Are you struggling to conceive and considering fertility treatments but hoping to find a more natural and holistic solution? Consider Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Having been used for centuries to improve reproductive health and boost fertility, TCM is a safe complement to many conventional infertility treatments in Singapore.
Through techniques such as acupuncture, herbal remedies and dietary changes, TCM for fertility can help regulate your menstrual cycle, improve sperm count and quality, and create a nurturing environment for conception.
Keep reading for tips to boost fertility the natural way, according to TCM.
1. Keep your lower abdomen warm (for women)
TCM physicians believe that keeping the lower abdomen warm can help ensure good blood circulation to the womb, creating an ideal environment for implantation. It also prevents coldness from entering the body which helps regulate the menstrual cycle and alleviate cramps. Prioritise cosy, warm clothing over tight-fitting and short outfits to avoid cold womb syndrome.
2. Enhance your IVF and IUI success with TCM for fertility
There is no harm in getting a fresh perspective from another practitioner – in fact, TCM for fertility can work in tandem with Western treatments like IVF and IUI to increase success rates. With its focus on restoring balance and harmony within the body, TCM can help improve blood flow to the reproductive organs, regulate hormonal imbalances and reduce stress and anxiety – factors that can contribute to infertility.
3. Try herbal medications
TCM also uses herbs to support the reproductive health of both partners to increase the chances of conception. From Dang Gui to Bai Shao, there are numerous herbs that can help regulate menstrual cycles to improve follicle development and ovulation. Furthermore, herbal tonics keep the body warm and nourish it with Qi, creating an optimal environment for implantation and pregnancy.
When it comes to addressing fertility issues in men, Chinese herbs can be a powerful tool too – wolfberries and Chinese dodder seed are often used to support the Kidney and Liver, while Codonopsis root and Astragalus are utilised to target the Spleen and Lung Qi. These help to improve sperm quality and quantity.
4. Consider acupuncture
Acupuncture for fertility offers both men and women a multitude of benefits. When specific acupoints are stimulated, blood flow and hormone levels in women get regulated, improving ovulation and improving the chances of conceiving. Acupuncture can also be a valuable tool for women struggling with conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome, which can affect ovulation and embryo implantation, hence reducing the chances of conceiving.
Stress is also a major factor that can negatively impact male fertility, and acupuncture can help address that too. By reducing mental stress and releasing tension and anxiety, acupuncture relieves Liver Qi stagnation, Spleen and Kidney Qi deficiency to promote a healthier environment for sperm production and support the overall reproductive health of men.
5. Load up on fertility-boosting food – especially rice
When it comes to TCM for fertility, physicians tend to emphasise the importance of diet and nutrition as the food you consume is seen as a powerful tool for promoting balance and harmony within the body, which is essential for optimal reproductive health. By nourishing your body with the right food, you can help support your body’s natural processes and improve your chances of conception. A diet rich in unsaturated fats, whole grains, vegetables and fish that have been linked to improved fertility in both men and women is recommended.
A special tip from our physicians is to incorporate rice in your meals – even for ladies who are on a diet but planning to conceive. TCM views grains as a good source of nourishment for the Spleen which is necessary for the production of sufficient Qi & Blood to support the proper functioning of the body’s organs, including your reproductive organs. If you are underweight or malnourished, your chances of conceiving can be impacted. Our TCM physicians recommend adding at least a small portion of rice to your diet for your fertility.
Learn more: Top 30 Foods You Should Eat To Boost Your Fertility
6. Manage stress levels
In TCM, stress is seen as a major contributor to a variety of fertility issues, including irregular menstrual cycles, poor egg quality and low sperm count. This is because stress can lead to imbalances in the body’s Qi, which is the vital life force that flows through all living things. When Qi is flowing smoothly, the body is able to function optimally and maintain balance. But when Qi becomes stagnant or blocked due to stress, it can create a range of health problems including fertility issues.
Incorporate stress-reducing practices like meditation, acupuncture for fertility or stretching exercises such as yoga or pilates into your routine to encourage a good flow of Qi and increase the chances of conceiving.
7. Cut down on smoking and drinking
The Kidneys and Liver are considered key organs for reproduction according to TCM and smoking and drinking can compromise their functions, making it more difficult to conceive. Smoking is particularly harmful, as it can lead to a decrease in both sperm count and motility, as well as affect the quality of eggs. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt the balance of hormones and negatively impact ovulation in women.
Focus on adopting healthy habits instead, like regular exercise and a balanced diet, to enhance overall health for conception.
Let TCM support you through your fertility journey
It is natural to feel overwhelmed and unsure about what to do next if you are struggling with infertility, but do not give up hope just yet. TCM could be the missing piece to the puzzle – from acupuncture for fertility to herbal medications, TCM can improve your chances of conception while also addressing any underlying imbalances that may be affecting your reproductive health.
Whether you are just starting out on your fertility journey or you have been trying for a while, let our team here at Oriental Remedies Group be your partner in this process.
Note: All words in Italics refer to the TCM organ-system and not the anatomical organ referenced in western medicine.
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