From the moment each of us is created, we are given a very special combination of traits and gifts from our parents and ancestors. In Chinese Medicine this is known as Pre-Heaven or Congenital Qi ("pronounced "chee"). When we are born, we are nourished and nurtured by our parents’ and caregivers’ actions, the food we are given, and the environment we live in. This is known as Post-Heaven or Acquired Qi. While we have little control of what we are born with, we do have some influence over the factors we allow to nurture us. The foods we eat, the people we interact with, the activities we engage in: all of these affect our energy, mood, and overall health. And all these things in turn, can have a very real impact on the future generations we create as well.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF INFERTILITY?
For women, the major causes of infertility are Endometriosis, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, poor egg quality, difficulties with ovulation, female tube blockages from pelvic inflammatory disease, sperm allergies (to partner’s sperm), scarring from Sexually Transmitted Diseases such as Chlamydia, or previous sterilization procedures.

Infertility

In men, infertility can be due to poor sperm quality, low sperm count, altered sperm morphology (shape), sperm allergies (normally after a reverse vasectomy), male tube blockages arising from varicoceles, and scarring caused from sexually transmitted diseases such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea.

In cases of unexplained infertility, environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides or other toxins, extreme stress, or extreme weight gain or loss may be the root cause in failure to conceive or maintain a pregnancy. Infertility in both partners, known as ‘combination infertility,’ may also arise if both partners have factors that affect their fertility.

1) How Can Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Help
Acupuncture is a medical art based on over three thousand years of clinical experience. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, there are several patterns of disharmony that can lead to infertility such as those
relating to the Kidney and Liver energy systems. By restoring a smooth and proper flow to these energy channels, acupuncture also allows for proper blood circulation, digestion, metabolism, and reproductive functioning.

From a western perspective, acupuncture has been scientifically proven to release pain-reducing endorphins; affect pain perception and mood; as well as improve circulation and immune function. Acupuncture can directly benefit fertility by relieving stress and encouraging proper hormonal balance. For these reasons, it is often used to improve sperm and egg quality, reduce scar tissue, fibroids, and cysts, promote a healthy uterine lining, regulate menstrual cycles, and decrease the chances of miscarriage.

2) Herbal Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs are combined together to address your particular set of signs and symptoms. The herbs work synergistically to eliminate unwanted materials from the body and to encourage good circulation and energy flow. For women this also helps to create a hospitable environment for an embryo, and later a fetus, to grow. A consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner (minimum of four years training in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine) can help your cycles become regular and resolve any other health concerns that may need to be addressed.

3) Nutrition
While nutritional advice will depend on each individual’s pattern of signs and symptoms, in general, it is best to eat a balanced diet of whole grains, organic fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes as well as eggs, nuts, soy
products, and wild fish. Foods that are heavier on the digestive system such as red meat, fried, greasy foods, processed foods, and dairy products should be limited or avoided altogether. Preparation of food is also important. Too much raw food can impair proper food digestion, while overcooking/ microwaving food will destroy essential nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. Drinking plenty of fluids such as de-caffeinated herbal teas and natural spring water is also advised to help flush out toxins in the body.