Infertility
AliasInfertility
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), infertility is referred to as "Infertility" (bù féi), which denotes a condition where a married couple, cohabiting for more than a year without any contraception, has not conceived. According to "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," infertility is defined as a disorder caused by insufficient kidney Qi, liver Qi stagnation, and internal obstruction of phlegm and dampness, leading to disharmony in the Chong and Ren Channels, and consequently, inability to conceive.
In clinical practice of TCM, the core pathogenesis of infertility is often attributed to disharmony in the Chong and Ren Channels, which in turn affects the formation of pregnancy. Common precipitating factors include insufficient endowment, emotional disturbances, excessive sexual activity, and irregular diet. During the process of differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing the nature of cold and heat, as well as the deficiency and excess. For instance, kidney deficiency syndrome is characterized by long-term infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, and weakness in the lower back and knees; liver Qi stagnation syndrome is manifested as irregular menstrual periods, distension in the chest and hypochondria, and irritability; while phlegm and dampness syndrome may present with obesity, excessive leukorrhea. The overall approach to treatment is differentiation and treatment based on syndrome, with corresponding therapeutic methods such as tonifying the kidney and Qi, soothing the liver and resolving Qi stagnation, and drying dampness and resolving phlegm. Traditional TCM holds that treating infertility requires focusing on regulating the Chong and Ren Channels to restore the balance of Yin and Yang in the body.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Kidney Deficiency Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Long-term infertility, irregular menstruation, soreness in the lower back and knees
Management Approach: Tonify the Kidneys and Strengthen the Qi, Adjust and Supplement the Chong and Ren Channels
Liver Qi Stagnation Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Married for a long time without conception, irregular menstrual periods, chest and hypochondrium distension, irritability and easy to be angry
Management Approach: Relieve Liver Qi and Resolve Stagnation, Regulate Blood and Menstruation
Phlegm-Dampness Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Married for a long time without conception, obesity, and excessive leukorrhea
Management Approach: Drain Dampness and Resolve Phlegm, Regulate Qi and Menstruation
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In clinical practice, most infertility patients present with kidney and liver deficiencies. The key to treatment lies in tonifying the kidney and liver, and soothing the liver and resolving Qi stagnation.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)