Acupuncture for Fertility: Boosting Testosterone and Sperm Health with Food

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

TCM, Acupuncture, Crows Nest

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), we view the body as an integrated system where balance and nourishment are the keys to vitality. For men struggling with fertility issues, low energy, or reduced libido, the answer is often found not only in acupuncture or herbal medicine—but also in the food on your plate.

As men age, testosterone levels naturally begin to decline. In biomedicine, this is known as andropause, but in TCM, we interpret it as a decline in Kidney Jing (essence), often influenced by lifestyle, stress, and diet. Thankfully, nature offers an abundance of nutrient-dense foods that can nourish the Kidneys, strengthen Qi, and support healthy hormone production—including testosterone.  In addition of having acupuncture for fertility, I also recommend the following foods my male fertility patients consume in order to get their testosterone hit.

Zinc-Rich Superfoods for Sperm Strength

From a biomedical perspective, zinc is essential for testosterone synthesis and sperm motility (Fallah et al., 2018). In TCM, oysters and shellfish are considered essence-boosting, Yang-strengthening foods. Their high zinc content supports both sperm morphology and testosterone levels, while also nourishing Kidney energy.

Lean Proteins and Kidney Yang

Lean animal proteins—especially from grass-fed beef, poultry, and fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines—support muscle mass, Yang energy, and Qi. These foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids vital for testosterone production and metabolic health (Ito et al., 2024).

Cruciferous Vegetables: Balancing Estrogen

Vegetables like broccoli and kale are rich in indole-3-carbinol, a compound shown to promote oestrogen metabolism, thus supporting testosterone balance (Centofanti et al., 2023). In TCM, these vegetables help clear Liver stagnation and transform dampness—common patterns in male hormonal imbalance.

Seeds, Nuts, and Jing Preservation

Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, Brazil nuts in selenium, and almonds in magnesium—all nutrients proven to support testosterone production and fertility (Oluboyo et al., 2012). In TCM terms, these are Jing-preserving snacks that also benefit Shen (spirit) and Marrow.

Walnuts pack a mighty punch in boosting testosterone (Karmoun et al., 2021).  As little as a small handful can boost your testosterone by as much as 10%.  In addition, to this they help increase libido, and improve sexual function.  In terms of TCM, walnuts boost Kidney-Yang, and Jing, which are strong determinants in male factor fertility.

Herbs and Spices: Ginger and Garlic for Fire and Flow

Ginger has been shown to increase testosterone by supporting luteinizing hormone and reducing oxidative stress (Banihani, 2018), while garlic helps lower cortisol, a testosterone-suppressing stress hormone (Zare et al., 2021). These warming foods are Qi movers and Yang tonics in TCM.

Leafy Greens and Smooth Qi

Magnesium-rich greens like spinach and chard increase free testosterone levels (Maggio et al., 2014). These are also Qi and Blood movers in TCM, supporting Heart, Liver, and Kidney functions essential to fertility.

Sweet, Juicy Tonics: Berries and Cherries

Rich in antioxidants and anti-aromatase compounds, berries and cherries protect sperm from oxidative damage and help reduce estrogen conversion (Zamir et al., 2023). In TCM, they nourish Yin and Blood, calm the Shen, and ease emotional strain linked to fertility challenges.

Final Thoughts

If you or your partner are navigating fertility challenges or you're simply interested in preserving your vitality as you age, nutrition is an essential part of your treatment plan. A tailored acupuncture and herbal medicine protocol, combined with a testosterone-boosting diet, can profoundly influence sperm quality, libido, and overall energy levels.

I offer personalised treatment plans that include acupuncture, herbal prescriptions, and diet therapy to help men regain hormonal balance and reproductive vitality. Book your appointment today to discover how TCM can support your journey to fatherhood or optimal health.

CALL Dr LUKE MCPHERSON (TCM)

FOR A CONSULTATION!

0414 287 083

All content, including but not limited to text, images, and ideas, presented in this blog are the intellectual property of the author, Dr Luke McPherson(TCM), and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of this material without explicit permission from the author is strictly prohibited. 

References

Banihani, S. A. (2018). Ginger and testosterone. Biomolecules, 8(4), 119. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom8040119

Centofanti, F., Buono, A., Verboni, M., Tomino, C., Lucarini, S., Duranti, A., ... & Novelli, G. (2023). Synthetic methodologies and therapeutic potential of indole-3-carbinol (I3C) and its derivatives. Pharmaceuticals, 16(2), 240. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16020240

Fallah, A., Mohammad-Hasani, A., & Colagar, A. H. (2018). Zinc is an essential element for male fertility: A review of Zn roles in men's health, germination, sperm quality, and fertilization. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 19(2), 69–81.

Ito, A., Yamamoto, S., Inoue, Y., Fukunaga, A., Nanri, A., Konishi, M., ... & Mizoue, T. (2024). Association between Fish Intake and Serum Testosterone Levels in Older Males: The Hitachi Health Study II. Current Developments in Nutrition, 8(4), 102133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cdnut.2024.102133

Kamoun, A., Hammouda, O., Turki, M., Maaloul, R., Chtourou, M., Bouaziz, M., ... & Ayadi, F. (2021). Moderate walnut consumption improved lipid profile, steroid hormones and inflammation in trained elderly men: a pilot study with a randomized controlled trial. Biology of Sport, 38(2), 245-252.

Maggio, M., De Vita, F., Lauretani, F., Nouvenne, A., Meschi, T., Ticinesi, A., ... & Ceda, G. P. (2014). The interplay between magnesium and testosterone in modulating physical function in men. International Journal of Endocrinology, 2014, 525249. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/525249

Oluboyo, A. O., Adijeh, R. U., Onyenekwe, C. C., Oluboyo, B. O., Mbaeri, T. C., Odiegwu, C. N., ... & Onwuasoanya, U. K. (2012). Relationship between serum levels of testosterone, zinc and selenium in infertile males attending fertility clinic in Nnewi, south east Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice, 15(4), 483–487.

Zamir, A., Ben-Zeev, T., & Hoffman, J. R. (2023). Manipulation of dietary intake on changes in circulating testosterone concentrations. Nutrients, 15(1), 122. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15010122

Zare, M., Tran, H. Q., Prokešová, M., & Stejskal, V. (2021). Effects of garlic Allium sativum powder on nutrient digestibility, haematology, and immune and stress responses in Eurasian perch Perca fluviatilis juveniles. Animals, 11(9), 2735. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092735