Special Interest Articles
Optimal Fertility With Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
Leslie Oldershaw, L.Ac.
Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine
1331 Grand Avenue, Suite B
Piedmont, CA 94610
phone: 510-595-1175
fax: 510-595-1190
For centuries Chinese medicine has successfully treated infertility. Recently, western medicine has made great advances in managing infertility with new diagnostic tools and assisted reproductive techniques. Today many women choose to take advantage of an integrated approach combining both Chinese and western medicine to enhance their fertility, thus making use of the best that both systems have to offer. Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to assessing the health of the reproductive system within the context of the overall health of the individual, then formulates a treatment plan to support wellness and promote optimal fertility.
For optimal fertility, a woman must have strong ovarian function and a healthy uterine environment. Since menstruation is the most easily observed indication of both ovarian function and uterine environment, a healthy period is a key component of optimal fertility. A woman's cycles should be regular in length, with very little PMS. During the menses there should be a moderate amount of fresh red blood and only mild cramping, if any at all. In Chinese medicine, treating infertility means correcting any menstrual abnormalities, such as early or late menstruation, painful periods, too much or too little flow, endometriosis, and PMS. Since Chinese medicine treats all of these conditions quite effectively, it also treats female infertility with a great deal of success.
One of the leading causes of infertility in women is poor circulation of blood and qi (pronounced "chee") in the lower abdomen, including the reproductive system. Both Chinese and western medicine agree on the need for good blood flow to promote fertility. The reproductive system receives its oxygen and other important nutrients from the blood, while the qi, or vital energy, supplies the life force to the ovaries and womb. Symptoms of poor circulation of blood and energy in the lower abdomen may include painful menstrual periods, heavy bleeding, dark colored blood with clots, and endometriosis. Circulation may be impaired by a lack of physical activity, or by cold, particularly from cold food and beverages. Both acupuncture and herbs play an important role in improving circulation and energizing the reproductive system.
For many women, one of the major contributing factors to poor fertility is low reproductive energy, which is characterized by fatigue, poor ovarian function, long irregular cycles, and light menstrual flow. The causes of low reproductive energy may be subtle, resulting from exhaustion due to many years of overwork, inadequate rest, stress, and irregular diet. Of course, it is important to get adequate rest and relaxation, and not to overwork or over schedule to the point of exhaustion. With acupuncture and herbs Chinese medicine rejuvenates and deeply recharges a patient's energy, contributing another component of optimal fertility.
Acupuncture and herbs are powerful tools to enhance fertility. They are also used effectively to relieve pain, regulate hormones, reduce stress, and increase energy. Herbs are a form of super charged nutrition that are individually tailored to each patient's needs, and are provided in an easy to take form. Acupuncture needles are tiny and cause little, if any, pain upon insertion. Following a treatment, most patients feel profoundly relaxed, refreshed and free of stress.
Regular exercise is an integral part of the Chinese medical prescription for a healthy reproductive system. Regular physical activity enhances the circulation of energy and blood, thereby promoting a healthy uterine environment. Moderate exercise can also promote hormonal balance, boost energy and reduce stress.
Healthy food choices are a cornerstone of optimal health and fertility. Both the food itself and the nature of the dining experience serve to nourish the body's systems. It is best to enjoy regular meals eaten in a relaxed ambience. It is also important to consume warm foods and beverages; cold foods and iced beverages can negatively impact the uterine environment. The patient should also emphasize organic foods that are free of chemicals. Doing so not only limits the amount of toxins that enter the system, but also helps limit the intake of hormonal mimics, substances that can act like various hormones such as estrogen, once they enter the body. These hormonal mimics can create imbalances in the endocrine system that may contribute to infertility.
The longevity and success of Chinese medicine in treating infertility is due to the flexibility of it's integrative system, a framework addressing general lifestyle considerations as well as specific conditions related to infertility. In addition to assessing the medical condition of a patient, a Chinese medical practitioner also examines the patient's lifestyle, diet and exercise habits, and takes into account all the stresses a patient might experience on their personal journey to fertility as well as in their everyday lives. Chinese medicine becomes an especially powerful tool when combined with Western medicine. Recent studies have shown that acupuncture increases the success rates of IVF (in vitro fertilization). Together, these two systems offer a dynamic combination for helping patient's achieve their optimal fertility.
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Leslie Oldershaw, L. Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in private practice in Oakland where she provides comprehensive health care in a supportive, nurturing environment. Her practice integrates both Chinese and Japanese styles of classical acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary recommendations and lifestyle counseling with the goal of achieving optimal health for each individual. Dr. Oldershaw has studied health and nutrition for over twenty years. She earned her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Master's Degree from the American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco, California, with specialized training in women's health. She may be reached at 510-595-1175.
Author: Leslie Oldershaw, L. Ac.
- Updated: May 27, 2003
