How Does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) View Infertility?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), infertility is not seen as a single condition but rather as an imbalance in the body’s energy (Qi), blood, Yin-Yang, and organ functions. TCM believes that a healthy pregnancy requires:
1. Strong Kidney Energy (肾气充足) The Kidneys store Jing (essence), which governs reproduction and fertility. Weak Kidney Qi can lead to low egg or sperm quality, irregular cycles, and hormonal imbalances.
2. Smooth Liver Qi Flow (肝气顺畅) The Liver ensures smooth Qi and blood circulation. Stress, emotional blockages, or stagnation can cause irregular periods, painful ovulation, or implantation issues.
3. Sufficient & Healthy Blood (血足血活) The uterus needs ample, high-quality blood for a thick endometrial lining and successful implantation. Poor circulation can cause thin lining, poor egg nourishment, or miscarriages.
4. Balanced Spleen Function (脾气健运) The Spleen is responsible for digesting nutrients and producing blood. Weak digestion can cause dampness, leading to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or blocked fallopian tubes.
5. Elimination of Dampness & Cold (祛湿散寒) Excess dampness or cold in the uterus can lead to fibroids, cysts, or implantation failure.
How Does TCM Treat Infertility?
TCM offers personalized treatments to restore balance and improve fertility naturally. This includes
1. Acupuncture: Regulates Hormones & Improves Blood Flow
1) Stimulates reproductive organs by increasing blood circulation to the ovaries and uterus.
2) Balances hormones like estrogen and progesterone, supporting ovulation and implantation.
3) Reduces stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact fertility.
Best for: Irregular periods, poor egg quality, stress-induced infertility, IVF support.
2. Herbal Medicine : Nourishes the Body & Supports Reproductive Health
1) Custom herbal formulas strengthen Kidney Qi, nourish Blood, and clear blockages.
2) Herbs like Dang Gui (当归), Bai Shao (白芍), and Huang Qi (黄芪 ) improve uterine lining, regulate cycles, and boost energy.
3) Helps with PCOS, endometriosis, irregular ovulation, and poor egg quality.
Best for: Hormonal imbalance, poor endometrial lining, weak ovulation, irregular periods.
3. Moxibustion: Warms the Uterus & Boosts Yang Energy
1) Uses mugwort herb (艾叶) to gently warm acupuncture points.
2) Improves blood circulation to the uterus, removes cold, and enhances implantation chances.
Best for: Cold uterus, irregular ovulation, recurrent miscarriages.
4. Cupping & Tui Na Massage: Improves Circulation & Reduces Stress
1) Cupping detoxifies the body and improves blood flow to the reproductive organs.
2) Tui Na massage relaxes the nervous system and reduces stress-related infertility.
Best for: Blocked fallopian tubes, low libido, poor circulation.
5. Diet & Lifestyle Adjustments: Strengthens the Body for Conception
1) Eat warm, nourishing foods (soups, bone broth, walnuts) to strengthen Kidney Yang.
2) Avoid cold/raw foods that weaken digestion and create dampness in the body.
3) Manage stress with meditation, light exercise, and good sleep.
Best for: General fertility support, hormone balance, and pregnancy preparation.
How Can TCM Support IVF Success?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used to enhance IVF success rates by improving egg quality, uterine lining, hormone balance, and overall reproductive health. It works alongside Western medicine to prepare the body for conception, support implantation, and reduce IVF-related stress.
You can book a consultation with us, our specialist will help with a personalized TCM plan for IVF support based on your cycle stage and health condition.
1. TCM View on IVF Support
In TCM, successful conception requires
✅ Strong Kidney Energy (肾气充足) – Essential for egg and sperm quality.
✅ Smooth Liver Qi Flow (肝气顺畅) – Reduces stress and regulates hormones.
✅ Healthy Blood & Uterine Lining (血足子宫温暖) – Supports implantation and embryo nourishment.
✅ Balanced Yin & Yang (阴阳调和) – Creates the ideal internal environment for pregnancy.
TCM focuses on strengthening these areas before, during, and after IVF to maximize success.
2. TCM Support at Different Stages of IVF
01
Before IVF (3-6 Months Before Treatment)
Goal: Improve egg quality, regulate hormones, and prepare the uterus.
✔ Acupuncture – Enhances ovarian function, improves blood flow to the uterus, and balances hormones.
✔ Herbal Medicine – Nourishes Kidney Yin/Yang, regulates cycles, and improves egg quality.
✔ Diet & Lifestyle – Warm, nutrient-rich foods (walnuts, bone broth, sesame) to support reproductive health.
✔ Stress Management – TCM believes emotional balance is key to fertility. Meditation, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong help.
Best For: Women with low AMH, poor egg quality, irregular periods, or hormonal imbalance.
02
During Ovarian Stimulation (Hormone Injections Phase)
Goal: Support follicle growth, prevent side effects, and balance hormones.
✔ Acupuncture (2x per week) – Improves ovarian response, increases follicle count, and reduces bloating/discomfort.
✔ Herbal Medicine (if approved by your doctor) – Strengthens Kidney Qi to support healthy follicle development.
✔ Diet Adjustments – Avoid cold/raw foods; eat warm, blood-building foods (red dates, goji berries).
Best For: Women with low ovarian response, bloating, or hormonal imbalances.
03
Before & After Embryo Transfer
Goal: Improve uterine lining, relax the body, and support implantation.
✔ Acupuncture (before and after transfer) – Studies show acupuncture before & after embryo transfer can increase pregnancy rates.
✔ Moxibustion (if needed) – Warms the uterus, improves blood circulation, and supports implantation.
✔ Rest & Relaxation – Avoid heavy exercise, stress, and cold foods. Keep the body warm.
Best For: Women with thin uterine lining, previous implantation failure, or stress/anxiety.
04
After Embryo Transfer & Early Pregnancy
Goal: Support implantation, prevent miscarriage, and nourish pregnancy.
✔ Acupuncture (weekly in the first trimester) – Supports progesterone levels, prevents miscarriage, and reduces anxiety.
✔ Herbs (case by case, if approved by the doctor) – Strengthen Kidney Qi and support a stable pregnancy.
✔ Gentle Movement – Qi Gong, light walking, and stress-free activities are beneficial.
Best For: Women with a history of miscarriage, implantation failure, or weak constitution.
3. Does TCM Really Improve IVF Success?
Yes! Research and clinical experience show that combining TCM with IVF can:
✅ Increase pregnancy rates by improving embryo quality and implantation.
✅ Enhance blood flow to the uterus, creating a better environment for embryo growth.
✅ Reduce stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact IVF outcomes.
✅ Regulate hormones naturally, making the body more responsive to IVF medications.
✅ Support embryo implantation and early pregnancy, reducing the risk of miscarriage.
4. TCM & IVF: The Best Combination for Fertility Success
✅ Western medicine focuses on egg retrieval, fertilization, and embryo transfer, while TCM prepares the body to receive and nourish the embryo. Together, they provide a powerful, complementary approach to fertility treatment.
Acupuncture Support at Inducing Labor
01
How It Works:
The principle of acupuncture for inducing labor is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which views the body as an interconnected system of energy pathways (meridians) and vital forces (Qi). Acupuncture aims to restore balance and stimulate natural processes by targeting specific points.
02
Key Points Used:
Key Acupuncture Points:
Hegu (LI4): Located between the thumb and index finger, believed to promote uterine contractions.
Sanyinjiao (SP6): Inner ankle point linked to pelvic organ function, thought to soften the cervix.
03
Why It Might Help:
1. **Hormones:** Releases oxytocin (the “labor hormone”) and chemicals that soften the cervix.
2. **Nerves:** Stimulates nerves linked to the uterus, improving contraction timing.
3. **Stress Relief:** Lowers stress hormones, relaxes the body, and releases pain-relieving endorphins.
04
Important Notes:
Used alongside modern medicine, not alone.
- Some studies suggest it might shorten labor or reduce the need for medical interventions.
- it is better to do it after 40 weeks: if labor is delayed and done by a licensed acupuncture expert.
05
Safety First:
- **Never replace doctor advice with acupuncture.**
- Always talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you and your baby
Food Support at Inducing Labor
01
Foods to Try (in moderation):
Fresh Pineapple
- **Why**: Contains *bromelain* (an enzyme that may help soften the cervix).
- **Note**: Eat 1–2 small slices daily. Avoid large amounts (may irritate the mouth/stomach).
Red Date & Goji Berry Tea
- **Why**: Boosts energy and blood circulation (TCM believes this supports contractions).
- **How**: Simmer 5 red dates + 10 goji berries in water. Drink warm.
Hawthorn Products
- **Why**: Mildly stimulates uterine contractions.
- **Safe Options**: A few hawthorn slices or weak hawthorn tea (≤10g/day). Avoid sugary hawthorn jellies.
Spicy Foods (mild heat)
- **Why**: Gentle spice may stimulate digestion and indirectly encourage contractions.
- **Avoid**: Overly spicy dishes that cause heartburn or diarrhea.
Sesame & Honey Oatmeal
- **Why**: Relieves constipation (reduces pelvic pressure, which may help labor).
- **How**: Cook oats with black sesame powder and honey. Eat 1 small bowl daily.
02
Foods to Use with Caution:
Raspberry Leaf Tea
- **Why**: Traditionally used to tone uterine muscles.
- **Note**: Only drink 1–2 weak cups/day after confirming safety with your doctor.
Barley (薏仁) & Black Fungus (黑木耳)
- **Why**: In TCM, these may mildly promote blood flow.
- **Note**: Safe in small amounts (e.g., 1 small bowl of barley soup) after 40 weeks, but avoid in early pregnancy.
Caffeine
- **Limit**: ≤200mg/day (e.g., 1 small coffee). Excess caffeine may affect fetal heart rate.
03
General Nutrition Tips:
- **Protein**: Eggs, fish, tofu (supports energy).
- **Fiber**: Whole grains, broccoli, apples (prevents constipation).
- **Hydration**: Warm water, coconut water (replenishes electrolytes).
04
Important Notes:
Safety First**: After 40 weeks, prioritize medical monitoring (e.g., fetal movement checks, biweekly NSTs).
- **Stop and Call Your Doctor**: If contractions start, water breaks, or fetal movement decreases.
- **Avoid Herbal Supplements**: Unless approved by your OB/GYN.
Combine these foods with light activity (e.g., walking) and follow your healthcare provider’s guidance for a safe delivery! 🌸-
Patience is key! Your body and baby know their timing. 💕
Call us to book an appointment on 02046180410
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