Fertility (Including Male & Female)
Chinese Medicine View on Fertility:
- Fertility in TCM is influenced by the Kidney energy, which governs reproductive health, alongside the Liver and Spleen channels.
- Balanced Qi, Blood, and Essence (Jing) are essential for conception, with patterns related to Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, or Kidney essence weakness.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Kidney Deficiency: Weakness in Kidney Qi or essence can impair reproductive health in both men and women.
- Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional stress can block the flow of Qi, affecting the menstrual cycle or sperm quality.
- Blood Deficiency: Insufficient Blood flow may lead to thin endometrial lining in women and lower sperm production in men.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Dong Quai (Angelica) and Goji Berries to nourish Blood and Kidney essence.
- Acupuncture: Points like Kidney 3 and Spleen 6 to support reproductive health by improving Qi flow and balancing hormones.
- Dietary Therapy: Nutritious, warming foods (e.g., black beans, walnuts) to strengthen the Kidney energy and support reproductive organs.
- Lifestyle: Stress reduction and adequate sleep to promote energy and vitality.
IVF/IUI Support
Chinese Medicine View on IVF/IUI Support:
- TCM supports assisted reproductive technology by focusing on improving blood flow to the reproductive organs, reducing stress, and strengthening Kidney and Spleen Qi to support implantation and embryo development.
- It aims to prepare the body for the IVF/IUI process, enhancing the chances of successful conception.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Kidney Deficiency: A common underlying factor for fertility issues, particularly in cases of recurrent IVF failures.
- Blood Stagnation: Poor blood flow to the uterus can affect implantation success.
- Emotional Stress: Stress can affect hormonal balance and the success of fertility treatments.
Treatment Approaches in TCM:
- Herbal Medicine: Use of herbs like Bai Shao (Peony) and Dang Gui to nourish the Blood and promote a receptive endometrium.
- Acupuncture: Points such as Stomach 36, Spleen 6, and Ren 4 to support embryo implantation and uterine health.
- Dietary Therapy: A diet rich in nutrient-dense foods to support energy and maintain a warm, hospitable environment for embryo development.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Regular relaxation practices to reduce stress and maintain a calm mindset throughout treatment.
Breech Baby
Chinese Medicine View on Breech Baby:
- In TCM, a breech position may occur due to Qi stagnation or a lack of warmth and balance in the mother’s body, which can restrict optimal fetal movement.
- Promoting smooth Qi flow and using warming techniques can encourage the baby to turn into the proper position.
Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Qi and Blood Stagnation: Blockages in the lower abdomen can prevent the baby from turning.
- Cold in the Uterus: A lack of warmth may restrict fetal movement.
- Stress: Emotional stress can contribute to stagnation, affecting the baby's position.
Treatment Approaches:
- Moxibustion: Burning moxa over the point Bladder 67 (on the small toe) can help create warmth, encouraging the baby to turn.
- Acupuncture: Points like Bladder 67 and Stomach 36 to promote Qi flow and improve circulation to the uterus.
- Gentle Exercises: Certain postures and light exercises may aid in creating space for fetal turning.
- Relaxation Practices: Stress reduction methods to relieve Qi stagnation and support a calm body for optimal fetal positioning.
Pre-Natal Symptoms
Chinese Medicine View on Pre-Natal Symptoms:
- During pregnancy, the body undergoes various changes, often resulting in imbalances in Qi and Blood. Symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and swelling are viewed as a result of disharmony in the Stomach, Spleen, and Kidney channels.
- TCM aims to restore balance to reduce discomfort and support a healthy pregnancy.
Common Symptoms and Causes in Chinese Medicine:
- Morning Sickness: Often due to Stomach Qi rebellion, where Stomach energy flows upward rather than down.
- Fatigue: Spleen Qi deficiency is common, as the body uses extra energy to nourish the fetus.
- Swelling: Dampness accumulation, often due to weakened Kidney and Spleen function.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Gentle formulas, often including ginger, to alleviate nausea.
- Acupuncture: Points like Pericardium 6 for nausea, Spleen 9 for fluid balance, and Stomach 36 for energy.
- Dietary Adjustments: Small, frequent meals of easy-to-digest, warm foods.
- Lifestyle Suggestions: Rest, light movement, and adequate hydration to support Qi and Blood.
Postpartum Care
Chinese Medicine View on Postpartum Care:
- Postpartum care in TCM focuses on replenishing Blood and Qi, both of which are believed to be significantly depleted during childbirth.
- This period is known as “the Golden Month,” where rest, nourishing foods, and warmth are emphasized to restore balance and support recovery.
- Prevention of postpartum complications, such as mastitis, depression, fatigue, back pain, incontinence, and constipation.
Common Issues and Causes in Chinese Medicine:
- Blood Deficiency: Loss of blood during childbirth leaves mothers susceptible to fatigue, hair loss, and mood changes.
- Qi Deficiency: Weakness in Qi post-delivery can lead to low energy and immune deficiencies.
- Cold Invasion: The body is more vulnerable to Cold, which may lead to joint pain and digestive issues.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Dang Gui and Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) to nourish Blood and invigorate Qi.
- Acupuncture: Points such as Spleen 6 and Stomach 36 to replenish Qi and Blood.
- Dietary Therapy: Warm soups and stews with ingredients like ginger and chicken to restore warmth and strength.
- Lifestyle Tips: Adequate rest, avoiding cold environments, and gentle movement to support recovery.
Child Health
Chinese Medicine View on Child Health:
- In TCM, children are seen as "pure Yang," meaning they are naturally energetic but also vulnerable to external factors like Cold, Dampness, and Heat.
- TCM promotes balanced Qi, Blood, and digestive health in children to ensure strong immunity and growth.
Common Issues in Child Health and Causes According to Chinese Medicine:
- Weak Digestive System: Children have developing Spleen and Stomach functions, making them prone to digestive issues.
- Susceptibility to External Pathogens: Exposure to Cold or Dampness can easily disrupt Qi balance in children.
- Excessive Heat: Overactive energy may manifest as irritability, fevers, or skin issues.
Treatment Approaches:
- Herbal Medicine: Gentle herbs like Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) for digestion or Huo Xiang (Agastache) for fevers.
- Pediatric Tuina (Massage Therapy): Massaging specific points to help strengthen digestion and immune function.
- Dietary Therapy: Balanced, mild foods like rice porridge and steamed vegetables to support digestion.
- Lifestyle Recommendations: Adequate outdoor activity, enough rest, and exposure to nature to balance Yang energy.