Traditional Chinese Medicine: Resolving Infertility Problems and Boosting the ‘Eugenics and Superior Birth’ Era
In today’s society, infertility has gradually become a distress faced by many families. And Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with its unique theoretical system and rich practical experience, plays a non-negligible role in resolving this problem and boosting the “eugenics and superior birth” era.
TCM has a profound understanding and perception of infertility. “Research Progress in Traditional Chinese Gynecology” [1] mentioned that “the kidney is the congenital foundation and governs reproduction.” It clearly points out the close connection between the kidney and fertility. For example, if there is insufficient kidney qi, it may lead to disorders in reproductive functions. In terms of treatment, TCM emphasizes treatment based on syndrome differentiation and individualized conditioning according to the specific situation of the patient.
For肾阳虚-type infertility, the method of warming and tonifying kidney yang is often used. As Professor Li pointed out in his article published in the “Modern Journal of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine” (in 2020) [2], “We can choose the modified “Jinkui Shenqi Pill” to warm and tonify kidney yang and improve reproductive functions.” By replenishing kidney yang, it stimulates the vitality and vigor of the body and increases the chance of conception.
Liver qi stagnation is also one of the common factors leading to infertility. “New Theory on Etiology and Pathogenesis of Traditional Chinese Medicine” [3] mentioned that “liver qi stagnation leads to unsmooth qi movement and blocked blood circulation.” At this time, TCM mostly adopts the therapy of soothing liver qi, such as the “Xiaoyao San” and other prescriptions, to smooth qi movement and create good conditions for gestation.
At the same time, the acupuncture therapy of TCM also shows unique advantages in the treatment of infertility. Relevant research [4] (published in “Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion” in 2022) shows that “by stimulating specific acupoints such as Guanyuan, Zhongji, and Sanyinjiao, it can effectively regulate endocrine and reproductive system functions.” Acupuncture achieves the purpose of harmonizing qi and blood and balancing yin and yang through the conduction of meridians.
In addition, TCM also focuses on the overall concept. It not only focuses on the reproductive system itself but also comprehensively considers the overall condition of the patient. Just as what is said in “Discussion on the Overall Concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Clinical Application” [5] (published in 2019), “The human body is an organic whole, and various zang-fu organs are interrelated and interact with each other.” For patients with weak constitution and insufficient qi and blood, the overall constitution is adjusted first to enhance the healthy qi of the body, thereby laying the foundation for conception.
TCM also has a clear understanding of the role of psychological factors in infertility. Long-term infertility pressure may lead to adverse emotions such as anxiety and depression. “Research on the Relationship between the Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Emotions and Infertility” [6] (published in 2021) emphasizes that “TCM can help patients relieve psychological pressure and improve emotional states through means such as emotional therapy.”
Under the background of the “eugenics and superior birth” era, TCM advocates preconception conditioning. “The Concept and Practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine Eugenics and Superior Birth” [7] (published in 2018) pointed out that “by conditioning the body, both husband and wife can be in the best reproductive state to make full preparations for conceiving a healthy baby.” This reflects the positive contribution of TCM in the field of eugenics and superior birth.
In conclusion, with its profound theoretical foundation and rich practical experience, TCM plays an important role in solving infertility problems and boosting the process of the “eugenics and superior birth” era. With the continuous deepening of modern research, the value of TCM in this field will be further manifested and recognized.
