Supporting the Four Phases of Your Cycle
Acupuncture and herbal medicine can regulate and optimize the four key phases of a woman's cycle, each governed by unique physiological mechanisms. Here's how we support your body through each phase:
-
Phase 1
-
Phase 2
-
Phase 3
-
Phase 4
Phase 1
The Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase begins when estrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing the uterine lining to shed. A healthy period should be moderate flow, free of excessive clots or dark coloration, and without significant discomfort. If your menses do not fit this profile, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help:
Goals:
- Assist the body in expelling the uterine lining completely.
- Reduce pain and promote healthy blood flow.
Herbs Used: Tao ren (peach kernel), hong hua (carthamus flower), chuanxiong (chuan xiong rhizome), yan hu suo (cordalis), yi mu cao (leonurus), and ze lan (lycopus).
Phase 2
The Follicular Phase
The follicular phase begins with the onset of your period and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the pituitary gland releases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to develop a dominant follicle and regenerate the uterine lining. Estrogen becomes the dominant hormone in this phase, ideally lasting around 14 days.
Goals:
- Nourish blood and yin to support follicle growth and uterine lining development.
- Stimulate blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.
Herbs Used: Shu di huang (rehmannia), dang gui (Chinese angelica root), gou qi zi (lycium berry), bai shao (white peony root), and shan zhu yu (cornus fruit).
Phase 3
The Ovulatory Phase
The ovulatory phase occurs when a dominant follicle reaches full maturity, leading to the LH (luteinizing hormone) surge and ovulation—estrogen peaks at this stage, signaling the body to transition to progesterone dominance.
Goals:
- Promote smooth circulation and support the transition from estrogen to progesterone.
- Facilitate ovulation and ensure the release of a mature egg.
Herbs Used: Ze lan, tao ren, hong hua, xiang fu (cyperus), shu di huang, dang gui, tu su zi (cuscuta seed), xian mao (curculigo rhizome), and yin yang hou (epimedium).
Techniques: Targeted acupuncture to encourage ovulation and hormonal balance.
Phase 4
The Luteal Phase
The luteal phase follows ovulation and is marked by a rise in progesterone levels and basal body temperature. A healthy luteal phase ensures a thick, trilaminar uterine lining that supports embryo implantation.
Goals:
- Improve uterine blood supply and reduce contractions.
- Support progesterone levels and create a nurturing environment for implantation.
Herbs Used: Tu su zi, ba ji tian, xu duan, yin yang hou, bu gu zhi, huang qi (astragalus), and dang shen. These herbs have been shown to increase ATP production, enhancing cellular energy during early embryo development.
-
Phase 1
-
Phase 2
-
Phase 3
-
Phase 4
Phase 1
The Menstrual Phase
The menstrual phase begins when estrogen and progesterone levels drop, causing the uterine lining to shed. A healthy period should be moderate flow, free of excessive clots or dark coloration, and without significant discomfort. If your menses do not fit this profile, acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help:
Goals:
- Assist the body in expelling the uterine lining completely.
- Reduce pain and promote healthy blood flow.
Herbs Used: Tao ren (peach kernel), hong hua (carthamus flower), chuanxiong (chuan xiong rhizome), yan hu suo (cordalis), yi mu cao (leonurus), and ze lan (lycopus).
Phase 2
The Follicular Phase
The follicular phase begins with the onset of your period and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, the pituitary gland releases FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to develop a dominant follicle and regenerate the uterine lining. Estrogen becomes the dominant hormone in this phase, ideally lasting around 14 days.
Goals:
- Nourish blood and yin to support follicle growth and uterine lining development.
- Stimulate blood flow to the ovaries and uterus.
Herbs Used: Shu di huang (rehmannia), dang gui (Chinese angelica root), gou qi zi (lycium berry), bai shao (white peony root), and shan zhu yu (cornus fruit).
Phase 3
The Ovulatory Phase
The ovulatory phase occurs when a dominant follicle reaches full maturity, leading to the LH (luteinizing hormone) surge and ovulation—estrogen peaks at this stage, signaling the body to transition to progesterone dominance.
Goals:
- Promote smooth circulation and support the transition from estrogen to progesterone.
- Facilitate ovulation and ensure the release of a mature egg.
Herbs Used: Ze lan, tao ren, hong hua, xiang fu (cyperus), shu di huang, dang gui, tu su zi (cuscuta seed), xian mao (curculigo rhizome), and yin yang hou (epimedium).
Techniques: Targeted acupuncture to encourage ovulation and hormonal balance.
Phase 4
The Luteal Phase
The luteal phase follows ovulation and is marked by a rise in progesterone levels and basal body temperature. A healthy luteal phase ensures a thick, trilaminar uterine lining that supports embryo implantation.
Goals:
- Improve uterine blood supply and reduce contractions.
- Support progesterone levels and create a nurturing environment for implantation.
Herbs Used: Tu su zi, ba ji tian, xu duan, yin yang hou, bu gu zhi, huang qi (astragalus), and dang shen. These herbs have been shown to increase ATP production, enhancing cellular energy during early embryo development.
Take the First Step Today
Unexplained infertility doesn't have to mean unexplained hopelessness. Acupuncture offers a proven, natural way to support your reproductive health and improve your chances of conception. By optimizing your cycle's four phases, we'll help create the conditions your body needs for success.
Schedule a consultation with Jose Ruiz today and take the first step toward your journey to parenthood.