Traditional Chinese Medicine vs Western Medicine in Treating Infertility

July 20, 2021

When infertility is mentioned, Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are often the first two things that come to mind. Which treatment do you choose? The answer depends on what your end goals are and the type of treatment you feel most comfortable utilizing. This article will explore the differences between western medicine vs acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Infertility Treatment

What is Western Medicine & Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Western medicine (scientific) believes infertility is a medical issue, and that it can be treated like any other. Western doctors will do tests to determine if there are any physical problems or abnormalities in the body. They will also screen for potential environmental causes of infertility such as radiation or toxins. If after initial testing, western doctors cannot find anything wrong with either partner they may recommend assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF to help them conceive a child together.

This approach works well for those who both have a lot of extra cash to spend on IVF as well as those that have infertility caused by physical abnormalities and/or environmental factors. In situations where an emotional cause has been identified, they typically don’t have any answers or treatment options.

Traditional Chinese Medicine on the other hand may provide some answers when traditional western methods fail due to its more holistic perspective on disease treatment which involves the mind, body, and spirit. Traditional Chinese medicine can not only treat infertility for the physical conditions but also separates itself due to the fact that it can help with the emotional reasons by treating what is causing infertility first. It may also be able to help with infertility caused by physical abnormalities or environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, radiation, chemicals etc. This is because Traditional Chinese Medicine infertility treatment is based around acupuncture to help regulate hormones and increase blood flow into the uterus. The purpose of acupuncture for infertility is not to cure infertility but rather to improve fertility rates by stimulating egg production. Acupuncture has been shown in studies to improve infertility rates by up to 48%.

The Difference Between Western and Chinese Medicine Infertility Treatment

Although both treatment options can produce results, in some cases, there’s one option that is better for you personally than another. In the end, infertility treatment is just one personal choice in what can be a complicated life experience. As with all things health-related, it’s important to research and explore your options before making that final decision.

The biggest difference between the two is that one is all-natural and the other is not. As mentioned before, Traditional Chinese Medicine infertility treatment focuses on acupuncture to help regulate hormones and increase blood flow into the uterus which helps to hopefully heal the health issue rather than trying to work around it. Western medicine infertility treatment, on the other hand, focuses on unnatural remedies such as in vitro fertilization to help increase a couple’s chances of conceiving (or adopt if need be).

The second biggest difference is the cost of each of these treatments. Western doctors will often recommend IVF in cases where traditional western methods fail because they have a lot of extra cash on hand for this treatment option. The average cost of an IVF cycle in the U.S. is $12,400, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. This price will vary depending on where you live, the number of medications you’re required to take, the number of IVF cycles you undergo, and the amount your insurance company will pay toward the procedure. No matter how you look at it, that is a large chunk of cash to have on hand. Many people will switch to Traditional Chinese Medicine infertility treatment because it’s more cost-effective (by at least $10,000). However, in some cases, you can even opt-in to do both treatments at the same time! If you have the money on hand and you’d like to solidify your chances, we’ve seen many patients who get IVF and TCM treatments working together to achieve conception.

Which Treatment Option Should You Choose

There are two different approaches to infertility that people can take, and it’s important for you to be aware of the pros and cons of each. One is all-natural and holistic while the other relies heavily upon technology. People will always disagree over which approach works better personally than another when it comes to fertility care. However, in the end, it really depends on your personal preference and what you think will work best for your body and budget.

We understand that you may be unsure about which approach to choose for your fertility care. If this is the case, we’re happy to offer a consultation so we can help guide you in making an informed decision! Contact us today and let one of our trained professionals walk through all of your options with you. In the meantime, keep reading articles like this one on natural versus technological approaches to infertility treatment as you decide what will work best for YOU.

If you’re looking to receive effective treatment for ANY health condition, we recommend you start looking for a TCM practitioner in your area. If you’re within the state of Utah, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lotus Spring Acupuncture & Wellness to receive the best holistic healthcare and acupuncture treatments.

Dan Clark has years of highly specialized training and experience in the field of acupuncture in Utah. With been in business for over 18+ years, we’re the ones who can give you personalized treatment to help you attain your personal health goals.

Lotus Spring Acupuncture and Wellness Inc., the best restorative acupuncture clinic in American Fork, UT, USA is dedicated to providing valuable information about Traditional Chinese Medicine’s solutions to Naturally Restore Lungs Function.

The Link Between Lung Health and Nerve Growth

Have you ever thought about how the air we breathe affects more than just our lungs? It turns out, your lungs are super important not just for breathing but also for keeping your brain and nerves healthy.

Imagine your body is like a car engine, and oxygen is the fuel that keeps everything running smoothly. Without enough fuel, things start to break down. Well, the same goes for your body—without enough oxygen, your brain and nerves might not work as well as they should.

Did You Know?

Did you know that just a 1% drop in oxygen saturation can impair cognitive performance by up to 10%? Imagine you’re hiking up a high mountain, where the air is thin and oxygen is scarce. You might experience brain fog and find it hard to think clearly—this is because your brain needs a steady supply of oxygen to stay sharp. But it’s not just about high-altitude hikes. Oxygen affects your daily life in surprising ways:

Feeling Dizzy After Standing Up Quickly: Ever stood up too fast and felt lightheaded? This happens because your brain isn’t getting enough oxygen for a moment.
Struggling with Focus During a Tough Workout: If you’re working out intensely and feel like your concentration is slipping, it might be due to lower oxygen levels in your body.
Waking Up Groggy: If you have sleep apnea, you might wake up feeling tired because your body wasn’t getting enough oxygen during the night.

“Inhale and Exhale to Stay Calm”: Ever notice in movies how characters are told to breathe deeply to stay calm? This is because deep breathing helps get more oxygen to your brain, which can help clear your mind and improve focus.

What Happens If You Don’t Get Enough Oxygen?

If your lungs aren’t doing their job properly and your blood isn’t getting enough oxygen, you might face some serious problems:

Fatigue: Feeling tired all the time because your body isn’t getting the energy it needs.
Shortness of Breath: Struggling to breathe easily, even when you’re at rest.
Cognitive Issues: Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.
Headaches: Frequent headaches due to low oxygen levels in the brain.
Mood Changes: Feeling more irritable or down than usual, as oxygen levels affect your mood.

How Lung Health Supports Nerve Growth and Brain Function

Okay, let’s break this down into simpler terms. Think of your lungs as a big air pump. Their job is to take in oxygen from the air and put it into your blood. This oxygen-rich blood travels all over your body, including to your brain and nerves.

Brain Power: Your brain needs a lot of oxygen to think clearly and learn new things. Healthy lungs make sure your brain gets the oxygen it needs to stay sharp.
Nerve Growth: Just like plants need water to grow, your nerves need oxygen to stay healthy and grow. With enough oxygen, your nerves can work properly and repair themselves.
Memory and Learning: Good oxygen levels help you remember things and learn new skills more easily.

Tips to Keep Your Lungs Healthy and Boost Oxygen Delivery

1. Breathing Exercises

What to Do: Try deep breathing exercises like diaphragmatic breathing. Breathe in deeply through your nose, letting your belly expand, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.

Why It Works: Deep breathing helps improve lung capacity and oxygen flow. Aim for 5-10 minutes of deep breathing exercises twice a day.

2.Stay Hydrated

What to Do: Drink plenty of water throughout the day—about 8 glasses (2 liters) daily.

Why It Works: Water helps keep mucus thin and easier to expel, improving lung function.

3.Eat Lung-Friendly Foods

What to Do: Include foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, apples, and leafy greens. Omega-3 rich foods like fish and flaxseeds are also great.

Why It Works: These foods help reduce inflammation and support lung health. Try to eat at least one serving of these foods daily.