Struggling to conceive can be a frustrating journey. But what if there was a natural way to address the root causes of infertility and increase your chances of pregnancy? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a time-tested approach that’s been used for centuries to enhance fertility. It is widely relied on by couples in Singapore and Asia who would like to improve their chances of conceiving, whether naturally or through assistive reproductive technology (ART) procedures such as IVF & IUI.
This article explores the basic TCM theories about fertility and infertility, as well as its holistic approaches for optimising the body’s fertility conditions for a successful pregnancy.
Understanding Fertility from a TCM Perspective
How can TCM help with fertility? Let us first explain how fertility is viewed from a Chinese medicine perspective.
Conception is analogous to gardening, where there above are the basic requirements for fertilisation to take place.
Fundamental Elements for Fertility
According to TCM, possessing the following fundamental bodily substances in abundance is vital to health and fertility; or “ the quality of the seed and soil”.
Essence (Jing)
Essence is a fundamental substance stored in the kidneys that is responsible for growth, reproduction, fertility as well as the quality of a person’s eggs or sperm.
Essence is believed to decrease significantly from the age 35 years onwards.
Qi
Qi is a vital life force or energy that flows throughout the body. It is believed to animate the body, protect it from illness and maintain overall health and vitality. Stagnation or deficiencies of Qi can affect reproductive organs and processes, as well as the menstrual cycle.
Blood
Blood (Xue) nourishes the body tissues and organs, including the reproductive system, and is closely linked to the menstrual cycle and fertility.Blood deficiencies or stagnation can thus can contribute to conception difficulties.
Body Constitutions & Infertility
According to TCM theory, body constitutions reflect individuals’ health states and their unique baseline balance of yin, yang, Qi, and blood. They can form the root causes of various health issues including infertility.
Body constitutions can be categorised as:
- Balanced (Neutral): This reflects a state of harmony and adaptability.
- Deficient: Lacking sufficient Qi, yin, or yang, leading to specific weaknesses.
- Imbalanced: Having an excess or stagnation of substances like blood, phlegm, or dampness, causing disharmony.
Common Body Constitutions in Infertility
Body Constitution
Qi Deficiency
Symptoms
Prone to fatigue, chills, weakness, and the common cold or flu.
Qi is the vital body energy that supports all bodily functions. When Qi is deficient, it affect the body’s ability to support pregnancy.
Body Constitution
Liver Qi Stagnation
Symptoms
Irregular menses, stress, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, headaches, muscle tension, insomnia, fatigue and digestive issues.
Often associated with high stress or emotional troubles, which can lead to a stagnant flow of Qi in the liver.
Body Constitution
Blood Stasis
Symptoms
Painful periods and clots, sharp, stabbing pains, dark or purplish skin or lips, varicose veins, numbness and tingling.
A condition where the blood flow is sluggish or blocked. When blood flow is restricted in the reproductive organs, it can hinder fertility.
Body Constitution
Kidney Deficiency
Symptoms
Irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, backache, frequent urination, cold hands and feet.
The Kidney system governs the reproductive function. It is involved in balancing hormones and producing/storing the body’s Essence; a fundamental substance in reproduction. The kidney’s Essence depletes with age, particularly from the mid 30s.
How TCM Can Help with Fertility
Consultation & Assessment
For each patient or couple undergoing fertility issues, a TCM physician would first gather in-depth information through an initial consultation, and conduct health assessments using TCM methods to better understand each patient’s health condition. A diagnosis would then be formed that identifies the patient’s body constitution and his or her fertility barriers.
TCM Treatments
From the diagnosis, the TCM physician would tailor the treatments accordingly. TCM treatments for fertility are aimed to address each patient’s underlying health issues, balance the body and improve fertility conditions to increase the chances for successful conception.
Acupuncture is the most commonly used TCM treatment for fertility. Herbal medication and moxibustion may also be recommended based on patient needs.
Visit our page on the PULSE TCM Fertility Programme to learn in more detail about how TCM treatments can aid with fertility.
PULSE TCM Fertility Programme
At PULSE, we have worked with countless patients to help improve their fertility conditions and realise their dreams of starting a family.
If you wish to explore TCM to aid your fertility journey, our physicians are here to help. Book your first consultation with a PULSE TCM physician or learn more about the PULSE TCM Fertility Programme.
