Cultivating Fertility
“When faced with infertility, we can draw upon (the mysterious female’s) life-giving potential. This spirit wants to give life, to be healthy, to bear children; our job is simply to help our bodies do what they were meant to do.” (Randine Lewis, PhD, The Infertility Cure)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a rich history of treating menstruation and fertility, dating back to ancient texts from the Shang Dynasty (circa 1500 BCE) and The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Today, TCM combines this ancient wisdom with modern clinical experience to support women who wish to conceive naturally or through assisted methods like IUI and IVF.
Regulating the Menstrual Cycle
A key principle in TCM fertility care is regulating the menstrual cycle to ensure smooth flow of Qi (energy) and Blood. Each phase of the cycle—menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal—has unique needs:
Menstruation (5-7 days): Treatments promote free flow of uterine lining and address issues like pale or clotted blood.
Follicular Phase (12-14 days): Focus on nourishing Yin energy to support follicle growth, estrogen production, and cervical mucus.
Ovulation (12-48 hours): Support the shift from Yin to Yang energy, ensuring smooth hormone release and egg movement.
Luteal Phase (12-14 days): Enhance Yang energy and progesterone to thicken the uterine lining and support early pregnancy.
Symptoms like PMS, spotting, or irregular cycles signal imbalances that TCM can address through tailored acupuncture and herbal treatments.
Male Fertility Support
Male infertility is also treated in TCM through acupuncture and herbs aimed at improving sperm count, motility, morphology, and overall health. Stress-related low sperm count often responds well to these treatments. A semen analysis guides specific herbal formulas, alongside lifestyle and nutritional support.
Improving Egg Quality
While the genetic material in eggs cannot be changed, the ovarian environment influences egg quality. Aging can reduce circulation, oxygen, and nutrients needed for healthy egg development. Acupuncture improves microcirculation to the ovaries, enhancing oxygen and nutrient delivery. This supports mitochondrial function in eggs, boosting their energy and implantation potential—helping influence egg quality indirectly.
Miscarriage Recovery
TCM places great emphasis on recovery after miscarriage, supporting emotional healing and physical restoration. Acupuncture and herbs help rebuild Qi and Blood, aiding mental and physical well-being.
Herbal Medicine & Treatment Timeline
Chinese herbs stimulate the body’s own hormone production rather than replacing hormones directly. Typically, 3 to 6 months of treatment are needed to see fertility improvements. Individualized care plans are created based on diagnostic assessments and medical history.
A Note on Outcomes
No treatment guarantees pregnancy. However, classical Chinese fertility methods have reported success rates of around 75% under ideal conditions. A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupuncture significantly improved clinical pregnancy rates (RR 1.316) and live birth rates (RR 1.287) in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) .
These numbers tell us acupuncture was associated with a statistically significant improvement in pregnancy and live birth rates among women undergoing assisted reproductive treatments, increasing their chances by roughly 28-32% compared to those who didn’t receive acupuncture.
Fertility journeys are deeply personal and often unpredictable. It’s important to approach your path with kindness and patience, honouring your emotions as they arise. Kindly remember that every step you take is part of your unique story, so treat yourself with compassion as it unfolds.