Fertility and the Phases of Menstruation
The menstrual cycle can be broken down into four phases: the menstrual phase, follicular phase, ovulation phase, and luteal phase. At AcuWell LLC, we commonly adjust our acupuncture protocol and Chinese herbal formula recommendations based on your current phase of menstruation.
Menstrual Phase: Day 1-Day 4
The treatment goal during the menstrual phase is to gently move and tonify qi and blood. If an obstruction to the flow of blood is present an herbal formula such as Tao Hong Si Wu Tang or Four Substance Formula with Safflower and Peach Pit can be used.
Follicular Phase: Day 5 to 2 days before ovulation
The treatment goal is to nourish blood and yin to prepare the body for ovulation, tonify the kidney, and prepare the uterus. This can be done with various acupuncture points on the body and can be assisted with Chinese herbal formulas such as Zuo Gui Wan or Restore the Left Kidney Pill.
Ovulation Phase: Day 1-2 days before ovulation
Ovulation can be confirmed with a rise in basal body temperature or an ovulation predictor test. The treatment goal here is to move qi and blood, strengthen kidney yang, and decrease stress levels. Fu Ke Zhong Zi Wan or Women’s seed planting pills may be used to warm the uterus, nourish kidney Jing essence, and promote ovulation.
Luteal Phase: Ovulation until the confirmation of pregnancy or menstruation
Here the treatment goal is to tonify qi and yang to keep progesterone levels high. It is also important to reduce stress levels at this time. You Gui Wan or Restore the Right Kidney Pill is often used during this phase to warm the uterus, strengthen kidney yang, and promote the smooth flow of liver qi.
Chinese herbal formulas should only be used under acupuncture supervision. Individual oriental medicine diagnosis must be performed in order to find the appropriate formula for you. If you are looking to boost fertility with acupuncture and Chinese herbal formulas, consider scheduling an appointment with AcuWell LLC in Naperville, IL.
References:
At AcuWell LLC, our acupuncture treatments include Eastern nutrition counseling, Chinese herbal and supplement recommendations, and lifestyle counseling. When treating patients for infertility, one area we focus on is evaluating environmental exposures that could be leading to poor egg quality. Some environmental factors and exposures that decrease fertility are BPA, phthalates, dioxin, heavy metals, and organophosphate pesticides. Most people know that in order to reduce pesticide exposure they should buy organic produce when possible. Many people are not aware that chemicals in their skin products and makeup can be absorbed. To reduce these topical exposures, we recommend patients research the products they apply to their skin. One easy way to do this is to check out EWG’s SkinDeep database here: 
