In TCM we say that the signs and symptoms manifest as infertility or gyno issues, but there can be many causes to the same issue. Let's consider menstrual cramps: they can be caused by blood deficiency, blood stasis, cold coagulation, Qi stagnation, or any combination. In TCM we do a thorough analysis of the individual to pinpoint what the "root" cause is so we can treat the underlying condition. Most women who have suffered from menstrual cramps will resort to taking some kind of over the counter or prescription medication to ease the pain and get through the day, but the pain tends to come back month after month. TCM will work to treat the "root" of the problems and as balance is restored the symptoms or "branch" will disappear. This approach is taken with all gynecological problems: irregular periods, painful periods, scanty or no period, heavy periods, cysts, fibroids, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, menopause and it's related symptoms, and many more.
Infertility can also be successfully treated with TCM and acupuncture. It can aide Western modalities such as in-vitro fertilization, but it can also help couples get pregnant (and stay pregnant) who are choosing to use natural methods.
One of my first patients after becoming an intern in my school's clinic was having difficulty getting and staying pregnant. She and her partner had been trying to conceive for one year with the last two months getting pregnant, but ending in miscarriage very early on. Of course, most people understand both the physical and emotional toll miscarriage has on the expectant parents. It turns out that my patient had gotten pregnant just a few days before coming to see me in the clinic. She didn't know that she was pregnant at the time, but we determined that she had Kidney Yang deficiency causing cold in the uterus. Our bodies are meant to have a balance between Yin and Yang, when one is deficient (Yang in this case) it causes things to work improperly. Our Kidney energy is imperative when it comes to procreation because it houses our essence, or DNA if you will. My patient had a palpable cold feeling on her lower abdomen that she also described as a cold sensation deep in her interior. Now, we can all agree that a fetus wouldn't want to stay for nine months in a cold "palace." So this was the problem she was having for retaining the pregnancy. We worked hard to keep her "child palace" aka uterus warm and she is well on her way to having a healthy baby soon.
Acupuncture and TCM can also help if the infertility problem lies more with the male partner than the female partner. The treatment usually consists more of working on the essence of the man, which often means there is a deficiency with the sperm. Working to tonify the Kidney energy is also vital when helping the male partner improve his ability to be fertile.
It is often beneficial for couples that are trying to conceive, if both partners receive regular acupuncture and herbal treatments.
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