Please enjoy this article about Acupuncture and Female Infertility, and some great resources for you to research the topic further. I recommend that you book an appointment with one of our acupuncturists at Elements Wellness Centre to discuss this further.
Definition of Infertility
Infertility is defined as the failure to become pregnant after a year of unprotected intercourse during the time of ovulation. A broader view of infertility includes not being able to carry a pregnancy to term.
Infertility from a Chinese Medicine Point of View
Chinese medicine views infertility as an imbalance in the body. In order to treat infertility first you must get the body back to a state of homeostasis. In Chinese medicine the Kidney organ system contains our genetic makeup, controls the reproductive system and a woman’s hormones, it connects reproductive, skeletal, neurological and endocrine systems, stores Essence which is the foundation of our energy. If Kidney energy is deficient it will be difficult for a female to conceive.
The Liver organ system controls the smooth flow of Blood and is responsible for all transformations in the body including ovulation and menstruation. One main focus for treatment of infertility is to regulate the menstrual cycle and treat any conditions such as PMS and dysmenorrhea. The Liver system is prone to stagnation and can affect psychological issues such as depression, stress and anxiety.
The Heart organ system governs our mind and spirit. Relaxation
and emotional balance is an important part of fertility. Heart also controls Blood and circulation as well as provides Blood for the Uterus.
The Spleen organ system governs energy production, metabolism, digestion and elimination. It converts nutrients and Qi into Blood and is essential for healthy menstrual cycle. Spleen system also affects thyroid hormone production and sustains the luteal phase.
The Uterus organ system is known as the “Palace of the child”. It is connected with the rest of the body, especially the Heart and Kidneys. The Uterus is the source of Conception and Penetrating meridians.
Important meridians for infertility are the Penetrating meridian, Conception meridian, Governing meridian and the Girdle meridian.
Penetrating Meridian – Presides over menstruation and hormonal cycles.
Conception Meridian – Regulates Yin energy and connects with production of energy.
Governing Meridian – Regulates Yang energy and oversees testosterone and progesterone production.
Girdle Meridian – Binds the Penetrating, Conception, Kidney, Liver and Spleen channels. It is used to drain excess vaginal discharge and restrains vaginal leakage, including miscarriage.
Nutrition & Supplementation
Raspberry tea and Nettle tea – 1 tsp of each in an 8 oz cup, 2-3 times daily. Steep for 10 minutes
Pre-natal Multi Vitamin – A quality multivitamin may increase fertility.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) – This can help with the health of the reproductive system, heart and brain as well as promote overall health. EFA are crucial for healthy hormone functions.
Vitamin E – (400 IU/day) This may increase egg quality and fertility.
PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid) – (400 mg/day) This is believed to increase the ability of estrogen to facilitate fertility.
Co-enzyme-Q10 – (30-100 mg/day) May improve egg quality.
Folic Acid – (400 mcg/day) May prevent neural tube defects and other birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid together with Vitamin B12 helps to ensure that your baby’s genetic codes are intact. It is important to not only take folic acid but to take all the vitamin B’s.
Vitamin B6 – (30-50 mg/day) Has shown to help increase fertility.
Zinc – (30 mg/day) It is an essential component of genetic material and a zinc deficiency can cause chromosome changes in both men and women. This can lead to infertility and miscarriages. Zinc is necessary for your body to attract and hold the reproductive hormones, estrogen and progesterone.
Selenium – (50 mcg/day) This antioxidant helps to protect your body from free radicals which in turn helps to decrease birth defects and miscarriages.
L-Arginine – (16 g/day) Has shown to increase fertility in women who had previously failed with in-vitro fertilization.
Vitamin C – (500-1000 mg/day) This powerful anti-oxidant helps to protect cells and strengthen the immune system.
Recommended Reading
The Infertility Cure – The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies by Randine Lewis, Ph.D.
Fertility Wisdom – How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help Overcome Infertility by Angela C Wu, LAc, OMD
Fertility and Conception – The Complete Guide to Getting Pregnant by Zita West
Pregnancy the Natural Way by Zita West