Chinese Remedies For Infertility

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is becoming increasingly popular among Westerners for the treatment of infertility. Unlike Western infertility treatments, which treat the physical symptoms of infertility with drugs, TCM ministers to the mind, body and spirit of the infertile patient through natural remedies. The purpose of treating the whole person in this manner is to restore the balance of opposing energies in the body--called yin and yang--thus creating prime conditions for conception.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a crucial means of treating infertility in TCM. In acupuncture treatment, very fine needles are inserted at various points in the body to stimulate invisible energy pathways. Although scientists are not certain how and why acupuncture works, numerous studies have nonetheless revealed it to be helpful in the treatment of infertility. According to Preconceptionweekly.com, acupuncture can help relax and increase blood flow to the uterus, stimulate ovulation, reduce stress, and boost sperm count and motility. In addition, findings in a 2002 German study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility showed that in-vitro fertilization (IVF) success rates were as much as 50% higher when the female patients' medical treatment was accompanied by acupuncture therapy than when the treatment was not.

Herbal Therapy

Herbal formulas have been used by the Chinese to treat infertility since ancient times. According to Dr. Randine Lewis, author of "The Infertility Cure," herbs can aid infertility by, among other things, regularizing the menstrual cycle, stimulating estrogen production, increasing cervical mucus, toning reproductive organs, improving sperm quality and morphology and lowering follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). However, Dr. Lewis points out that in TCM, the practitioners do not concoct an herbal formula based on a particular symptom, but on an individual's balance of yin and yang. Accordingly, in TCM there is no "standard" herbal treatment for infertility. For best results, you should see a TCM practitioner who, after a thorough examination, can assess your specific need. Common herbs used in TCM include, dong quai, vitex, black cohosh, false unicorn root, Chinese raspberry, and goatweed.

Qi-gong

Under the principles of TCM, infertility and other medical conditions may occur when the qi--life energy--is blocked or stagnant. Qi-gong, pronounced "chee-gong," is a collection of movement, breathing and meditation techniques that bring a person to a wholly relaxed state, thus enabling the qi to move freely through the body. Qi-gong exercises differ depending on the nature of the illness you seek to treat. Therefore, when you are having reproductive problems, you should seek techniques specifically designed for infertility.