Throughout the rest of the world and Asia including Singapore, the use of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is growing in popularity as many couples who are having trouble conceiving, seek to treat infertility using natural TCM methods. In recent years, TCM has adopted an alternative therapy to complementary therapy to treat common fertility problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis through qualified and licensed practitioners. Studies have shown that TCM treatments can help improve fertility and reproductive health in many ways. It can stimulate ovulation in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and anovulatory cycles. Treatments can also help those to regulate hormone levels which in turn improve ovulation rates. Here are 8 effective ways to boost your reproductive health from the perspective of Traditional Chinese medicine.
Discover why Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is becoming more popular in Singapore than other Asian countries for improving fertility as more couples struggle with infertility and look for natural TCM solutions. In recent years, TCM has emerged as  an adjunctive treatment for common infertility issues like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis, when administered by qualified and licensed professionals. According to studies, TCM treatments can improve fertility and reproductive health in a number of ways, including by promoting ovulation in PCOS and anovulatory cycle sufferers and by regulating hormone levels to increase ovulation rates. Discover these 9 TCM-based strategies to improve your reproductive health:
1. Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment for Fertility
Research reveals that acupuncture can balance hormones to regulate ovulation, improve blood circulation for higher chances of fertilized egg implantation, and enhance success rates for women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It’s recommended to undergo weekly TCM acupuncture treatments for at least 2-3 months. Acupuncture points can be stimulated to reduce stress, maintain blood flow to the uterus, and regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation. Experience improved egg quality after 4-6 months of treatment.
2. Yin (Cooling) Food to Support Reproductive Health
Indulge in these Yin foods to promote reproductive health:Apple, Bamboo Shoots, Banana, Barley, Broccoli, Buckwheat, Button Mushroom, Cauliflower, Celery, Clams, Coconut Juice, Cod, Cottage Cheese, Crab, Cranberry, Cucumber, Duck, Duck Eggs, Eggplant, FlaxSeed Oil, Kiwi, Lettuce, Mango, Melon, Millet, Mung Beans, Octopus, Orange, Pear, Peppermint, Pork, Rabbit, Salt, Scallop, Seaweed, Sesame Oil, Spinach, Strawberry, Tofu, Tomato, Turnip, Watercress, Watermelon, Wheat, Wheat Grass, Whitefish, Wild Rice, Yellow Soy Bean, and Yogurt.
3. Yang (Warming) Food for Enhanced Fertility
Savor these Yang foods to boost fertility:Â
Anchovy, Basil, Beef Kidney, Black Bean, Butter, Cherry, Chestnut, Chicken, Cinnamon, Coconut, Coconut Oils, Dates, Eel, Fennel, Ginger, Ham, Kale Leaf, Litchi, Liver, Lobster, Mussels, Mustard Greens, Nutmeg, Oats, Parsnip, Peach, Pheasant, Pine Nuts, Rosemary, Shrimp, Soy Bean, Squash, Sweet Potato, Sweet Rice (Mochi), Trout, Turkey, Turmeric, Vinegar, and Walnut.
4. Balance Your Diet with Neutral (Neither Cool or Warm) Food
Incorporate these Neutral foods to maintain a balanced diet:Â
Aduki Beans, Asparagus, Beef & Pork Liver, Beets, Bison, Black Soy Bean, Brown Rice, Cabbage, Carp, Carrots, Cheese, Chicken Eggs, Cold Ocean Fish, Corn, Cow Milk, Duck, Goose, Green Beans, Herring, Kidney Beans, Lentils, Mackerel, Olive Oil, Oysters, Papaya, Peanut Oil, Peas, Pineapple, Pomegranate, Pork, Pork Kidney, Potato, Pumpkin, Quinoa, Radish, Raspberry, Red Bean, Rye, Salmon, Sardines, Shitake Mushroom, String Beans, Taro, Tuna, White Rice, and Yam.
5. Achieve a Healthy Weight for Improved Fertility
Remember, weight is a crucial factor influencing fertility. Being either underweight or overweight is associated with increased infertility, as the amount of fat stored in your body can affect menstrual function. Focus on consuming organic vegetables, fruits, legumes, lean proteins, and whole grains while minimizing processed foods, alcohol, sweets, and caffeine.
6. Make Proper & Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Enhanced Fertility
Certain lifestyle practices can increase the risk of infertility. For instance, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, poor diet, and mental stress are known to negatively impact fertility. Prolonged alcohol consumption can also cause imbalances in the reproductive system hormones in women. Studies suggest that high caffeine intake may affect fertility, so women trying to conceive are advised to limit their caffeine intake.
7. Engage in Active Exercise to Improve Fertility
Staying active is key to increasing fertility. Research has found that women who engage in regular fitness routines get pregnant more quickly. Incorporate exercises into your daily routine, such as yoga, gardening, dancing, or walking the remaining distance to work or home.
8. Reduce Your Carb Intake for Better Fertility Outcomes
Studies show that increased carb intake can lead to a higher risk of infertility. Maintaining a low-carb diet can help you achieve a healthy weight, reduce insulin levels, aid in fat loss, and regulate menstruation.
9. Eat More Fiber for Optimal Reproductive Health
Fiber has beneficial effects on fertility. Consuming fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains can help your body eliminate excess hormones and regulate blood sugar levels. Most importantly, TCM emphasizes overall balance among various organ systems such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, lungs, and heart, as imbalances can affect your chances of getting pregnant.
If you're struggling with maintaining healthy habits! Seek a Qualified TCM Practitioner to Help You with Fertility Issues
If you haven’t seen improvement, consider seeking a qualified TCM practitioner to help you with fertility concerns. You can ask for referrals from your doctor, friends, or search online. Ideally, find a qualified and licensed practitioner who has successfully treated patients with infertility issues. Experience the benefits of TCM fertility in Singapore by working with a knowledgeable professional on your journey to parenthood.
