Unexplained Infertility…. Now What?

New patients often ask me if Acupuncture can help with a diagnosis of “unexplained infertility." My answer is yes, because Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis relies on the state of the body's health and balance, reflected in the pulse and tongue. I explain that Western medicine looks at health as a series of snapshots in a photo album, still frames that share a story line, while TCM is more like watching a moving picture, including the conversation in between the frames.

As an Acupuncturist, one of the ways I find out what is at the root of difficulty conceiving, is reading six pulse positions in each wrist and observing the geography of the tongue. The pulse lets me know how your health has been of late, while the tongue is a secondary confirmation of the pulse, it also adds more detailed information about your long-term health history. Pulse diagnosis gives rich depth and understanding about where the energy in the body has become disconnected. By understanding what is out of balance, I can create an Acupuncture treatment plan and suggest self-care practices that reestablish internal harmony.

There are 12 main Acupuncture meridians or energetic pathways that govern the functioning of the body. They cover a fixed surface area of the body and are responsible for very specific functions. I read the pulses in each wrist to get a clear picture of where the body has too much energy and where it has too little. Once I have read the pulse, I share the information with my patient, so they can understand what‘s happening and connect how their day-to-day lifestyle can help or hinder the work we’re doing together.

Each meridian is named after an organ that it has an energetic connection to. In my experience, 4 out of the 12 meridians have a strong impact on healthy fertility. The Liver meridian governs the cyclic-ness of a woman’s monthly cycle. Irregular menstruation, PMS, and painful periods are signs that the Liver meridian is struggling. The Spleen meridian takes what you eat and drink, breaks it down into chi (energy) and blood. Some of this blood is used to create the inner lining of the uterus, the endometrium. Light scanty periods or problems with implantation may indicate the digestive fire of the body needs rekindling. The Heart meridian governs the Shen (your spirit) and keeps the emotions flowing smoothly. If you feel super emotional around ovulation or right before your period, this meridian may be soothed by stress reducing practices, like meditation, Tai chi and yoga.

Lastly, the Kidney meridian, the heavy hitter of the energy system of the body, is where I see the most imbalances with women struggling with infertility. The Kidney meridian is responsible for growth, maturation, reproduction and healthy aging. The Kidney meridian is likened to a gas tank, storing your core energy. This meridian is the one you energy pull from when trying to conceive a child and the energy you use to support a healthy, balanced pregnancy. Excessive exercise, poor sleep, and burning the candles at both ends can deplete this meridian over time, making your body look and act older than it is. So you see, even if you have an “unexplained infertility” diagnosis, TCM pulse diagnosis may offer clues to what is standing in your way of conceiving.

To find a nationally certified Acupuncturist near you, you can visit the NCCAOM’s (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) public search engine here. The NCCAOM offers two search engines to assist individuals in finding a certified “diplomate” practitioner. Note: the listing is voluntary and not all diplomates will be listed. If you use another search engine, the practitioner may list the call letters "Dipl.Ac.” after their name, letting you know they are nationally certified through the NCCAOM.