Mindfulness, nutrition, love, the energies of the universe… and our unborn children
An exploration of pre-conception care
There are so many sources of information for couples who wish to conceive, ranging from medical, to naturopathic, through to deeply spiritual, that we could spend a year researching them.
Interestingly, the traditions and science of Chinese Medicine do not have the profile they deserve in the pre-conception ‘manuals’.
So here we go, with some information and guidance from an ancient health science which has always understood that our yet-to-be-conceived and unborn children are more precious than gold and jewels.
We know this, as the uterus has several names in Traditional Chinese Medicine – jade palace and infant palace being two lovely translations. The contributions of men – via the jade sword, also called the ancestral tendon – are similarly respected.
The invisible anatomy of the qi carrying channels or meridians – along which the acupuncture points are found – includes in women, a channel which links heart and uterus.
And so it must be! Acupuncturists understand this, and we are careful to help a woman recognise the relationship bewteen her emotions and state of mind, and her uterus and monthly cycles.
The ancient doctors of the East weren’t bad geneticists either. Our medicine identifies and nurtures our most vital Essence – Jing. As well as receiving qi – the energy for life – from both parents and the universe, sperm and eggs are imbued with Jing which provides us with our birthright and genetic blueprint for life and health. A baby born with ‘good’ Jing will be free of genetically inherited disorders and will grow and thrive wonderfully, with a strong immune system, good digestion, and a vital and active mind and body. Stages of growth and development such as the first teeth, the blossoming of puberty, childbearing and then the slow decline towards old age are all directed by Jing. It’s easy to see why Traditonal Chinese Medicine emphasises preparing both men and women for conception, and nurtures women until long after their babies have arrived. This is achieved through moderation in all things, excellent nutrition, and leading a calm life which in today’s world, might be called ‘work-life-balance’.
Some other things worth knowing:
– sperm take 90 days to form
– sperm counts, sperm quality and sperm motility are declining with each generation
– stress and overwork – both physical and mental – affect our ability to conceive
– waiting until a woman is well into her 30’s before trying to conceive is at odds with our natural fertility – which is more abundant in our 20’s
– life creates life … as long as there are men and women, and love in the world, babies can and will be conceived
Traditional Chinese Medicine has plenty to offer couples who wish to create a child – acupuncture and herbal medicines can make such a difference. So too, can invocations and enquiries to gods, goddesses and saints. Mindfully preparing our home environments with objects and symbols relating to male and female fertility will also enhance our pre-conceptual weeks and months.
This ancient sacred sculpture in Vietnam, embodies both male and female in an uncommon dual representation.
You might like to spend a little time searching for gods, goddesses or saints who appeal to you at this stage in your lives. Fertility and procreation have been so valued and revered in all cultures throughout history, you’ll have no trouble finding the ones who are ‘right’ for you.
My friends and fellow healers at AromaCrystal Energy Therapies also have some fine contributions on this subject.
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Staying safe
These pages and the information presented here are not a substitute for the one-on-one care and guidance of appropriately qualified and experienced health professionals. If you are wishing to conceive, or are already pregnant, you must not self-medicate with herbal or other ‘natural’ substances or supplements. Always seek assistance.
Acknowledgements
Infant image sourced at Wikipedia.
Phallus-breast representation in Vietnam – photo by Margi Macdonald
Content and ideas in this post © Margi Macdonald
Margi Macdonald 
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