Fertility Problems - Increase Fertility Naturally by the Vale Practice

‘Women are risking death and bankruptcy in their desperation to become mothers,’ declared Professor Sammy Lee, one of the country's leading experts on infertility, in September 13th’s Observer newspaper. Fertility – or lack of it – has become a subject of huge anxiety for men and women throughout the Western world. But the impulse to turn to drugs and invasive medical procedures is in many cases unnecessary. Alternative therapies have been found to be extremely effective in correcting and restoring full reproductive function.

Vale Practice acupuncturist Angelo D’Alberto says: ‘Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are the most well recognised and tested forms of alternative treatment for fertility. In females, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can treat any underlying disorder causing the infertility such as endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovaries, as well as preventing miscarriage where conception does occur. With a diagnosis of unexplained infertility, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine can improve egg quality, cervical mucous and thickness of the uterus lining, as well as regulating hormones and so effectively creating the optimum conditions for conception to occur.

‘In males, there has been a number of studies where acupuncture has improved sperm counts, motility and morphology. With males contributing to 40% of cases of infertility and modern medicine offering nothing other than ICSI treatment, then acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine offer a valuable treatment option.’

Acupuncture is also extremely good at dealing with the effects of stress on vitality and fertility. Research demonstrates that there is a strong link between high levels of the stress hormone cortisol and infertility. Acupuncture combined with relaxation therapies such as hypnotherapy, massage, cranial osteopathy, reiki, reflexology, meditation and yoga, can work wonders to restore normal reproductive function. Jane Crowe, the Vale Practice hypnotherapist explains: ‘Hypnotherapy can help with encouraging clients to “trust their bodies” and allow their bodies to do what they have been programmed to do. Whether it's during the lovemaking stage, during pregnancy and childbirth or enjoying the arrival of their baby, hypnotherapy can help people relax and therby reduce the stress hormone levels which can inhibit conception and of course inhibit lovemaking in the first place.

Jane adds: ‘Reiki can help by clearing old emotional blockages as well as helping re-balance mind and body so that it is ready and more able to function as nature intended.’

Even during IVF procedures, complementary therapies can help. Angelo says: ‘A recent study has shown that women undergoing IVF were 65% more likely to become pregnant when they combined the procedure with acupuncture. The remarkable success rate occurred across seven acupuncture trials involving 1,366 women in a systematic review published in the February 2008 issue of the British Medical Journal.’

Homeopathy is also a powerful tool to use alongside medical procedures to boost fertility by addressing health or wellbeing issues that may be acting as fertility inhibitors, or by alleviating stresses arising from the invasive procedures themselves.

Diet is extremely important in reproductive health. Vitamin C, Selenium and Zinc are particularly important. Zinc is critical for maintaining optimum levels of semen, and essential for the functioning of male and female reproductive organs – it is also one of the minerals most depleted by sustained stress levels and toxic lifestlyes. Vitamin C is important in sperm production, as it improves mobility. Selenium deficiencies have been linked to reduced sperm counts and sterility in men and infertility in women.

Cutting down on toxins will boost vitality, libido and fertility. Alcohol and tobacco are known to reduce sperm count and can prevent implantation of the fertilized egg in women. Cannabis and cocaine have also been shown to lead to sperm abnormalities. Fried, fatty foods, sugar and caffeine should be limited or eliminated if possible. A diet high in essential fatty acids (found in flax, hemp, oily fish, pumpkin seeds) has been shown to be beneficial.

Sometimes postural or skeletal problems can be causing restrictions and blockages in the vital organs – even if you are unaware of them. Cranial Osteopathy can be extremely effective in relieving congestion in the lower back and pelvis area that can be inhibiting sexual and reproductive function.

Copyright 2009 The Vale Practice. The Vale Practice was founded in 2000 by osteopath Amberin Fur, who felt that there was a strong requirement for an integrated compementary medical practice to serve South East London. She has hand-picked an excellent, highly qualified and motivated team of practitioners to offer a full, holistic range of therapies from hypnotherapy to acupuncture. Working to the highest standards, the practice aims to offer a tailored treatment programme to maximise the clients’ health and wellbeing.