sults obtained from the use of this information, and · 5 Steps To Fertility Chinese Medicine Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Disclaimer:

The information contained in this ebook ‘Chinese Medicine and Fertility’ is for general guidance only. All information provided “as is” with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the re-sults obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, in-cluding, but not limited to warranties of perfor-mance, health and fitness for a particular purpose.

Before taking on any exercise or treatment it is rec-ommended that you seek professional diagnosis and consultation from a physiotherapist or medical practitioner. If you feel any pain or discomfort or if your pain increases after exercise cease activity im-mediately. The information in this guide is not meant to replace a professional opinion and treatment strategy.

In no event will Greater West Natural Therapies, be liable for any decision made or action taken in reli-ance on information in this guide or for an conse-quential, special or similar damages, even if ad-vised of the possibility of such damages.

1 NUMBER 5 LOCATIONS CALL TODAY: 02 9670 3800PENRITH, ST MARYS, GLNEMORE PARK, WETHERILL PARK, PARRAMATTA

5 Steps To FertilityChinese Medicine

Part 1TCM and acupuncture

Part 1 TCM

and acupuncture

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a therapeutic system that has been evolving for centuries. It has an understanding of the body where the physical and emotional aspects of a person are integrated; using qi (energy), meridians and the understanding that we are interconnected with nature and our en-vironment. TCM encompasses many different prac-tices including acupuncture, massage and herbal medicines to treat issues such as infertility.

Part 1 TCM

and acupuncture

3

Acupuncture works by stimulating the central nervous system to release chemicals into your muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals either change the experience of pain or cause the release of other chemicals, such as hor-mones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems.

Regular acupuncture has also been found to relax women when they undergo stressful fertility procedures which in turn increases the chance of conception.

It is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns as well as a therapy that can com-pliment modern fertility treatments. By improving the flow of blood to reproductive organs and bal-ancing hormone levels, an improvement of ovarian function among females and increased sperm pro-duction among males have been shown.


How does menstruation work in TCM?

TCM believes that a normal healthy body should function as it is designed to do. The female body is programmed to undergo monthly cycles of hor-monal fluctuations to prepare for fertilisation of her egg and the support of a healthy pregnancy.

When menstrual irregularities and imbalances are experienced it can be due to emotions, diet; and imbalance or blockage of the internal organs (Zang Fu) and internal energy pathways (meridians).

Women trying to conceive should place their atten-tion on regulating their menstruation and improving their health and physical and mental well-being as much as possible.

4

Part 1 TCM

and acupuncture

Low Temps Elevated Temps

Follicular Phase

Menstruation

Ovulation DPO1

Luteal Phase

1 2 3 4 1

How to measure your body’s rhythm(biphasic chart)


5

Part 1 TCM

and acupuncture

If you are fatigued at the end of the period it can be an indication of Qi and Blood deficiency. Keep warm and avoid physical and mental over-strain. Eat foods that help invigorate the spleen and stomach, promoting Qi production.

Just before the period, your body temperature drops, indicating the beginning of the Yin phase of your cycle. This phase is dominated by the movement of blood and Qi. Problems during the beginning of this phase indicate Qi and blood stagnation, a sign of emotional stress. Rest, stay warm and eat more foods that help promote Qi flow and soothe the liver. Avoid cold foods, cold water and exposure to cold drafts.

The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) chart shows an idealised cycle. Many people’s body charts spike and change all of the time, daily even. Monitor your temperature at the same time every day, prefera-bly when you wake. If you see your chart improving, your body is healing.

6

Part 1 TCM

and acupuncture

Period: Days 1-4


7

Part 1 TCM

and acupuncture

Patients with fertility problems frequently experi-ence a great deal of stress when month after month they are unable to conceive. In these cases, heat from stagnation may disturb the steady building of yin and blood, and is often seen in upward spikes in the basal body tempera-ture. This is an indication of blood and/or Yin defi-ciency. Protect your body anything that depletes Yin e.g.. poor sleep, intensive exercise and heated environments. Eat more nourishing and lubricating foods.

This is the Yin and blood building period where the new tissue grows in preparation for a potential baby. Activity increases so it is essential to get plenty of nutrients and nourish Yin and blood.

Follicular Phase: Days 4-12

In a normal, healthy ovulation, the BBT chart will show a spike in temperature as you move into the Yang Phase. Clinically this is the time to move Qi and blood and warm the Yang.

Ovulation: Days 12-16

8

This tends to be the time when you are physically at your strongest. If you are feeling sluggish it can be a sign that the ovulation and transition to the luteal phase of the cycle is inhibited by stagna-tion of Qi, blood and/or phlegm. Increase exer-cise, participate in more outdoor activities, keep the living environment dry and ventilated and limit the amount of greasy, fatty and sweet foods.

This phase is dominated by Qi and Yang, but also dependent on a good foundation of Yin and blood in order for implantation to occur. Clinically this is the time to boost Qi and Yang. Problems during this phase may be seen in significant drops in BBT in the second half of the cycle and can in-dicate either Qi and/or Yang deficiency, or Liver Qi stagnation.

To produce more heat protect your body with warm clothing on your mid body, moderate out-door activities and stay in warm rooms. Decrease consumption of raw and frozen foods and in-crease consumption of warming foods.

Luteal Phase: Days 16-28

Part 1 TCM

and acupuncture

Part 2In TCM Qi is the life force present in every cell of our bodies. Qi is made up of Yin and Yang, two energies that work together to maintain balance with every living being. Many of the causes behind an imbal-ance are within our control. The following is a series of steps to start to heal your body to become ready for pregnancy.

A harmonious relationship must exist between Yin and Yang in order for fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy to occur. Causes of energetic imbal-ances are often believed to be due to poor lifestyle changes.


9

1. Coming to terms with your lifestyle

Things to consider:1. Diet - types, quantity, frequency, alcohol, coffee.

2. Stress levels - how you spend your day, work hours, amount of sleep you have a night, family pressures.

3. Environment - hot, cold, pollution.

4. Exercise - types of exercise, frequency, injuries.

Part 2

TCM believe proper food intake not only supports the daily nutrient needs, but also cures or relieves health problems due to their moderate therapeutic actions.

A Pathogen is an infectious agent (anything that can produce illness and disease). When pathogen-ic factors are too strong your body’s "Yin" and "Yang" become out of balance.

Alcohol, caffeine, recreational drugs, junk food and smoking are key pathogens and should be com-pletely eliminated. Getting your body as healthy as possible should be the focus so replace all patho-gens with fresh, wholesome foods and lots of filtered water.

10

2. Pathogens and our Diet

Part 2

With the introduction of modern agriculture, the standard Western diet has changed greatly from what our hunter-gatherer ancestors consumed. The consumption of high acid food such as grains, fish, meat, cheese, milk and salt can disrupt how acidic or alkaline your blood is. Your body’s normal pH level is between 7.35 and 7.45.

To help your body stay at this level you don’t have to eliminate acidic foods altogether but shift the balance from the typically acidic diet to a more al-kaline diet.

To understand what foods are alkaline follow this al-kaline food chart. (check whether clinic has a food chart that you can link to)


11

3. Follow an Alkaline diet

Part 2

A study by The Fertility Society of Australia ( http://w-ww.fertilitysociety.com.au/wp-content/uploads/F-SA-The-role-of-exercise-in-improving-fertility.pdf) found there is some evidence that moderate exer-cise benefits fertility and that high intensity and high frequency exercise may adversely affect fertility.

Despite this the effect of exercise on fertility is ex-tremely individual based on your current fitness level.

12

Part 3 Exercising for pregnancy

Part 3Exercising for pregnancy


13

Some guidelines:

Part 3 Exercising for pregnancy

Check with your doctor before starting any new ex-ercise program.

Healthy women should exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes a day.

Walking and swimming are good choices for exer-cise that can be continued throughout pregnancy.

Consider practicing Yoga regularly. It works to open the body to rectify both energetic and physical im-balances that may impede impregnation. Recom-mended yoga poses include Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog), Upavistha Konasana (Wide Angle Seated Pose) and Baddha Konasana (Bound Angle Pose), also known as Cobbler’s Pose.

1.

2.

3.

4.

The use of herbs in TCM is to restore and maintain energetic balance in the body. Herbs are pre-scribed according to the patterns of energy imbal-ance which are especially common in women’s cycle.

Common herbs for fertility are Angelica polymor-pha root, Lyceum barbarum fruits, Astraglus mem-branaceus root, Panacea ginseng root, and Schisandra chinesis.

14

Part 4 Herbs that assist in your fertility

Part 4Herbs that assist in your fertility

If you are undergoing medical treatment please consult your doctor before taking herbs. Some herbs may prevent fertility drugs and procedures from working properly and others should not be taken during pregnancy.


15


Angelica polymorpha root - naturally provides balanc-ing and normalising support for women’s unique rhythms, cycles and body systems. It is not recommend-ed during pregnancy or menstruation or for people taking blood thinning agents.

Lyceum barbarum fruits - Regenerates liver cells and protects them from medications and hepatotoxic chemicals. The liver helps to maintain hormonal bal-ance and filter toxins from the body.

Panacea ginseng root - encourages proper hormonal functions.

Astraglus membranaceus root - anti-inflammatory ben-eficial for the kidneys.

Schisandra chinesis - helps to manage excessive sweat-ing from deficiency of Yin or Yang, refreshes the heart and kidneys and generated body fluid.


Traditional Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of substances from nature to regulate and nor-malise the function of the body’s internal organs. Most Chinese herbs are of plant origin (flowers, fruit, leaves, seeds, twigs, stems and roots) although min-eral substances are sometimes used.

Supplements are taken to get nutrients that may be lacking. Generally a well balanced diet will give you the minerals and vitamins you need, but this is not always the case due to illness or lifestyle choic-es.

16Distinction between TCM Herbsand Supplements



17What Supplements are recommendedby the Medical community?

Scientific research has shown that certain vitamins and minerals can increase your chances of getting and staying pregnant.

Zinc - necessary for your body efficiently utilise the repro-ductive hormones, oestrogen and progesterone.

Folic Acid - can stimulate the follicle-stimulating hor-mone (FSH) which controls the release of eggs during ovulation.

Selenium - is an antioxidant that can prevent chromo-some breakage, which is known to be a cause of birth defects and miscarriages. Good levels of selenium are also essential to maximise sperm formation.


18

Omega 3 Fatty Acids - crucial for healthy hormone func-tioning and reproductive system. This supplement also control inflammation which may interfere with getting and staying pregnant.

Vitamin C - studies show that it enhances sperm quality, protecting sperm and the DNA within it from damage.

Vitamin E - powerful antioxidant that has been shown to increase fertility when given to both women and men.


Scientists studying the effects of stressful emotions on the body and mind have found that stress has physiological effects that will alter the balance of hormones in the body for both women and men - especially relating to fertility and preconception. Reducing a stressful lifestyle, taking time to relax and rejuvenate will prepare your body.

Part 5 Med

itation and Relaxation

19

Part 5Meditation and Relaxation

Mantra meditation - Close your eyes for 15 minutes twice a day and mental repeat a simple word or sound.

Imagery meditation - Lay or sit down in a comfortable position. Imagine a soothing environment, perhaps there is a river or waterfall. As the water flows let it wash away tension from your body and mind.

Body Scan - Lay or stand still. Begin to notice how your body feels - start at the head and work down to your toes. As you scan each part of your body notice wheth-er it feels tense, release the tension and spread a sensa-tion of softness. Once you reach your toes make your way back up through your body.

Relaxation techniques - Harvard researchers found that yoga, meditation and repetitive mantras induce the re-laxation effect. Try one or more of these techniques for 15 minutes once or twice a day.

Focus on your breath - Sit in a comfortable position and tune into your breath. Follow the sensation of inhaling from your nose and then out through your nose. With each breath out let go of tension. If you notice your mind wandering, return to your breath.

Part 5 Med

itation and Relaxation

20


Note: Doctors in the field of medicine who wish to practice acupuncture have to take nearly 300 hours of training before becoming certified. Pro-fessionals in other fields who would like to spe-cialise solely in acupuncture have to train for 2,000 to 3,000 hours and complete board exam-inations to qualify as acupuncturists.

A practitioner should have the training and cer-tification required by the state or other govern-ment authority where he or she conducts prac-tice.

To make an appointment or find out more infor-mation about TCM and fertility please contact Greater West Natural Therapies on 02 9670 3800.

21

St Clair(02) 9670 3800

AddressShop 21St Clair Shopping CentreBennett Rd, St Clair, 2759

Penrith (02) 4722 2141

Address60 Derby StKingswood NSW 2748

Greater West Natural Therapies Parramatta

Address470 Church StreetNorth Parramatta, NSW, 2151

Greater West Natural Therapies Wetherill Park

Address4 Price StreetWetherill Park, NSW, 2164

Greater West PhysiotherapyHydrotherapy Centre

Address70 Derby StKingswood, New South Wales,Australia

Glenmore Park Rehab Centre(02) 4733 0668

AddressGlenmore Park Rehab Centre114 The Lakes DriveGlenmore Park, NSW, 2745

St Marys (02) 9673 1355

Address52B King St St Marys NSW 2760(Formally King St Physio)

5 Steps To FertilityChinese Medicine

sults obtained from the use of this information, and · 5 Steps To Fertility Chinese Medicine Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Documents