The
Integrative Approach to Fertility
Andrea
Pennington, MD, C. Ac. is a physician,
acupuncturist, anti-aging expert and author of The Pennington
Plan, 5 Simple Steps to Vibrant Health, Emotional Wellbeing
and Spiritual Growth. She is the president of The Pennington
Institute for Health and Wellness in Silver Spring,
Maryland where she offers integrative medical services
and spa therapies for achieving optimal health. Visit
her website at www.PenningtonInstitute.com
The
human body is an intricately designed work of genius.
This becomes most apparent when we examine how its numerous
systems must be precisely balanced for the miracle of
life to take place. The brain, the ovaries and testes,
the lining of the uterus and even our psyche must each
operate correctly and interact smoothly if pregnancy
is to occur and to be carried to term. In knowing this,
we understand now more than ever that we must pay close
attention to our entire nature and nurture, our whole
being, in order to be open and receptive to the creation
of new life.
Many
complementary and alternative medical systems operate
on the premise of humans being more than flesh alone.
Indeed, we are more than the sum of our chemicals, hormones,
and tissues. We encompass an intangible energy and essence
that influences our health and wellbeing in ways that
are now being studied in our most prestigious medical
institutions. These therapeutic modalities are even
making their way into mainstream medical practice. A
number of fertility clinics today incorporate acupuncturists,
qi gong teachers and herbalists in treatment programs
to help balance the body and mind to improve conception
rates.
This
column will shed light on the practices that have legitimate
value and educate you about the judicious use of alternative
remedies. Studies have shown that acupuncture, for instance,
can help to improve a woman's chances of conceiving
by balancing the hormones released by the brain and
improving blood flow to the uterus, allowing it to be
more receptive to implantation.
Many
herbal remedies have also been shown to improve the
chance of conceiving. But few of these approaches work
alone as you will see. Harmony and balance in your whole
nature must be sought and achieved through appropriate
lifestyle, habits and even thought patterns. What and
how you eat is critical.
Fitness
and nutrition also play an important role in achieving
hormonal balance and optimal organ function. While you
may be stressed and have a diminished appetite, it is
critical to eat regularly and healthy. Your body, in
its infinite wisdom, knows that it would not be wise
to bring about new life with existing vitamin and nutrient
deficiencies.
Because
of the significant amount of stress couples endure as
they attempt to conceive, their normal fitness and diet
routines often fall by the wayside. This is a serious
mistake in most cases, however, as the brain and reproductive
organs operate more efficiently when the diet and physical
movement are integrated.
The energy and attitude with which we approach making
a baby can influence our success in subtle ways. Bringing
a frazzled, harried or stressed energy to the bedroom
does not bode well for conception. And we're not looking
at the moment of conception in isolation here.
Your
attitude and demeanor throughout the day influence the
regulated release of hormones. Experts believe that
people undergoing fertility treatments, for instance,
are as stressed internally as cancer patients. That
stress will naturally take its toll on the body. By
properly nourishing yourself with a healthy diet, you
help to quench some of the ill-effects of high stress
hormone levels. Likewise, getting regular physical activity
helps to lower blood pressure, stress levels and promote
a receptive body and mind.
As
you move toward balancing your lifestyle try not to
become more obsessed. Be easy with yourself and just
take note of the environment you are creating - both
internally and externally. I look forward to sharing
this journey of exploration and empowerment over the
next several articles.
|