Tongue and pulse findingsIf you have been trying to conceive, you may have heard about basal body temperature, often shortened to BBT. It is frequently mentioned in fertility apps and ovulation tracking guides, yet many people feel confused or unsure how useful it really is.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), BBT is not just a number on a chart. It is one of many clues that reflect how well your body is functioning internally. Rather than using BBT to predict pregnancy, TCM uses it to understand patterns, imbalances and how your body responds throughout the menstrual cycle.
What is basal body temperature?
BBT is your lowest resting body temperature. It is taken immediately after waking up, before getting out of bed, eating, drinking or moving around.
When tracked daily across your menstrual cycle, BBT shows subtle temperature shifts caused by hormonal changes, particularly around ovulation. These patterns can offer insight into cycle regularity, ovulation timing and luteal phase health.
In TCM, consistently low or unstable BBT patterns may reflect underlying imbalances that affect fertility, energy levels or hormonal regulation.
How TCM approaches BBT tracking
In TCM, fertility is viewed as a reflection of overall balance within the body. This includes the relationship between Yin and Yang, the strength of Qi, and the flow of blood.
When you begin fertility care with a TCM physician, BBT is used as one piece of a larger assessment. Two people with similar temperature charts may have very different underlying causes.
Your physician will consider factors such as:
Menstrual cycle length and regularity
Flow, colour and discomfort during periods
Energy levels and fatigue
Stress and emotional patterns
Sleep quality
Digestive symptoms
BBT helps track how your body moves through each phase of the cycle and whether these transitions are smooth or strained.
If you are exploring fertility support, schedule a consultation with a TCM physician at Thomson Chinese Medicine today. Our personalised assessment looks beyond charts alone to understand how your body is functioning as a whole.
BBT patterns across the menstrual cycle
Follicular phase (Days 1 to 13)
The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation. During this phase, oestrogen is dominant and BBT remains lower and relatively steady, often between 36.2 and 36.5 degrees Celsius.
From a TCM perspective, this phase is governed by Yin and Blood. The body is focused on nourishing follicles and rebuilding the uterine lining.
Consistently very low follicular phase temperatures:
May suggest Kidney Yang deficiency
Higher than expected follicular phase temperatures:
May indicate internal heat or inflammation
Unusually long or short follicular phase:
May point towards Kidney Yin deficiency
During this stage, TCM often focuses on nourishment, rest and reducing stress to support healthy ovulation later in the cycle.
Ovulation (Day 14)
Ovulation is marked by a noticeable rise in BBT, usually between 0.3 and 1 degree Celsius. This rise happens after ovulation has occurred.
In TCM, ovulation represents the transformation of Yin into Yang. Adequate Yang energy is needed for the egg to be released from the follicle. If Yang is weak, ovulation may be delayed or may not occur consistently.
This phase is often supported with acupuncture to encourage smooth Qi flow, reduce stress and support timely ovulation.
Luteal phase (Days 15 to 28)
After ovulation, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. This causes your BBT to rise and stay elevated. That gentle warmth helps prepare the uterus for possible implantation.
In TCM, the luteal phase is linked to Yang energy. When Yang is healthy and well supported, your temperature remains steady and warm throughout this phase.
If your post-ovulatory temperatures feel lower than expected, or your luteal phase is shorter, this may suggest a Kidney or Spleen Yang deficiency. You might also notice signs such as:
Feeling cold easily
Ongoing fatigue
Bloating
Water retention
If your temperature stays elevated for more than 16 days, this is often an early indicator of pregnancy.
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The limitations of BBT tracking
While BBT can provide helpful insights, it is not a diagnostic tool on its own. Many factors can affect daily readings, including:
Poor or interrupted sleep
Illness or fever
Emotional stress
Alcohol intake
Travel across time zones
Certain medications
Because of this, TCM practitioners focus on trends across multiple cycles rather than individual temperature readings.
If your routine is irregular, BBT can still be useful, but interpretation should be done alongside other clinical signs.
Supporting a warm uterus in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, a warm uterus is essential for implantation and early pregnancy. Warmth supports healthy blood flow to the uterine lining, creating an environment that can nourish an embryo.
To support uterine warmth, your practitioner may recommend:
Avoiding raw or cold foods
Reducing iced drinks
Eating freshly cooked meals
Choosing warm herbal teas
Using gentle warming spices
Acupuncture or moxibustion when appropriate
These recommendations are tailored to your constitution and symptoms.
If you are preparing for pregnancy or experiencing fertility challenges, schedule a consultation at Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our TCM physicians will take the time to understand your concerns and provide personalised support for your fertility journey.
FAQ
How does BBT help with fertility tracking?
BBT helps you understand how your hormones shift across your menstrual cycle, especially around ovulation. By tracking changes over time, you and your TCM physician can see whether your cycle transitions smoothly from the first half to the second half. This information supports personalised fertility care rather than predicting pregnancy on its own.
Can BBT tell me exactly when I ovulate?
BBT does not predict ovulation in advance. Instead, it confirms that ovulation has already occurred once you see a sustained rise in temperature. This is why BBT is often used together with cycle symptoms, ovulation kits or clinical assessments for a clearer picture.
What does low BBT mean in Traditional Chinese Medicine?
In TCM, consistently low BBT may suggest insufficient Yang energy, particularly related to the Kidney system. This can affect ovulation timing, luteal phase strength and implantation support. Your practitioner will assess this alongside symptoms such as cold sensitivity, fatigue or menstrual changes.
Can acupuncture help regulate BBT?
Acupuncture may help support more stable BBT patterns by improving circulation, reducing stress and supporting hormonal balance. Over time, some people notice clearer temperature shifts and a more consistent luteal phase. Results depend on individual constitution and treatment consistency.
Should I continue tracking BBT if my cycle is irregular?
Yes. Even with irregular cycles, BBT tracking can still provide useful insights into how your body is functioning. A TCM physician focuses on patterns and phase changes rather than fixed cycle dates, making BBT a helpful tool in irregular cycles.
Can BBT confirm pregnancy?
If your BBT stays elevated for more than 16 days after ovulation, it may suggest early pregnancy. However, pregnancy should always be confirmed with appropriate medical testing, such as a pregnancy test or blood test.
Is BBT tracking stressful or time-consuming?
BBT tracking is simple once it becomes part of your morning routine, but it should not feel stressful. If tracking increases anxiety, discuss this with your practitioner. In TCM, emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical data.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, schedule a consultation with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.
Physician Jun Negoro
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Thomson Chinese Medicine (TCM Paragon Medical Centre) and 1 other
English, Mandarin
Alliance MediNet
