Complementary Therapies to Improve Mental Health During Your Fertility Journey
Posted on May 24th, 2023
If you and/or your partner are facing infertility, it's natural to experience stress and anxiety. In addition to seeking out medical care or counseling, exploring complementary therapies can be beneficial, particularly for your mental health and general wellness.
Complementary Therapies for Your Fertility Journey
While complementary therapies may not directly impact fertility, they can help clear your mind and enhance your ability to concentrate on your ongoing journey. It's worth discussing calming suggestions with your fertility specialist, as they may have valuable recommendations to offer.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a time-honored practice in traditional Chinese medicine spanning over 4,000 years, has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing mental health. By placing ultra-thin needles at specific points on the body using various insertion techniques, acupuncture offers a host of stress-relieving benefits. This ancient healing art has been shown to stimulate the body's natural healing mechanisms and can help reduce anxiety, alleviate symptoms of depression, and improve overall mental resilience. Acupuncture also increases blood flow, which can help foster a sense of calm and relaxation, ultimately aiding in stress reduction.
Yoga
Although yoga does not directly impact fertility, it has been recognized for its potential to induce relaxation and alleviate associated stress. Healthcare professionals often advise incorporating yoga into fertility treatment or substituting it for high-impact daily exercises. Through a combination of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga can aid in reducing stress levels and the hormone cortisol, thereby potentially enhancing fertility rates for women undergoing fertility treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF).
Mind-Body Relaxation Techniques
Mind-body relaxation techniques refer to practices that help calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote a sense of relaxation. These techniques can easily be incorporated into any fertility journey. Some examples include:
Deep breathing– the practice of taking slow, deep breaths, focusing on inhalation and exhalation
Meditation – the practice of focusing attention and eliminating your stream of thoughts
Progressive muscle relaxation – the practice of tensing and releasing each muscle group in the body, starting from the toes and moving up to the head
Guided imagery – the practice of using your imagination to visualize peaceful and calming mental images, which help to create a serene sense of being
Aromatherapy – the practice of using essential oils, such as lavender, to induce a calming effect on the mind and body
Reduce Stress Naturally To Support Fertility
Although complementary therapies may not have a direct impact on fertility, they can still play a significant role in promoting mental clarity and improving overall wellness throughout your fertility journey. By integrating these practices into your approach, you can enhance your well-being and optimize your chances of success.
Virtual Events on Demand
Dr. Alice Domar, Chief Compassion Officer for Inception Fertility has several complimentary virtual events on demand that are designed to offer support to people going through fertility treatments. Click to watch now:
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