Harris Fisher, Dr. of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Observing the Natural World in Order to Know the Body
Chinese medicine theory was established before the human body was surgically dissected. The complex inner workings of the body were instead explained with reference to natural phenomena and the concept of holistic balance. The aim is to establish which organ systems are out of balance and then treat the mechanism of the imbalance.
The Uterus is Extraordinary (the ovaries too)
The Uterus is considered extraordinary because it has the function of storing blood, generating life and expelling both these which is a unique function not shared by other organs. There are three organs directly associated with the Uterus, the Liver, Kidney and Heart*. The Liver is responsible for nourishment and regulation, the Kidneys store our fertility potential and the Heart governs the vessels that supply the uterus. The mind is seen as an extension of the Heart.
What Needs Treating?
If you chart your basal body temperatures (BBT) you may be able to identify areas of imbalance. A drastic saw toothed pattern for example, requires that the Liver and Heart system need balancing. Temperatures that are lower then 36.0 degrees celsius in the first half generally require treatment to the Kidney system. Low temperatures in the second half will usually require treatment of both the Heart and Kidney systems.
Nourish the Kidneys to Improve Egg Quality
Since the Kidneys are responsible for our fertility potential, using herbs such as Eucommia Bark (Du Zhong) , Japanese Teasel Root (Xu Duan), Cordyceps (Dong Chong Xia Cao) and Chinese Fox Glove root (Shu Di Huang) can increase egg quality as well as support the mother in carrying the pregnancy.
Treat the Heart to Calm the Mind and Assist Implantation
The mind is an extension of the Heart, so herbs that address the Heart will have a positive effect on the mind. Longan Fruit Flesh (Long Yan Rou), Arbor-Vitae Seed (Bai Zi Ren) and Sour Jujube Seed (Suan Zao Ren) are nourishing herbs that calm through supporting the Heart. Mimosa Tree Bark (He Huan Pi) and Polygonum Vine (Ye Jiao Teng) work by supporting the function of the Heart in gently moving blood to calm and treat insomnia.
Benefit the Liver to Nourish the Uterus and Regulate Menstruation
The Liver is integral in maintaining the cyclic fertile rhythm of the menstrual cycle. In order to have the best chance of conceiving it is important to maintain a regular cycle of approximately 28-30 days with ovulation occurring 14 days prior to the next menstruation. Chinese Angelica Root (Dang Gui), Chinese Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao), White Peony Root (Bai Shao) are used to regulate blood flow and normalize the menstrual cycle.
Putting it all together…
Chinese herbs are most commonly combined to produce a synergistically acting formula specific for the individual. With the assistance of a doctor of Chinese medicine you can determine the organ systems that may be out of balance and customize an herbal formula to addresses these imbalances.
*The organ names used in Chinese medicine theory are the same as those in Western physiology, however the understanding of their function and system are somewhat different. Organ names have been capitalized to denote the Chinese medicine understanding of the organ and its related system.
This article is intended as a resource only and not as a treatment plan. Please see a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine for professional guidance before purchasing or administering herbal treatments.
Notes for this blog:
Dr. Harris Fisher is a doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Yinstill Reproductive Wellness clinic in Vancouver, British Columbia. His practice focuses on the treatment of fertility, pelvic pain and menstrual disorders. Harris also provides complimentary care to woman and couples undergoing assisted reproductive techniques (IVF, ICSI, IUI) and is a fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). http://yinstill.com/ .
