Issues of Infertility
Fertility problems have slowly been on the rise for the last 25 years, with up to 25 per cent of couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving. As a result, more and more couples are seeking expensive medical assistance in order to conceive. Science is however unable to efficiently treat the "unexplained" cases where there is obviously a deeper problem at hand. This is where natural approaches to infertility such as Traditional Chinese Medicine may be the ideal inexpensive solution.
TCM and Infertility
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been treating male and female infertility conditions for over two thousand years. It aims to do so by correcting blocked energy flow and unbalanced hormones that may be at the root of the cause. TCM practitioners believe that reproductive disorders may be a result of:
- A weakness in liver or kidney energy, resulting in a deficiency syndrome that prevents efficient hormonal and sexual functioning
- Stagnancy of qi (life energy) and blood, which inhibits circulation to organ tissues and prevents reproductive and sexual organs from functioning efficiently
- Heat in the organs, which cause organs to function inefficiently, potentially creating abnormal sperm quality, gynecologic infections and changes in the mucous production (which may block passages and affect female fertility)
Benefits of Using TCM for Infertility
Whilst the tradition is ancient, the TCM techniques of acupuncture, acupressure, massage, diet and herbal medicine are used widely in today's society and may be effectively used to treat infertility.
TCM may improve fertility and assist with conception by:
- Regulating hormone function
- Decreasing levels of stress that can affect a woman's ability to ovulate
- Improving ovary function that leads to a higher quality in egg production
- Decreasing risk of miscarriage
- Increasing sperm count and quality
- Stimulating blood flow to the uterus
- Increasing thickness of the uterine lining
- Regulating FSH levels
- Regulating menstrual cycles
- Alleviating symptoms of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Endometriosis
TCM acupuncture and infertility
Acupuncture is the practice of using thin needles on certain points around the biddy to stimulate and restore energy flow along the meridians. The needles may vary in length and number, and are traditionally left on the body between 20-60 minutes.
Western science has linked the benefits of Acupuncture in treating infertility to the way in which the needles stimulate the Nervous system. Studies have also shown acupuncture to reduce levels of pain and inflammation, to regulate body temperature, blood pressure and blood flow.
TCM practitioners use acupuncture to treat infertility as:
- It regulates the body's overall system.
- It stimulates blood flow to the reproductive organs.
- It stabilises pituitary and ovarian hormone fluctuations, which in turn increases sperm motility and female egg production.
- It improves circulation that leads to higher quality eggs, increased blood flow to the uterus and thickens uterine lining.
- It reduces physical stress levels.
Science has also demonstrated the effectiveness of acupuncture when coupled with other fertility treatments such as IVF. The studies concluded that when used before and after IVF treatment, acupuncture may actually support successful implantation, and may reduce the risk of miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy when practiced regularly (ideally weekly).
TCM Herbs for Infertility
Underlying hormonal imbalances that may be inhibiting normal body function and fertility may be restored through the use of Chinese herbs.
TCM uses over one hundred and fifty herbs in the treatment of infertility, some which address the infertility, and some that act as a general supplement to the body creating an ideal level of health ideal to conceive in. Some TCM practitioners may combine unto thirty herbs to create a tailored concoction best suited to your infertility needs in a tablet, pill, granule or liquid form.
Well known TCM herbs for infertility include:
- Rubus idaeus / Red Rasberry Leaf
- Polygonum multiflorum / he shou wu
- Codonopsis pilosula / dang shen
- Gynostemma pentaphyllum / jiao gu lan
- Rehmannia glutinosa / shu di huang
- Ganoderma lucidum-ling zhi / Reishi Mushroom
- Cuscuta chinensis / tu si zi-Cuscuta
- Morus Albus-sang shen / Mulberry fruit spike
- Eucommia ulmoides-du zhong / Rubber Tree Bark
- Lactuca spp. /Wild Lettuce
- Cynomorium / suo yang
- Ligustrum lucidum / nu zhen zi
Other TCM Treatments for Infertility
Your selected TCM practitioner may recommend a physical practice such as Qi Kung to stimulate further energy flow along certain meridians. Developed over three thousand years ago by Chinese Taoists (metaphysicians), the exercise of Qi Kong enhances the flow of the body's intrinsic energy which in turn benefits general organ function and overall health and well being.
Your TCM practitioner may also suggest various sexual positions that increase the chances of conception by enhancing sperm motility, count and menstrual regulation.
If you are interested in finding out more information on how TCM can help with infertility, please consult a professional TCM practitioner. Find out about other effective natural infertility treatments.
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