entire practice is built around fertility and women's health. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (rare in acupuncture practice), trained under Naava Carman, and has completed specialist training in reproductive immunology. This is not a sideline. It is her specialism.

Will acupuncture definitely help me get pregnant?

No — and anyone who promises that should be avoided. What acupuncture can do, when applied by a specialist, is create better conditions in your body: improved circulation to the reproductive organs, more regulated cycles, reduced cortisol, better sleep, and a calmer nervous system. I will always be honest with you about what I can and cannot offer, and I will never take on a client if I don't believe I can help.

Can I have acupuncture alongside IVF or at a fertility clinic?

Yes — and this is one of the most common situations I work with. Acupuncture works alongside your clinic's protocol, not instead of it. The Roots To Transfer™ programme is specifically timed to your cycle, from pre-stimulation preparation through to transfer day and beyond. I work with clients attending James Cook University Hospital, London Women's Clinic Darlington, ARU Hartlepool, and clinics further afield.

Do I have to commit to a programme, or can I just have sessions?

You can absolutely come for individual PAYG sessions at £75 per session. Many clients do. The programmes exist for those who want a structured, sequenced approach with a clear plan from the start — but there is never any pressure to take them. Your consultation will help us figure out together what's right for you.

Where is the clinic and is there parking?

The clinic is at 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP. Free parking is available at Acklam Shops, right next door. Clients travel from across Teesside, North Yorkshire and County Durham — including Yarm, Ingleby Barwick, Guisborough, Darlington, Hartlepool, Stokesley, Northallerton and beyond.

Free Fertility Guide — Calm Stress & Balance Hormones
Free Resource

Not quite ready to book?
Start here — it's free.

Download Deanna's free fertility guide and begin understanding how stress and hormones are connected to your cycle. Practical, evidence-informed, and written for real women — not textbooks.

Download the Free Guide →
Ready when you are

You don't have to keep
doing this alone.

Whatever stage you're at — just starting out, mid-treatment, or picking yourself up after a loss — there is care here that meets you where you are. The first step is a conversation. And you can book it right now, in your own time, with no pressure.

Book a Consultation — £99 About Deanna

Free parking at Acklam Shops · 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough · 0800 593 2023

"Wellness grows where energy flows."

BAcC Member Fertility Support Trained CNHC Quality Mark
Deanna Thomas – Acupuncture & Wellbeing · 283 Acklam Road, Middlesbrough, TS5 7BP
0800 593 2023 · [email protected]
MBAcC · CNHC Registered · DipObsGyn · Fertility Support Trained