Helpful TCM Tips to Aid Fertility

Balance, hormones and stress

1. In Chinese medicine, balance is considered imperative to health. When your reproductive hormones

are out of balance the ability

to conceive is impaired.

Stress is one of the main

contributors to hormonal

imbalance. It can result in the

production of prolactin which

can impede ovulation.

Acupuncture is traditionally used as a

treatment where hormones are out of balance. Responses vary from person to person.

Digestion, the lungs and the liver

2. Digestion is the root of both energy and blood production for conception, so having a healthy diet, a healthy functioning gut and regular bowel movements is important. If you want to become pregnant you may want to reduce or eliminate damp foods like milk, yogurt, cheese and greasy foods. Avoid dampness in your living conditions where you can. Dampness can accumulate in the body & can cause blockages in the form of cysts & fibroids that can make getting pregnant more difficult.

3. Two common organ systems addressed in TCM are the lungs and liver. The liver is related to anger, frustration and stress. The Lungs are related to sadness, grief and holding on to old emotions that no longer serve us. These areas in the body are commonly found to hold stagnant Qi (energy). In Chinese medicine, acupuncture and TCM are traditionally used to move stagnant Qi, support circulation and settle the emotions. Yoga and meditation can also be great ways to relax the mind and body.

Rest and the lower abdomen

4. Make your body receptive to conception. Don’t over exert yourself. If you currently have an intensive exercise regime cut back a little or replace it with more gentle forms of exercise like yoga, pilates or qi gong. Some studies have looked at whether intense exercise of more than four hours a week affects fertility. Make time for yourself where you can to relax. Have fun and appreciate the small things in life. TCM has a holistic approach to health. Mind, body and emotional balance are interrelated and integral components of whole body health.

5. In Chinese medicine the lower abdomen stores what the Chinese call 'fire' or the 'energy battery' in the body. In Chinese medicine, difficulty conceiving is sometimes attributed to 'cold' leading to stagnation in the uterus. Gently warming your abdomen during the time after your period until ovulation may be helpful. Use of a hot water bottle or moxibustion treatment can help warm up this area of the body.

Chinese herbs and being kind to yourself

6. Chinese herbs have been used for over 2500 years in Chinese medicine to support fertility. They are natural substances and are generally gentle on the body. They are traditionally used to support the body's own ovulation and fertility cycle.

7. A final and simple tip but one worth giving a little attention to is to be kind to yourself, be kind to your body and take time out for yourself when you need to.

For more information on how acupuncture and TCM can aid fertility visit here