Restoring natural fertility or achieving a successful IVF cycle through complementary alternative medicine involves four essential steps. Your journey begins with the diagnosis of the source of the imbalances through a detailed history and physical, lab work, a basal body temperature chart, and Traditional Chinese Medicine evaluation. Next your diet is modified to include the essential micronutrients needed for fertility and exclude inflammatory insulin-resistance fueling foods. Third, acupuncture treatments are recommended to assist in restoring the balance to your body by removing obstacles to fertility, harmonizing the flow of energy and directing blood flow to your reproductive organs. And finally, yoga and exercise are essential to lower stress levels and complement the acupuncture and nutritional work you are doing.
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Archive for April, 2010
Exercise Is Essential for Fertility
Monday, April 19th, 2010Acupuncture and Nutrition for Fertility – Part 2
Monday, April 12th, 2010Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Menstrual Cycle
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) places great emphasis on a normal menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is supposed to be a certain length, approximately 28 days. The time from menstrual period to ovulation is called the follicular phase, which should last 12-15 days. From ovulation to menstruation is called the luteal phase, which should last 14 days. Regularity in length between phases should be present, and irregularities indicate various hormonal issues. Ovulation is accompanied by a spike in basal body temperature. Your period should be non-painful, neither too scant not too heavy, and last 4-5 days. There should not be heavy clots or spotting before or afterwards. Menstruation shouldn’t be associated with back pain, cramping, mood swings and cravings. These are all signs of imbalances in TCM that can be addressed with acupuncture and nutrition.
Acupuncture and Nutrition for Fertility – Part 1
Monday, April 5th, 2010How Do Acupuncture and Western Medicine Complement Each Other?
The complementary alternative medicine approach to fertility, whether natural or using an Assisted Reproductive Technique, is three-pronged. First, you have to deal with the nutritional deficiencies that are interfering with overall health and fertility. The critical nutraceutical elements and peaceful internal environment issues were addressed in the previous article. Second, acupuncture works as a powerful tool to assist in restoring balance to the body and channeling energy to the reproductive organs. And third, yoga comes in as the best mind-body form of exercise to complement the acupuncture and reduce stress. These article installments will delve into the ways nutrition, acupuncture and yoga can assist in restoring health and fertility, maintaining the pregnancy, and carrying the baby to full term.