Below we provide some insights about infertility treatment according to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

- Traditional Chinese medicine is both ancient and modern.

- Traditional Chinese medicine has been dealing with infertility for centuries. According to traditional Chinese medicine, infertility is an illusion if a couple's reproductive organs are intact and functional (unexplained infertility).

- Unexplained infertility is thought to be a problem of balance, and in Chinese medicine many of the solutions lie in restoring balance. Energy imbalances are thought to be the source of variations in infertility.

- Traditional Chinese medicine, combined with IVF treatment, is said to have positive effects on various gynaecological disorders that can be a cause of infertility, such as anovulation, endometriosis, luteal phase disorders, uterine fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and recurrent miscarriages.

- Traditional Chinese medicine may also be able to treat certain aspects of male infertility, such as oligospermia, azoospermia and sperm mobility disorders.

- According to traditional Chinese medicine, optimal fertility and achieving pregnancy require a harmonious balance between the opposing and complementary Yin and Yang energies (one is hot and energising, the other is cold and calming).

- In traditional Chinese medicine, infertility can be caused by problems with kidney energy in men and women, liver energy in women and the spleen, which transforms food into life energy.

- During a traditional Chinese medicine consultation, the therapist will examine the patient’s tongue, as this indicates where the imbalance is located and which organ is the cause, and will study the rhythm, quality and characteristics of the pulse at different levels, in order to refine their approach.

- To resolve infertility problems, which are mainly unexplained, and restore energy balance, TCM uses Chinese medicinal herbs (beware of possible interactions with conventional medicines), acupuncture, acupressure, Qi Gong, massage and meditation.

Chinese medicine does not replace conventional medical treatment for infertility. It provides additional help.