Female Infertilityaccording to TCM

What is female infertility?

Female infertility is characterized by a woman's inability to conceive after a year or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. This complex condition encompasses a range of issues, from ovulatory dysfunction and fallopian tube damage to uterine disorders and unexplained fertility problems. Female infertility can be a deeply distressing experience, affecting emotional well-being and relationships. Identifying the underlying causes is critical for effective treatment and the hopeful realization of parenthood for many couples.

How does TCM view female infertility?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets female infertility through the principles of holistic health, focusing on the balance of Qi (energy), Blood, Yin, Yang, and Essence within the body. TCM posits that infertility often stems from imbalances or blockages in these vital substances and energies, disrupting the reproductive system.

Unlike Western medicine's often segmented treatment approaches, TCM seeks to diagnose and treat the underlying patterns of disharmony, offering a comprehensive perspective on reproductive health.

Root Causes of Female Infertility in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), female infertility is often linked to Deficiencies in the Kidney and Spleen systems. Kidney Yang Deficiency is characterized by symptoms such as a feeling of cold, weakness in the lower back and knees, and a pale complexion, which in TCM thought, reflect a diminished life force or vital energy necessary for reproductive function.

Similarly, a Deficiency in the Kidney and Spleen systems can lead to a lack of essential warmth and vitality, further complicating fertility by impairing the body's ability to nourish and sustain a pregnancy. These conditions highlight the importance of a harmonious balance within the body's internal systems for successful conception and pregnancy.

Explore below more details about what might cause Female infertility according to TCM.

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Female Infertility

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Chills Weak Legs Bright Pale Face Erectile Dysfunction Premature Ejaculation Oligospermia

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency	Infertility in women, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more	Li Zhong Wan
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Infertility in women, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more	Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Female Infertility

Common Symptoms: Lower Back Pain Weak And Cold Knees Chills Weak Legs Bright Pale Face Erectile Dysfunction Premature Ejaculation Oligospermia

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency	Infertility in women, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more	Li Zhong Wan
Kidney Yang Deficiency	Infertility in women, Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation... see more	Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Er Xian Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan | Tu Si Zi Wan | Ji Chuan Jian

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Female Infertility

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency	Infertility in women, Lower back pain, Weak and cold knees, Back cold sensation, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Watery ejaculate, Low sex drive, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Clear urination, Nocturia, Apathy, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Lack of appetite, Slight abdominal distention, Desire to lie down... see more	Li Zhong Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Female Infertility

Addressing the specific patterns of Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney and Spleen Deficiency, TCM employs targeted herbal treatments to restore balance and enhance fertility. For Kidney Yang Deficiency, the formula Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, rich in Prepared rehmannia, is frequently recommended to both nourish Yin and bolster Yang, thereby addressing the root of the coldness and weakness affecting reproductive health.

In cases where both the Kidney and Spleen systems are Deficient at the same time, Li Zhong Wan, containing warming herbs like Dried ginger, is used to strengthen the Spleen, warm the middle, and support the Kidney's function. These carefully selected formulas demonstrate TCM's holistic approach to treating infertility by nurturing the body's core energies and systems.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address female infertility, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Li Zhong Wan

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause female infertility, such as Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency

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All Formulas Recommended for Female Infertility Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Li Zhong Wan	Kidney and Spleen Yang Deficiency
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
You Gui Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Er Xian Tang	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Shen Qi Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Tu Si Zi Wan	Kidney Yang Deficiency
Ji Chuan Jian	Kidney Yang Deficiency

Acupoints for Female Infertility

Acupuncture, a cornerstone of TCM treatment, utilizes specific points to target Kidney Yang Deficiency and Kidney and Spleen Deficiency, thereby promoting fertility. Key acupoints include Shenshu BL-23, which strengthens Kidney Yang and nourishes Kidney Essence, and Sanyinjiao SP-6, known for its ability to support Spleen and Kidney health and regulate the reproductive system.

These points, when stimulated, are believed to enhance the vital energies required for conception, addressing the underlying deficiencies that contribute to infertility. Through the strategic application of acupuncture, TCM aims to harmonize the body's energies, fostering a conducive environment for pregnancy.

Explore below some acupoints used to address female infertility, organized by meridian.

Zuwuli LIV-10

3 cun inferior to Qichong ST-30 which is on the upper border of the symphysis and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. The point is also on the lateral border of adductor longus muscle.

Yinlian LIV-11

2 cun inferior to Qichong ST-30 which is on the upper border of the symphysis and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Qimen EX-CA

3 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 2 cun superior to the upper border of the pubic symphysis.