With the days still keeping us shivering, keeping warm isn’t just a matter of cosyness and comfort, but it’s also a powerful technique to nourish and support your fertility.
Warmth for fertility - the science
When we are exposed to cold temperatures, blood vessels constrict to hold in heat, thereby reducing circulation to other parts of the body (cold fingers and toes anyone!?).
But it's not just the extremities that suffer from the cold - blood flow is also restricted to the uterus. This decreased blood flow can result in a reduced supply of nutrients to the uterus as the blood flows more slowly. Making sure that you stay nice and toasty promotes better circulation, ensuring that vital nutrients and oxygen reach the reproductive system - and that is super important for fertility.
The 'warm womb' philosophy
It's not just modern science that emphasises the importance of keeping warm when TTC - Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long been communicating the importance of warmth in fertility.
According to TCM, a ‘cold’ uterus, linked to exposure to cold temperatures in the form of weather, but also foods or drinks, can hinder conception. Keeping the lower abdomen warm with layers or heat packs are recommended to promote a healthy and fertile environment. Keeping feet warm is also key as cold feet are further linked to a 'cold' uterus.
So how exactly do we keep the blood flowing for a warm and nourished uterus?
Wear layers: Keep your lower back, abdomen, and feet warm with multiple layers of clothing. Use hot water bottles or heat packs if necessary
Focus on warm foods and drinks: Enjoy nourishing broths, herbal teas, and warming spices. Try to avoid icy drinks and cold foods as much as possible
Keep moving...gently: Activities like yoga and brisk walks keep the body warm and promote circulation
A final thought
Embracing warmth during the winter months isn’t just about comfort, it’s an act of self-love and self-care that helps to nourish your fertility. Whether through science-backed circulation benefits or old wisdom from Chinese medicine, staying warm can help to create an optimal environment for conception.
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