TCMZone sponsored article - TCMCeuticals® Fertile Wisdom, A Natural Approach to Healthy Fertility
The wisdom behind these formulas comes f rom Dr. Gouping Zheng, Ph. D., DOM., L. Ac.
Phase 1 - This formula is designed for the follicular phase of a women’s cycle. The focus is building the yin to transform into yang for a strong and healthy ovulation*. Phase 1 is consumed days 4-12 of a 28-day menstrual cycle.
Phase 2 - This formula is designed to be used during ovulation and early luteal phases. It promotes qi and blood flow, nourishes kidney essence, soothes the liver, and calms the shen*. Phase 2 is best taken on day 13-17 of a 28-day menstrual cycle.
Phase 3 - This formula is designed for the late luteal phase of the cycle, to soothe the liver qi, calm shen, reinforce kidney essence and promote qi and blood flow*. Phase 3 is best consumed on days 18-28 of a 28-day menstrual cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How many cycles do you recommend a client be on this herbal protocol for desired results? GZ: On average, it takes about 3 cycles of using these formulas to obtain the desired result.Three months is how long it takes for follicles to mature to be a contender for ovulation.
- Do you recommend herbs during the menstrual cycle? GZ: Yes, it is important during menstruation to use a separate formula to promote qi and blood flow in order to help the uterine lining shed smoothly and promote the growth of a new lining. The quality of the uterine lining is important to support implantation.
- How long do you have a client take the ovulation Phase 2 formula? What day in the cycle should they start this? GZ: If the cycle is regular (26 to 30 days), I will have the client take Phase 2 for 7 days during ovulation to prepare for implantation and support fertilization. If the cycle is longer, we need to work on normalizing it. We can use Phase 2 longer, depending on the cycle, and start more than one day before ovulation. If the cycle is a regular 28-day cycle, ovulation usually occurs on day 14, so I will start Phase 2 on Day 13.
- Is the luteal phase (Phase 3) formula safe with pregnancy? GZ: The Phase 3 formula is used for the luteal phase and is based on modification of three classical formulas: Shou Tai Wan, Yu Lin Zhou and Gui Shen Wan. These are classical formulas used in TCM history for hundreds of years. From that perspective, we can say that, usually, a classical formula used properly, meaning with the correct TCM differential diagnosis, is safe. Zi Shen Yu Tai Wan was developed by my mentor Prof. YuanKai Luo. Zi Shen translates to “nourish Kidney” and “Yu Tai” translates to “support pregnancy.” His whole team has been working with this formula since the 1980’s, researching how it works and whether it is safe for pregnant women. The results of the research is that it is safe.
- Will these formulas help regulate a woman’s cycle that is 35 days to 28 days? GZ: Yes. This is a good case for using these formulas. I suggest starting Phase 2 a couple of days earlier (Day 11 or 12) to work on inducing ovulation and continuing through 4-5 days after ovulation.
- Should a client start Phase 1 during her menstrual cycle? On which days should a client take Phase 1? GZ: Phase 1 should start on day 4 of the menstrual cycle. I would recommend another formula for days 1-3 during menstruation.
- If a client is not ovulating, will Phase 2 be a beneficial formula to help them ovulate? Z: Yes, Phase 2 is used to help support ovulation and you may have to use it for more than 7 days. This can be determined after monitoring basal body temperature or cervical mucus, then you can move the client on to Phase 3.
- What day in the cycle do you typically give clients the Phase 3 luteal formula?
GZ: Usually, if the client has a regular period, Phase 3 can be started on day 18 or 19, 5 days after ovulation, to begin supporting implantation.
*The information provided here is for healthcare professional practitioners only. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Dr. Gouping Zheng, Ph.D., DOM., L.Ac is the founder and director of the Center for Natural Fertility and Women’s Health in New York. She has been practicing TCM for 38 years with over 200,000 client visits. For the last 25 years, she has run a busy practice in TCM fertility and women’s health. Dr. Zheng is renowned in the TCM OBGYN and fertility fields among clients, TCM practitioners, and many Western fertility doctors, who often refer their patients to her,