Chinese medicine and infertility
In Chinese medicine, a woman’s reproductive organs are considered an extraordinary organ named Bao Gong. This term refers to all reproductive organs: uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes and cervix. In Chinese medicine, the Kidney, the blood and the uterus are the key foundations of a woman’s reproductive health. Liver blood is very important for a regular and healthy menstruation, since it is believed to supply the uterus with blood. While Liver stores the blood, the Kidneys store our essence and control our reproductive function.
When it comes to infertility, some illnesses directly affect the women’s ability to conceive, such as irregular menstruation, pathological vaginal flows and irregular accumulations, known as dampness, phlegm and/or blood stasis.
Overwork, not enough rest, excessive menstrual bleeding, anxiety, worry, depression, improper diet, and/or too much chilled foods are factors that play a role in fertility and health. Some also argue long-term use of hormonal contraceptives can impact the balance of a woman’s reproductive system. In addition, stress is known to have a negative effect on the menstrual cycle. In preparation for conception, diet plays an important role. Foods to adopt when trying to conceive include lean proteins, foods rich in omegas-3s, eggs, cooked fruits and vegetables, dark leafy greens, whole grains. On the other hand, one should avoid sugars, dairy, cold, raw, and processed foods.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are a known effective therapy to improve fertility. Acupuncture regulates estrogen, increases ß-endorphins to correct the imbalance of the endocrine system, improves blood circulation to the uterus and ovaries, reduces stress, anxiety, and depression associated with infertility.
For example, when undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), particularly for a person with a long history of infertility, one’s psychologic state significantly influences the IVF success rate. Acupuncture assists with lowering stress hormones, and in that way may improve fertility. Acupuncture regulates the menstrual cycle and uterine and ovarian blood flow encouraging thickening of the uterine wall, making embryo implantation more successful. Furthermore, acupuncture increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which will improve the quality of oocytes and improve the endometrial lining for preparation of embryo implantation.
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine help to restore balance and promote overall health. It is a safe modality when thinking about becoming pregnant, adjunct therapy both during fertility programs and pregnancy.
References
Zheng CH, Huang GY, Zhang MM, Wang W. Effects of acupuncture on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fertility and Sterility. 2012;97(3):599–611.
Kang HS, Jeong D, Kim DI, Lee MS. The use of acupuncture for managing gynaecologic conditions: An overview of systematic reviews. Maturitas. 2011;68(4):346–354.
Cochrane S, Smith CA, Possamai-Inesedy A, Bensoussan A. Acupuncture and women's health: an overview of the role of acupuncture and its clinical management in women's reproductive health. Int J Womens Health. 2014 Mar 17;6:313-25. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S38969. PMID: 24669195; PMCID: PMC3962314.
Djaali W, Abdurrohim K, Helianthi DR. Management of Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for In VitroFertilization. Med Acupunct. 2019 Dec 1;31(6):361-365. doi: 10.1089/acu.2019.1394. Epub 2019 Dec 13. PMID: 31871523; PMCID: PMC6918528.