Ovulation is a crucial aspect of women’s reproductive health, marking the phase of the menstrual cycle when energy rises, estrogen surges, libido is amplified, and fertility is heightened. According to TCM, fertility is a vital sign that indicates the body is functioning optimally enough to support the creation of new life, thus involving a wide range of bodily systems and processes. The majority of female infertility cases center around a disturbance to the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis, which regulates ovulation, the menstrual cycle, hormonal balance, and the viability of a pregnancy. It is hormonal factors of ovulation that are the leading cause of infertility in women; this awareness—paired with TCM’s commitment to root cause healing—highlights effective pathways to support ovulation and overall fertility.
Marked by days 14-20 of the menstrual cycle, ovulation is when the body becomes physically prepared to have a baby and is viewed in TCM as part of a larger cycle of balance between the energetics of Yin and Yang. Indeed, it is the dynamic and cyclical dance of these polar but deeply complementary energies that creates Qi (life force energy)—the abundance, quality, and unobstructed flow of which is not only foundational to our overall sense of health, but also to fertility. Yin is crucial to the optimal function of the female/reproductive organs, including through its intimate connection to the Blood, while Yang provides the movement and warmth to power the reproductive system with Qi, thus promoting fertility.
The first half of the menstrual cycle, beginning with the active time of menstrual bleeding, is dominated by Yin, associated with energies that are cooling, nurturing, and building. This is a time to nourish Yin and build/replenish the Blood through rest and tonic herbs like He Shou Wu or Tremella. Ovulation itself marks the transition of the cycle to the Yang phase, which requires warmth and circulation to support the luteal phase and potential conception. The rise of Yang hormones, namely luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), cause the release of an egg that must undergo quite a journey from the ovaries to the fallopian tube and down to the uterus. The smooth completion of this journey, whether ultimately resulting in pregnancy through fertilization or not, requires warmth and the smooth flow of Qi—a process that can be supported with herbs like Rhodiola and Cordyceps.
There are also a number of organs that are fundamental to hormonal balance and reproductive health, which contribute to Yin/Yang harmony and the smooth flow of Qi and Blood—the importance of which has been demonstrated above. However, these organs also play additional and specific roles in supporting ovulation. The Kidneys are considered the root of Yin and Yang balance in the body, storing the most concentrated reserves of Jing (essence), a vital substance that governs development, reproduction, and aging. Weakness or deficiency in Kidney Jing can lead to irregular cycles, anovulation, poor egg quality, or infertility, such that TCM places great importance on strengthening Kidney function through acupuncture, stress management practices, and food/herbs. For Kidney Yin deficiency, which can manifest as scanty periods, night sweats, and dry mouth, herbs like He Shou Wu and Goji berries are deeply supportive. For Kidney Yang deficiency, signs of which include cold extremities, low back pain, and fatigue, herbs like Cordyceps and Deer Antler Velvet are indicated. For well-rounded and balanced support, Schizandra is the perfect ally.
The Liver is responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, which is crucial to the rhythm and regularity of the menstrual cycle. When there is stagnation in the Liver, it can disrupt the menstrual cycle, which hinders ovulation. Additionally, the Liver is largely responsible for processing our emotions and when there is Liver Qi stagnation, we experience emotional stress that can compromise ovulation—a connection that is further explained by the role of the hypothalamus in fertility. Signs of Liver Qi stagnation include irregular cycles, breast tenderness, irritability, and stress—all of which can be remediated through acupuncture and TCM herbs like Reishi. As a hepatoprotective Shen (spirit) tonic, Reishi harmonizes Liver Qi and supports emotional balance. As an adaptogen, Reishi supports the body’s capacity for healthy stress response. It also supports optimal balance between hormones like estrogen and testosterone in women; when imbalanced, a variety of hormonal conditions, like PCOS can arise, which is the most common cause of anovulation.
Many of the best herbs to support overall reproductive health for women are featured in our Nurture blend, formulated specifically in support of the postpartum period, but which deeply encourages women’s overall vitality—and thus fertility. In TCM, the postpartum period is characterized by a need to replenish Blood and Qi, which is similar (if often more extreme) to the Yin phase of the menstrual cycle, during and following the time of active bleeding. The loss of Blood injures a woman’s Yin, while a baby’s delivery also requires an immense expenditure of Qi from the mother, so the combination of Qi and Blood tonics in this formula is crucial to the comprehensive restoration of these life-giving substances. Restorative, nourishing, and tonifying to Shen, this blend supports Yin/Yang harmony, emotional balance, uterine health, mental clarity, hormone rebalancing, robust Jing, and Liver function. An ally for women and anyone feeling depleted, it offers truly well-rounded support that covers many bases!
