Infertility is a common issue that has affected couples throughout history. In ancient times, there were many myths and superstitions surrounding infertility, and treatments were often based on these beliefs. Let’s take a closer look at how infertility was treated in ancient times.
Ancient Egyptian Treatments
In ancient Egypt, the god of fertility was Min. Couples who were struggling to conceive would often make offerings to Min in the hope that he would bless them with a child. Women who were struggling to conceive might also wear amulets depicting the goddess Taweret, who was believed to protect women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Ancient Greek Treatments
In ancient Greece, infertility was often blamed on the woman. Treatments included placing honey and olive oil inside the vagina or using various herbs to create a decoction that could be drunk or applied topically. Men were also treated with herbs, including fenugreek and saffron.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine dates back over 3,000 years and has been used to treat many different ailments, including infertility. Acupuncture and herbal remedies are still used today in modern Chinese medicine to treat infertility.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. It is believed that this helps to balance the body’s energy flow, known as qi (pronounced chee). By balancing qi, acupuncture can help regulate menstrual cycles and improve fertility.
Herbal Remedies
Chinese herbal remedies are often made up of combinations of different herbs that work together to promote fertility. They may be taken orally or applied topically.
Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient Indian system of medicine that has been used for thousands of years. It focuses on balancing the three doshas, or energies, in the body: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Imbalances in these doshas are believed to cause infertility.
Diet
Ayurvedic medicine emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet for promoting fertility. Foods that are considered beneficial for fertility include ghee, milk, honey, almonds, and sesame seeds.
Ayurvedic medicine also uses herbal remedies to treat infertility. Some commonly used herbs include ashwagandha, shatavari, and gokshura.
Conclusion
In ancient times, treatments for infertility were often based on superstition and myth. However, many of the remedies used in traditional medicine systems such as Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine are still used today to treat infertility. Whether you choose to use modern or traditional treatments for infertility, it’s important to consult with a medical professional before beginning any treatment regimen.