Reduce the Risk of Miscarriage due to poor blood flow
For expecting mothers, ensuring a healthy and successful pregnancy is a top priority. However, the risk of miscarriage can be a concern for many women. While the true cause of most cases of miscarriage is difficult to establish, improving blood circulation may help reduce the risk of miscarriage.
When it comes to the risk of miscarriage due to poor blood flow, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can provide an all-natural way to improve circulation as well as improve your chances of delivering a happy, healthy baby. To learn more about how to reduce the risk of miscarriage due to poor blood flow, read on.
Chinese Medicine’s View on Blood Circulation
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), blood, known as xue, is one of the most essential components of the human body. Blood helps to build and repair tissue, transport nutrients and oxygen, and fight off germs and infections.
A healthy and adequate blood flow is essential for sustaining a healthy pregnancy. This is because pregnancy relies on sufficient Qi. In TCM, Qi is a fundamental concept representing the vital energy or life force that flows through the body. Qi circulates along specific pathways called meridians, nourishing organs and tissues.
However, when Qi lacks proper nourishment due to deficiency or stagnation, essential nutrients may not reach their intended destinations as efficiently or promptly as they should. This will result in poor blood flow which may lead to menstrual issues, difficulties conceiving, and even an increased risk of miscarriage.
How to Improve Blood Circulation for a Healthy Pregnancy
Improve Spleen Functions
To ensure proper circulation, one of the first things to consider is improving the health and function of the spleen. In TCM, the spleen plays a major role in blood production and circulation. The spleen is responsible for transforming food into both nutrients and Qi in order to generate blood. Sufficient blood nourishment relies on proper spleen function.If the spleen is deficient, it fails to adequately extract nutrients from food to produce blood. Over time, this can cause deficiency of blood. The spleen also governs the movement of blood through the vessels which means that spleen deficiency can lead to sluggish blood flow or even stagnation of blood.
Issues such as a poor diet, overthinking, stress, and lack of exercise can all damage the spleen and have an impact on its ability to generate blood. Strengthening the spleen through good nutrition, rest, meditation, acupuncture, and medicinal Chinese herbs can help to improve risk of miscarriage due to poor blood flow.
Eliminating Stagnation and Stasis
In TCM, unobstructed flow of Qi and blood through the meridian channels is essential for the body’s vitality and health. When there is stagnation or stasis in the channels, it can significantly impact the proper functioning of the reproductive organs.
Blockages in channels can obstruct the flow of Qi and blood to both the uterus and ovaries. Because this disruption of circulation can prevent the proper nutrients from reaching the reproductive organs, a decrease in the blood flow may also interfere with later fetal development and increase the risk of miscarriage.
When the channels in the body become blocked, it can cause the blood to become stagnant in the pelvis and uterus. This stagnant blood, also known as blood stasis, can harm the lining of the uterus called the endometrium. When the endometrium is damaged, it can have a negative effect on the menstrual cycle which may make it more difficult to conceive. It may even lead to other major issues such as recurrent miscarriages due to a lack of proper blood flow to the embryo. This is because when there is not sufficient blood flowing to nourish the endometrium, it may become too thin to sustain a healthy pregnancy.
Improving Blood Flow with Acupuncture
The centuries’ old practice of acupuncture has been shown to improve blood flow in several studies. Improved blood flow can reduce the chance of miscarriage through its ability to stimulate Qi while also promoting healthy blood flow. Acupuncture can reduce the risk of. miscarriage due to poor blood flow in a number of ways. For example:
Removal of Blockages
Acupuncture stimulates the meridian while enhancing the flow of Qi to help remove blockages. This helps to improve stagnation in the meridians and increase circulation. This improvement in circulation can benefit the reproductive organs which reduces the risk of miscarriage.
Strengthening the Kidneys
In TCM, the Kidneys are considered vital for reproductive health and fertility. Acupuncture may strengthen kidney Qi and blood which may positively influence overall reproductive function.
Proper Nutrition
Because acupuncture may enhance blood flow to the lining of the uterus, it can even help to create a healthy and welcoming environment for the embryo to implant due to its inability to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus. Studies have shown that improved blood flow in the uterine vessels can help ensure that the developing fetus receives adequate oxygen and nutrients.
Reducing Stress
Chronic stress, which is associated with the Liver in Chinese Medicine, can negatively impact blood circulation and reproductive health. Acupuncture has been reported to have stress-reducing effects, such as reducing heart rate, by promoting relaxation and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural stress-relieving hormones.
Natural Supplements to Improve Blood Circulation
In certain cases, poor blood flow may require advanced treatments. However, in the majority of cases, blood circulation can be addressed with blood flow supplements which are specifically sought after for their ability to help underlying issues such as blood stasis, eliminating Qi stagnation and improve blood circulation. Here are a few of the most effective natural vitamins for circulation:
1. Iron
Iron plays a crucial role in improving blood circulation, Iron plays a few key roles in nutrition. As far as treating blood circulation is concerned, iron can be especially effective because of its role in making hemoglobin. Being one of the major components of red blood cells, hemoglobin is vital to the transportation of oxygen throughout the body’s circulatory system – making it a main factor in blood and Qi stagnation.
Most recently, a study showcased iron’s function as a supplement in pregnant women with anemia, concluding that it can greatly increase blood flow. A similar study on iron detailed iron absorption in the body and how the supplement can effectively address homeostasis.
Recommended supplement: Iron Nutrient Blend by GinSen
2. Huang Qi
Huang Qi, also referred to as Astragalus is an herb commonly used in Chinese medicine for its ability to improve circulation and blood flow throughout the body. Huang Qi has also been used to treat other health issues related to poor blood flow, including a number of cardiovascular, respiratory, and dermatological disorders.
In 2019, a clinical study covered the purpose Huang Qi has as a treatment for blood circulation issues, noting how it has “good curative effects and less side effects,” than many standardized treatments. The study specifically showed how Huang Qi can help patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction, because of their risk to heart failure and other circulatory issues.
Recommended supplement: Huang Qi Blend by GinSen
3. Rhodiola
Rhodiola has long been used in eastern medicine practices as a remedy for cardiovascular related issues. Circulatory diseases like cardiovascular disease are often caused by issues such as low blood flow. A study completed in 2022 reported that Rhodiola can serve as a viable supplement for patients who have poor blood circulation. The study also showed how it can treat related issues, such as antiarrhythmic, rheumatic heart disease, and even obesity.
Recommended supplement: A. Rhodiola
4. San Qi
San Qi (also known as Tian Qi) consist of Panax Notoginseng from the region of Wenshan in China. This herb in the form of food supplement works to promote blood circulation and reduce inflammation. Panax Notoginseng is primarily used for pain relief, but also offers many other health benefits.
Recommended supplement: San Qi (Wen Shan)
5. Chinese Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao)
Yi Mu Cao is used to promote Blood circulation, especially in the pelvic area. It is frequently used for menstrual irregularities and postpartum recovery. Yi Mu Cao is a traditional herb to regulate menstrual cycle and provide relief from PMS discomfort. It contains compounds that stimulate the release of oxytocin, often known as the ‘love hormone’ which has shown to relieve pain. It is one of the popular 20 herbs used daily in China in the form of tea, soup or supplement to unblock energy channels and promote blood flow.
Recommended supplement: Chinese Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao)
Lifestyle changes for improved blood circulation
Certain lifestyle changes will also help to improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of miscarriage due to poor blood flow.
Moderate exercise will help to prevent stagnation while also reducing stress.
Restful sleep will allow the body to properly regenerate and rid itself of waste.
Massage can improve circulation as the muscles are manually manipulated. Lastly, calming the mind through meditation can help reduce stress and improve blood flow.
Related: How to Improve Blood Circulation Naturally with Blood Flow Supplements
Conclusion
If you are planning or currently trying to conceive, there are many simple steps to take to reduce your chance of miscarriage. Because proper blood flow is essential to a healthy pregnancy, consider the stress-reducing and circulation-boosting benefits of acupuncture. It is a safe, non-invasive way to ensure that both Qi and blood are able to flow freely and deliver proper nourishment throughout the body. To learn more about how to reduce the risk of miscarriage due to poor blood flow, speak with a TCM practitioner about your options.
For more information about how Chinese Medicine can help you to reduce the risk of miscarriage due to poor blood flow, book your free consultation with our Chinese Medicine experts today
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We can’t guarantee the treatment result, as the symptoms of conditions are unpredictable and vary greatly from person to person. The treatment length and recovery time also varies for individual. Please visit our clinics website: GinSen where a specialists will discuss your care and provide a consultation, and the treatment will be designed to meet your individual needs.
