TCM
Cupping is used for men with poor sperm quality
Men can also be treated for poor sperm quality and low sperm count with TCM therapies , such as acupuncture and cupping . acupuncture facilities or operate partnerships with third-party TCM providers . In 2018 , Thomson Life Sciences , which specialises in fertility and women ’ s health , opened its own TCM centre in Kuala Lumpur to treat a range of medical conditions , including infertility .
“ Currently , we have many patient referrals from TMC Fertility ’ s IVF centre ,” Soo Wee Min , Thomson TMC ’ s chief practitioner , told Global Health Asia- Pacific .
To improve success rates , women are advised to start acupuncture 2-3 months before they begin their IVF treatment . In addition to acupuncture treatments , women may be given moxibustion , which involves burning cones made of ground mugwort leaves close to the body ’ s acupuncture points to stimulate them and improve the flow of qi .
“ We provide these and also Chinese herbal remedies for body heat enhancement to balance the yin and yang before the patient goes for their IVF ,” said Soo , who trained at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine prior to her practice at Thomson TCM .
“ I think the response in patients is quite good , especially for egg pick-up , because we relax their mind so they have less anxiety . The eggs also become more sensitive to the medication the fertility specialists use and will grow well ,” she said .
Symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome , which can be an uncomfortable , and occasionally dangerous , side-effect of fertility treatment , are also said to be less severe with TCM .
TCM physicians will also provide acupuncture and moxibustion from two months before embryo transfer , which Soo says makes the uterus lining thicker and improves its blood circulation .
She adds that moxibustion has the effect of warming the meridians along which energy is said to flow . Due to Malaysia ’ s humid climate , air conditioning , and the popularity of cold beverages , many women often have a cold uterus .
“ Moxibustion has the effect of dispersing cold and strengthening the body , thereby improving blood circulation and increasing the probability of pregnancy . Besides this and acupuncture , we advise patients on diets and healthy lifestyles and recommend they have foot baths ,” she said .
Men can also be treated for poor sperm quality and low sperm count with TCM therapies , such as acupuncture and cupping . While acupuncture can regulate qi , cupping can also release muscle tension to improve sperm motility and mobility . For men , it will take 2-3 months of treatment for them to see an effect .
Soo explained that , during pregnancy , TCM takes a full-on holistic approach to keeping mothers comfortable and in the best shape . Because of hormone changes in the early stage of pregnancy , Chinese medicine recommends that patients maintain a healthy and balanced diet and avoid spicy and cold
40 APRIL 2021 GlobalHealthAsiaPacific . com