Benefits of Breastfeeding Massage

To maintain smooth and consistent milk flow during breastfeeding, TCM breastfeeding massage in Singapore uses gentle, hand-expressing techniques combined with professional massage to promote clear and healthy milk ducts. This massage helps increase milk supply, ensures milk flows smoothly from the breast to the baby, and relieves discomfort during breastfeeding.

Key benefits of TCM breastfeeding massage / breast care include:

  • Clearing blocked milk ducts to prevent inflammation
  • Preventing and improving low milk supply
  • Relieving breast engorgement and pressure
  • Improving breastfeeding management for a better feeding experience
  • Tonifying qi and nourishing blood to restore postnatal vitality
  • Reducing breast and nipple pain

What is Infertility?

Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse. It is considered a reproductive system disorder that may be caused by health issues in the male, female, or both partners. In some cases, the cause remains unexplained. For diagnosis, the duration and consistency of attempts to conceive are key evaluation factors.

TCM Perspective on Fertility Issues In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), infertility is often linked to imbalances in qi and blood, as well as dysfunction in the kidneys, liver, and spleen. The kidneys are regarded as the “foundation of life” and govern reproduction; the liver regulates the smooth flow of qi and blood; and the spleen is responsible for transforming nutrients and generating qi and blood. Only when these organs are in harmony can normal reproductive function be maintained.

Common TCM Patterns:

1. Kidney Deficiency (Shen Xu) –

Insufficient kidney essence affects ovulation in women and sperm quality in men.

2. Liver Qi Stagnation (Gan Qi Yu Jie) –

Emotional stress or irregular lifestyle disrupts the flow of qi and blood, leading to menstrual irregularities or ovulatory disorders.

3. Spleen Qi Deficiency (Pi Qi Xu Ruo) –

Poor production of qi and blood results in inadequate nourishment of reproductive organs.

4. Blood Stasis (Xue Yu)

– Poor blood circulation can lead to conditions such as uterine fibroids or endometriosis, which may hinder embryo implantation.

5. Cold Uterus (Gong Han) –

A cold uterine environment is unfavourable for conception, often related to invasion by cold pathogens or excessive internal cold.

6. Lifestyle & Environmental Factors –

Chronic stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, damp-heat conditions, and infections can all negatively affect fertility.

TCM View on the Causes of Infertility

1. Common Female Factors –

Blocked fallopian tubes, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can interfere with ovulation, fertilisation, or embryo implantation.

2. Common Male Factors –

Blockages in the sperm ducts, impaired sperm production, abnormal sperm morphology or motility, hormonal imbalances, damp-heat accumulation, and exposure to environmental toxins can all reduce fertility potential.

TCM Treatment Approach

TCM emphasises syndrome differentiation and treats infertility by addressing the root cause through holistic regulation, restoring organ balance, and optimising reproductive function.

Common therapies include:

1. Consultation & Assessment

A comprehensive evaluation using the four TCM diagnostic methods—inspection, listening/smelling, inquiry, and palpation—to analyse body constitution and underlying patterns, and develop a personalised treatment plan.

2. Warm Abdomen Therapy

Warms and nourishes the uterus, dispels cold and dampness, and promotes qi and blood circulation to create optimal conditions for conception.

3. Essential Oil Meridian Massage

Stimulates meridians and acupoints, harmonises qi and blood, relieves stress, and strengthens ovarian and uterine function.

4. Painless Acupuncture

Regulates the endocrine system, improves egg and sperm quality, promotes ovulation, and enhances uterine blood flow

5. Moxibustion

Warms the meridians, dispels cold, invigorates blood flow, and nourishes the uterus—especially beneficial for cold uterus and irregular menstruation.

6. Cupping Therapy

Improves blood circulation, eliminates cold-dampness, and boosts reproductive organ vitality.

7. Herbal Medicine

Customised formulas for conditions such as PCOS, irregular menstruation, and hormonal imbalance to improve fertility rates.

Integrating TCM with Assisted Reproductive Technologies (IVF/IUI)

TCM with IVF and IUI TCM can complement in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) treatments. Acupuncture can improve uterine blood flow, optimise the endometrial environment, and increase embryo implantation rates, while also helping to relieve anxiety and stress during the treatment process. Herbal medicine can strengthen and regulate the body, making the uterus and ovaries more receptive for conception.

Summary

TCM infertility treatment focuses not only on the reproductive system itself but also on the overall balance of qi, blood, and organ function. Through personalised, holistic regulation, TCM can be used as a standalone therapy or in conjunction with modern assisted reproductive technologies to enhance the chances of conception while improving the patient’s overall health and quality of life.