'Infertility' is defined as 12 months of unprotected intercourse without pregnancy, and there are usually many factors at play. In this article I will touch on how naturopathic medicine addresses your mind-body connection to help you become more fertile. Trying to conceive can become all-consuming and emotionally draining, and going the allopathic route can be hard on your body. In this and associated articles, I will offer safe and effective alternatives; it is my wish that they will give you hope and inspiration to achieve a healthier body and a happier mind. This can only improve your chances of natural conception.
Sometimes, the cause of infertility is in the mind, unnoticed. I ask a set of questions to identify beliefs that might be negatively affecting your chances of conception. For example, "can I be a mother and still have time for myself?" If there is unease with this statement, it might be an obstacle. Once we have a good idea of the issues and beliefs around pregnancy and parenting, I recommend the practice of affirmations as explained in "The Book of Affirmations," by Noah St John.
With affirmations, one creates positive questions that can address the issue. For example, if you are scared that having a baby means no time for yourself, one question could be "how can my life be fuller by becoming a mother?” By formulating a question, our brain immediately looks for solutions.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is another method I use to tackle the mind and calm down the fear response. It is an easy-to-learn technique that patients can have at their disposal.
Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) is an applied psychology technique that works at the subconscious level. For many patients, NLP is very quick, effective, and often fun.
TimeWaver-Med is a new quantum technology that helps uncover, and balance, systems that need to be worked on.
It is now mainstream knowledge that your reaction to stressors in life negatively impacts many systems in your body, including your hormonal system. Stressful events are natural part of life. It is your reaction to an event which determines how stressful it will become. As an example the same life event, such as loss of a job, could feel defeating but for some it could be uplifting, an opportunity for a better job. I encourage my patients to relax their mind and body with daily breathing sessions. It is not uncommon for a couple to conceive once they "give up,” and go on a vacation! We cannot vacation as often as we might like, but we can bring in peace and oxygen through our breath; all chronic disease is marked by reduced tissue oxygenation. Limbic breathing technique, by Dr. Majid Ali MD, is easy to learn and I teach it to most of my patients. Ten minutes a day is all that it takes. One-on-one training customizes the technique to you, with better outcomes. For a quick review, a short video on limbic breathing can be found in our February newsletter.
Please do not underestimate the basics like breath, water and personal fulfillment. Supplementation alone is limited in success and should be accompanied by a holistic approach to wellness.
By Dr. Olja Keserovic, Naturopathic Doctor
Also check out:
Fertility and Naturopathic Medicine - Hormones and Detox
Fertility and Naturopathic Medicine - Nutrition and Other Factors
