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2 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 results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, health and fitness for a particular purpose. Before taking on any exercise or treatment it is recommended 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 immediately. The information in this guide is not meant to replace a professional opinion and treatment strategy. In no event will PhysioINQ, 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.

3 5 Steps To Fertility Chinese Medicine Part 1 TCM 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 environment. TCM encompasses many different practices including acupuncture, massage and herbal medicines to treat issues such as infertility.

4 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 hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems. Part 1 TCM and acupuncture It is regarded as an alternative method in treating fertility concerns as well as a therapy that can compliment modern fertility treatments. By improving the flow of blood to reproductive organs and balancing hormone levels, an improvement of ovarian function among females and increased sperm production among males have been shown. Regular acupuncture has also been found to relax women when they undergo stressful fertility procedures which in turn increases the chance of conception.

5 4 How does menstruation work in TCM? Part 1 TCM and acupuncture 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 hormonal 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 attention on regulating their menstruation and improving their health and physical and mental well-being as much as possible.

6 How to measure your body s rhythm (biphasic chart) 5 Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Ovulation DPO1 Menstruation Follicular Phase Luteal Phase Low Temps Elevated Temps

7 6 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, preferably when you wake. If you see your chart improving, your body is healing. Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Period: Days 1-4 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. 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 overstrain. Eat foods that help invigorate the spleen and stomach, promoting Qi production.

8 7 Follicular Phase: Days 4-12 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. Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Patients with fertility problems frequently experience 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 temperature. This is an indication of blood and/or Yin deficiency. Protect your body anything that depletes Yin e.g.. poor sleep, intensive exercise and heated environments. Eat more nourishing and lubricating foods. Ovulation: Days 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.

9 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 stagnation of Qi, blood and/or phlegm. Increase exercise, participate in more outdoor activities, keep the living environment dry and ventilated and limit the amount of greasy, fatty and sweet foods. Part 1 TCM and acupuncture Luteal Phase: Days 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 indicate 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 outdoor activities and stay in warm rooms. Decrease consumption of raw and frozen foods and increase consumption of warming foods.

10 9 Part 2 Part 2 In 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 imbalance are within our control. The following is a series of steps to start to heal your body to become ready for pregnancy. 1. Coming to terms with your lifestyle A harmonious relationship must exist between Yin and Yang in order for fertilisation, implantation and pregnancy to occur. Causes of energetic imbalances are often believed to be due to poor lifestyle changes. 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.

11 10 2. Pathogens and our Diet 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 pathogenic 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 completely eliminated. Getting your body as healthy as possible should be the focus so replace all pathogens with fresh, wholesome foods and lots of filtered water.

12 11 Part 2 3. Follow an Alkaline diet 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 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 alkaline diet. To understand what foods are alkaline follow this alkaline food chart. (check whether clinic has a food chart that you can link to)

13 12 Part 3 Exercising for pregnancy Part 3 Exercising for pregnancy A study by The Fertility Society of Australia ( ww.fertilitysociety.com.au/wp-content/uploads/f- SA-The-role-of-exercise-in-improving-fertility.pdf) found there is some evidence that moderate exercise benefits fertility and that high intensity and high frequency exercise may adversely affect fertility. Despite this the effect of exercise on fertility is extremely individual based on your current fitness level.

14 13 Some guidelines: Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program. Healthy women should exercise moderately for at least 30 minutes a day. Part 3 Exercising for pregnancy Walking and swimming are good choices for exercise that can be continued throughout pregnancy. Consider practicing Yoga regularly. It works to open the body to rectify both energetic and physical imbalances that may impede impregnation. Recommended 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.

15 14 Part 4 Herbs that assist in your fertility Part 4 Herbs that assist in your fertility The use of herbs in TCM is to restore and maintain energetic balance in the body. Herbs are prescribed according to the patterns of energy imbalance which are especially common in women s cycle. Common herbs for fertility are Angelica polymorpha root, Lyceum barbarum fruits, Astraglus membranaceus root, Panacea ginseng root, and Schisandra chinesis.

16 15 Angelica polymorpha root - naturally provides balancing and normalising support for women s unique rhythms, cycles and body systems. It is not recommended during pregnancy or menstruation or for people taking blood thinning agents. Part 4 Herbs that assist in your fertility Lyceum barbarum fruits - Regenerates liver cells and protects them from medications and hepatotoxic chemicals. The liver helps to maintain hormonal balance and filter toxins from the body. Astraglus membranaceus root - anti-inflammatory beneficial for the kidneys. Panacea ginseng root - encourages proper hormonal functions. Schisandra chinesis - helps to manage excessive sweating from deficiency of Yin or Yang, refreshes the heart and kidneys and generated body fluid. 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.

17 Distinction between TCM Herbs and Supplements 16 Part 4 Herbs that assist in your fertility Traditional Chinese herbal medicine involves the use of substances from nature to regulate and normalise the function of the body s internal organs. Most Chinese herbs are of plant origin (flowers, fruit, leaves, seeds, twigs, stems and roots) although mineral 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 choices.

18 What Supplements are recommended by the Medical community? 17 Part 4 Herbs that assist in your fertility Scientific research has shown that certain vitamins and minerals can increase your chances of getting and staying pregnant. Folic Acid - can stimulate the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) which controls the release of eggs during ovulation. Zinc - necessary for your body efficiently utilise the reproductive hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Selenium - is an antioxidant that can prevent chromosome breakage, which is known to be a cause of birth defects and miscarriages. Good levels of selenium are also essential to maximise sperm formation.

19 18 Omega 3 Fatty Acids - crucial for healthy hormone functioning and reproductive system. This supplement also control inflammation which may interfere with getting and staying pregnant. Vitamin E - powerful antioxidant that has been shown to increase fertility when given to both women and men. Part 4 Herbs that assist in your fertility Vitamin C - studies show that it enhances sperm quality, protecting sperm and the DNA within it from damage.

20 19 Part 5 Meditation and Relaxation Part 5 Meditation and Relaxation 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.

21 20 Relaxation techniques - Harvard researchers found that yoga, meditation and repetitive mantras induce the relaxation effect. Try one or more of these techniques for 15 minutes once or twice a day. Part 5 Meditation and Relaxation 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 whether it feels tense, release the tension and spread a sensation of softness. Once you reach your toes make your way back up through your body. 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. 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.

22 21 To make an appointment or find out more information about TCM and fertility please contact PhysioINQ on Note: Doctors in the field of medicine who wish to practice acupuncture have to take nearly 300 hours of training before becoming certified. Professionals in other fields who would like to specialise solely in acupuncture have to train for 2,000 to 3,000 hours and complete board examinations to qualify as acupuncturists. A practitioner should have the training and certification required by the state or other government authority where he or she conducts practice.

23 5 Steps To Fertility Chinese Medicine 69 Phillip St, Parramatta, NSW 2150 Physio INQ is part of a network of Physio clinics across Australia, employing and empowering the highest quality of practical and support staff We are a cutting edge business of superb ethical standards, striving to be the most professional and personal health care business you will come across. Physio INQ, originally Greater West Physio was established to get rid of the old school and bring in the new. Our practitioners have open minds, strong hands and an unwavering goal to improve the lives of every client we come across. Our mission is simple- to bring quality health care to the common man in a way that is personable, professional and memorable. Through the utilization of our Unique Total Care Philosophy Framework, through to the efficient and clean paperless offices we are driving, to the embracement of the digital age with online bookings, exercise prescription and more, Physio INQ is moving with you. Focusing on the family unit, we have developed a training program of our staff to be better communicators and mediators of health. Our aim is to have a completely open and transparent health relationship with all of our clients from day one. Every clinic is run by locals for locals. Being Powered By Physio INQ is a sign of corporate care. We train, cultivate and embrace only the brightest local talents and aim to deliver our service with a strong community focus.