The success of TCM in treating infertility can be found in early Chinese medical literature dating back to the 11TH Century AD. TCM recognises that different energies dominate each phase of the menstrual cycle. To treat infertility, it is key that we must understand the characteristics of the menstrual cycle and the Yin-Yang patterns, therefore your prescription may vary depending on your needs at each stage of your cycle.

Phase I, Yin phase – follicular phase:

Kidney yin (essence) and blood govern the follicular phase. It is necessary to nourish the kidney yin and enrich Qi and blood, to support oestrogen, improve egg quality, strengthen the endometrial lining, and to prepare the basic condition for conception.

Phase II, ovulation phase:

This is a process of transformation. Liver Qi and blood flow control ovulation. Liver Qi is triggered to begin the transformation of yin energy (oestrogen) into yang energy (progesterone). Therefore to nourish kidney yin and warm up kidney yang, enrich the Qi and activate the blood to promote ovulation.

Phase III, Yang phase – luteal phase:

Kidney yang and spleen Qi dominate the luteal phase, so it is crucial to strengthen kidney yang and spleen Qi, nourish the blood to support progesterone, in order to increase the chances of successful implantation.

Phase IV, the premenstrual phase:

Liver Qi helps the premenstrual transformation, converts yang energy into yin energy. This harmonises the liver Qi to promote blood circulation, unblock the channels and regulate period.

Phase V, the blood phase – menstrual phase:

Blood is allowed to flow, menstruation is the resting stage for all the energies. It is important to regulate the Qi and blood, nourish the yin and move the blood stasis in order to eradicate the old blood, and fresh blood can then take its place.

For male infertility

TCM has demonstrated that it can increase the blood flow and strengthen the functions of male reproductive organs, improve sperm quality and quantity. Therefore, the female partner may not only have a better chance of conceiving naturally, but also have less risk of miscarriage or complications, or you can attempt less invasive and less expensive procedures such as IUI or IVF, instead of ICSI.