Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been treating fertility successfully for over two thousand years, long before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) was a glimmer in anyones eye. Since more and more couples are encountering the very emotional and frustrating road-block of infertility, understanding the three organs that play a major role in fostering a healthy, fertile body, is more vital than ever.

In TCM, your body, mind and spirit are an integrated system. Thus, you are a whole unit. In your body, all of your organs operate together as a system. Yes, you have individual organs that have specific functions, but the overall function of any organ is to support a healthy, vital system. When you balance the Liver, Kidneys/Adrenals and Spleen/Pancreas, you provide your system your body with the healthy equilibrium it needs for accessing fertility.

This article reveals the following key information about each of these organs: 1. What the organ does in the body (its primary function according to TCM vs. Western Medicine) 2. How to recognize symptoms of imbalance 3. How to correct imbalance 4. Why these corrections are important to enhance fertility

THE LIVER FUNCTION: The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the entire body. The Liver is also responsible for detoxifying everything that goes through the body (food, liquid, toxins, emotions, pollutants everything!) The Liver also plays a key role in digestion, hormone balance, and normal menstruation.

SYMPTOMS OF IMBALANCE: Endometriosis, fibroids, ovarian cysts, painful menstruation (cramps, PMS, blood clots), irritable bowels, headaches, restless sleep (especially between 1:00 & 3:00 am), irritability, anger, frustration, impatience, stress.

HOW TO CORRECT IMBALANCE: The Liver responds well to a balanced diet, free of chemicals, toxins, and overindulgence. You can help your Liver smooth out your energy flow through the regular use of stress reduction methods (deep breathing, body movement, fresh water, castor oil packs, cleansing, acupuncture, meditation).

WHY IMPORTANT: The energy in your reproductive system must be flowing for conception and birth to happen. Your inner terrain must not be a toxic waste dump or new life will have a difficult time growing. As well, any nutritional supplements you may be taking cannot work efficiently in a toxic environment.

THE SPLEEN/PANCREAS FUNCTION: The Pancreas is viewed in TCM as being part of the Spleen. The Spleen is responsible for receiving food, transforming the food into nutrients, and transporting the nutrients via your blood to your entire system. The Spleen is responsible for ample blood supply in your body.

SYMPTOMS OF IMBALANCE: Poor appetite, afternoon fatigue, sugar/carbohydrate cravings, loose stools, lethargy, obsessive or over thinking, feeling stuck.

HOW TO CORRECT IMBALANCE: The Spleen thrives on regularity, is greatly burdened by overeating, is weakened by improper foods (most especially excess carbohydrates), and needs a balance of macronutrients to support healthy function in the body. Macronutrients are Proteins, Carbohydrates and Essential Fats. Our bodies extract Micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) from the macronutrients we eat.

WHY IMPORTANT: The Spleen is the organ that nourishes your entire system. Equally as important as not allowing your inner terrain to become a toxic waste dump, is giving your inner terrain the healthy nutrients they need to function. If your Spleen is burdened with excessive blood sugar and/or insufficient nutrition, then your hormone balance suffers. This directly affects your bodys ability to conceive.

THE KIDNEYS/ADRENALS FUNCTION: The Kidneys and Adrenals are also a combined organ according to TCM. The Kidneys are responsible for reproduction and birth. The health of the Kidneys determines egg quality and sperm quality. The Kidneys are the battery pack of your system. They support your Liver and Spleen. Unhealthy Kidney function, according to TCM, makes conception difficult.

SYMPTOMS OF IMBALANCE: Lower back pain or ache, tired or injured legs/knees/ankles, frequent urination, lack of vitality, easily cold or hot flashes, frequent feelings of fear, stress, overworking, decreased sexual desire.

HOW TO CORRECT IMBALANCE: The Kidneys absolutely need enough sleep, preferably uninterrupted. Balancing work with rest is vital to the Kidneys. Explore ways to redirect excess feelings of fear toward feelings of trust, hope and inner peace.

WHY IMPORTANT: It is during sleep that your body regenerates repairs and revitalizes. Getting enough uninterrupted sleep directly contributes to your fertility. Not overworking gives your Kidneys a chance to recover from the energy they require to work. The adrenal glands become unbelievably overworked when they have to secrete adrenaline hormones to counteract your responses to stress all day long. Finding ways to respond to your life with more calm and less fight-or-flight will take the burden off your adrenals, which in turn, supports the balance of your entire hormone system.

Even though there are twelve main organ systems in TCM, you now have plenty to focus on with just these three. If you diligently begin supporting these three organs, this will help you move quite a bit closer to realizing your dream of becoming a parent. I wish you a successful fertility journey.

Copyright 2005 Laurie Morse, L.Ac.