Chinese Herbal Medicine
A Chinese herbal formula contains from between 3 to 15 individual herbs. They work via a gentle synergistic process to address energetic imbalance, adjust the Yin and Yang and promote wellbeing. Balanced bodily systems are healthy and function at their peak. This includes the endocrine, neurological and reproductive systems which are important in women's and men's health, fertility and pregnancy. At EastWest Fertility, we usually create an individualised herbal formula which is based upon the Chinese medicine diagnosis. Female infertility and gynaecological disorders are generally treated with a group of formulas which are alternated according to the the phases of the menstrual cycle.
The Chinese pharmacopeia contains thousands of herbs of either plant, mineral or animal origin. Eastwest fertility uses herbs that are TGA approved and strictly avoids the use of animal parts from endangered species or when they have been collected by inhumane methods.
Chinese herbs are divided into several categories. The main categories that are important in treating women's and men's health disorders, infertility and obstetric disorders include tonic herbs and moving herbs. Although there is debate about the exact science behind the efficacy of Chinese herbs for reproductive and sexual health, empirical evidence of past and present Chinese herbalists, as well as several small research studies, suggests some of the following possible effects:
- Regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis
- Stimulates oestrogen production
- Increases cervical mucous
- Increases haemoglobin production, lowers FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
- Builds of uterine lining
- Improves egg quality
- Promotes ovulation
- Strengthens reproductive organs
- Improves sperm motility & count
- Stimulates sperm production
- Regulates thyroid hormone
- Stimulates progesterone and testosterone production
- Improves luteal function
- Supports the physiology of the fallopian tubes
- Regulates menstrual cycle
- Stops pain
Chinese herbs enhance the effect of acupuncture, and both therapies are frequently combined. Of course herbs can be prescribed and taken without acupuncture.