TREATING INFERTILITY WITH CHINESE MEDICINE
“Molly helped me get pregnant at age 40. I have a very healthy boy. I highly recommend her work.
–Sharon, Boulder”
CAUSES OF INFERTILITY
Infertility is defined as the inability of a couple to conceive after two years of trying without using contraception. Female infertility accounts for 70% of cases and male sterility for 30%. The majority of cases (41%) are due to hormonal causes, including failure to ovulate. Other factors include: fallopian tube abnormalities, 32%, uterine factors, 16%, cervical factors, 4.7% and no apparent cause, 5%.
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
Chinese medical theory believes that other factors, which cause infertility to couples, include poor diet (including vegetarians); stress; over exercising; chronic infections, and the negative effects of drugs, alcohol, nicotine, and not getting enough rest. Organic food and hormone free animal products are recommended. Avoid junk food, caffeine, tobacco, sodas, artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates and sugar. Reduce raw and cold foods and dairy products.
CHINESE MEDICINE’S LONG HISTORY OF SUCCESS
The treatment of infertility and Chinese Medicine goes back over 3000 years, proving itself to be safe and effective, as well as affordable. More women are waiting until their 30’s and 40’s to start their families. Chinese Medicine can greatly improve your chances of getting pregnant.
TRADITIONAL CHINESE VIEWS
Infertility tends to arise from one or more of three main causes:
- Deficiency syndrome
(weakness of kidney energy and liver blood), which prevents the hormonal system from properly influencing the reproductive functions.
- Stagnancy syndrome of Qi and blood has the effect of restricting circulation to the reproductive organs.
- Heat syndrome may be associated with infection or inflammation.
It is recommended to wait 3 months after a miscarriage before trying to conceive. Using acupuncture and herbal medicine will allow your body to heal, and increase your chances of having a successful outcome.
COMBINING EAST AND WEST
Combine Chinese Medicine with other treatments and procedures such infertility drugs, artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and GIFT is very effective. Several reproductive endocrinologists in the Boulder and Denver area recommend using acupuncture to enhance the success rate of their therapies.
Chinese Medicine works in several ways: to balance hormones, increase thickness of uterine lining, improve egg quality, clear autoimmune factors, improve circulation to the uterus and ovaries, treat obstruction of fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and polycystic ovarian disease.
CLINICAL STUDIES SHOW SUCCESS
Clinical studies conducted in China indicate that about 70% of all cases of infertility (male and female) treated by Chinese herbs resulted in pregnancy. (Chinese Herbs and Fertility, Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Institute for Traditional Medicine.) It is estimated that pregnancy can be achieved within 6 to 12 months. If a woman is over 40, it may take longer.
In cases where it is determined that there is a reduction in blood flow to the uterus, electro acupuncture has been proven to increase uterine arterial flow. (Human Reproduction: Vol.11, No. 6, pp1314-1317, 1996). This treatment consists of a series of eight treatments over four weeks.
Researchers in Germany and China found that adding acupuncture to the treatment regime of in vitro fertilization can dramatically improve a woman’s chances of getting pregnant, from 26% to 42%. (Fertility and Sterility, April 2002; 77(4): 721-4)
TREATMENT
Treatment consists of weekly or two times per month acupuncture, Chinese herbal prescriptions, supplements, appropriate diet, stress reduction, and moderate exercise. Treatment is also available for your partner if there is a problem with sperm quality, motility, or quantity.
HERBAL PRESCRIPTIONS
Chinese herbs are safe and non-toxic. They are designed to help your body produce the proper level of hormones on its own. They are generally administered in powder or pill form, and are well tolerated.
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