Alternative Therapies

Why?

Alternative therapies work holistically by treating the whole person - body and mind.

Many mainstream fertility clinics are now offering alternative therapies alongside conventional treatments which demonstrates how popular they have become. Although there is scientific evidence to support some alternative therapies including acupuncture, hypnosis and general relaxation therapies there is a lot of debate about others. If it makes you feel good and you are doing something positive to help your body and mind recover from miscarriage and conceive a baby then that's the important thing.

Always contact a qualified practitioner via the relevant professional body where you will find more information.

What you can do

Acupuncture and Acupressure

Acupuncture works to bring balance to the mind and body by stimulating energy flow through the body along pathways known as meridians. There is now an impressive amount of evidence to support the use of acupuncture for infertility and recovery from miscarriage. It can be helpful in lowering and balancing hormone levels which affect ovulation, increase circulation and blood-flow throughout the body, especially to the reproductive organs It can also lower stress levels which can affect ovulation and aid with re-balancing the body after miscarriage.

Aromatherapy

Uses essential oils from botanical sources to bring balance and healing to mind, body and spirit. Each aromatic oil has its own therapeutic qualities and it is a wonderfully calming and sensual practice on your own or with your partner. It is known to be effective in treating stress and inducing relaxation and also helpful with recovery after miscarriage and with fertility issues. These are some of the oils that might be useful:

Clary sage - balances hormones, calms nerves and reduces stress
Fennel - good for low oestrogen
Rose - helps to regulate ovulation and lift sadness, add to the bath for male fertility
Geranium - balances hormones and works well with rose oil
Lavender & jasmine - relaxing and an aphrodisiac

Because essential oils are so concentrated they should NOT be applied directly to the skin. Try:

Massage - dilute in a base oil such as grapeseed or almond oil
Oil burner - add 3 to 4 drops of essential oils on to the top of an oil burner
Baths - add 5 to 10 drops into a warm bath

Remember some essential oils are NOT suitable for use during early pregnancy

Hypnosis, visualisation and meditation

These are all deeply relaxing and beneficial techniques. Studies have shown that hypnosis before IVF can double the success rate as it eases stress as a crucial time and there is no reason why normal conception cannot benefit in a similar way. Other new research clearly shows that by using imagination and visualisation we have the ability to positively influence mind and body issues, including balancing hormone levels, restoring ovulation and dealing with psychological and emotional blocks that can prevent infertility.

Try our unique hypnotherapy and meditation downloads and CDs:

Sometimes these psychological issues can be forgotten and put on the back burner when actually they could be the most important thing.

Herbal medicine and Chinese herbal medicine

Restores health by correcting imbalances in the body using herbs and plants. Some common herbs used for fertility and miscarriage include:- Agnus Castus, Dong Quai, False Unicorn Root, Saw Palmetto and Winter Cherry. As this is a very specialised area please consult a qualified herbal or Chinese herbal practitioner.

Homeopathy

A safe and gentle form of healing that works in harmony with the body's immune system and works on the principle that 'like cures like'. There is a some evidence to show that homeopathy aids fertility, and may improve ovulation. Because this is a specialised are it is always best to consult a recommended practioner so they can prescribe the right treatment for you.

Reflexology

A gentle, relaxing, non-invasive therapy similar to acupuncture. By applying pressure to reflex points, usually on feet and which correspond to all parts of the body, this stimulates the body's healing process. Good for anxiety and stress, miscarriage, as well as fertility issues including balancing hormone levels, PMS, heavy/irregular periods, hostile cervical mucus and polycystic ovaries syndrome as recent research at Derriford Hospital in Plymouth shows.

Research and Articles

Complementary medicine is providing an alternative for women trying to get pregnant - Canada.com July 2007
Family planning - The Times 2005
Acupuncture stuck a pin in a ticking biological clock - The Times 2005
Health and healing - Mail on Sunday 2007
Lifestyle and wellness - stress and infertility - Caremark Health Resources 2006
Getting pregnant and aromatherapy - getting pregnant.com, 2008
Acupuncture boosts IVF success - BBC News Online April 2002
Homeopathy helped me deal with my miscarriage - Mail Online July 2006
Complementary therapies to help boost fertility - Mail Online Jan 09
Israeli study proves hypnosis can double IVF success rate - Our Jerusalem News Aug 2004
Can reflexology help overcome infertility? - Derriford Hospital Study, BBC Devon 2005
Chinese herbal medicine and egg quality - suite 101.com Jan 2009
The Ultimate stress buster - The Independent Oct 2007

Next: Tests & Treatments