Helping women improve their health and fertility naturally has been a focus of Dr. Barnett and Dr. Arenz and the rest of the Orlando Acupuncture team for over 20 years. Our approach to fertility and fertility treatment can be summarized as four foundational pillars.
The first pillar of fertility is hormone balance and optimization. In Chinese Medicine fertility is closely tied to the body’s “Jing”, or life essence, closely related to DNA. Jing, is a Chinese concept identifying our deepest energy reserves that determine vitality and longevity. While some people are born with more “Jing” than others, lifestyle and nutrition play a significant role in our reproductive health. This ancient Chinese concept is roughly the same as what Western medical concepts of epigenetics and hormones.
A great way to understand a woman’s “Jing” and hormone function supply is to look at her BBT (basal body temperature) chart. This chart gives us important clues to how a woman’s hormones are functioning and her ability to conceive.
Hear from a patient who overcame PCOS with acupuncture:
The second pillar of fertility is lifestyle optimization. This includes our daily activities, work, play, and exercise, as well as circadian biology. Circadian biology is a very important, and often overlooked topic in health, and is especially relevant for fertility. The term circadian biology encompasses both sleep and our EMF (elecromagnetic field) environment, including light. The light and other electromagnetic fields that we are exposed to have a significant effect on gene and hormone expression. Generally, we want to minimize our exposure to manmade EMF including artificial light, and have a healthy amount of time in natural sunlight. We also want to arrange our sleep and activity schedules around the body’s natural internal clock.
Prioritizing deep, restful Sleep is essential. Your body repairs itself during sleep, including your reproductive system. Aim for seven to eight hours of quality sleep each night to support hormone balance and ovarian function. The right balance of activity and recovery is important to optimize your nervous system.
Finding the right amount of Exercise is also essential. Regular, but not excessive exercise of
Moderate intensity improves circulation, metabolism, and egg quality. However, too much high-intensity exercise can deplete energy reserves and disrupt hormones. Gentle but strengthening exercises like tai chi and yoga are beneficial. We work with our patients to optimize their sleep, activity, and light exposure to maximize their fertility.
The third pillar of fertility is nutrition. Nourishing our body with the Right Foods provides the right conditions for fertility. You can think of healthy eating as gathering the nutrients to make fertile soil in which to plant and grow new life. We help our patients customize a balanced diet that includes: Protein-rich foods (eggs, seafood, beans, and dairy) to support egg quality. Easy to digest soups and bone broth to help replenish “Jing” and support fertility. Antioxidant-rich foods such as berries, and dark leafy greens protect eggs from damage.
See Dr. Barnett discuss the basics of Nutrition for Fertility:
We often encourage the use of high quality, targeted supplements such as Vitamin B12 and methyl folate to support cell growth and fertility. Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) can reduce inflammation and improve egg health. While compounds such as Co-Q10 inhibit free radical damage.
Herbal therapy is another way that we support optimal nutrition and hormone balance for our patients. Chinese herbal medicine has a proven track record of success in supporting and promoting fertility, especially in cases with complicating factors such as: PCOS, endometriosis, and low ovarian reserve. Herbal medicine is customized for each individual to support hormone balance, ovarian function, and improve overall reproductive health. The traditional, wildcrafted herbs that we use also contain important micronutrients that can be missing in modern diets. These herbs give our patients the nutrients and cellular signals their bodies need to overcome the unique fertility challenges that modern life presents.
The fourth pillar of fertility is stress management. Stress is known to be the most significant factor in what Western medicine calls, “unexplained infertility”. Having less stress in our life is easier said than done. High stress can interfere with reproductive hormones and reduce ovarian function. Many patients find meditation or other mindfulness practices to be essential for managing their stress. We work with patients to discover and implement stress reduction techniques that work well for their life.
Acupuncture is one of the best ways to limit and reduce stress. Acupuncture has been shown to measurably improve how our body responds to stress. Acupuncture has also been shown to:
Increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, balance reproductive hormones, and reduce stress-related fertility issues.
Even If you’re not trying to conceive – Fertility is a reflection of overall health. If pregnancy isn’t your goal, following these 4 pillars and taking care of your reproductive system has benefits that support your long term health and vitality:
- Support hormonal balance (reducing PMS, irregular cycles, and menopause symptoms).
- Slow down aging and preserve vitality.
- Improve energy levels, mood, and mental clarity.
- Reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and other aging-related conditions.
With infertility rates at an all time high it is more important than ever to know about and improve these 4 areas of your health. Orlando Acupuncture has supported hundreds of women on their fertility journey, nourishing them and helping them to achieve their dreams.