Infertility is considered an inability to conceive in a sexually active couple who are trying to get pregnant for one year. About 8-12% of the couples in the world are facing problems with infertility, and in this modern times the per cent is getting bigger, and 20% of the cases are due to both male and female factor. By the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) infertility occurs due to disrupted vital balance and blockages in the Qi energy and Blood circulation flow.
Causes of Infertility
Problems that are possible to arise in men are abnormal sperm, low sperm motility or low sperm count. Causes can be genetic factors, long-term use of steroids, age, obesity, stress, and inflammation of the testicles, cystic fibrosis, diabetes and other diseases. In women problems that can arise are a polycystic ovarian syndrome, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid problems, hormonal imbalance, poor egg quality, cancer, AIDS, etc. Risk factors and causes are age, obesity, eating disorders, smoking, alcohol, stress, infections and others. [1]
TCM, YinYang and Qi
TCM theory is based on a number of philosophical constitutions including the theory of Yin-Yang and Qi-blood, the Five Elements, Meridian system, Zang Fu organ theory, and others. The theory approaches human health from macroscopic and integrated parts of view due to the lack of modern molecular knowledge. It is an early form of integrated medicine and system biology. The basic concept of TCM has originated from the theory of Yin-Yang. Yin-Yang represents two opposite yet complementary entities, which kept balancing to reach homeostasis. Imbalance of Yin and Yang off a boundary triggers off diseases and accounts for their progression. The current chaotic concept is consistent with this theory.
For instance, relatively dominant Yang can be linked to inflammation caused by pathogenic infection and manifested in high fever, sweating, reddish complexion and rapid pulse. On the contrary, relatively dominant Yin can be linked to insufficient immunity or poor blood circulation and manifested in cold symptoms such as lassitude, floating, whitish complexion, cold limbs and slow and weak pulse. In general, how to maintain the perpetual dynamic equilibrium of Yin and Yang in individuals is the critical task for a TCM practitioner for the sake of maintaining the health condition of patients.
In addition to Yin and Yang, Qi and blood are also important concepts in TCM. The scientific definition of ‘Qi’ and ‘blood’ is not well defined in today’s biochemical and molecular microscopic terms. Qi is considered as a vital energy that flows through the human body and universe. This could include magnetic electronic force or biochemical process. It is the most indispensable energy that makes up the vitality of the body and maintains life activities. The physiological function of Qi is linked to the energy of the body to protect from the invasion of various pathogens and produce and propel body fluids and blood to different viscera and organs regularly. Blood includes the blood circulation inside the blood vessels, stasis of blood vessels in different tissues and platelet activities, and so on. Qi and blood are coupled just like Yang and Yin. Chinese medicine is based on the concept of Qi, blood, Yin, and Yang. By understanding the meaning of each concept and the way they relate to each other, one will be able to appreciate the treatment rendered in TCM.
TCM & its role in Infertility
The factors associated with infertility could be very complicated. Basically, infertility is very closely related to the kidney essence from the view of TCM. In TCM, the kidney governs not only the urinary system but also the reproductive and endocrine systems. For a female to have a normal and healthy menstrual cycle leading to successful pregnancy, it would only occur when kidney Qi is abundant as well as there is sufficiency of both essence and blood. Any factors that affect the kidney essence will fail to conceive a fetus. TCM involved in the treatment of infertility relies upon a carefully differential and personalized diagnosis (Chinese syndrome differentiation), in combination with herbal formulas or acupuncture to resolve underlying patterns of disharmony in an individual. The Chinese syndrome differentiation involves the analysis and synthesis of the clinical data obtained by four examination methods, that is, inspection, listening and olfactory, inquiry and unique pulse-taking to further investigate the nature of the disease.
TCM and its integration into mainstream medicine
Most importantly, TCM can be used coincidentally with Western medical approaches to make the treatment of infertility more effective by improving and balancing the general health of an individual. Particularly in Asia, TCM used alone or integrated with Western medicine is gradually becoming a popular complementary treatment modality. In Green Clinic, we treats patients with endometriosis and PCOS with TCM herbs and acupuncture.
Infertility has been a commonly existing issue for a long time. All civilizations have tried to solve this problem. TCM has accumulated thousands of years of therapeutic experiences. Although TCM lacks well documented evidence with prospective randomized control trial studies to be considered approved by the Western society, its existence over thousand of years could well illustrate its therapeutic importance. The integration of East and West might be an even more powerful methodology for the treatment of infertility and might also well apply to treatment of other diseases in unmet clinical need.
Always visit a licensed TCM practitioner for a detailed diagnosis. Contact us to make an appointment today.
[1]Nordqvist C. Infertility in men and women; Medical News Today. MediLexicon, Intl. 2018.
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