TCM Briefs - Infertility; A Chinese Medicine Perspective

The Science

There may be many contributing causes to female infertility. An imbalance between the hypothalamus, pituitary, and reproductive glands, and even stress, can prevent a woman from ovulating. All these factors may affect female infertility. 

Stress can also create spasms in both the fallopian tubes and the uterus and interfere with the movement and implantation of a fertilized egg. 

In men, stress can alter sperm counts, motility, and cause issues such as erectile dysfunction. 

In scientific terms, acupuncture treatments focusing on infertility counter the effects of stress and cortisol by releasing endorphins in the brain. Traditional Chinese medicine has a very different way to explain the mechanisms of acupuncture.

TCM History and Success Treating Infertility

Traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced for thousands of years. TCM includes techniques and practices such as Acupuncture, Taichi, Moxibustion, Tuina (pressure point) Massage, Chinese Cupping, and Herbal Medicine Formulas. Acupuncture has recently achieved acceptance by the general public and therapists’ practices are now regulated in Ontario. Not only is acupuncture valued in health management, but it’s also a key treating component for many disorders including infertility. For many, TCM has become an irreplaceable health and lifestyles choice. 

When used with conventional Western fertility treatments, acupuncture increases conception rates. A recent study from Tel Aviv University in Israel, reports, “When combining IUI with TCM treatments, 65.5 percent of the test group conceived, compared with 39.4 percent of the control group, who received no herbal or acupuncture therapy.” For the 4.5 million couples experiencing infertility each year, acupuncture may be just what the doctor ordered!

A TCM Infertility Treatment Plan (for Men AND Women)

Each case of infertility is different and requires an individual and customized consultation with a licensed TCM doctor. Usually, the treatment plan includes customized prescribed herbal medicine and acupuncture. Sometimes TCM practitioners employ other practices like Moxibustion and Chinese Cupping for additional benefit. Each patient is evaluated during the initial consultation and re-evaluated for progress and treatment fit at each visit.

Across the entire population, 40 percent of infertility is female infertility, while 40 percent is male infertility, such as low sperm count, impotence, or motility. Both male and female herbal formulas are designed for each patient. Chinese Herbal formulas may be prescribed to stimulate the kidney and replenish the vital essence, reinforce the balance of both Qi and blood, activate the blood and soothe the liver and suppress the liver Qi stagnation (in Chinese medicine terms). To ensure a fit between herbal formula and the health condition, a TCM practitioner must provide a proper diagnosis.

For those trying to become pregnant, TCM is a powerful and natural treatment. Acupuncture has been shown to improve uterine lining, increase blood flow to the uterus and regulate the stress associated with trying to get conceive. Acupuncture for men can enhance sperm quality and mobility boosting the chances of conceiving a baby. Chinese herbs can also address erectile dysfunction and other related disorders.

We look forward to seeing you and providing the highest level of care we have always strived to achieve.  

Total Wellness Staff