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. __________
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
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relating to any medical condition. If you have a concern
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