Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and can improve fertility by restoring balance. However, if you continue to eat foods that expose you to toxins and promote inflammation, the benefits of acupuncture are reduced over time. Thus, embracing a “ fertility diet ” maximizes the benefits of acupuncture for fertility.
Acupuncture works to improve uterine lining. This increases blood flow to the uterus. It also helps regulate hormones and reduce stress. TCM treatments and therapies restore the free flow of energy throughout the body and organs. In contrast, Qi stagnation can cause imbalances which can negatively impact health and fertility.
Infertility Diagnosis and Treatment
Kidney stagnation is a common diagnosis in patients presenting with unexplained infertility. The kidney system is essential in reproductive processes according to TCM. A fertility diet consistent with TCM principles help restore balance to the reproductive system. For example, eating proteins, such as chicken, duck, eggs, seeds or nuts improve the free flow of energy to the kidney.
Another consideration in terms of restoring balance is reducing toxins in the body that cause inflammation. Inflammation can lead to reduced fertility. By eliminating major sources of inflammation in the body, acupuncture and a fertility diet can improve one’s fertility. One way to rid the body of toxins is striving to eat organically and avoiding processed foods and refined and excessive sugar. Acupuncture can also help rid the body of toxins by improving circulation, digestion and elimination.
Fertility Diet
The appropriate intake of carbohydrates and protein are also important in a fertility diet. Too many carbohydrates raise blood sugar, which may affect your hormone balance. Too much protein hinders digestion and thus can cause a build-up of toxins in the body. Eating whole green foods is also important for restoring balance in the body. They contain antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that improve, repair and protect your cellular metabolism.
Another part of a fertility diet is minimizing sugar consumption, which is a factor in PCOS symptoms. Limiting processed foods is one way to control your sugar intake. If you eat whole foods that are organic you will have less issues with hormone imbalances that cause infertility.
Acupuncture has proven to be effective in improving the success rates of fertility treatments. Acupuncture combined with a fertility diet has also had dramatic success in controlling the symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a major cause of infertility in women. Combining both elements of TCM and a change in diet improves the regularity of menstrual cycles, which can also help women ovulate more consistently.
Depending on your system and where the free flow of your energy is blocked in your body, certain foods can help improve your fertility. A qualified TCM fertility expert can provide a tailored fertility diet. Working with an acupuncturist will also improve the functioning of the body in general.
Contact us if you would like to learn more ways acupuncture and a fertility diet can improve your fertility quotient.