TCM shows great power to improve fertility. Moreover, it can be combined with other approaches.
By Body & Soul Medical Clinic
According to the World Health Organization, infertility will soon become the world’s third-biggest health problem. Available data suggest that between 48 million and 186 million individuals and couples have difficulty with fertility globally. A new policy has recently been introduced in China whereby a couple now can give birth to three children. However, it’s clear that getting pregnant can be difficult for many people.
There are numerous causes. Infertility may stem from specific problems in either the male or female or may be unexplained. However, these overall lower worldwide fertility rates are related to environmental and lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol intake, obesity, and exposure to environmental pollutants.
Additionally, age is a factor. “Many wait until they have established careers and are financially stable, or perhaps until they can afford a home – or to stay at home – before having a baby. The stress of a fast-paced life or demanding job can throw the body out of balance”, says Dr. Liu from Body & Soul Medical Clinic.
In men, mental, physical, and emotional stress can affect sperm quality and count. In women, it can prevent ovulation or affect the quality of the eggs. Women’s fertility also naturally declines with age, beginning at age 25. For men, there is a progressive decline in fertility from the age of 50.
Unfortunately, this all impacts a couple’s ability to conceive.
TCM’s approach to fertility is restoring balance
When facing difficulties getting pregnant, couples can look for help in the Western medical field. However, after having tried almost everything or simply because they want a more natural solution, they can also find help with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
“TCM can help a couple raise their chances of conceiving with a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal decoctions and the use of relaxation techniques, along with a change of lifestyle”, said Doris Rathgeber, founder of Body & Soul Medical Clinic.
In the TCM philosophy, the aim is to restore balance and harmony in the body, so that it becomes ready to conceive a baby and offers a favorable environment for a healthy pregnancy. When there are problems with conceiving, there are three organ systems that are particularly involved: the spleen, kidneys and liver, which govern the regulation of blood and qi.
The spleen is the main ‘factory’ that produces blood and qi, while the liver is responsible for maintaining a smooth and even flow of these two important essences. The kidneys, meanwhile, play a major role in successful conception and normal reproduction.
What will TCM treatment for fertility entail?
Each case of infertility is different and requires a consultation with a TCM doctor but usually, the treatment plan comprises herbal medicine and acupuncture.
Herbal prescriptions and treatments are aimed at nourishing and restoring balance to the reproductive system. Herbal decoctions can be prescribed according to the health assessment. For example, specific herbs may be used to stimulate the kidney and replenish the vital essence by suppressing the yin and yang deficiency, to reinforce both qi and blood, to activate the blood and soothe the liver, or to suppress liver qi stagnation.
“Acupuncture mainly improves the uterine lining, increases blood flow to the uterus, and regulates the stress associated with fertility problems. Acupuncture also enhances sperm quality and mobility. This is an excellent solution to boost the chances to conceive a baby,” says Dr. Viviane.
An undisturbed flow of energy, enough blood and a peaceful mind are favorable conditions for conception. All this can be achieved naturally, without any hormone supplements or extensive and overwhelming treatments; it only takes more time!
TCM, however, does not stop there.
Lifestyle supports for fertility
TCM is holistic and addresses everything from diet and adequate exercise to restful sleep and good stress management techniques.
An easy way to facilitate the process of getting pregnant is to implement a few changes in lifestyle and diet. For example, depending on their condition, women can improve the treatment’s results by picking the right food items. For instance, a patient with a kidney yin deficiency should eat items like asparagus, beans, tofu, raspberries, grapes, and pineapple. On the other hand, when there’s a yang deficiency, one needs to warm up the body with a diet integrating foods like ginger, squash, cabbage and avoiding cold drinks. It is also important to protect the kidney essence with foods like chicken or duck, eggs, seeds, and nuts and to limit consumption of alcohol and cigarettes.
“We also want to improve all systems of your body and mind. If you are sleeping well, are full of vitality, have proper digestion and a healthy sense of self, then all systems will work more efficiently, including your reproductive system,”, says Dr. Serena.
For both men and women trying to conceive, it is necessary to get sufficient sleep and limit stress. The sperm quality changes quickly with a better, less stressful environment. Unfortunately, facing infertility can raise the stress level so this may take some extra effort. It is advised to find ways to relieve stress such as practicing meditation, yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Ji, relaxing with friends and taking part in calming activities.
When should we consider TCM? Does it replace Western medicine?
TCM is an alternative option for those who want to avoid taking drugs or are not eligible for IVF for treating infertility. It shows excellent results and may be combined with other treatments. TCM treatment appeals to people who have tried other options before, those looking for a more natural method and to restore balance in their body, or combined with western medicine.
TCM doctors also use western diagnostic techniques to find out possible ways to maximize the chances of getting pregnant through IVF or ICSI, for example.
Always remember, however, to keep both your doctor and TCM practitioner informed of all medicines, herbs, and other treatments you are receiving.
Body & Soul Medical Clinic
Body & Soul Medical Clinics was founded to provide a healing place where the international community could benefit from the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address their modern health needs. And it has evolved into Shanghai’s top integrative medicine resource, offering comprehensive diagnosis and treatment at convenient one-stop solution clinics for health and worry-free medical care with responsive customer service and insurance processing in Shanghai.
