Preparing For Pregnancy with Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
How Can Acupuncture Help You Prepare for Pregnancy?
Photo by Chanel Matsunami Govreau featuring products by Kitara
Dr. Rachel Hemphill, licensed acupuncturist in California says, “For menstruators, acupuncture helps increase blood flow to the ovaries and the uterus.” This means it can regulate ovulation and menstruation for those with irregular cycles as well as improve the uterine lining for implantation. Jocelyn Rodriguez, licensed acupuncturist in North Carolina, says regulating the cycle “would also make tracking ovulation easier and encourage healthy egg and sperm development.” She also mentions that acupuncture can be used “to help address any accumulations that get in the way of reproduction such as ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids or polyps.”
For sperm producers, Dr. Rachel says “acupuncture also increases blood flow to the testicles which supports healthy sperm formation. For both menstruators and sperm producers, acupuncture reduces stress and promotes relaxation by releasing endorphins.” Jocelyn also adds that de-stressing is important when it comes to regulating adrenal activity. Stress can cause a decrease in Gonadotropin releasing Hormone and Lutenizing hormones pulse amplitude, which are important in ovulation. It also increases testosterone levels, can reduce sperm concentration and can shorten the menstrual cycle, all of which can make it more difficult to conceive.
Dr. Rachel Hemphill, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM (she/her) Oakland, CA
How Can Herbal Medicine Help With Conception?
Herbal Medicine is another branch of Chinese Medicine. It can be used in conjunction with acupuncture, as well as a standalone treatment. Dr. Rachel says, “herbal medicine is one of the best ways to preserve and enhance our Jing. Jing represents the overall function of our reproductive organs and hormones. It is directly related to our egg and sperm quality and our ability to conceive.” She uses herbal medicine to help improve egg and sperm quality as well as regulating menstruation. Dr. Rachel also mentions “herbal medicine can also aid in treating fibroids, cysts, PCOS, amenorrhea, thin uterine lining, low sperm count, poor sperm motility, and many other conditions that are known barriers during conception.”
Jocelyn often uses herbs in the form of steam therapy. “I love using pelvic steaming since it can directly affect the tissues involved.” Jocelyn utilizes both oral herbal formulas as well as pelvic steams to address ovarian cysts, fibroids, and address lining issues. “Pelvic steams are especially useful for preparing the uterine lining for conception.”
10 Tips For Preparing For Pregnancy
1. Jocelyn suggests “Start early! I think Western culture teaches that menstruation is not necessary unless the individual is trying to conceive, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Menstrual health is intrinsically tied to reproductive/fertile health, therefore, a person should start preparing their body as early as possible.” Most acupuncturists recommend a minimum of 3 menstrual cycles or 3 months for sperm producers, to prepare before you start trying. Those with longer standing imbalances should expect longer treatment plans.
2. Both Dr. Rachel and Jocelyn emphasize cycle tracking for menstruators. Not only is it important to learn how to do it properly to predict ovulation accurately, but also to identify irregularities, imbalances and any other issues early so that they can be addressed. In Chinese Medicine, the goal is to have a 28-30 day cycle, 4 days of period and mild to no PMS. We want to get as close to this as possible!
Photo by Chanel Matsunami Govreau featuring products by Kitara
3. Jocelyn instructs people to begin “clearing toxic products from the household and personal care routine. Endocrine disruptors can be found in the most commonly used products from skincare, to makeup and household cleaners. Overtime, they can disrupt proper hormone function, so it’s best to slowly start eliminating those from your routine early.” Even menstrual products. She suggests non-toxic pads, tampons and silicone menstrual cups.
4. Dr. Rachel adds, prioritizing sleep. She says, “In Chinese medicine, we always recommend that patients trying to conceive, go to bed before 11pm. 11pm-3am corresponds to the Gallbladder and Liver in Chinese medicine. The Liver blood is responsible for regulating menstruation and hormones and nourishing our tissues. Going to bed before 11pm ensures that you are allowing the Liver to replenish itself.” A cross-sectional study conducted in 2011 (Lawson et al.) associated a higher likelihood of irregular menstruation patterns with menstruators who were working rotating night shifts. This also shows the importance of consistency in sleep patterns. A European study in 1996 indicated that shift work was associated with subfertility. (Bisanti et al.)
5. Jocelyn puts an emphasis on cleaning up nutrition. She asserts, “Proper hormonal balance relies on stable blood sugar levels and healthy gut microbiome. Avoiding processed foods and excess alcohol are great ways to reduce the inflammation that can get in the way of healthy hormone metabolism and balance.”
6. Dr. Rachel also talks about food intake in terms of warmth. Incorporating more “cooked, warm foods versus cold, raw foods” is important. “The Spleen is the digestive and blood producing organ in Chinese medicine. It operates at its optimal potential to digest foods properly and produce enough blood to properly support the functions of the body when it is given cooked, warm foods. Optimal fertility relies on having an abundant blood supply that can be circulated to the pelvic organs. When the body consumes a diet composed primarily of raw and cold foods, the Spleen's ability to produce blood is compromised.”
7. Dr. Rachel also reminds people to keep their feet warm. “You can achieve this by wearing cozy socks or doing foot soaks. In Chinese medicine, the feet have a direct relationship to the uterus. Warm feet equal a warm uterus and a warm uterus is more receptive to receiving and carrying a pregnancy.”
Jocelyn Rodriguez, MSOM, L.Ac in NC
8. Jocelyn recommends Castor Oil packs. She says, “Castor oil is anti-inflammatory and promotes circulation. Applying a castor oil pack to the liver area at least 3 times per week, helps to optimize liver function and metabolize excess hormones. Applying a castor oil pack over the lower abdomen helps to promote circulation in the reproductive organs which can be very helpful for reducing menstrual cramping and improving egg and lining quality.”
9. Dr. Rachel adds the important piece of advice of “Start moving through life at a gentle pace. If you are always on the go, stressed out and take minimal rests, learn how to start pacing yourself. Practice meditation, start journaling, prioritize movement/exercise, or start talk therapy. Too much stress on the body impacts the endocrine and immune systems.” Many menstruators know that even slightest change in your schedule or travel can offset your period. Slowing down and becoming more mindful is hugely important to consider when starting a family as your life will be change drastically and you want to be able to be aligned with those changes in your mind, body and spirit.
10. Acupuncture is considered a must when trying to conceive. You should expect to be receiving it at a minimum of 1 visit per week. Think of a weekly visit in accordance to each phase of your cycle. When it comes to cases of more severe or more long standing menstrual cycle imbalances, your acupuncturist might prescribe a more frequent treatment plan. During IUI and IVF there are certain times when it is recommended to come more often as well. These situations are often tailored to your unique case, constitution and Chinese Medical diagnosis.
How To Get In Touch
Jocelyn (Jocey) Rodriguez, MSOM, L.Ac. (She/Her) North Carolina
AcupunctureJo.com I @acupuncturejo.lkn
Dr. Rachel Hemphill, DACM, L.Ac. FABORM (She/Her) Oakland, California
City Pulse Acupuncture I @citypulseacupuncture
DISCLAIMER: This post should not be taken as medical advice.
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DISCOUNT CODE! If you are interested in menstrual cycle balancing or preparing for pregnancy with me in the NYC area please feel free to use the code PREPARE when purchasing your first acupuncture visit or 3 pack for $20 off. This offer is good until March 31, 2023. Discounts cannot be combined, and all discounted purchases cannot be refunded for any reason. There is a 24hr cancellation policy on all acupuncture visits.
Written by Dr. Emily Siy, DACM, on Nov 7, 2022 (with help from contributors mentioned above)
Sources:
Bisanti L, Olsen J, Basso O, Thonneau P, Karmaus W. (1996) Shift work and subfecundity: a European multicenter study. European Study Group on Infertility and Subfecundity. J Occup Environ Med. Apr;38(4):352-8
Lawson CC, Whelan EA, Lividoti Hibert EN, Spiegelman D, Schernhammer ES, Rich-Edwards JW. (2011) Rotating shift work and menstrual cycle characteristics. Epidemiology May;22(3):305-12