Struggling to Conceive? Here’s how TCM Addresses Male and Female Infertility

Many people attribute Singapore’s falling birth rate to factors such as our cost of living and the increasing number of couples choosing not to have children. However, while these are valid reasons, it’s important to also recognise that there are those who desire to start a family but face difficulties doing so. In fact, approximately 15% of couples are unable to conceive successfully within their first year of trying. 

Fortunately, couples have the option of seeking help from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to improve their fertility. Not sure if it’s effective? According to a study, women who received TCM had a 48% increase in successful pregnancies compared to those who did not. 

But since men can also be infertile due to several reasons, husbands should take steps to maintain reproductive health too. Learn more about TCM for fertility below and how it helps to provide new hope for those who want to expand their family. 

1. Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies have long been celebrated for their natural ability to boost overall health. They’re great solutions for both male and female fertility too!

Herbs such as morinda roots (Ba Ji), goji berries (Gou Qi Zi), and schisandra berries (Wu Wei Zi) can combat oxidative stress, which is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body that can wreak havoc on sperm health. They help to bolster the body’s defense mechanism and contribute to maintaining the vitality and motility of sperm. 

Besides men’s fertility, these herbs also play a role in enhancing female fertility. They work to balance hormonal levels, regulate menstrual cycles, and improve overall female reproductive health. 

Other TCM herbs for fertility, such as Chinese angelica root (dang gui), chasteberry vitex (Man Jing Zi), and white peony root (Bai Shao) are also great for promoting uterine health, improving cervical mucus, and supporting the luteal phase crucial for implantation and pregnancy, 

2. Diet and Nutrition

From a TCM standpoint, the Kidney is a vital organ system for fertility health in both men and women. They are believed to store the body’s essential essence, or Jing, which is closely associated with reproductive health and longevity. So, in order to boost fertility, one will have to nourish their Kidneys through a balanced and nutritious diet. 

It is recommended that both men and women:

• Consume warm and nourishing foods, such as soups, stews, and whole grains, to support the Qi and Yang energy.
• Eat high-quality sources of protein like lean meats, fish, and eggs to nourish the Kidneys and replenish Jing.
• Include foods that are naturally black or dark coloured, such as black beans, black sesame seeds, and blackberries, to support the Kidney energy. 

Other foods that nourish the Kidney include:

• Goji Berries: They are rich in antioxidants and believed to support Yin energy in the Kidneys
• Wild Black Rice: Strengthen the Kidney and nourish the Spleen for better gut health
• Bone Broth: The bone and marrow that are rich in minerals and collagen nourish the Kidney Qi and Essence
• Black Beans: Tonify the Kidney and reduce water retention
• Seaweed: Supports Kidney Yin and overall health

3. Acupuncture

Acupuncture for fertility is an ancient and trusted practice to support both male and female fertility, and also a good treatment modality to complement IVF and IUI treatments. The practice of inserting needles into various meridian points is said to do wonders for the body. Here’s how it works at improving reproductive health:

• Regulate hormones

Hormonal irregularities can disrupt the menstrual cycle and impair ovulation in women, as well as cause poor sperm production and quality in men. Acupuncture works to address these issues by:

• • Stimulating the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins to regulate hormones (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone, Luteinising Hormone, oestrogen, and progesterone) in women. 
  • Stimulating the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in men to increase testosterone levels, which is crucial for healthy sperm quality and quantity. 

• Reduce stress and anxiety

High levels of stress disrupt hormonal balance and reduce blood flow to one’s reproductive organs. Acupuncture helps to reduce stress and lower cortisol levels by triggering the release of endorphins, which are also natural stress relievers. This regulates hormones, delivers calming and stress-reducing effects, and improves overall reproductive health. 

• Improve blood flow

Acupuncture promotes better blood circulation throughout the body, including the reproductive organs. This increase in blood flow to the ovaries and the testes helps to:

• Enhance egg quality and maturation in women
• Increase uterine thickness and nourish the womb for successful embryo implantation
• Support the production of healthier sperm

4. Moxibustion

Moxibustion is a TCM therapy that involves burning mugwort herb on or near acupuncture points on the body. When combined with acupuncture, moxibustion boasts many benefits, serving as an effective infertility treatment modality for both males and females. Here’s a look at what it does:

• Resolve blood stasis in women

Blood stasis is a condition where blood circulation is impaired and blood flow becomes sluggish. This can cause menstrual irregularities, such as dark clotty periods or endometriosis. Moxibustion helps to promote blood circulation and alleviate blood stasis to create a healthier environment in the uterus of embryo implantation and to improve overall fertility in women. 

• Warming the “Cold Womb”

When the uterus lacks warming Yang energy and adequate blood circulation, Moxibustion around the pelvic area helps to expel coldness to “warm” the uterus and maintain a highly nurturing home for a baby to grow. 

• Increase testosterone levels in men

Moxibustion can be used to stimulate acupuncture points linked to the Kidney to increase Yang energy and boost testosterone production. This plays a huge role in sperm production, quality, and libido. 

Improve Your Reproductive Health with TCM

TCM’s approach to addressing infertility issues has increased the possibilities of a successful and healthy pregnancy for many couples who are trying. Focusing on balancing the body’s energies and promoting overall health is a safe and natural way to overcome reproductive challenges in the long run. 

Learn More: How TCM Promotes a Healthy Pregnancy & Helps Mothers Regain Vitality After Childbirth

Take charge of your fertility journey today with Thomson Chinese Medicine’s tailored solutions for male and female infertility. Our treatment modalities are designed to cater to your body constitution and resolve your unique fertility needs. Find a clinic near you.