Chinese Medicine & Fertility. Life's Balancing Act

CHINESE MEDICINE & FERTILITY.    LIFE'S BALANCING ACT

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Fertility is no longer a topic that is discussed behind closed doors. Today, more and more couples are being affected by the ability to non-conceive.  Being diagnosed as “infertile” literally feels like you’ve had the rug pulled from underneath your feet. The word “infertility” holds so much gravity, negativity and disappointment to it. That in one form or another it eventually attaches itself to our psyche, having a widespread affect on the body, emotionally, physically or mentally. Many couples are now turning to reproductive technologies to help them with their fertility issues.  Whilst time may be a factor in all of this, Chinese Medicine can help assist couples in increasing their fertility.

The definition of fertility is described as: “The condition, quality, or degree of being fertile”. Similar to a tree, there are many branches to being fertile. What I love about Chinese Medicine is its philosophy and approach to fertility. Chinese Medicine is all about making our bodies fertile.  You plant a seed in the correct environment with the right parameters and you watch this seed grow and blossom into a beautiful healthy flower.  The same principle applies to our body. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body as a whole integrated system that looks at the individual person, as well as the signs and symptoms they present.  Through various diagnostic tools, a TCM practitioner can determine a patient’s strengths and weaknesses and irregularities that may affect their fertility. TCM is based on the Oriental philosophy, which centres on the concept of balance- Yin and Yang. Achieving and maintaining balance is the goal of life. When we are in balance, our bodies and minds function correctly. TCM medicine is all about restoring our body to balance so that it may work the way in which it was attended.  Better health brings a greater ability for the body to function properly and overcome fertility issues.

Often when female patients seek out TCM in regards to infertility, they are tired and stressed. They have problems with their menstrual cycles, but assume that everyone’s reproductive system works a little differently and their menstrual cycle is normal. In most cases, there is some form of menstrual issue.  Through acupuncture and herbal medicine the menstrual cycle can be shifted to function correctly. For example: regulated cycle, functioning luteal phase, correct LH surge.  Patients find that once their menstrual cycle is more regulated they feel better, have more energy and handle stress better, often with fewer emotional swings and a more positive outlook on life.  Many patients report they never realized how much the menstrual cycle affected their overall well-being. These outward signs reflect improved functioning of the intricate process of the reproduce system.

The question is, So how do we improve our fertility? My philosophy in life is based on health-life-balance. If you want your eggs and sperm to be healthy and active you also need to be healthy and active. Take the same care of your body as you would if you were already pregnant. Do it for that same reason you would if you were already pregnant. For the most part, the things that keep your body healthy also support your fertility. I take the firm stand: everyone who wants to conceive will benefit by getting himself or herself in good shape before hand. As long as you are making healthy choices for your general health, you will be doing the right thing and you will be rewarded for your efforts. The truth is, the older you get the more the lifestyle choice matters.  When you’re in your 20’s it can be as simple enough thing to get pregnant for some. However. when you’re 38 its quiet a different story. Peak reproductive capacity is a benefit of youth. Women under age 25 years have a 96% chance of conceiving and bearing a child. That figure drops down to 86 % between ages 25 & 34. The odds decrease again for women at age 35 with further drops offs at 38 and again at 42. 

It is important we begin to take care of our bodies and health. Each choice we make in life can impact our fertility further down the track. Be mindful of your choices. Begin to plant that healthy seed in your body and watch the changes as the seed grows and as your grow.  Instead of feeling as though your body can no longer support you, you will begin to feel a new sense of love towards your body.  We are all fertile. Sometimes we just need to make the changes to get us there. Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can help support you on your journey to fertility either naturally or through your IVF cycles.