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Chinese Medicine Treatment for Infertility

Traditional chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has a lot to offer the couple having difficulty conceiving. The focus of treatment is on the quality of the gametes and the functioning of the reproductive system, but this can only be achieved by paying attention to every aspect of your health. A TCM practitioner who specialises in fertility will use the traditional forms of diagnosis and prescribe treatment that is unique and appropriate for each individual. This may take the form of regular acupuncture treatment, Chinese herbal medicine and lifestyle and diet recommendations.

Preconception care programmes

Naturopaths who specialise in this area tailor programmes to help you prepare for pregnancy and a healthy baby. They make dietary suggestions and prescribe supplements or herbs.

Even the drug companies have good advice about diet and exercise

Counselling

Infertility can put a strain on your relationship and can affect your emotional wellbeing. Timely counselling can provide you with appropriate support and intervention during periods of high stress.

Care during pregnancy

Once you have reached the second semester you may decide, if you have had a lot of treatment for infertility that it is nice to just enjoy the pregnancy and give all types of doctors a miss. However if there are any symptoms like back pain, headaches, fluid retention or indigestion bothering you then acupuncture from someone who specializes in this area can be helpful.

Labour and birth

Acupuncturists who specialise in helping women prepare for and go through labour may also have trained as a doula. This means they will be able to attend to you and assist the midwife throughout your labour in the hospital.

Other relevant sites

The Fertility Society of Australia is the peak body representing scientists, doctors, researchers, nurses, consumers and counsellors in reproductive medicine in Australia and New Zealand.

ACCESS, Australia's National Infertility Network, is a consumer-based, independent, non-profit organisation committed to being a national voice in promoting the well-being and welfare of infertile people of all ages, through representation in the general community and in the medical, scientific and political arenas.

AACMA, The Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd is the leading national professional association of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners. High standards of education and practice are maintained by AACMA accredited practitioners due to the profession's determination to provide excellence in acupuncture and TCM health care. AACMA members are bound to a high standard of ethical and professional conduct through adherence to our national practitioner accreditation standards, Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.