Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine views the creation of life as the union of two dynamic forces called yin and yang. Once yin and yang unite, they form the basis of our essence, the foundational substance of all beings. This essence is stored in the Kidneys and provides the map of our genetic makeup. At conception, each parent’s essence converges in order to create new life. It is of supreme importance that the Kidneys have a strong foundation and are rich in energy to provide the necessary components for conception. A lifestyle that balances rest with activity and is enriched with wholesome food builds Kidney potential and enhances fertility. The inability to manage the stresses of daily life, stimulants (such as coffee or energy drinks), alcohol, lack of time for relaxation, and lack of a high quality diet can all lead to a decrease in Kidney energy. Many individuals facing fertility challenges can benefit from boosting their Kidney energy through acupuncture, Chinese herbs and lifestyle modifications, thereby enhancing their fertility potential.

There is a complex interplay between the organ systems in Traditional Chinese Medicine. These systems rely on each other for balance and as a source of energy in which to provide vital substances throughout the body. Several of these organ systems are very important for fertility and act in accordance with the Kidneys to ensure a proper foundation from which conception can take place. One of the most important of these is the Liver. From a Chinese perspective, the Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of qi, regulation of the menstrual cycle and proper timing of ovulation. When the Liver is not in balance, one might notice severe PMS, migraines before menses, erratic basal body temperature charts or a sense that they get easily irritated. An overactive Liver often causes digestive upset by acting too forcefully on the Spleen. The Spleen’s energy is responsible for gathering the nutrients from our food and using them to enrich our blood and nourish our reproductive system. If the Spleen is deficient, it will be unable to perform its duties and one might notice loose stools, fatigue, spotting before menses and a deep sense of constant worry. Finally, the Heart, which provides us with a sense of animated spirit, connects our mind to our essence and forms a balance for the ultimate reproductive potential. When the Heart is uneasy we will experience anxiety, palpitations and an inability to achieve restful sleep.

These organ systems constantly weave energy back and forth to each other in order to maintain balance in our lives. If this balance is slightly shifted, Traditional Chinese Medicine can be used to regain a sense of wellness.

For more information, Randine Lewis has written a wonderful book, The Infertility Cure, explaining how Traditional Chinese Medicine can enhance fertility.

Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs Treatment Focus

The monthly menstrual cycle is intricately complex and involves a delicate web of multiple systems. The slightest imbalance in any one component of these systems can adversely affect fertility. Depending on your situation, we generally recommend a minimum of three to six months preparatory time to bring these imbalances back to center.

We do this for two reasons:

Nature cannot be forcibly rushed into balance. In most cases, it took some time to get where you are today. So, it will take a little time to get back into balance, but you CAN get back.
Assisted fertility pursuits are a costly investment – biologically, psychologically and financially. Therefore, it makes sense to ensure your body is in its best condition to produce high quality eggs, allow embryo implantation, foster a full-term pregnancy and ultimately give birth to a healthy baby.

That being said, wherever you are in your process, we are here to assist you – even if you have an IVF next week or an IUI tomorrow. TCM can offer exceptional stress relief during the assisted cycle by reducing side effects from stimulation medications and smoothing emotions.

Our fertility treatment approach is four-fold:

Acupuncture: Through the insertion and manipulation of hair-thin needles, acupuncture disperses excess and builds deficiency in order to achieve balance.
Dietary recommendations: One of the easiest ways to incorporate Chinese medicine into your life is through the foods you eat. We can make effective recommendations based on your specific, individual needs.
Lifestyle recommendations: Incorporating certain lifestyle habits can enhance fertility. For example, we may suggest Shiatsu massage,Yoga for fertility, Counseling, Exercise, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Guided Imagery, and Meditation as parts of your fertility plan.
Chinese herbal medicine: If appropriate, we will recommend concurrent herbal medicine treatment in the form of granules or pills.

Your First Acupuncture and Chinese Herb Appointment

During your first visit, there will be an extensive interview covering most aspects of your health and habits. Please bring in any and all lab work (specifically FSH, LH, estradiol and progesterone), diagnostic test results, and medical findings to this appointment if you have them. After the interview and reviewing of any medical records, we will then look at your tongue and palpate your wrist pulses. All the information gathered will be used to assess your whole health picture. If we feel TCM would be effective for you, a plan for your treatment will then be created. An acupuncture treatment will be given and an herbal formula, if appropriate, will be created especially for you. Your first visit will take about 90 minutes, with subsequent visits lasting 45 – 60 minutes. Acupuncture uses hair-thin solid, needles and is usually painless. All needles used are sterile and disposable. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing; in fact many patients fall asleep on the table.