Chinese Medicine for Infertility

Chinese Medicine for Infertility

Given the holistic nature of Chinese medicine it is no surprise that the treatment of infertility involves assessing the subtle elemental imbalances of ones’ make-up. These imbalances are so inter-related with our day to day living that they are reflected everywhere giving us the opportunity to view the whole within the part and even more importantly this understanding allows us to create the change that is needed.

Although these elemental/energetic imbalances are unique to each and every one of us, some very common patterns emerge in infertility that are worth discussing. Firstly, deficiency of kidney energy. In Chinese medicine the kidneys are viewed as the organs that store our procreative energy. This energy fuels our will to live, our stamina and stores our potential. It gives us the ability to menstruate, conceive and give birth. It determines the quality of the egg and sperm and nourishes a growing fetus. It governs the major cycles in our life - puberty and menopause.

The kidneys are governed by the element of water and like the earth that we live in are in danger of suffering from the dehydrating and toxic effects of over-use and pollution. The quality of our kidney energy is reflected in our bones, teeth and hair. Deficiency can create lower back ache, fearfulness, anxiety, depression, weak knees and ankles, tinnitus, incontinence or frequent urination, lack of motivation and exhaustion (particularly in the late afternoon). It will often be seen in cases of infertility where no medical diagnosis can be found.

So how do we preserve this life giving energy and how do we replenish it when stress from the inevitable challenges of life cause us to draw excessively on our kidney energy reserves.

Rest! Rest for the physical body, rest for the mind and rest for the emotions. Peacefulness and tranquility within, regardless of lifes’ dramas.

Sleep.

Massage.

Acupuncture can specifically nurture this energy.

Chinese herbs. There is a very long tradition of the use of Chinese herbs and acupuncture in strengthening kidney energy and treating infertility.

Meditation.

Internal martial arts like qi-gong and tai-chi. Also yoga.

The preservation of sexual energy is also important. This energy should neither be suppressed or excessively dissipated. If sex is tiring it is sometimes beneficial to reduce or abstain from sex, (particularly ejaculation with men) for a period of up to three months prior to conception with the aim of preserving the kidney energy. During this time loving intimacy with your partner will further enhance the nurturing aspect of this abstinence. It is very much like winter when the earths’ activity slows and quietens to prepare for the new life of spring.

When it comes to food, over-consumption of processed food, junk food, sugar, additives, preservatives, coffee, alcohol and drugs in general can also have a depleting effect on the kidney energy.

The second important pattern seen in infertility is that of stagnation. In Chinese medicine our health depends on the smooth uninterrupted flow of energy throughout our body. This nourishes the cells and organs and allows regularity and harmony in the release and balance of hormones creating reproductive health. Disruption to this process is commonly referred to as liver qi stagnation. The most common cause of liver qi stagnation is emotional blockage created through our thoughts and experiences. Hurts, grief, anger, frustration, resentment, or any number of emotional reactions that build within us will inevitably create obstruction within the physical body. Obstruction occurs when we choose to allow these emotions to hold us back and limit our potential.

Over time stagnation can create physical blockages within the reproductive system. This may manifest as endometriosis, fibroids, cysts or polycystic ovarian syndrome . Liver qi stagnation also plays a very large role in PMS and menstrual pain. It is important to note that no physical blockage may be present, yet the blockage within the energy circuits may be enough to prevent conception.

So basically the general principle is to get things moving. Massage and acupuncture are both very good for this. The use of moxibustion(heat therapy) is often applied to the acupuncture points, especially with women who have been exposed to severe or prolonged cold in the lower abdomen or uterus through things like surgery, swimming, etc. Regular exercise, particularly yoga can be very good.

Kate Gray

Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Adv. Dip. HSC ( Acupuncture )
Cert. IV Remedial Therapies ( Oriental Massage )
Member ATMS ( Rebates for most private health funds )

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