MingLang

A core concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the flow of energy through the body. This means your health will deteriorate when the energy is blocked. But how does the energy flow through the body? How can it become blocked and most importantly how can we unblock it? The answer comes down to meridians. So, what are meridians?

In TCM, the simplest explanation is that meridians are the pathways of energy around the body. There are fourteen main meridian pathways through the body that flow in pairs. These paths have multiple acupuncture points which activate them in different ways.

According to western science, many of the meridian points line up with our central nervous system. This Indicates a link between the nervous system and neural pathways, and meridians and acupuncture. The theory being that the thin needle somehow activates the neural pathways causing the body to react in a positive way. However this only applies to points located above nerve clusters and does not account for the other pathways.

Where are the meridians located?

The fourteen main meridians run the length of the body from the head to toe except for the two in the centre. One runs up the centre of the body and the other runs along the spine. In addition to the main meridian pathways, each limb has six channels. Three of these are considered Yin channels and the other three, yang. The yang pathways are surface pathways while the yin cover the inner area. It is only through balancing the yin and yang pathways and their connecting organs that the body can function properly.

Finally there are the “Extraordinary” meridians. Unlike the above meridians there are not connected to major organs. Instead they function as receptacle for qi and blood. They help circulate wei qi, the energy that acts as the defence of the body and is connected to the immune system. These meridians also act as connections between the regular channels.

The Importance of meridians.

The reason meridians are so important is that when they become blocked or stagnant then qi cannot flow freely. Qi is what keeps the body healthy so when it doesn’t flow properly illness can take hold. The biggest blocker of meridians is stress particularly overworking physically and or mentally, and anxiety. Things like bad diet, lack of sleep, and lack of or even too much exercise can also create blockages. This is where acupuncture, combined with herbs, exercise, and diet can help the meridians clear. By inserting the needle in a very particular point, the acupuncturist stimulates the meridian pathway helping to encourage the flow of qi, which encourages the body to recover under its own power. If the blockage is severe the patient may require multiple treatments.

Winter is the time when the cold, wet and rainy conditions settle onto life and sometimes into ourselves. We can feel mellow and sluggish with little to no motivation to achieve our life’s goals. Contrary to popular beliefs Winter is a great time to recharge the bodies batteries and regenerate vital energy (or Qi) to help you look, feel and live better. In Chinese culture Winter is associated with the Yin, in opposition to Summer which as Yang. Yin is cold, dark, slow and inward energy. It is the season of hiding. This means rest, reflection, conservation and storage.

Ancient Chinese Culture believes we should live our lives in harmony with the seasons. This allows our body to be in tune with the environment instead of fighting against it. Winter is associated with the Water element, involving the kidneys, bladder and adrenal glands. All energy or Qi is stored in the kidneys, with Winter being a perfect time to rest and restore the body’s supply.

There are things you can do at home to help boost your Yin-Qi levels – going to bed early and staying there until the sun rises, eating warming hearty soups and connecting with your inner self via meditation and journal writing. You should avoid cold and seek warmth, and avoid persperation where possible to prevent your Qi from exhaustion. These practices are ways of preserving your health in Winter.

Your TCM Practitioner can also help by providing Winter-specific acupuncture which helps to nurture and nourish your kidneys Qi. This treatment will help your body prevent illness and promote healing, and regenerate your vitality stores for the coming months.

Foods to Eat to Boost Your Health in Winter

There are many important foods that help revitalise the Qi and improve kidney health during Winter. Foods that naturally grow during winter including root vegetables, winter greens, apples and pears are all in abundance and improve your health. Kidney-specific foods include black beans, black sesame seeds, dark leafy vegetables and soups cooked with bones. Chestnuts and walnuts are also very good at increasing Kidney Qi. Drinking plenty of room temperature water will also help cleanse and nourish the kidneys. These foods will nourish and warm the kidneys from the inside out.

Winter Specific Foods

• Carrots, squash, root vegetables, winter greens, potatoes, asparagus, cucumber and celery
• Soups with bones, lamb and chicken
• Nuts and seeds: Black sesame, flax, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, chestnuts and walnuts
• Black and blue foods (specific to Kidney Qi) including black kidney beans, blueberries, blackberries and mulberries

Foods should be cooked long and slow with minimal water to allow the foods to absorb heat and thus warm the body.

Winter Activities

Winter provides the perfect opportunity for turning inwards – reflecting on the seasons past, looking inside oneself for solace and feeding our mental and physical well-being. Meditation and journal writing are both excellent ways to nourish the soul. Going to bed early and staying in bed later also help revitalise energy levels. Being in tune with how your body feels and what it needs are both important in increasing your Winter Yin, and reducing the Summer Yang. For some people this means more time indoors and resting, whilst for others getting out in the cooler weather and being active is best.

Winter Qi levels and acupuncture – they belong together!

Having a sick child can be a very concerning thing for any parent. They are far more fragile than adults, so treating them has to be gentle and on a smaller scale. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) has been treating children with Paediatric Massage for 2,300 years. It has shown great benefit in helping children regain their good health and prevent childhood illnesses from developing into something more serious.

What is TCM Paediatric Massage?

TCM Paediatric Massage is the manipulation of soft tissue to promote the health and well being of children and adolescents aged 0-14 years. Paediatric massage helps respiratory and digestive illnesses, which are among the most common childhood ailments. Disturbances to a child’s Qi or imbalances in their Yin and Yang are the usual cause of these illnesses. Often imbalances can be corrected through the use of massage and has been beneficial in treating chronic conditions.

Treating ailments isn’t the only benefits to TCM Paediatric Massage. It is also used to strengthen the health and immunity of the child, building a resistance to disease. It is shown to have a positive impact on a child’s mental health, and is especially effective in reducing anxiety.

It is important to know that children have delicate and soft skin. This means that the techniques used to help adults are too strong and need to be modified accordingly to the size of each child being treated. The great thing about children is that they are full of energy and they usually respond very well to the massage.

What do you need to know?

It is important to note that paediatric massage is not suitable for children suffering from some ailments. These include infectious diseases, such as chickenpox. Children with injuries like fractures or open wounds, cancer or bleeding disorders should also refrain from massage. It is best to consult a TCM practitioner before any paediatric massage and they can make an informed decision whether to treat the child. With the right advice and expertise, TCM practitioners can help improve a child’s health and support their growth.

Paediatric massage is great for mental health, reducing anxiety and helping create a human connection in newborns to children aged up to 14 years old. It can support a child’s respiratory system if they are suffering with coughs, colds and fevers. It is also very effective in helping children with their digestive system including stomach aches, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting.

If you would like to find out more please contact your local TCM practitioner.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a unique perspective on high blood pressure. In TCM, it is believed that the body desires balance. A healthy body is our natural state and any illness or health issue is attributed to something in the body being out of balance. Chinese medicine strives to bring each patient back into balance in order to achieve health. High blood pressure can be deadly if not managed, but a more positive outlook is that high blood pressure is a warning sign that something in a person’s lifestyle needs to change.

How does Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Diagnose Hypertension?

Hypertension is similar to dizziness and vertigo in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is usually thought to be caused by emotional factors, constitutional deficiencies, diet and stress that lead to an imbalance of yin and yang in the liver, spleen and kidney. Eventually this can result in hyperactivity of liver fire, or phlegm disturbing the upper, or frequent weakness of kidney yin and the failure of yin to control yang.

How does Chinese Medicine Usually Treat Hypertension?

It is essential to differentiate hypertension which is caused by excess from that which is caused by deficiency. TCM usually treats hypertension with body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, and herbs, but depending on the cause, the acupuncture points selected, techniques, and herbs will be different. The treatment for the excess type is to calm the liver to stop wind, eliminate fire and resolve phlegm. For hypertension caused by deficiency the approach is to replenish qi and blood, while nourishing the liver and kidney.

Ovarian Cysts, Polycystic Ovary Disease and Cervical Dysplasia

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, abdominal masses are called Ji Ju. Ji indicates abdominal masses which are immovable, if there is an associated pain, its location is fixed. These masses are due to stasis of blood. We call them ‘Blood masses’. Ju indicates abdominal masses which come and go, they do not have a fixed location and are movable, if there is an associated pain, it comes and goes and changes location. These masses are due to stagnation of Qi. We call them “Qi masses’.

Another name for abdominal masses is Zheng Jia. Zheng being equivalent to Ji, i.e. fixed masses and Jia to Ju, i.e. non-substantial masses from stagnation of Qi. Zheng Jia is normally used in referring to abdominal masses that generally occur only in women; but can occur in men as well, though rarely.

In general, Abdominal masses are due to the heat and cold not being regulated (i.e. exposure to extreme weather). Irregular diet and stagnation of the Qi of the Yin organs, If they do not move they are called Zheng; if they are movable they called Jia. ‘Jia’ implies the meaning of ‘false’. This is because these masses can come and go and are not actual masses. Since the time of the tang dynasty eight types of women’s abdominal masses were described as being; yellow, green, dry, blood, fat, fox, snake and even turtle mass.

Causes

Emotional Strain
Emotional strain is the most common cause for the formation of abdominal masses. Anger, especially when frustrated, resentment and hatred can all lead to stagnation of liver-Qi and in the long run, to stasis of liver-blood. The liver channel can play an important role in the movement of Qi in the lower abdomen and in women, Liver-blood plays a big role in the circulation of blood in this area.

Diet
Diet is another important factor in the formation of abdominal masses. Irregular eating or excessive consumption of cold and raw foods may lead to the formation of cold in the lower abdomen. Cold contracts and naturally interferes with the circulation of Qi especially in blood; it may lead to stasis of blood. Excessive consumption of greasy foods, impairs the spleen and may lead to formation of Dampness and Phlegm, Which can settle in the lower abdomen and bring about abdominal masses. There is also a close interaction between phlegm and stasis of blood that one can lead to aggravate the other.

External pathogenic factors
External pathogenic factors are less important in the Aetiology of abdominal masses. The most important pathogenic factor is a external cold which can invade the lower abdomen and impair the circulation of blood eventually leading to stasis of Blood. External dampness may invade the channels of the legs and then creep up to settle in the lower abdomen where, in the long run, it transforms into phlegm and may rise to abdominal masses.

Pathology

Abdominal masses are always characterized by either the stagnation of Qi or stasis of the blood, the former being non-substantial and the latter substantial masses. In addition to stagnation, there may also be phlegm. However, in all cases of abdominal masses there is always an underlying deficiency of Qi. Deficient Qi fails to transport and usually transforms, leading to stagnation of Qi and blood, it allows masses to form.

Masses from stagnation of Qi come and go, which are movable on palpation and change location. If there is pain, the pain has no fixed location and is accompanied by a pronounced feeling of distension. Masses from stasis of blood are fixed in location, they are not movable on palpation and feel quite hard. If there is pain, it is fixed and stabbing in character. Masses from phlegm feel soft on palpation and have a fixed location, there is usually no pain.

Treatment

After being diagnosed by a qualified practitioner, acupuncture will be performed as the treatment of choice and herbal medicines prescribed to support the treatment.

Chinese medicine places a lot of emphasis on dietary therapy as being an integral part of a patients treatment plan. Our last article goes into depth about guidelines for eating a diet consistent with Chinese medical theory. Here we will go further into detail about types of foods that are categorized specifically by their nature (cold, cool, neutral, warm, hot). The energetic nature of specific foods refer to their capacity to create temperature sensations within the body. It is important to remember that this does not relate to the state of the food but mainly to the effect the food has on our body.

This theory of dietary therapy is a great way to seek balance within your diet. In the foundation of this theory all foods can be broken down into yin and yang. Cold foods are more yin and hot foods contain more yang energy. When a person eats more yin foods, their body is able to produce a more yin energy- tending towards colder and slower moving, as eating more yang hot foods, will have the body create more yang energy- tending towards running warmer and more energetic. The thermal nature of food is very important because it impacts our health and generates an internal energy that can be beneficial, or harmful, to our current state. For example is a person can drink a nice hot cup of green tea which has an energetically cool nature, though the warm liquid may initially warm you up, the heat will quickly fade and allow your body to cool down from the nature of the substance just ingested.

If a person suffers from hot painful arthritic joints, spicy hot foods will tend to aggravate their condition and those who suffer from cold pain such as rheumatism may be more aggravated on a cold windy day, and will benefit from eating warm or hot natured foods. This system of thought helps to bring balance to the system by introducing what the body is lacking.

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Cold (Yin Foods)

Here are some examples of cold foods- they can be beneficial if you are trying to clear heat or cool the blood, clear toxins or nourish yin. These foods are best suited for people with heat constitutions or experiencing imbalances where heat is predominate.

-Bamboo shoot, arrowhead, banana, bitter gourd, chrysanthemum, crabs, cuttlefish, grapefruit, kelp, lettuces, lotus root, mulberry, persimmon, pomelo, salt and soya sauce, sea clams, seaweed, snails, sprouts, star fruit, sugar cane, tomato, water chestnut, water spinach, watercress, watermelon

Cool (Yin Foods)

These foods contain a yin cooling energy but not as much as the cold foods listed above.

-Amaranth, apple, barley, bean curd, broccoli, buckwheat, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cheese, Chinese radish, coconut, conch, cream, cucumber, duck egg, egg white, eggplant, lettuce root, lily flower, mango, millet, mung bean, mushrooms, mustard leaf, orange, papaya, pea, pears, peppermint, pineapple, rabbit meat, sesame oil, soybean milk, spinach, strawberry, tangerine, wheat, yogurt

Neutral food

Neutal foods tend to not have an energetic temperature associated with them and can be useful for a wide variety of individuals and health conditions.

-Adzuki beans, beef, beetroot, black sesame, cabbage, carrot, cashew nut, corn, duck, egg yolk, fig, goose, grapes, honey, lemon, lotus seed, milk, olives, oyster, peanut, pistachio nut, plums, pork, potato, quail, radish leaf, rock sugar/ cane sugar, round-grained rice, royal jelly, shiitake mushroom, shrimps, soybeans, sunflower seed, sweet potato, taro, turnips, white wood ear fungus/ black fungus

Warm (Yang foods)

Warming foods by nature help to bring warmth and blood flow to the body. These foods can help decrease pain impacted by cold weather, yang deficiency, improve circulation, dispel cold, raise yang qi and energy.

-Apricot, asparagus, brown sugar, cherry, chestnut, chicken, chinese chives, clove, coffee, coriander, cumin, dates, dill seed, fennel, fresh water shrimps, garlic, ginger (fresh), glutinous rice, goat milk, goose egg, green onion, ham, jasmine, leeks, lobster, longan fruit, maltose, mussel, nutmeg, onion, osmanthus flowers, peach, pine nut, pomegranate, pumpkin, raspberry, rose bud, rosemary, sichuan peppercorn, spearmint, star anise, sweet basil, sweet peppers, tobacco, vegetable oil, venison, vinegar, walnut, wine

Hot foods (Yang)

Hot foods can be very beneficial if used in moderation and with the correct constitution, though too much hot foods can cause things like skin eruptions and redness especially to those already prone to a hot nature.

-Black pepper, chili pepper, cinnamon, ginger(dried), mustard seed

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Food for thought

• Green tea is considered to have “cool” energy even though is a hot drink.
• Food that grows underground such as root vegetable tend to be more yin in nature.
• Foods that grow in trees and sunshine tend to be more yang in nature.
• Soft wet foods are more yin, while hard dry foods are more yang. (Dried Ginger is warmer than fresh ginger, yet both are warming and yang in nature)

Chinese Dietary Therapy

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a holistic and comprehensive system of health that views the body in accordance with nature. It puts the utmost importance on lifestyle choices and nutrition, and if these fail to bring the body into balance then it is time to look into herbs and acupuncture. In TCM there is no distinct difference between food and medicine, meaning that food itself can sometimes be all the medicine you need. Food is viewed as a powerful tool to help create and maintain wellness.

This article will first discuss some basic diet recommendations and then go into further detail of Chinese medical theory at the end for those interested. Having a basic understanding of Chinese medicine theory is important to make educated choices when deciding upon your individualized diet plan.

The Basics Of The Chinese Medicine Diet

The basis of healthy eating in regards to TCM is filling most of the diet with fresh foods that are free from chemicals, preservatives, and over-processing. These foods are seen as the most vital, that is full of Qi.

Vegetables should be cooked only lightly to preserve beneficial enzymes and vitamins. People should eat according to their particular constitution (more on this below!) with the largest meal of the day in the morning. Beans and grains should be soaked and properly cooked to allow for easy digestion. Not only is a healthy diet integral to optimal health, it is crucial to get physical and mental exercise as well as rest. 

A Little Bit Of Theory

According to Chinese medicine, every food and herb has a nature, flavor, and organ system/meridian associated with it. The nature describes the effect of the food (or herbs) on the temperature of the body, while the flavor describes the taste.

Instead of viewing meals as a breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates (sugars), and fats, Chinese dietary therapy utilizes the flavors and natures of foods as a guide to a well-balanced meal. Learning how to utilize the nature and flavors of foods and herbs is really where the true healing capacity of this diet lays.

There is also the belief that the seasons have a profound impact upon our well-being, and eating according to the seasons can have great impacts on our health. We are immensely influenced by changes in the climate and we should learn to live and eat in balance with those changes. 

Chinese diet therapy also focuses on a mentality that “like treats like.” For example if woman had a particularly heavy menstrual cycle and was feeling fatigued, then eating some extra red meat or foods high in iron can help. If someone was struggling with pain in their joints, some bone broth can do the trick. Also foods that resemble parts of the body are often used to help support that specific part: walnuts for the brain, pomegranates for women’s health.

Food As Everyday Medicine

There is a lot to learn when it comes to Chinese medicine and the Five elements, but even learning and incorporating the basics into your everyday life can have profound impacts. The main lesson here is to observe your body and its patterns to learn what it needs to find balance. Some simple ideas are if you are feeling over heated- eat come cooling cucumbers, feeling bloated or have edema- cut down on your salt intake. A great way to incorporate healing foods and herbs into your diet is to make congee! (Recipe listed here!)

Digging Deeper Into The Chinese Medicine Diet

If you want to go deeper into Chinese dietary therapy it is advised that you see a Chinese medicine practitioner or acupuncturist. They will be able to figure out a pattern differentiation of your current constitution. This will usually be an explanation of where the body is out of balance in regards to the five elements (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) or organ systems (heart/small intestine, spleen/stomach, lung/large intestine, kidney/bladder, liver/gallbladder).

Once you have this information you will be able to make more informed decisions of what flavors, and natures of foods can nurture your body best.

5 Natures, 5 Flavors

Nature (Temperature)

The nature of foods and herbs describes the temperature changes that they cause within the body. (Warming foods help to move the blood and qi of the body to the surface and may cause sweating.) This not only has to do with the energetic properties and inherent temperature based-natures of the foods themselves but with how the foods are prepared or cooked (roasting, broiling, and heating equating to warm while iced and raw correspond to cold). Also plants that take longer to grow such as carrots, ginseng, cabbage or rutabaga are considered to be warmer foods then those that grow quickly such as cucumbers, radish, and lettuce.

Warming foods can help to stimulate body functions and raw food can help cool us down. Too much hot or warming foods can over stimulate our system while ingesting too many raw or cold foods can slow down our digestive processes. Like all things in Chinese medicine, it is about creating balance and finding harmony within your system, so eating a variety of warm and cool foods can help to create a well-balanced diet.

1. Hot
2. Warm
3. Neutral
4. Cool
5. Cold

Flavor

Understanding the five flavors of Chinese medicine is a very important part of its dietary therapy. They are associated with a specific organ system or meridian and they have inherent qualities that have a very powerful impact upon that organ itself. These flavors can help create balance within the body and can also help to bring a person into harmony with the seasons. It is also important to note that too much of a specific flavor can also do harm to its corresponding organ system . For example sweet foods can help to tonify the spleen/ stomach and improve digestive function, but too much sweet foods can result in weakening the digestive capacity and creating sugar imbalances like diabetes or metabolic syndrome.

1. Sour
2. Bitter
3. Sweet
4. Acrid (spicy/pungent)
5. Salty
   (Additionally some people consider Bland to be a flavor, but this isn’t directly associated with the five element theory, even though bland foods and herbs can be very beneficial and are associated with diuretic actions. Otherwise they are considered a division of the sweet flavor.)

Organ System Association

In Chinese medicine the organ systems (zang-fu) are a detailed blue print of the makeup of the human form. The organ systems are not only the physiological tissue that comprises each vital organ but the entirety of its bio-mechanical pathways, mechanisms, and associations with nature such as emotion, taste, sense organ, season, color, and time. 

The five flavors are directly linked with a specific organ system and each flavor helps to benefit its related organ system, but over consumption of a specific flavor can cause harm as well. Sour foods are associated with the liver and gallbladder (as well as the health of our tendons and ligaments), so too much sour food can cause injury or pain and cramping of our sinews. Bitter foods, such as coffee, are associated with the heart/small intestines organs in Chinese medicine and while coffee can stimulate fluid circulation and help increase your metabolism, too much can be overly drying on your body.

1. Sour- liver/gallbladder
2. Bitter- heart/small intestine
3. Sweet- spleen/stomach
4. Acrid- lung/large intestine
5. Salty- kidneys/bladder

Energetics And Therapeutic Uses Of The Five Flavors

• Sour: Astringents, helps to control Qi, blood, shen, essence. Helps retain our needed body fluids, moves inward and downward. Can help promote contraction in the digestive system.
• Bitter: Clears and purges, helps to dry dampness, consolidates yin, and calms shen, has desending movement
• Sweet: Supplements, tonifies and moistens, reduces side effects of other herbs, lifting action, great choice when conditions of dryness are present, such as some conditions of constipation.
• Acrid: Causes upward and outward movement, dispersing, promotes Qi and blood circulation, lifting action
• Salty: Energetically leads downwards and softens hardness, helps purge, can help lubricate intestines and help remove waste accumulation.

Examples Of Foods Related To The Five Flavors

• Sour: Some examples are pomegranate, vinegar, lime, lemon, fermented foods
• Bitter: Parsley, mustard greens, kale,dandelion greens, collard greens, burdock root, coffee
• Sweet: Rice, chicken, whole grains, sweet potatoes, cabbage, carrots, onions, squashes, corn, fruits, goji berries, honey
• Acrid: These foods include things like scallions, daikon radish, ginger
• Salty: Seaweeds, miso, sea salt, tamari, pickles, ocean fish, shellfish

Tips To Incorporate This Diet Into Your Life

• Listen to your body- This is always number one! The best diet plan is one that works for the individuals unique needs and specific constitution.
• Seasonal eating: Eating according to the seasons is very important as our bodies also go through cyclical changes throughout the year. This is not only about eating fruits and vegetables that are currently in season, but following the five element examples of foods that can help bring you into balance.
• Eating at regular intervals: The earth element (spleen/ stomach organ systems) loves a routine, so eating at regular times of the day can help assist the gastrointestinal tract to perform optimally. And remember not to skip breakfast or eat more than you need!
• Eat moderate amounts- It is important to listen to your body when it tell you it is “full” or has had enough. Overeating makes it hard for the Spleen and Stomach to effectively digest food and allocate the nutrients to parts of the body that need it the most. Underrating may leave the body malnourished or dehydrated leading to things such as constipation or slow healing times.
• Make breakfast your largest meal: The first meal of the day helps to ignite your digestive system and the morning hours are also the time when the organs of the digestive system are most active according to the Chinese medicine clock (stomach 7-9am and spleen 9-11am)
• Cut back in the cold raw foods: Too much cold foods can slow down our physiological processes, and create dampness, and out out our digestive fires, so a Chinese diet tends to stay away from things like ice water, smoothies and too many raw salads. Opt for room temperature water, slightly steamed vegetables, and if you are craving those crunchy raw salads, have a cup of nice warm soup or bone broth first. Go easy on damp creating foods such as dairy, fatty foods, refined sugars, which can slow down your metabolism and the spleen and stomachs process of transformation and transportation, and may lead to sluggish activity of the Liver.
• Eat lots of veggies: Pretty simple advice- fill your plate with mainly fresh lightly cooked vegetables, your body will thank you!
• Cook and eat mindfully:Taking time to cook and eat is important, so slow down, turn off your phone and chew your food fully. Mindfulness can help boost your digestion, turn around any unwanted relationships around food and make you feel better all around. This new awareness can also help you tune in to any food sensitivities or foods that may not be best for your body. Try to avoid eating when you are stressed-out or aggravated as this can negatively impact digestion.
• Get up and move! In Chinese medicine the root of many diseases is stagnation, and lack of movement and Qi flow, so make sure you get your blood moving. Daily exercise can help boost your metabolism and improve your digestive function.

Our body has an incredible natural intelligence to create health and homeostasis. Ideally, to conceive, our body needs to be in this balanced state. This is why Acupuncture should be considered as part of your pre-conception care plan as it helps to awaken the body’s natural healing response.

Acupuncture has been used for a long time to help create health in the human body and it is gaining more and more popularity for Women and couples that are wanting to start a family.

So how can Acupuncture help you conceive naturally?

Whether you are thinking about starting a family, or are already trying, acupuncture can help restore balance for both your mind and body to support you through this amazing and unfortunately sometimes challenging time.

Stress management & emotional well being

Acupuncture can help to bring down cortisol levels which is amazing because we want the body to be as free from stress as possible as stress impacts our reproductive ability, hormone production and overall well being. An Acupuncture treatment can help you feel more relaxed, clear and excited about your fertility journey.

Nourishing & supporting menstruation and ovulation by balancing hormones

For a beautiful little baby to be created, we need to make sure that your endometrial lining is thick, ovulation is occurring and your hormones are balanced. Acupuncture can help restore harmony by reactivating neurohormonal pathways to encourage hormone, blood and energy production to create a supportive environment for a baby.

Generally with pre-conception work, we would love to be seeing you at least 3 months before you start trying for a family (depending on your situation), this really gives us the time to fully understand how your body works and re-balance any areas of your health that needs help. We also suggest at least 3 months because it takes about this long for an egg to fully mature (and we want the best quality egg possible to start the conception journey). Regular treatments throughout this period allows us to adjust our treatments and supplements/herbal prescription to perfectly suit you, as well as really give your body the best chance to balance hormones, reduce stress and create a nurturing space for your baby to grow. Acupuncture throughout pregnancy is also recommended weekly during the 1st trimester, monthly through the 2nd trimester and weekly again from roughly week 35 of your pregnancy to really support your body through all of your body’s changes.

*Treatment plans are very dependent on each individuals condition.

This is just a start, to understand the basic aims of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for pre-conception and natural fertility. The aim for us is to always harmonise the mind and body and to create a safe and balanced environment for a new life.