5 Deficiencies That Could Be Affecting Your Fertility According to TCM
Did you know that infertility affects one in seven couples in the UK? That’s around 3.5 million people. It’s an emotional challenge for the people given this diagnosis.
But you shouldn’t give up – according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your fertility is caused by imbalances in the body’s systems. Whether it’s the flow of energy, a build-up of dampness, or a blood deficiency, these infertility causes cascade through your body’s system, disrupting normal function.
Given that fertility usually relies on everything working in sync, it’s easy to see how hormonal fluctuations or blood problems could affect a successful pregnancy. After all, the fertilised embryo must implant into the uterus and receive adequate nutrition to survive.
So, what can you do? Thankfully, TCM has evidence-based solutions to counteract the reasons for infertility. But first, you must understand which deficiencies can affect fertility – and why.
5 Deficiencies That Can Affect Fertility
1. Kidney Deficiency
According to Chinese medicine, the kidneys are considered the foundation of reproductive health. Due to Kidney’s importance in fertility in TCM, a Kidney Deficiency can significantly affects fertility by disrupting hormonal balance, flow of blood as well as the vital energy known as Qi.
Kidney deficiency can exist in 3 different forms…
Kidney deficiency can exist in 3 different forms for example: Kidney Yin Deficiency can cause poor egg quality and thin endometrial lining, while Kidney Yang Deficiency, can lead to ovulation issues and low sperm motility issues. Kidney Essence Deficiency can result in over all developmental and reproductive problems.
Deficiencies differ from person to person, to establish your Kidney deficiencies that can affect fertility, we recommend speaking to an experience Chinese Medicine expert.
2. Liver Qi Stagnation
Liver Qi stagnation is a common diagnosis in Chinese Medicine. Symptoms like irritability, and menstrual irregularities are common – often linked to stress or emotional imbalances within the body.
How does this deficiency affect fertility?
Kidney deficiency can exist in 3 different forms for example: Kidney Yin Deficiency can cause poor egg quality and thin endometrial lining, while Kidney Yang Deficiency, can lead to ovulation issues and low sperm motility issues. Kidney Essence Deficiency can result in over all developmental and reproductive problems.
Deficiencies differ from person to person, to establish your Kidney deficiencies that can affect fertility, we recommend speaking to an experience Chinese Medicine expert.
3. Spleen Qi Deficiency
Your spleen is responsible for transporting Qi and Blood throughout your body. When it becomes deficient, the energy necessary for optimal fertility isn’t available, reducing the chance of getting pregnant.
Spleen Qi Deficiency can impact on fertility.
Spleen Qi deficiency is marked by fatigue, digestive issues, a pale tongue, and a weakened immune system. People also complain of bloating, weight gain, and general malaise. Recognising these symptoms early on highlights the connection between digestive health and reproductive function. We are what we eat.
In terms of fertility, the reproductive system requires this energy to build a strong and healthy uterine lining for embryo implantation. There’s also the ongoing energy demand to support the growing foetus. Women with a Spleen Qi deficiency simply can’t keep up.
Related: Unveiling the Potential Link Between Endometriosis and Gut Health
4. Blood Deficiency/Stasis
Blood is critical in pregnancy. It’s blood that builds the uterine line and transports nutrients to the growing foetus. It is Blood that supports the Spleen, Liver, and Heart. It’s the essential substance that connects our bodies together.
If a Blood Deficiency and/ or Blood Stasis exists…
If a Blood Deficiency and/ or Blood Stasis exists, it can affect fertility by leading to insufficient nourishment and impaired circulation to the reproductive organs.
Blood deficiency leads to dizziness, paleness, and scanty or irregular menstruation. Blood stasis refers to the stagnation of blood flow, causing pain, clots, and a darkened menstrual flow, which in turn can cause blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and other conditions that can affect conception and implantation. In either case, fertility is significantly affected. Of all the infertility causes, it’s among the most important.
Solving the problem is relatively simple. Providing better nutrition helps tonify blood, improve flow, and restore normal bodily function.
Related: Natural Blood Building Herbs for Blood Deficiency
Recommended supplement: Si Wu Tang
5. Dampness and Phlegm Accumulation
Dampness and phlegm accumulation are both reasons for infertility. Similar to other causes of infertility, they obstruct the flow of Qi and blood.
Dampness and phlegm accumulation can lead to…
Dampness and phlegm accumulation can lead to hormonal imbalances and blockages in the reproductive system, and manifesting as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cysts, fibroids, and excessive vaginal discharge in women, contributing to irregular menstruation and ovulation issues.
Symptoms include a feeling of heaviness, lethargy, excess mucus, and digestive discomfort. Wondering what that has to do with fertility? Well, this accumulation can block the reproductive organs, disrupt the hormonal balance, and prevent adequate nutrition from reaching the uterus. Together, the results can be devastating.
People with weight issues are at particular risk of dampness and phlegm accumulation. They may notice scanty periods, late periods, or even a complete absence of menstruation.
TCM Approaches to Address the Reasons for Infertility
Acupuncture is a highly effective treatment for remedying deficiencies that can affect fertility. The procedure involves inserting fine needles into specific points of the body related to the flow of Qi.
Undergoing the treatment can correct imbalances in female reproduction, regulate sex hormone levels and even help egg development and maturation in previously infertile women. That could be beneficial for Liver Qi stagnation and other causes of infertility that affect hormone levels.
Another study found that acupuncture resolves built-up stress. It triggers the release of endorphins, which relax the body. Stress is a common underlying cause of many of the deficiencies that can affect fertility.
For conditions like Blood Deficiency or dampness and phlegm accumulation, acupuncture can help. In one study, it improved uterine blood flow, resulting in a thickened endometrium for implantation. A truly incredible result.
Related: Acupuncture and Fertility: How Effective is Acupuncture For Fertility?
Related: When Is the Best Time to Have Acupuncture For Fertility Treatment?
Women’s Life Power
Woman’s Life Power by GinSen is a unique herbal blend supplement to support women trying to conceive. Expertly formulated by fertility experts to improve egg quality and balance hormones for the female body looking to conceive either naturally or through IVF. Ideal to add to your daily life these natural fertility supplements can help with fertility issues related to FSH, AMH levels, PCOS, and irregular ovulation.
Her Estro Balance
Her Estro Balance can provide an extra boost when it comes to ovarian reserve and hormones. This new improved formula is expertly formulated with a blend of best plant-based ingredients and vitamins, helps to support the body’s natural hormone production. It promotes healthy ovary function and provides nutritional support whilst trying to conceive or simply looking to balance hormones.
Diet underlies many of the reasons for infertility. Thus, by correcting your diet, you fix these causes of infertility, restoring normal function. Here are some key recommendations:
1. Balanced Diet: Consume whole grains, fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and warm, cooked foods to support Qi and Blood.
2. Avoid Certain Foods: Limit cold, raw foods and damp-producing items like dairy and greasy foods to prevent Spleen Qi deficiency and dampness accumulation.
3. Moderate Exercise: Engage in regular, moderate physical activities to enhance the flow of Qi and maintain overall health.
4. Adequate Rest: Ensure sufficient sleep and rest to support bodily functions and rejuvenate energy levels.
5. Stress Management: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga to balance emotions and reduce Liver Qi stagnation.
6. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated and maintain optimal bodily functions.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you with deficiencies that can affect fertility, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
