The Role of Blood Flow & Oxygenation in Fertility.

Blood flow and oxygen are essential for healthy ovaries and egg production. The better the blood flow to the ovaries, the higher egg quality, and the higher embryo quality, which contributes to more successful pregnancies. Studies have shown that eggs from follicles with optimal blood supply and oxygen levels have higher fertilization rates in both natural conception and IVF cycles. This indicates that blood flow may be essential in successful Fertility outcomes.

It is also possible that some women may not be producing enough viable eggs due to poor quality of the ovarian environment, which can lead to decreased fertilization rates or diminished egg quality (DOR). Various factors, including aging, genetics, lifestyle choices, or hormonal imbalances, can cause poor ovarian health. A decrease in ovarian health can lead to difficulty conceiving naturally and lower success rates with assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as IVF.

Once the egg is fertilized from an environment with optimal blood supply & oxygen, then the embryo has a better chance of developing into a viable pregnancy.

How Can We Increase Egg Quality?

Aging is a significant factor in egg quality, so it is essential to take steps early on to ensure your Fertility remains intact over time. Women can boost their egg count with supplements such as CoQ10, melatonin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D3. 

But, it is crucial to note you should discuss any supplements or additions to your healthcare routine with your medical doctor first, especially if you are being treated for a medical condition, on meditations, or undergoing a medicated Fertility cycle. 

Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise and eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables can go a long way toward maintaining good overall health—including your reproductive health! Stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation can also help reduce stress levels known to affect Fertility outcomes.

It’s clear that optimal blood flow & oxygenation plays an essential role in Fertility; fortunately, there are many ways women can increase their chances of conceiving naturally or through ART treatments like IVF by taking measures now to boost their overall health – including their reproductive health! Taking proactive steps now could make all the difference when it comes time for you or someone you love to start trying for a family; understanding how blood flow & oxygenation affects Fertility will give you greater control over your reproductive destiny!

Fertility Acupuncture has been shown to increase blood supply significantly in the ovaries and endometrium (lining of the uterus). In fact, Fertility Acupuncture can increase your chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy by up to 60%! More on Fertility Acupuncture in a second… 

What is Fertility Acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine)? 

Acupuncture and TCM have been used for thousands of years to increase longevity and wellness. But recently, about 15 years ago, Acupuncture took on a whole new face when introduced into the world of modern science and medicine for Fertility, Women’s Health, and Pregnancy. This is where Fertility Acupuncture was born into modern science medicine when fertility clinics and medical doctors started recognizing and integrating this ancient and highly effective healing modality into the success rates of their fertility treatments. 

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice with over 2,000 years of history. It is designed to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal itself by providing access to the life force known as Qi – pronounced ‘chee’ – that circulates through pathways called meridians in the body.

Ultra-fine, sterile, highest-quality needles along these pathways on the body send signals to the body to influence blood flow and release blocking biochemicals such as endorphins. With increased blood flow and better circulation, the body is functioning at a higher state of wellness and producing better egg quality and fertility success. 

Fertility Acupuncture can significantly enhance a fertility journey with higher success rates! One massive benefit of using Fertility Acupuncture while TTC (trying to conceive) or undergoing ART (IVF, IUI, FET, or medicated fertility treatments) is improved blood flow and circulation, which generates better results for healthier follicles, eggs, embryos, and healthier pregnancy rates. In addition, Fertility Acupuncture also gives the body access to all its natural healing mechanisms, such as diminishing inflammation and pain, balancing hormones, activating the body’s biological responses, recovering faster from IVF and fertility drug cycles, balancing emotions, and strengthening the immune system. Healthy Blood Flow For Fertility Success! Best Fertility Acupuncture | Garnet Moon Denver.

Egg Quality In The TCM Clinic: Best Fertility Acupuncture | Garnet Moon Denver.

Egg quality in the TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) clinic falls under three categories of the kidney energy, which in TCM is the genetics, life force, & root of Fertility.

Kidney Jing Deficiency: 

• • In this category, women have DOR (diminished ovarian reserve – low AMH), poor response to IVF stimulation for egg collection, low estrogen, irregular cycle, thin endometrium, no distinct change to BBT chart of LH surge or change to luteal phase, poor egg quality, & few embryos.

Kidney Yin Deficiency: 

• • Most commonly seen infertility in the USA is due to stress, diet, lifestyle, & more women starting families in their 30’s & 40’s. In this category, women have higher FSH & lower AMH (egg quality), lower estrogen, a shorter follicular phase, thin endometrium, poor egg quality & embryos.

Kidney Yang Deficiency:

• • Shorter menstrual cycle with luteal phase defect, low progesterone levels in mid-cycle, slow embryo growth in IVF, more common for biochemical pregnancies (low HCG), & higher miscarriage due to the body not being able to hold the Pregnancy from poor progesterone levels.

Want to learn more? I can help you if you are in the Denver area at my Denver-based clinic or from anywhere in the world; book a complimentary consult with me to learn more about how I can increase your fertility success and my highly successful signature fertility program, The Garnet Moon Fertility Method!

Best Fertility Acupuncture | Garnet Moon Denver.

Top Five Uterine Lining Tips: 

Eat Blood-Building Foods. 

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), a thin uterine lining is a sign of “blood deficiency” and poor uterine blood flow. Often when thinking of blood deficiency, iron is brought up, but in TCM, blood deficiency is different than a conventional medical diagnosis. Iron deficiency in conventional medicine is a form of anemia, and in many cases, in the TCM diagnosis, blood deficiency is much more than in conventional medicine. In TCM, we view blood as the “life force” in the body, the foundation substance that keeps the body from drying out and lacking vitality. Without proper blood formation, flow, and movement, parts of the body become dry. This can include the tendons, organs, hair, nails, and uterine lining. When the blood flow due to possible blood deficiency is lacking, the uterine lining can become thin and not have the thickness needed for a healthy embryo transfer.

So, what are some blood-building foods I suggest in my Fertility clinic?

• Organic meat soups and stews (red meat organic, or free-range bones)
• No salads and cold raw veggies – all are too cold for the uterus and cause a lack of blood flow. 
• Warm foods: think warm and cozy earth foods; squash, sweet potato, pumpkin, beets. All organic.
• Organic or free-range homemade bone broth
• Barley
• Spirulina
• Cooked organic leafy greens and broccoli
• Organic eggs
• Plenty of protein, excellent quality organic meats
• Organic beef or chicken liver

What to avoid when building your lining. 

• Caffeine (none or no more than 200 mg per day)
• Sugar
• Dairy (organic yogurt is about it but without sugar)
• Alcohol 
• Iced drinks 
• Processed chemical foods 

Castor oil packs over the uterus (never do this after ovulation or after an embryo transfer).

Castor oil packs warm the uterus and increase blood flow by breaking up stuck energy, which may be causing a lack of blood flow to your uterus. Of course, more blood flow means better lining. But remember not to do cast oil packs after ovulation (if trying naturally) or after an embryo transfer. Always discuss any new treatments/additions with your doctor. The magic of castor oil is it softens the tissue and helps to draw toxins out of the tissue, then flush them out of your system. Always drink plenty of water afterward.

SLEEP; Listening to your body.

Sleep is one of the most crucial tools to increasing your uterine lining and having a successful fertility cycle. When we don’t get enough sleep, we create adrenal fatigue, which causes an imbalance of hormones. Estrogen is substantial in the thickness of your uterine lining. In TCM, estrogen is known as Yin, which is the moisture in the body, i.e., blood, as we discussed earlier. The uterine lining suffers when the Yin (estrogen) is not abundant. Yin is depleted through the stress of not getting enough sleep and rest. It’s best to be in bed by 11 pm and aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night for increased success during your fertility cycle. 

Practice activities that help reduce stress to have optimal blood flow throughout your entire body, including your uterus, for optimal Fertility success! Stress is one of the critical factors in the lack of blood flow in the whole body, including the uterus and ovaries. 

Keep the exercise intensity to a minimum. 

I often hear, “I can’t do high-impact exercise?” The answer is no; I don’t recommend it. Frequently times I get asked why, so here it is. High-intensity exercise stresses your physical body out and can also dry you out (remember the Yin we discussed above). Fertility doctors do not recommend you do high-intensity exercising while going through treatments anyways, so this probably is already something you are staying clear of. The truth is some form of exercise, like walking, is excellent for keeping blood moving, so light to medium speed of walking is great, unless your doctor suggest otherwise.  So what can you do? Practice activities that keep you calm and manage stress. Stress causes a lack of blood flow, and when we are stressed, the muscles get tight, and surprising to note the uterus is a muscle!

So, practice activities that help reduce stress to have optimal blood flow throughout your entire body, including your uterus. 

• Meditate each day (start with 5 minutes for newbies).
• Practice journaling and affirmations.
• Do activities that make you happy.
• Buy and nurture a new plant (great for connecting to the feminine energy for fertility).

Want to learn more? I can help you if you are in the Denver area at my Denver-based clinic or from anywhere in the world; book a complimentary consult with me to learn more about how I can increase your fertility success and my highly successful signature fertility program, The Garnet Moon Fertility Method!