How much does fertility acupuncture cost? An explanation of expenses, frequency, and medical expense deductions
Based on our clinic's actual costs, we will honestly explain the fee structure for fertility acupuncture, the estimated number of sessions, and the scope of medical expense deductions. We will not provide explanations of pricing based on efficacy.
Eastern medicine has always valued the practice of assessing each individual's constitution (sho) and tailoring treatment to their needs at that time. Our clinic's fee structure reflects this philosophy. In this article, we will first provide that background, then explain the breakdown of costs, the estimated total based on visit frequency, and the concept of medical expense deductions, without exaggerating the effects. Our clinic's fertility acupuncture is a pay-as-you-go system: 5,500 yen for the initial consultation fee plus 8,000 yen for the treatment, totaling 13,500 yen for the first visit, and 8,000 yen (tax included) for each subsequent visit.
Who this page is for
Those who want to understand the total cost before considering fertility acupuncture treatment
Those who want to know if it is covered by insurance or eligible for medical expense deductions
Those who feel that "fertility acupuncture is expensive" and want to check the breakdown of the fees
(The above is a guess based on search trends and is not a definitive statement.)
Please note that this article is not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of specific symptoms or diseases. Please be sure to consult a medical institution regarding your own condition.
Explanation of terms
Self-pay treatment (private practice): Treatment that is not covered by public medical insurance and is paid for entirely out-of-pocket. Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments generally fall under this category.
Medical expense deduction: A system that allows you to deduct medical expenses from your income when calculating income tax if the medical expenses paid in one year exceed a certain amount.
Eastern medical concepts and theories
Eastern medicine is a medicine with its own unique system, born from the accumulation of thousands of years of clinical observation. It is a different paradigm from Western medicine, but it is not inferior. In Japan, the "Ishinho" of 984 included a chapter on acupuncture and moxibustion, and during the Edo period, acupuncture was considered an official medical field by the shogunate (for details, please see "What is fertility acupuncture | Honestly explaining what can and cannot be done").
In Eastern medicine, even for the same "fertility acupuncture," it is believed that the content of the treatment differs for each person depending on the state of their "qi and blood" and their constitution (sho). The reason our clinic does not offer coupon tickets or package prices and instead uses a pay-as-you-go system is based on our philosophy of wanting to carefully check the state of the body at the time of each visit and adjust the content accordingly.
(The above is a traditional theory/concept in Eastern medicine and is not a physiological mechanism verified by modern medicine.)
Examinations and treatments generally performed at medical institutions
Medical examinations and treatments related to infertility are performed at medical institutions, and the scope of insurance coverage and costs vary depending on the medical institution and the content of the treatment (please check with the medical institution you are visiting for the latest systems and fees). The cost of acupuncture and moxibustion is separate from the treatment costs at these medical institutions.
What is done in acupuncture and moxibustion
Fertility acupuncture is a treatment aimed at improving physical condition based on this Eastern medical philosophy. When judging the validity of the cost, we recommend that you calmly check how the cost is structured in relation to the treatment content, time, and frequency, rather than thinking, "It's expensive, but I'm convinced because it's effective."
What is known/what is not yet known from research
Regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion combined with in vitro fertilization (IVF), results in systematic reviews are mixed, and there is no consensus among studies. While some websites cite older overseas studies (published in 2008, etc.) to emphasize high effectiveness, more recent systematic reviews have shown that results vary depending on the indicators used (pregnancy rate vs. birth rate). For more details, please refer to "Is fertility acupuncture effective? What research tells us and its limitations." In this article, we will not use expressions based on effectiveness when explaining costs (e.g., "It is worth this price because it is effective").
Our clinic's approach
At our clinic, we use a pay-as-you-go system and do not offer coupon tickets or package pricing. This is based on our philosophy of not designing fee structures that assume a specific number of visits or ongoing commitment.
Anonymous case studies and in-clinic data
At our clinic, we have compiled internal records of 374 patients and a total of 425 cases that resulted in pregnancy over the seven-year period from 2019 to 2025 (65.6% IVF, 27.1% natural pregnancy, 7.3% artificial insemination; details are introduced in the article "For those looking for fertility acupuncture in Tokyo | How to choose an acupuncture clinic you won't regret").
(An important premise for reading this data: This data only aggregates "cases that resulted in pregnancy" and does not include the number of people who did not achieve pregnancy. Therefore, it does not indicate pregnancy rates or treatment effectiveness.)
Guidelines for clinic visits
Guidelines for visit frequency by treatment stage are introduced in "Fertility acupuncture in Shibuya | Support by stage for IVF, artificial insemination, and natural pregnancy," and details on visit frequency and in-clinic data are introduced in "Fertility acupuncture visit frequency and duration | Explained from in-clinic data." We will propose an individual plan based on the counseling during your first visit.
Expenses
Fee structure
In principle, acupuncture and moxibustion treatments are not covered by health insurance and are fully out-of-pocket. However, in cases of chronic pain recognized as being in the same category as neuralgia or rheumatism, there are instances where they may be covered by health insurance as medical expenses if there is a doctor's consent form (Japan Health Insurance Association "How to use acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage").
Our clinic's fees are as follows (tax included).
Item Cost Initial consultation fee 5,500 yen Acupuncture, manual therapy, and manipulative therapy (1 session) 8,000 yen Initial total 13,500 yen From the 2nd visit onwards 8,000 yen
We do not offer coupon tickets or package pricing; payment is made each time.
Estimated costs by visit frequency
If you visit once a week, the estimated monthly cost is as follows (the number of visits varies depending on the month).
Visit frequency Estimated monthly treatment cost (excluding the first month) Once a week (4 times a month) 8,000 yen x 4 = 32,000 yen Once every 2 weeks (2 times a month) 8,000 yen x 2 = 16,000 yen
For the first month, an initial consultation fee of 5,500 yen is added separately.
Cancellation policy
Because our clinic operates strictly by appointment, we have a cancellation fee.
For changes or cancellations made after 12:00 PM on the day before, a 100% cancellation fee will be charged. For details, please check the cancellation policy page on our official website. (Waiting for clinic provision: We will add a link as soon as the URL for the cancellation policy page is provided)
Regarding medical expense deductions
Treatment fees for procedures performed by nationally licensed acupuncturists and moxibustion practitioners at facilities approved by public health centers are eligible for medical expense deductions. However, according to National Tax Agency standards, treatments not directly related to medical care, such as those for fatigue recovery or maintaining physical condition, are excluded (National Tax Agency "No. 1122 Medical expenses eligible for medical expense deduction"), so it is a prerequisite that the treatment is for medical purposes. If you intend to use the medical expense deduction, please keep the receipts from your treatments and use them when filing your tax return. For details, please check with your local tax office or a tax accountant.
Risks and precautions
Acupuncture and moxibustion treatments may generally involve the following risks.
Pain: You may feel temporary pain at the acupuncture site
Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding (bruising) may occur at the acupuncture site
Fatigue: Some people may feel temporary lethargy after treatment
We recommend that you consider visiting our clinic after taking into account not only the costs but also these risks, as well as the fact that there are research reports suggesting a link between acupuncture/moxibustion and early miscarriage.
Cases where you should prioritize visiting a medical institution
In the following cases, it is recommended that you promptly visit a medical institution rather than considering acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.
If you have symptoms that are considered urgent, such as severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding
If a treatment schedule has already been set by a medical institution and you should prioritize the doctor's judgment
If you have never undergone basic gynecological examinations
Acupuncture and moxibustion are not a substitute for examinations, diagnoses, or treatments at medical institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the average cost of fertility acupuncture?
Although it varies by acupuncture clinic, the general market price is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen per session. The market price varies depending on the region.
At our clinic, the initial fee is 5,500 yen plus 8,000 yen for the treatment, totaling 13,500 yen for the first visit, and 8,000 yen (tax included) for subsequent visits.
Q2. Is fertility acupuncture covered by health insurance?
In principle, acupuncture and moxibustion treatments are not covered by health insurance. In cases of chronic pain recognized as being in the same category as neuralgia or rheumatism, there are cases where it may be eligible for medical expense benefits only if there is a doctor's consent form.
Q3. Is it eligible for medical expense deduction?
Treatment fees for procedures performed for medical purposes by nationally licensed acupuncturists and moxibustion practitioners at facilities approved by public health centers are eligible for medical expense deductions.
Q4. Are there coupon tickets or package rates?
We do not offer coupon tickets or package rates at our clinic; payment is made each time.
Q5. Is there a cancellation fee?
Because our clinic operates on a strictly appointment-only basis, we have a cancellation fee policy. For changes or cancellations made after 12:00 PM on the day before, a 100% cancellation fee will be charged. Please check the cancellation policy page on our official website for details.
Summary
The total cost of acupuncture for infertility varies depending on the treatment content and frequency.
At our clinic, we use a pay-per-visit system: 13,500 yen for the first visit and 8,000 yen (tax included) for subsequent visits. Rather than thinking that 'the price is justified because it is highly effective,' I would like you to calmly use the breakdown of costs and whether it is within a range you are comfortable with as material for your decision. Please also consider utilizing medical expense deductions.
References
Japan Health Insurance Association 'How to use acupuncture, moxibustion, and massage services' https://www.kyoukaikenpo.or.jp/g3/sb3080/r140/
National Tax Agency 'No. 1122 Medical expenses eligible for medical expense deduction' https://www.nta.go.jp/taxes/shiraberu/taxanswer/shotoku/1122.htm
*Please be sure to consult with a medical institution, tax office, or tax accountant regarding individual symptoms, treatment policies, and tax treatment.
Author/Supervisor/Update Date
Written by: Shimpei Fukumoto
Supervised by: Shimpei Fukumoto (Director of Fukumoto Acupuncture Clinic, Acupuncturist/Moxibustionist)
Update date: August 12, 2026