Unlock the Benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine when Trying to Conceive

If you’re trying to get pregnant, you might be wondering if Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can help increase your chances of success. TCM—which includes acupuncture, acupressure and the use of herbs amongst other techniques —has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. And while TCM is not a cure-all, there is evidence that it can be helpful when it comes to fertility.

During my fertility journey, TCM was never directly recommended to me by my IVF clinic, but the clinic did have leaflets discussing, in particular, the benefits of acupuncture. It was only during my second IVF cycle that I started acupuncture and drinking Chinese herbal teas, after coming across a TCM clinic in my local shopping centre!

When I failed for the 3rd time, the TCM clinic thought I should continue even though I wasn’t going for another round of IVF and I am so glad I did.

I continued with weekly acupuncture sessions with the clinic and drinking the unusually flavoured teas!

I then came across Heidi Brockmeyers course which meant I was able to practice acupressure at home. This programme was fantastic as it gave me the knowledge and confidence to keep going and it helped me to relax. And when you’re trying to conceive, relaxation is crucial!

I genuinely felt in control of my pregnancy journey, more than I had been when going through IVF. I felt I was able to help my body get pregnant.

How Does TCM Work? 

According to TCM theory, the body is filled with energy, or “qi.” This qi flows through the body along pathways called meridians.

There are 12 main meridians, each of which is associated with a different organ. When this qi becomes imbalanced, it can lead to illness. 

Acupuncture and acupressure are two of the most commonly used TCM modalities for restoring balance to the body. During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points along the meridians. This helps to unblock any qi that may be stuck and promotes the free flow of energy throughout the body. Acupressure uses pressure rather than needles to stimulate these points. If you decide to practice acupressure at home, you can buy devices which help you to apply pressure to those specific points. I did invest in one but found it was easier to use my thumb.

TCM also incorporates the use of herbs, which are thought to help balance the qi and support the organs. Herbal formulas are often customized for each individual, based on their specific needs. My TCM clinic provided me with all the herbs needed to help align my qi and this was reviewed on each visit. They tasted awful and a malodorous smell filled the house!

Moxibustion is another method that Heid’s FAM programme teaches. This is a TCM technique that involves the burning of a herb called mugwort over specific points on the body. It’s thought to help stimulate blood flow and qi.

Benefits of TCM When Trying to Conceive 

So, what does all of this have to do with fertility? Well, research has shown that acupuncture and acupressure can help improve blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, which in turn can improve ovarian function and increase the thickness of the endometrial lining—both of which are important for conception. In addition, acupuncture and acupressure have been shown to reduce stress levels, which can also improve fertility.

The herbs (also known as adaptogens) and moxibustion, also helps with the blood flow to the ovaries. Here is a link to a paper which discusses the use of moxibustion in detail. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6946314/

If you’re trying to get pregnant, traditional Chinese medicine is worth considering. While there is no guarantee that it will work, research has shown that it can be beneficial when it comes to fertility. If you decide to give it a try, make sure to consult with a qualified practitioner who can develop a treatment plan specifically for you. Here is a link to Heidi Brockmeyers programme in case you can’t get to a TCM clinic in your area or just hate the idea of needles. She has a free masterclass which is worth checking out https://heidibrockmyre.com/webinar-reset/.

I honestly felt that it helped me to conceive. I let go of doubt and the negative ‘What If’s, and believed that it would help me get pregnant. I practiced this daily along with affirmations, visualisation and meditation.

Good luck and thanks for reading x