In recent years, more studies have revealed what TCM has recognised for centuries, the health of your gut is deeply connected to your reproductive system. From a Western perspective, the gut microbiome influences hormone metabolism, immune balance, and inflammation. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) point of view, the Spleen and Stomach govern digestion, nutrient absorption, and the creation of Qi and Blood, the essential building blocks for fertility.

When digestion is weak, it affects how the body nourishes its reproductive organs. A person who constantly feels bloated, tired after meals, or has irregular bowel movements may unknowingly be draining the energy required for hormonal balance and ovulation. At EMW TCM Singapore, our physicians see gut health and fertility as two sides of the same coin.

The TCM Perspective: Spleen Qi, Dampness and Fertility

In TCM gut health, the Spleen Qi is responsible for transforming food into Qi and Blood. When this system is weak, moisture and undigested residue accumulate, leading to what TCM calls “Dampness” or “Phlegm-Damp”. These internal conditions can manifest as:

Bloating or a heavy sensation after meals
Fatigue, loose stools or soft stool that never feels complete
Foggy mind or water retention
Ovarian cysts, PCOS or fibroids (from Damp-Phlegm accumulation)
Irregular periods or poor egg quality due to Spleen Qi deficiency

A healthy Spleen system produces abundant Qi and Blood, which nourish the uterus and ovaries. When Spleen Qi is weak, the reproductive system does not receive adequate nourishment, leading to menstrual irregularities, thin endometrium, or poor implantation outcomes. This is why gut health TCM strategies are often included in TCM fertility treatment plans.

The Gut-Fertility Connection: What Modern Research Says

Modern science has begun to confirm the wisdom behind TCM digestion theories. The gut microbiome, trillions of bacteria living in our intestines, plays a critical role in regulating estrogen, inflammation, and immunity.

A 2021 study in Frontiers in Endocrinology found that women with imbalanced gut microbiota had higher risks of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and irregular menstrual cycles. Another review in Human Reproduction Update showed that improving gut flora diversity can positively influence hormonal balance, metabolic health, and reproductive outcomes.

In men, gut inflammation and poor microbiota diversity have been linked to lower testosterone and poorer sperm quality. This mirrors TCM’s view that when Damp-Heat or Qi stagnation disrupts digestion, the entire reproductive system becomes energetically burdened.

At EMW TCM, we often remind patients:

“When the gut is in harmony, the womb can receive nourishment.”

6 1 — In EMW TCM, physicians perform acupuncture mainly to rebalance energy flow mainly in the Liver, Spleen and Stomach, to remove stagnated energy and dispel dampness for digestive organs to work effectively and therefore to improve overall Qi and Blood circulation. Through having regular acupuncture and customized herbs prescription TCM treatments, we aim to heal and restore your digestive system in order for organs to work efficiently and effectively.

Common Gut Patterns in TCM

Each person’s gut health imbalance manifests differently. In TCM gut health Singapore practice, our physicians often identify these common patterns:

Spleen Qi Deficiency
- Symptoms: fatigue, bloating, soft stool, poor appetite, brain fog
- Impact on fertility: insufficient Qi and Blood to nourish ovaries or uterus
- Treatment focus: strengthen Spleen Qi, improve digestion, stabilise energy
Liver Qi Stagnation Overacting on Stomach
- Symptoms: bloating worsened by stress, acid reflux, tight chest, sighing
- Impact on fertility: disrupted hormone flow, irregular ovulation, PMS
- Treatment focus: soothe Liver Qi, relieve tension, harmonise digestion
Damp-Heat in the Intestines
- Symptoms: constipation with foul smell, bloating, acne, vaginal discharge
- Impact on fertility: inflammation, disrupted microbiome, cystic tendencies
- Treatment focus: clear Heat, resolve Dampness, cool intestines
Cold in the Spleen and Stomach
- Symptoms: preference for warmth, loose stools, cramps, cold hands and feet
- Impact on fertility: “Cold womb” pattern, poor implantation environment
- Treatment focus: warm the middle, boost circulation, support ovulation

Each diagnosis leads to a personalised combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, and dietary guidance tailored to your constitution.

When During the Cycle Should You Do Fertility Acupuncture 4 — In this article, our journey through Part I has unveiled the delightful and potent local dishes that can give your fertility a natural boost. From the fresh and flavorful seafood to the soul-warming herbal soups, Singaporean cuisine is a treasure trove of fertility-friendly foods. By adding these delicious, nutrient-packed dishes to your meals, you’re not just nourishing your body but also embracing a rich culinary tradition.

Acupuncture for Gut and Fertility

Acupuncture plays a dual role in both digestion and fertility. Research from The Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2018) demonstrated that acupuncture can improve intestinal motility, reduce acid reflux symptoms, and regulate gut-brain communication.

From a fertility perspective, acupuncture helps to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol, improve blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, and balance the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis. This is why acupuncture fertility programmes often include digestive regulation points to strengthen the Spleen and calm the Liver.

At EMW TCM, fertility acupuncture sessions are timed to the menstrual cycle but also adjusted according to digestive symptoms. For example:

During follicular phase: acupuncture promotes Blood production and digestion for follicle nourishment.
During luteal phase: it supports progesterone function, relieves bloating and constipation.

Patients often notice improvements in bowel regularity, reduced bloating, and more stable mood within a few sessions, all signs that internal Qi is moving harmoniously.

OYGH series 1 — At EMW, we treat each patient based on syndrome differentiation and design a tailored therapy protocol that caters to individual’s constitution. Treatment plan focuses to relax and calm down spastic colon, improve energy circulation by ensuring smooth flow of Qi and Blood in your digestive organs and remove any heat, dampness, or stagnated energy. We strive towards enhancing your overall health and wellness to restore your vagus nerve function, for you to feel tranquil and rejuvenated after each treatment session with improvement in digestion and bowel movement.

Dietary Guidance: Eat According to Your Spleen

In TCM, food is medicine. Many fertility patients in Singapore unknowingly weaken their Spleen Qi with modern eating habits, cold salads, iced drinks, bubble tea, and skipping breakfast.

To support TCM gut health, we advise:

Choose warm, cooked meals like soups, porridges, and steamed vegetables.
Limit cold, raw or sugary foods that promote Dampness.
Incorporate digestion-supportive herbs such as ginger, Chinese dates, goji berries, and millet.
Avoid over-eating or eating late at night.
Include fermented foods in moderation to maintain healthy gut flora.

These habits not only improve digestion but also create a stronger foundation for hormonal balance and fertility.

A healthy gut ensures that the nutrients you eat, iron, zinc, folate, essential fatty acids, are effectively absorbed to support egg and sperm quality.

Integrating Gut Health into Fertility Treatment

When patients come for TCM fertility Singapore consultations, our physicians always assess gut function as part of the fertility diagnosis. A woman preparing for IVF, for example, may be prescribed herbs to strengthen her digestion before the stimulation phase to ensure better nutrient absorption and smoother medication response.

Similarly, couples trying naturally may begin with a three-month digestive restoration plan before focusing on ovulation or implantation. This phased approach mirrors TCM’s belief that “the Earth (digestive system) must first be fertile before seeds (embryos) can grow.”

Aromatherapy — At EMW TCM, we are committed to using natural therapeutic high-grade essential oils for our treatments diluted with fractionated coconut oil at a 2% dilution. No synthetic, toxic, petrochemical and/or fragrance oils are used. We explore using essential oils mainly for women’s health (including fertility) and gut health clinically. Essential oil for fertility, we help to balance fertility hormones and regulate a smooth menstrual cycle. Essential oil for gut health, we help to optimize digestive functions for nutrient absorption and waste removal.

How EMW TCM Singapore Supports Gut and Fertility

Our clinic’s integrated gut-fertility programme combines:

Comprehensive TCM assessment (pulse, tongue, digestion and menstrual review)
Acupuncture for gut and reproductive balance
Customised herbal prescription to strengthen Spleen Qi and nourish Kidney essence
Dietary and lifestyle guidance suitable for Singapore’s tropical climate
Fertility Nutrition Course (FNC) through EMW Academy for deeper learning

Patients often report clearer skin, better bowel movement, reduced bloating, and improved menstrual quality, tangible signs of internal balance returning.

When to Seek Professional TCM Help

Your gut is the first organ to receive, transform, and deliver nourishment to every cell, including those responsible for conception. If you experience chronic bloating, constipation, acid reflux, or fatigue, these may be early signs that your digestion needs attention before focusing on fertility itself.

Healing the gut restores energy, improves hormonal communication, and creates the internal harmony required for natural conception or IVF success.

At EMW TCM Singapore, our physicians guide you through this process with care, evidence, and empathy. Whether you are addressing IBS, GERD, or preparing for pregnancy, TCM offers a gentle yet powerful pathway to holistic wellness.

Check out our links below to book your fertility consultation and begin your holistic journey toward conception.