What is Infertility?
Infertility describes the inability to become pregnant despite one year or more of non-contraceptive
intercourse. It often occurs among individuals who are normally healthy and live otherwise normal
lifestyles. 80 - 90% of all women who don¡¯t use contraceptives during intercourse can become pregnant
within one year. Rather than waiting without any plan in mind, it is necessary to discover the cause and
establish an appropriate treatment plan.
Why Does Infertility Occur?
- Male Infertility
Men are responsible for 40% of all infertility cases. Some reasons are lack of sex drive, sperm
malformation, sperm deficiency, irregular sperm movement, or blockage of sperm transportation.
- Female Infertility
Since ancient times, the Chinese believed that coldness of the lower abdomen or general body can cause
infertility. The coldness causes lack of blood circulation in the pelvic cavity. This will in turn weaken
the function of the ovaries and uterus causing lack of hormone secretion. Therefore, cases which
seemingly have no source, are usually due to internal coldness.
What Exactly is ¡°Coldness¡°?
¡°Coldness¡± refers to the situation when one is either very sensitive to cold weather or when a certain area
of the body is so cold that it interferes with daily life. A cold abdomen or freezing hands and feet are
examples. Sometimes one may feel like wind is hitting their knees, waist, or buttocks. These areas may
also feel chilled and achy. Coldness can cause hormone malfunction especially in women. This may lead
to infertility, irregular menstruation, menstrual pains, and various infections. Coldness may also be caused
by lack of self-care after giving birth. Internal coldness can cause symptoms of constipation, nervousness,
lower back pain, ringing of the ears, insomnia, dizziness, and headaches.
Repetitive Miscarriage
Repetitive miscarriage refers to the pre-mature birth of a fetus 3 or more times within 20 weeks or less of
pregnancy. If taken before conception, Oriental Herbal Medicine can help create a suitable environment for
fetal growth. During pregnancy as well, Oriental Medical Herbs can help prevent miscarriage. In Oriental
Medicine we refer this as ¡°Calm the Fetus¡± and ¡°Astringe the Fetus¡± treatment.
The Diagnosis of Coldness and Infertility
Initially, it is necessary to check hormone levels via Basal Body Temperature.
Thermal Imaging (D.I.T.I.) is very helpful in determining where the coldness is located and how treatment
is progressing. In Oriental Medicine, we utilize detailed pulse and tongue diagnostic methods to get a clear
understanding of how the body is functioning internally.
How Oriental Medicine can Benefit Infertility
- Acupuncture | Helps to treat the source of infertility and internal coldness. By utilizing acupuncture
points, we can stimulate the blood and energy circulation of the affected area.
- Moxibustion | This is an herb which emits healing warmth and helps with circulation of the
reproductive organs. Moxibustion also helps increase the body¡¯s energy flow. Moxibustion is used to help
support the immune system as well.
- Herbal Medicine | Herbs work from the inner core of our being. They are absorbed via the digestive
system and dispersed through the blood stream. Herbs are the most effective form of Oriental Medicine as
they focus on the source of the symptoms.