Men's Health | Health Articles | Overcome Male Infertility -Sperm abnormality In Traditional Chinese Perspective

Traditional Chinese medicine or TCM define the sperm abnormality is the condition of deficiency of yang and stagnation of qi, and generation of damp heat as well as the depletion of kidney jing.

A . Diagnosis of sperm abnormality
The main causes of male infertility can be classifying into 2 categories:
1) Deficiency of either kidney yang and yin that effect the production of sperm or reducing the sperm quality as well as affecting the function of the Spleen, liver resulting in qi and blood stasis.

2) Damp heat accumulated in the low jiao can also affect the quality of sperm as well.The main function of Chinese herbs are to harmonize the deficiency and excess, thus normalizing the function of organs in sperm production.

B. Causes of sperm abnormality
1) Kidney yin deficiency
2) Kidney yang deficiency
3) Liver qi stagnation
4) Damp heat
5) Qi and blood deficiency

B. Causes of sperm abnormality
1. Kidney yin deficinecy
1.1. Definition
According to TCM kidney if vital to maintain a healthy reproduction system in men and women alike. Infertility caused by kidney yin deficiency including symptoms seminal emission, slow sperm mobility, low sperm count.

1.2. Causes of kidney yin deficiency
1.2.1 .Unhealthy diet
As oppose to yang deficiency, It is caused by men who love to hot and spicy food leading to heat accumulation in the body causing yin deficiency.

1.2.2. External factor
Working in the hot environment causes the depletion of fluids in the body including the kidney leading abundant yang qi production.

1.2.3. Low sexual activity
Frequent sexual activity increases the risk of yang deficiency, low sexual activity causes energy overly accumulation in the reproductive organ, leading to yin deficiency.

1.3. Effects of kidney yin deficiency
1.3.1. Abnormal sperm production
Increasing yang qi or temperature in the body interferes with the production and quality of sperm causing slow sperm mobility, low sperm count.

1.3.2. Seminal emission
Seminal emission is a pattern in which the semen of a man emits frequently without making sexual activities. Since older sperm are replaced by new sperm production every day. Low sexual activity ( no ejaculation for a prolong period of time) causes abundant sperm in the reproductive organ, leading to seminal emission with low quality sperm being ejaculated.

2) Kidney yang deficiency
2.1. Definition
Men are considered kidney yang deficiency if they have symptom of low sexual desire, weak ejaculation, impotence, seminal emission, low sperm count, slow sperm mobility.

2.2. Causes
2.2.1. Unhealthy diet
As we known, we live in the society, where everything we drink are mostly cold including milk. It has a danger effect in the male body as it depletes of the yang qi which is needed to counter the the cold effects of abundant yin, leading to kidney yang deficiency. If one day, our yang qi production from the kidney jing no longer working well, it will cause male symptoms of infertility.

2.2.2. External factors
2.2.2.a) Working in the cold environment such as fish, poultry and meat processing plants may deplete the kidney yang as our body require to produce yang qi constantly to counter the external cold.
2.2.2.b) People stay in the cold place for prolong period of time may also have the same effect as people working in cold environment.

2.2.3. Frequent sexual activity
According to traditional medical medicine, sexual intercourse helps to improve blood circulation and production of certain hormones which are necessary for our health. It also helps to balance the kidney yin qi but frequent sexual activity depletes the kidney jing which is vital for hormone and sperm production, leading to low sperm count or semen with no sperm as well as kidney diseases.

3) Liver qi stagnation
3.1. Definition
Liver meridian blockage in the local area (genital) makes it difficult to ejaculate, related with impotence and low libido.

3.2. Causes
3.2.1. Stress
Over stress increase the secretion of certain hormone which blocks the flow of qi in the liver and interfere the function of normal ejaculation leading to sexual dysfunction.

3.2.2. Environment toxins
Environment toxins enter our body and accumulated in the liver organ leading to liver malfunction.

3.2.3. Unhealthy diet
Men eat a lot of saturated and trans fat causing fat liver which interferes the function liver qi in maintaining the function of the men reproductive system leading to low sperm count and sperm quality.

3.2.4. Excessive drinking
Moderate drinking may help to improve liver function and increase blood flow, excessive drinking damage liver cells leading to liver qi stagnation causing all kinds of health problem including infertility.

4. Damp heat
4.1. Definition
Damp heat is defined as a medical condition of yin vacuity as result of liver stagnation or Spleen deficiency produces, as it moves downward and accumulated in the reproductive system according to TCM, causing internal heat enters the lower jao, as yin fails to control yang and yang becomes hyperactive that affects the production sperm, leading to sperm abnormality.

4.2. Causes of damp heat
4.2.1 Sexual intercourse during period
Menstrual secretions into the urethra in men as a result of urethritis generation

4.2.2. Bacteria or virus
Bacteria or virus attacks the body that cause infection and inflammation, as a result of natural defend of the immune system, leading to heat enters the re productive organ that affects the production of sperm.

4.2.3. Drugs
Drugs including steroids, alcohol, and tobacco, can have a very negative on both the male reproductive systems as its may reduce the production of sperm, that causes male infertility.
4.2.4. Hot, spicy or greasy foods.
Hot, spicy and greasy foods can cause indigestion. Indigestion produces toxins blocking men semen and reduce sperm count.

5. Qi and blood deficiency
5.1. Definition
As the foods entering our stomach, they are divided to 2 components, qi and materials. prolong intake of hot food causes dryness in the stomach and deplete the fluid of the spleen, leading to abnormal function of the circulatory system to move qi and liver function in blood formation, leading to deficiency of qi and blood that causes sperm abnormality.

5.2. Causes of Qi and blood deficiency
5.2..1. Hot food
As the foods entering our stomach, they are divided to 2 components, qi and materials. prolonged intake of hot food causes dryness in the stomach and deplete the fluid of the spleen, leading to abnormal function of the circulatory system in moving qi and liver function in blood formation, resulting in deficiency of qi and blood that causes menstrual cramp and pain as the period becomes scanty.

5.2..2. Unhealthy diet
A typical American diet is yang in nature, intake of high amount of unsaturated fat and tran fat encourage the rise to the excessive yang pathogen that blocks the liver function in blood storing and spleen function in assisting lung in qi transportation.

5.2.3. Alcohol drinking
Excessive alcohol drinking damages the liver function in blood formation and blood storing as well as interfering with spleen function in qi transportation, leading qi and blood stagnation.

5.2.4. Environment toxins
Environment toxins not only affects the respiratory function in qi transportation, but also causes toxins accumulated in the liver that distort the qi and blood flow, leading to qi and blood stagnation and disturbing the normal process of menstrual cycle.

5.2.5. spleen deficiency
Spleen is the organ which helps to absorb the food qi after entering the stomach, spleen deficiency caused by what ever reason, may obstruct the normal function of qi to the lung and liver, giving rise to qi and blood deficiency.

C. Treatments
1. Kidney yin deficiency
1.1. Herbs
1.1.1. Bai He (Bulbus Lilii)
The sweet-bitter and cool herb is also known as Lily Bulb. it has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat, moister lung thus topping coughing and treat symptoms of insomnia, restlessness, irritability by strengthen the channels of lung and heart.

1.1.2. Huang Jing (Rhizoma Polygonati)
Huang Jing is also known as Solomonseal Rhizome. The sweet and neutral herb has been used in TCM to increase the function of the lung by moistening and nourishing lung it, enhance the spleen and stomach qi, tonify kidney and kidney essence by soothing the function of lung, spleen and stomach channels.

1.1.3. Bie Jia (Carapax Amydae Sinensis)
Bie Jia Is also known as Chinese soft turtle shell. The salty and co;d herb has been used in TCM in nourishing yin and subduing excessive yang, invigorating blood, promoting menses and dissolving nodules by improving function of the spleen and liver channels.

1.14. Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis)
Gui Ban is also known as Tortoise Shell. The sweet-salty and cold herb has been used in TCM to nourish yin and blood, enhance the kidneys', liver 's and heart's function, strengthen bones, cool blood and stop uterine bleeding by smoothing the function of heart, liver and kidney channels.

1.1.5. Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)
Mai Men Dong or Mai Dong is also known as Ophiopogon Root. The bitter-sweet and cold herb has been used in TCM to enhance the circulation system, moisten the lungs and nourishes lung-qi, promote generation of body fluids and stomach function and improve the recovery of cells of the pancreas and lower blood sugar by soothing the function of heart, lung and stomach channels.

1.2. Acupuncture

The suggested accupuncture points, Please consult with your accupuncturist
a)BL15 (Xin shu)

b) BL18 (Gan shu)

c) BL23 (Shen shu)

d) HT7 (Shen men)

e) LI3 (Tai chong)

f) SP6 (San yin jiao)

g) KD3 (Tai xi)

h) KD6 (Zhao hai)

i) CV4 (Guan yuan)

j) GV4 (Ming men)

k) GV20 (Bai hui)

l) GV39 (Jue gu)

m) UB11 (Da zhu)

n) Etc.

2. Kidney yang deficiency
2.1. Herbs
2.1.1. Lu Rong (Cornu Cervi)
Lu Rong is also known as Deer Antler. The sweet-salty and warm herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to enhance the fresh and bones, strength qi, blood and yang, tonify kidney and the Governing-Penetrating-Conception vessels by promoting the function of kidney and liver channels.

2.1.2. Ge Jie (Gecko)
Ge Jie is also known as Gecko The salty and neutral herb has been used in TCM to
tonify lung-qi and essence, enhance kidney yang and blood, relieve cough, treat impotence, diarrhea and urinary frequency by smoothing the function of kidney and lung channels.

2.1.3. Gu Sui Bu (Rhizoma Drynariae)
Gu Sui Bu is also known as Drynaria Rhizome. The bitter and warm herb has been used in TCM to enhance the kidneys' function, increase movement of blood, stop bleeding; promote tissue regeneration, generate hair growth and treat diarrhea, toothache, bleeding gums, etc. by smoothing the function of kidney and liver channels.

2.1.4. Bu Gu Zhi (Fructus Psoraleae Corylifoliae)
Bu Gu Zhi is also known as Psoralea Fruit. The bitter and hot herb has been used in TCM to tonify kidneys, strengthens yang, preserve Essence, warm the spleen, treat any reproductive disorder causes of cold lower back and promote kidneys to grasp Qi by smoothing the function of kidney and spleen channels.

2.1.5. Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae Ulmoidis)
Du Zhong is best known as Ecommia Bark. The sweet and warm herb has been used in TCM to tonify liver and kidneys, strengthen the sinews and bones, enhance the smooth flow of qi and blood and prevents miscarriage by promoting the function of liver and kidney channels.

2.2. Acupuncture

Suggested acupuncture points
a) UB23 (Shen shu)
b) GV4 (Ming men)
c) CV4(Guan yang)
d) CV6 (Qi hai)5. KD3 (Tai xi)
e) KD7 (Fu liu)
f) UB52 (Zhi shi)
g) KD6 (Zhao hai)
h) CV4 (Guan yuan)
i) GV20 (Bai hui)
j) GV39 (Jue gu)
k) UB11 (Da zhu)
l) Etc.

3. Liver Qi stagnation
3.1. Herbs
3.1.1. Bai Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae)
Bai Shao Yao is also known as White Peony Root. The cool and bitter herb has been used in TCM to enhance women reproductive health by nourishing blood, regulating menses caused by blood deficiency, calming liver yang and adjusts ying by improving the function of liver and spleen channels.

3.1.2. Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
Dan Shen is also best known as Salvia Root. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM to move, nourish and cool blood, break up blood stasis, dissolve furuncle, calms the mind, clear heat and stop stomach pain by smoothing the heart, liver and pericardium channels.

3.1.3. Gou Teng (Ramulus cum uncis Uncariae)
Gou Teng is also known as Gambir Vine Stem. The sweet and cool herb has been used in TCM to clear heat and ascends yang, tonify liver, control internal wind and relieve spasm and tremors, by promoting the function of heart and liver channels.

3.1.4. Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu is also known as Thorowax Root. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM to regulate and clear Heat, drains the liver heat to resolves depression and liver qi stagnation, raises yang qi and treat spleen and stomach deficiency by promoting the function of gallbladder, liver and pericardium channels.

3.1.5. Mai Men Dong (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici)
Mai Men Dong or Mai Dong is also known as Ophiopogon Root. The bitter-sweet and cold herb has been used in TCM to enhance the circulation system, moisten the lungs and nourishes lung-qi, promote generation of body fluids and stomach function and improve the recovery of cells of the pancreas and lower blood sugar by soothing the function of heart, lung and stomach channels.

3.2. Acupuncture

Suggested acupuncture points
a) BL1 (Jing Ming)
b) LR13 (Zhang Men)
c) LR14 (Qi Men)
d) GB34 (Yang Ling Quan)
e) BL20 (Pi Shu)
f) RN12 (Zhong Wan)
g) ST25 (Tian Shu)
h) ST36 (Zu San Li)
i) Etc.

4. Damp heat
4.1. Herbs
4.1.1. Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)
Chai Hu is also known as Thorowax Root. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM to regulate and clear Heat, drains the liver heat to resolves depression and liver qi stagnation, raises yang qi and treat spleen and stomach deficiency by promoting the function of gallbladder, liver and pericardium channels.

4.1.2. Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis)
Gan Cao is also best known as Licorice Root. The sweet and neutral herb has been used in TCM to promote the spleen function, smooth the movement of qi, moisten the lungs, relieve pain, clear heat and toxic fire and regulate the nature of other herbs by smoothing the function of heart, lung, spleen, kidney and stomach channels.

4.1.3. Mu Tong (Caulis Akebiae Trifoliatae)
Mu Tong is also known as Akebia Caulis. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM as diuretic and to relieve pain on urination and treat urinary tract infection, clears heat, promotes lactation, oedema and calm joints' pain by enhancing the function of b;adder, heart abd small intestine channels.

4.1.4. Long Dan Cao (Radix Gentianae)
Long Dan Cao is also known as Chinese Gentian Root. The bitter and cold has been used in TCM to clear heat and liver fire, drain dampness and livers and gallbladder's damp heat by enhancing the function of liver, gallbladder and stomach channels.

4.1.5. Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis)
Ban Lan Gen is also known as Woad Root. The cold and bitter herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine in expelling toxic heat and fire, cooling blood, resolving exanthema and damp heat causes of jaundice by enhancing the function of lung, heart and stomach channels.

4.2. Accupuncture
a) LI4 (He Gu)
b) LV3 (Tai Chong)
c) ST36 (Zu San Li)
d) GB20 (Feng Zhi)
e) Etc.

5. Qi and blood deficiency
5.1. Herbs
5.1.1. Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng)
Ren Shen is also known as ginseng root, the sweet, bitter and slightly warm herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to tonify yuan/original Qi and generate fluids that are necessary for blood formation by enhancing the Spleen and lung channels.

5.1.2. E Jiao (Gelatinum Corii Asini)
E Jiao is also known as Ass Gelatin or Ass-Hide. The sweet and neutral herb has been used in TCM to tonify Blood, stop bleeding, promote yin and to treat dry lung by smoothing the function of liver, kidney and lung channels.

5.1.3. Huang Qi (Radix Astragali Membranacei)
Huang Qi is also known as Astragalus Root. The warm and sweet herb has been used in TCM as diuretic and to strengthen yang, tonify spleen & lung qi and eliminate toxins by enhancing the function of lung and spleen channels.

5.1.4. Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
Dan Shen is also best known as Salvia Root. The bitter and cool herb has been used in TCM to move, nourish and cool blood, break up blood stasis, dissolve furuncle, calms the mind, clear heat and stop stomach pain by smoothing the heart, liver and pericardium channels.

5.1.5. He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori)
He Shou Wu is also known as Fleece Flower Root or Tuber Fleeceflower Root. The bitter-sweet and warm herb has been used in TCM to tonify the kidney essence and liver blood, eliminate toxins, moisten the intestines thus promoting bowel movement by enhancing the function of liver, lung and kidney channels.
5.2. Acupuncture
Suggested acupuncture points
a) ST36 (Zu San Li)
b) SP6 (San Ying Jiao)
c) KD3 (Tai Xi)
d) LU 9 (Tai Yuan)
e) LV 3 (Tai Chong)
f) UB 11 (Ta Zhu)
g) UB 17 (Ge Shu)
h) Etc.

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