BBT Charting and Acupuncture

Basal body temperature is the lowest temperature attained by the body during rest (usually during sleep). It is generally measured immediately after awakening and before any physical activity has been undertaken, although the temperature measured at that time is somewhat higher than the true basal body temperature (see Fig. 1). Therefore, the earlier BBT taken, the more accurate to reflect true temperature. Temperature taken after 7 AM is not that accurate. 

In women, ovulation causes an increase of one-half to one degree Fahrenheit (one-quarter to one-half degree Celsius) in basal body temperature (BBT); monitoring of BBTs is one way of estimating the day of ovulation. The tendency of a woman to have lower temperatures before ovulation, and higher temperatures afterwards, is known as a biphasic pattern. Charting of this pattern may be used as an important factor in Chinese Medicine OBGYN with menstrual regulation. For accuracy of measuring BBT, women are advised to take BBT oral measurement before 7 AM. Best at 6AM.

The following is an example of BBT Chart showing the progress using Chinese Medicine.

Before the acupuncture treatment, patient’s BBT shows general Qi stagnation, and Yin/Yang deficiency.

June:

July:

August:

Started Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs
September:

October,

Comparing with previous average of months, acupuncture treatment session has show the improvement of Luteal phase in both temperature level and stability.