Building Blood for Fertility & Vitality: A Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach at Retreatment Wellness
At Retreatment Wellness in Millcreek, I approach fertility and women’s health through a refined, integrative lens — blending clinical acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and modern physiology to support the body’s natural intelligence.
One of the most important foundations of fertility in TCM is Blood. While Western medicine evaluates blood primarily through laboratory values, Chinese medicine understands blood as a deeply nourishing substance that supports the uterus, hormones, nervous system, skin, hair, emotions, and overall vitality.
For many women in Millcreek, Holladay, Canyon Rim, Sugarhouse, and the greater Salt Lake City area, symptoms such as fatigue, cold hands and feet, dry skin, hair shedding, anxiety, or difficulty conceiving may point to an underlying pattern of Blood Deficiency or poor blood circulation, even when conventional testing appears “normal.”
At Retreatment Wellness, we specialize in identifying and treating these subtle yet significant imbalances.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Views Blood — and Why It Matters for Pregnancy
In TCM, Blood (Xue) is essential for conception, implantation, and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Blood nourishes the uterus, builds the endometrial lining, regulates menstruation, and anchors the spirit — which is why emotional stability and restful sleep are closely tied to blood health.
Blood works in partnership with Qi, the body’s vital energy:
Qi moves the Blood
Blood nourishes and stabilizes the Qi
For fertility to thrive, there must be enough blood, and it must circulate smoothly.
Common Signs of Blood Deficiency in TCM
Blood deficiency is a functional pattern, not a diagnosis like anemia. Symptoms may include:
Pale complexion, lips, tongue, or nail beds
Fatigue and low stamina
Dry skin, dry hair, or hair loss
Dizziness or visual “floaters”
Constipation
Poor memory or restless sleep
Scanty, light, or absent menstrual flow
Clinically, blood health in TCM is closely linked to three organ systems:
The Spleen – transforms food into Qi and Blood
The Liver – stores Blood and ensures smooth circulation
The Heart – governs blood circulation and emotional calm
At Retreatment Wellness, acupuncture treatments are designed to support all three systems, creating an internal environment that is receptive, nourished, and resilient.
Blood-Building & Blood-Moving Foods to Support Fertility
(Animal proteins and milk products separated for ease for vegetarians)
Food is considered daily medicine in TCM. I honor all diets and convictions — choose what aligns with your body and values.
Animal Proteins & Traditional Blood Tonics
(All animal proteins are considered blood tonics in Chinese medicine)
Grass-fed beef or lamb - red meats from land animals are best
Salmon and other oily fish - sourcing high quality fish from clean waters is important
Eggs (excellent blood and Jing tonic)
Bone broth
Beef, lamb, or chicken liver (small amounts are very potent)
Silky black chicken soup (traditionally used postpartum and for blood deficiency)
Vegetarian & Plant-Based Blood Builders
For best results, slow cook these products to improve absorption of vital nutrients.
ORGANIC FOOD is always the best.
Beets
Dark leafy greens (spinach, chard, collards — cooked)
Black beans and red beans - must be soaked over night
Lentils - must be soaked a minimum of 4 hrs
Black sesame seeds - if you have a healthy colon and intestines, then sprinkle these on everything you eat and always buy organic
Goji berries - snack on these throughout the day and steep them for a warming tea
Molasses
Chinese red dates (jujube)
Milk & Animal-Derived Additions (Optional)
Royal jelly
Ghee (especially helpful for dryness)
Foods to Limit When Building Blood
When blood is deficient, certain foods may be overly dispersing or drying:
Excessively spicy foods
Raw garlic and raw onions
Heavy use of aromatic spices
Excess caffeine or alcohol
Lifestyle, Cooking Methods & Acupuncture to Build Blood
At Retreatment Wellness, we see the most profound fertility and hormone shifts when acupuncture, nutrition, and lifestyle rhythms work together.
Clinical Acupuncture for Blood Building
Acupuncture plays a central role in supporting blood health by:
Improving circulation to the uterus and ovaries
Supporting ovulation and luteal phase strength
Regulating the nervous system and stress hormones
Strengthening the Spleen’s ability to build Blood
Moving Liver Qi to prevent stagnation
From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture has been shown to influence blood flow, autonomic nervous system balance, and hormonal signaling — all critical components of fertility support.
Treatments at Retreatment Wellness are customized, gentle, and deeply restorative, often incorporating points that nourish Blood while calming the nervous system — an essential component of conception and hormonal balance.
Cooking to Nourish Blood
Favor warm, cooked meals (aim for the 80/20 rule: 80% cooked, 20% raw)
Cook leafy greens to enhance iron absorption
Use cast iron cookware to gently increase iron content
Choose soups, stews, braises, and slow-cooked meals
Hydration & Circulation
Blood is largely water. Dehydration impairs circulation and nourishment.
Drink warm or room-temperature fluids
Include broths and mineral-rich soups
Avoid iced drinks, which weaken digestion
Gentle Movement & Rest
Walking, yoga, tai chi, or light strength work are the best for moving blood without taxing the body
Avoid overtraining - and particularly when you are feeling depleted
Prioritize sleep and recovery
Emotional Regulation
In TCM, chronic worry weakens the Spleen (blood production), while frustration and anger stagnate the Liver (blood movement).
Reduce multitasking and mental overwork
Create an evening wind-down ritual
Practice breathwork or meditation
Rooted in Classical TCM Nutrition Wisdom
Our dietary philosophy is informed by classical and modern TCM nutrition texts, including Healing with Whole Foods, which emphasizes food as the first and most consistent form of medicine.
These principles remind us that blood is not rebuilt overnight — it is cultivated through warmth, rhythm, nourishment, and care.
Experience Integrative Fertility & Women’s Care at Retreatment Wellness
Located in Millcreek and serving Holladay, Canyon Rim, Sugarhouse, Murray, and Salt Lake City, Retreatment Wellness offers a luxury, evidence-informed approach to acupuncture and women’s health.
Whether you are preparing for pregnancy, supporting your cycle, recovering postpartum, or restoring energy after burnout, our care is designed to help your body feel nourished, regulated, and supported — from the inside out.