Why fibre might be one of the most underrated fertility tools
How science and Chinese medicine see this Fibre does far more than keep digestion moving. Research links higher fibre intakes with healthier microbiomes (better Spleen Qi), lower inflammation, and in some studies, better fertility and reproductive outcomes, though effects on hormones can be complex 1, 2,3, 4, 5. Most data are animal or observational human studies, so […]
Both Parents Matter: How Processed Food Before Conception Shapes the Embryo
For a long time, fertility advice has been directed almost entirely at women (not here at Red Tent of course but in life – out there – it’s more been on women’s shoulders). But a very recent 2026 study published in Human Reproduction shifts that perspective in a meaningful – and important – way: What […]
Your Gut Bacteria May Be Aging Your Ovaries
I get super excited when I find research like this because it makes so much sense from a Chinese medicine perspective. There’s a growing area of research exploring something that, until recently, wasn’t even on the fertility radar: Your gut microbiome may influence how quickly your ovarian reserve declines – and how well your eggs […]
Childhood Gratification Syndrome Managed with Acupuncture: A Case Report
Young, R. M., & Linder, B. (2026). Childhood Gratification Syndrome Managed with Acupuncture: A Case Report. Convergent Points: An East-West Case Report Journal, 5(1). Retrieved from https://www.convergentpoints.com/article/view/80 Keywords: childhood gratification syndrome, infantile masturbation, acupuncture, extraordinary vessels, case report, luo channels Abstract Background: Childhood gratification syndrome (CGS), also referred to as infantile gratification or infantile masturbation, is a […]
Environmental Toxins and Fertility
Everyday Exposures and Their Impact on Reproductive Health Environmental chemicals are ubiquitous in modern life. They’re found in plastics, cookware, water, cosmetics, cleaning products, air pollution, and industrial materials. A growing body of evidence links many of these exposures with negative effects on fertility, hormonal regulation, sperm and egg quality, and pregnancy outcomes in both […]
Recreational Drug Use and Fertility
Why stopping drug use before conception matters for sperm, eggs, and reproductive outcomes Recreational drug use is a significant yet often under-recognised contributor to subfertility. Substances commonly perceived as “occasional” or “low risk”, including cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, amphetamines, and opioids, have been shown to impair reproductive hormones, gamete quality, and pregnancy outcomes in both men […]
Alcohol and Fertility
Why stopping alcohol before conception matters for sperm and egg health Alcohol is one of the most underestimated yet modifiable factors affecting fertility. Contemporary research increasingly shows that even low to moderate alcohol intake can impair sperm quality, egg quality, hormonal regulation, and time to pregnancy. Importantly, these effects often occur before conception, meaning they […]
Understanding Headaches Through the Lens of Classical Acupuncture
Headaches are one of the most common pain conditions worldwide. From a biomedical perspective, they may arise from muscle tension, hormonal fluctuations, sinus congestion, vascular changes, dehydration, stress, or neurological conditions such as migraines. Treatment often focuses on pain relief: NSAIDs, triptans, hydration, rest, or preventative medications. But from the viewpoint of Classical Acupuncture and […]
Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine & Fertility:
What the Research Really Shows About Improving Your Chances Naturally or Alongside IVF When we talk about fertility, we’re really talking about health.Healthy cycles, balanced hormones, good sleep, stable mood, strong digestion, low inflammation – these are the foundations of conception and of overall wellbeing. This is why Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views fertility not […]