7 Complementary Therapies That Can Greatly Increase Your Chances Of Conceiving That Dream Baby
1. Herbal Medicine:
Is simply the use of medicine from plants. Herbs have been traditionally used as fertility enhancers for centuries in many parts of the world.
The use of agnus castus as a fertility herb has shown a rise especially in the western world, but others such as passionflower, chamomile and wild oat also have great potential.
Chamomile is a gentle and trusted relaxant of the nervous system and a popular and safe remedy for stress related problems, anxiety, tension and insomnia.
Wild oat or avena sativa is used especially for fatigue, depression and anxiety.
2. Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is a traidtional chinese medicine technique that uses hair thin needles to treat pain, allergies and nausea. It is also showing promise as a treatment for female infertility.
The technique is based on the theory that vital energy (or “qi”, pronounced “chi”) flows through the body along certain pathways and practioners try to balance this energy and restore health by stimulating specific points along the pathways with thin needles.
Traditional accupuncturist treat the whole person rather than a disease and therefore attempt to get to the root cause of the problem rather than treating its symptoms.
Researchers from the New York Weill Cornell Medical Center recently reviewed existing studies and found that acunpuncture helps to:
a) reduce stress hormones that interfere with ovulation
b) normalise hormones that regulate ovulation so an egg is released
c) increase blood flow to the uterus, improving the chances of a fertilised egg implanting
d) improve ovulation cycles in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), which makes getting pregnant dificult; many women with PCOS seem to find it helpful in kick starting absent periods or regulating cycles.
e) improve pregnancy rates in women undergoing IVF
Other research suggests that acupuncture is effective in reducing stress which has been shown to interfere with hormonal balance.
Acupuncture may also help with male infertility. New research shows that acupuncture can significantly improve the quality and health of sperm.
In a study published in Fertility and Sterility in 2005, researchers analysed samples from men with infertility of unknown cause before and after acupuncture. Guess what they found?
Acupuncture was associated with fewer structural defects in sperm and an increase in the number of normal sperm.
3. Homeopathy:
Homeopathic remedies are designed to treat symptoms rather than conditions, as each case of a particular illness can manifest itself differently in different people.
Before a homeopath gives you a prescription he would look at your medical and family history, likes, dislikes, sexual history and emotional state are all are discussed thoroughly.
It is believed that in a person showing infertility signs the problems may not be directly related to the reproductive organs but to something less obvious, like an emotional condition, depression, fear of conceiving or dietary issues.
Homeopathy eases these problems using plant, mineral or even metal sources. The pills prsecribed are usually sweet, and are taken at regular intervals throughout the day.
Pulsatilla is often given to women with irregular or no periods. General remedies for infertility include lycopodium, argentums and selenenium metallicum.
However you have to bear in mind that these remedies work best if they are prescribed specifically and individually for the person concerned.
Several clinical trials have looked at the effects homeopathy can have on fertility and preliminary research has indicated that homeopathic treatment may not only help infertile women to achieve pregnancy but can help to balance hormones and prevent miscarriage.
4.Reflexology:
Is based on the principle that there are certain reflex points on the feet, which are linked to different organs of the body via energy channels called meridians.
When particular points are stimulated, they in turn stimulate specific body parts. The main use of reflexology is usually as a stress inhibitor, as it helps the whole body to relax and increase endorphin secretion which elevates the feel good factor.
The therapy itself feels like a vigourous foot massage. By pressuring one reflex point in the foot, the reflexologist influences the energy flow arouund the organs and the body areas that run along that meridian.
Apart from relaxation, it can also boost blood circulation, help balance hormonal levels and regulate the menstrual cycle. It has also been found to be of great use to those women suffering from endometriosis or PCOS.
5. Hypnotherapy:
Because the link between the mind and the body is so strong, hynotherapy works best for problems when there is a psychological component.
Hypnotherapy works on the premise that there are two states of consciousness - the conscious and the subconscious – which may be at odds with each other.
So for example, a woman may say that she wants a baby but her subconscious fears may be preventing her from getting pregnant.
There is huge pressure on women these days to have the perfect body, job, partner and family. Many may have unacknowledged doubts and insecurities about motherhood and feel pressurised to conceive by those around them.
It is very important that you find out what you really want because studies show that stress or anxiety about becoming a mother can prevent conception.
Hypnotherapy can highlight and deal with any doubts you might have about your future role as a mother.
6. Aromatherapy:
Aromatheraphy is a natural treatment that uses therapeutic properties of essentail oils, extracted from the flowers. leaves, stems bark or wood of aromatic plants and trees.
Essential oils can be extremely potent concentrates that can be absorbed into the skin, hair, lungs, through massage, bathing and inhaling.
Oils in the bloodstream will circulate for several hours, while those inhaled will stimulate the limbic system in the brain which deals with emotions.
Aromatherpists believe that cetain oils can help to regulate hormonal imbalances and release stress which can be conributory factors to infertility.
Oils of particular relevance are: lavender, clary sage, geranium, jasmine, rose sandalwood, just to mention a few.
Note:Because some oils are not considered safe in pregnancy, always speak to a professional (qualified practioner) before self medicating.
