Infertility Treatment

In Chinese Medicine theory, all normal bodily functions depend on the balance between Yin and Yang and the presence of plentiful Qi and Blood. In the case of reproduction and fertility, the success of fertilisation and implantation depends on the health of both male and female. The female body needs to be free of blockages and have plenty of Qi and body fluids to release and ripen an egg. The male body needs to be sufficiently nurtured and be free of blockages to produce sperm that is sufficiently fast, strong and well-formed so that it survives the passage through the female reproductive organs to fertilise the egg. At the same time, the womb needs to be sufficiently thick and at the right temperature to nurture the fertilised egg or else it will not be able to survive.

The above are examples of the complexity of reproduction, but they also aim to show that it is all about the general state of health of the couple rather than specific ovarian, menstrual or sperm issues. Because of this, the Chinese Medicine practitioner will be interested not only in symptoms reflecting the health of the reproductive system but on signs and symptoms that may show imbalances at a systemic level, preferably of both members of the couple. When the energetic cause or causes of infertility have been established, a course of acupuncture treatments as well as Chinese herbal prescriptions will be recommended along with any necessary dietary and life-style advice.

Although the aim of Chinese Medicine treatment is to correct energetic imbalances, any diagnosis previously made by your medical doctor will not be disregarded. Thanks to more recent research into the specific actions of acupuncture points and Chinese herbs, it has been determined that Chinese Medicine can be beneficial for conditions such as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, menstrual irregularities (dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, anovulatory cycles), low sperm count, poor sperm morphology and motility; etc.

In addition, acupuncture has a positive impact on stress, anxiety and depression, all of which could be underlying infertility issues or be the result of them.

Chinese Medicine and IVF

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are valuable complements to In Vitro Fertilisation, and may significantly benefit the outcome of this procedure. IVF patients can be given herbs, acupuncture, or both at several critical stages of the procedure. At the first stage, when hormone pills are administered to regulate hormonal activity, Chinese Medicine can be used to prevent blockages in the ovaries that may interfere with the release of the egg. Next, when drugs are given to stimulate egg production, Chinese Medicine can off-set any side effects of treatment. Chinese Medicine treatment is most important before implantation, when acupuncture with or without herbs can be used to prepare the uterus for implantation.

After this, Chinese Medicine can help the body nourish and preserve the embryo by using acupuncture and herbs that have the specific function of preventing miscarriage.

How does Chinese Medicine improve fertility?

Chinese medicine can help unblock the fallopian tubes by promoting circulation of qi and Blood. In the same way, it can help resolve abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids or cysts
Acupuncture and herbal medicine combined can stimulate the hypothalamus thus helping harmonise hormonal secretion. This can improve ovarian function, enhancing reproductive potential and aiding the production of quality eggs.
Chinese medicine helps reduce stress, anxiety and depression which have an adverse impact on fertility.
Acupuncture has been proven to improve the function of the ovaries and the receptivity of the uterus
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can nourish the uterus lining. This makes it possible for the embryo to be implanted and nourished so that it can grow. They can also relax uterine muscles to prevent contractions and preserve the embryo.
Chinese medicine can increase IVF success and helps prevent side-effects from this treatment.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help regulate the autoimmune activity so that the embryo is not rejected.
Chinese herbs are an important tool to prevent miscarriage

What to expect?

During the first consultation, a full case history will be taken including family history and signs and symptoms reflecting all bodily functions. If you have already been diagnosed with a condition this will be taken into account but the case history to find out other imbalances will still be necessary. The tongue and pulses will then be examined and a Chinese Medicine diagnosis made prior to deciding on a plan of action. It will also be discussed if it may be necessary to treat the other person in the couple.
The plan of action will usually involve a course of acupuncture treatments (at least 8 weekly treatments), and if necessary a Chinese herbal prescription, as well as on-going dietary and life-style advice. If foods are suspected to be having a detrimental effect on your fertility, you may be given a diet chart to fill in. If you are a female, you will get a BBT chart to help us determine the pattern of your monthly cycle and whether you are ovulating or not, as well as give us an idea of your hormonal activity.

Please bear in mind that natural medicine works to promote your own bodily functions rather than force unnatural reactions. Because of this, and depending on the case, it can take 10 weeks or more for anything to happen. In the mean time, your body will be getting into the most optimum condition for reproduction and conception so that your baby can have only the best nurturing. You wouldn’t want to plant a seed in soil that is dry or poor, so why would you want to offer your baby any less?