Author: Grace Yu (Yu Hsin Tzu)
What is Infertility?
Infertility refers to the inability of modern couples to conceive after more than 12 months of unprotected intercourse. For women over the age of 35, fertility declines significantly. If pregnancy has not been achieved after six months, it is advisable to consider early physical conditioning. Modern individuals often face substantial life stresses, such as work and daily responsibilities, which can lead to fatigue; these pressures may further impact fertility. In addition to male sperm abnormalities, factors such as women’s late marriage, emotional stress, and various health issues (including polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, chocolate cysts, blocked fallopian tubes, ovulation disorders, and irregular menstruation) are also significant contributors to infertility.
Most importantly, couples can support each other by adjusting their lifestyles, including diet and exercise, to strengthen their relationship and increase their chances of conception.
TCM Perspectives on Infertility
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating infertility, with early records dating back to the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties. The “Shan Hai Jing” mentions medicinal herbs and treatment methods related to fertility, indicating the ancient emphasis on infertility issues. Over time, TCM’s understanding and treatment approaches to infertility have gradually improved. The “Sheng Ji Zong Lu” points out that a woman’s inability to conceive may stem from kidney qi deficiency and insufficient Chong and Conception Vessels , which provides a theoretical foundation for subsequent treatments.
TCM posits that the primary causes of infertility include kidney qi deficiency and liver qi stagnation. These factors can lead to imbalances in the Chong and Ren channels, thereby affecting fertility.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Menstrual Cycle Therapy
The menstrual cycle therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) aims to explore the underlying causes of infertility and provide targeted treatments and constitution adjustments to enhance the chances of conception. This therapy is based on TCM’s profound understanding of the menstrual cycle, which posits that a woman’s physiological changes are closely related to her fertility.
Main Principles:
- Harmonizing Qi and Blood: The fullness and circulation of Qi and blood are crucial for ovarian function and the health of the endometrium. Regulating Qi and blood can improve egg quality and the uterine environment, thereby increasing the likelihood of pregnancy.
- Balancing Yin and Yang: TCM emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang, with a woman’s fertility being closely linked to this harmony. The menstrual cycle therapy adjusts Yin and Yang to promote the health of the reproductive system.
- Adjusting Treatment Based on Different Stages of the Menstrual Cycle:
- Menstrual Phase: Use blood-moving and stasis-resolving herbs to help expel menstrual blood and eliminate internal cold pathogens.
- Follicular Phase: Focus on nourishing the kidneys and enhancing essence, regulating the ovaries, typically using kidney-tonifying herbs and Qi-blood regulating formulas.
- Ovulation Phase: Employ ovulation-promoting therapies to help improve egg quality.
- Luteal Phase: Strengthen support for the corpus luteum, usually using herbs that regulate the spleen and stomach and nourish the kidneys to facilitate the implantation of the fertilized egg.
Treatment Methods
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Based on the patient’s specific condition, different herbal formulas are selected, such as Zuo Gui Wan、You Gui Wan or Wen Jing Tang to adjust the body’s condition.
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture can promote the flow of qi and blood, regulate the endocrine system, and has a significant effect on increasing the chances of pregnancy.
- Dietary Regulation: It is recommended to increase the intake of nutritious foods, such as black sesame, red dates to support overall health. One should limit the consumption of spicy and stimulating foods and reduce the intake of tea, coffee, and alcohol. Individuals with a cold constitution should avoid cold and raw foods. For those under high stress, engaging in relaxing activities like yoga and walking can help reduce the risk of infertility.
TCM’s menstrual cycle therapy aims to comprehensively adjust the physical condition of women to improve infertility. This approach not only emphasizes physiological factors but also considers emotional and psychological health, highlighting the mutual support and joint efforts of both partners.
