New mother | 28-year-old woman trying to conceive for a year without success; is her eagerness to get pregnant becoming an obstacle? Traditional Chinese medicine recommends 3 acupoints to help with co

Many couples hope to have children after marriage, but conceiving successfully is not easy. Registered Chinese medicine practitioner Wong Ching-ching, in an interview with the *Sing Tao Daily*, stated that many couples, although without obvious infertility symptoms, still fail to conceive after a year of trying. Reasons include emotional distress and the male's sperm quality. Therefore, she also reminded couples of things to pay attention to when successfully conceiving and introduced three acupoints to help increase the chances of pregnancy.

Physically fine, but mental state is the obstacle.

Dr. Huang pointed out that many couples around 30 years old have no obvious symptoms, but have tried to conceive for nearly a year without success, so they come to see a traditional Chinese medicine doctor. She shared one case: Ms. Wang, 28 years old, had been trying to conceive for almost a year. Although her periods were always regular, she was unable to get pregnant. After Dr. Wong examined her menstrual cycle, timing of intercourse, and other physical conditions, she found that Ms. Wang had Qi deficiency and kidney deficiency, but the symptoms were not serious. Her menstrual flow had decreased by 30% in recent years, and she experienced mild spotting during ovulation. A gynecological examination revealed hydrops on her ovaries, but their size was not enough to affect her ability to conceive.

Dr. Huang also noticed that although Ms. Wang was only 28 years old, she often looked depressed and even had trouble sleeping. Dr. Huang then actively reassured Ms. Wang, letting her know that there was nothing wrong with her health, and explained that she just needed to relax and enjoy her time with her partner.

"A fulfilling sex life can also help increase the chances of conception, so having children shouldn't be treated as a monthly task or homework to be tackled."

Later, Dr. Huang prescribed traditional Chinese medicine to replenish qi and kidneys, nourish blood, and relieve depression, as well as weekly acupuncture for Ms. Wang. After the acupuncture, Ms. Wang felt more relaxed, experienced no bleeding during ovulation, and gradually let go of her eagerness to conceive. Because of this mindset, she conceived naturally two months later. Ms. Wang also realized that her biggest problem was her emotional block.

Men's "Essence Nourishment and Vitality" Lifestyle Tips

Furthermore, Dr. Huang pointed out that infertility is sometimes not related to the woman. Many men's sperm reports show that their sperm count and quality are below standard. Even if the man is in good spirits and can have intercourse every day for a week during his wife's ovulation period, he still may not achieve the desired result. Therefore, if men want to improve their reproductive function, they need to learn to "nourish their sperm," which means paying attention to their diet and lifestyle, maintaining good physical condition, and avoiding excessive physical exertion, in order to increase sperm count and quality.

She further reminded men to reduce their consumption of cold and sugary drinks, such as beer and iced lemon tea, and that obese men should lose weight and keep their BMI below 25. They should also reduce their use of takeout containers, especially hot food in styrofoam boxes, as these can release BPA, which can affect male reproductive health. It's also not recommended to keep hot electronic devices like cell phones and laptops in pockets or on laps, as the heat from these devices can also affect sperm health. The best time for intercourse is the day before and the day of ovulation, or every other day close to ovulation. Daily intercourse, especially with busy work schedules, can deplete a man's sperm count and is detrimental to sperm health.

3 Acupoints to Assist Fertility

Dr. Huang also recommends the following three acupoints to help with fertility. Couples can also help each other press these acupoints to boost kidney energy and increase fertility.

1. Kidney Shu Point

Location: 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra (Mingmen point), approximately level with the lower end of the costal margin. Method: Begin massaging after menstruation ends. Couples can assist each other with the massage. Each session should last 3-5 minutes. Benefits: Strengthens the kidneys and lower back. Regular massage in men can help improve sperm quality and quantity; in women, it can help improve egg quality and also improve bowel and urinary function.

2. Sanyinjiao

Location: On the inner side of the lower leg, 3 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, in the depression behind the medial border of the tibia. Method of application: Press for 2-3 minutes every night after menstruation and before ovulation. If you experience menstrual cramps, you can also press during menstruation. This can promote ovulation and improve uterine blood circulation. Efficacy: Promotes ovulation, a yin-nourishing acupoint beneficial to uterine and ovarian vitality, aids digestion, regulates blood and essence, and dispels wind and dampness from the meridians. Caution: This acupoint may cause uterine contractions, so it is not recommended to press this acupoint after ovulation, intercourse, or during pregnancy.

3. Zusanli

Location: On the anterolateral aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun below the lateral knee eye (Dubi), one finger-width (middle finger) lateral to the anterior border of the tibia. Method of application: Press this point for 3-5 minutes daily. Effects: Replenishes Qi and regulates menstruation, strengthens the body's resistance, and improves menstrual cramps, cold hands and feet in women. Regular pressing after ovulation and intercourse can help with implantation and development of the fertilized egg.