Although not as popular as Acupuncture, Chinese herbs may help women with fertility issue and they have been used in China for several thousand years.
Herbs are Used To Correct Yin-Yang Imbalance
In contrast to contemporary western medicine which focuses on structures and reproductive endocrinology, Chinese herbal therapy intends to enhance, balance and harmonize the reproductive energy, especially the liver, spleen and kidney energy. This is a personalized medicine, with treatment tailored to each individual depending on one’s yin-yang imbalance, or excess/deficiency of specific energy. A mixture of natural herbal ingredients is used after proper diagnostic procedures – history, inspection and examination including the pulse and the tongue. Herbal therapy complements acupuncture well, and both may be useful to IVF or IUI.
Herbs are Safe
Physicians not familiar with these herbs are often concerned about their safety and potential drug-herb interactions. When used under the direction and supervision of experienced practitioners, Chinese herbal therapy is proven to be very safe and this is backed up by several thousand years of practice in human beings instead of laboratory animals. Nevertheless, I am very respectful of my colleagues’ concern and I do believe in collaboration. I do not recommend herbal therapy if you are currently undergoing IVF procedures.
Who Should Consider Herbs?
If you have constitutional weakness, such as feeling cold, fatigue, sleep disturbance, mood disorder and severe menstrual problems, you may very well have some energy deficiency and imbalance.
If you have tried unsuccessfully for a long time, there maybe “energy issue” that you are not aware of.
The timing of herbal therapy – I suggest you begin herbs for one to two months before beginning of IVF or in between IVF procedures. If you are trying IUI, herbs maybe used concurrently.
Patient testimonial
“It is beyond words to describe my thankfulness and appreciation for the work you have done for me.
In February 2009, I was diagnosed with an “unexplained infertility” by a conventional doctor. I was unsatisfied with their superficial diagnosis and treatment options. I felt I needed an explanation . After lots of research and thinking what to do next, I made the best decision in my life : to come and see you for advice and help.
You diagnosed me with yin energy deficiency: my apparently ‘healthy’ body was suffering from insufficient blood – one needed to nourish internal organs for their vital functions.
After only 2 months of acupuncture treatments (8 sessions), I noticed positive changes on my body : changes that were result of bringing health and vitality back to it. Soon after I was able to conceive a new miracle of life. Recently I had a 20-week ultrasound : pregnancy is going well, and the baby is healthy.
Dr Sheng, you gave back my body the ability to carry life, I am eternally thankful to you.”
–Dr. Peter Sheng
Cincinnati Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Therapy, Integrative Medicine & Holistic Health Care