Herald Sun - Nature's Medicine

 

NATURE'S MEDICINE

For those who missed last "Weekend's" Edition of the Herald Sun you can check out my article I wrote below.

Some simple and easy tips to increase your Health and Fertility.

Yoga Poses to increase our Fertility

Vipariti Karani (Feet up the Wall).

Vipariti Karani is a restorative and relaxing posture. This asana is known as ‘inverted lake’ and is based on the belief that the blood and hormones circulate better through the body when it is inverted. It allows the pelvis to be above the heart and pools the energy like a lake in the pelvis, calming the heart and mind. For this reason, this posture is great to do after having sex. It allows blood to flow to our reproductive organs and calms our central nervous system, inducing our relaxation response along with restoring our body. This posture is beneficial during your IVF cycle when under going ovarian stimulation. It helps alleviate bloating and distension. I advise my my patients to this posture both during an IVF cycle, after egg retrieval and of course after ovulation. 

Place a bolster/block or rolled up yoga mat against the wall. To prepare sit sideways to the wall, and swing your legs up the wall so you are in an “L” Shape with your back on the floor and legs up the wall.  Lower your back to the ground; use your hands to push your buttocks and legs as close to the wall as possible. When you are in the final pose your legs should be up against the wall. Your lower back/sacrum resting on the prop. Flex your feet and place your hands on your womb space.

Tuesday Inspiration!

Oh Tuesday Inspiration how I am feeling you! Practicing Mindfulness!

I love Child's Pose. You can totally Surrender into this pose. Letting all the worries of the world fall away.

Wednesday Inspiration

Be Present in the moment! Smile and take it all in.

The Role of Acupuncture in Natural Fertility & IVF Acupuncture Support

Acupuncture

In recent studies, it has been shown that women having IVF treatment can boost their chances of falling pregnant by 65 per cent simply by having acupuncture. A review combining the results of seven previous studies has found that acupuncture also increases the chances of having an ongoing pregnancy (beyond 12 weeks from gestation) by 87 per cent -- and nearly doubles the chance of a successful live birth, increasing that by 91 per cent. If you’re new to the fertility process some of this information may be new to you.

With natural conception acupuncture can:

• Regulate the Menses: works by regulating our hormones and menstrual cycle. Controlling irregular menstruation can enable couples to better predict the time of ovulation.
• Increase Uterine Lining: It increases blood flow to the uterus, resulting in a thicker healthier uterine lining. I have seen dramatic improvements with acupuncture and herbal therapy in treating thin endometrial lining.
• Improve Sperm: Separate studies have shown that acupuncture can increase sperm count and sperm motility.
• Prevents Miscarriage: Particular herbal formulas and acupuncture treatments are known to help secure a growing embryo and prevent a miscarriage.

Acupuncture & IVF

In conjunction with in-vitro fertilization (IVF), acupuncture may help:

• Regulate hormones: Women’s hormones must fall within a desired range to continue with treatment. Acupuncture helps regulate your hormones.
• Increase number of follicles and improve egg quality: Obtaining good quality eggs is the most important factor and desired outcome. Specific points help stimulate our ovaries and build endometrial lining.
• Increases changes of Implantation: Acupuncture helps creates a receptive environment for the embryo to implant. As mentioned earlier in the study it increases your chances of falling pregnant by 65%.
• Relieves stress: Acupuncture has been shown to increase beta-endorphins “happy hormones” in the blood thereby reducing stress levels. 

At Angea Fertility Clinic our Practitioners support you during your Natural Fertility and IVF journey. To contact our clinic please call 9510 3700 or email info@angea.com.au

The Breath, Belly Breath & Fertility

The breath plays an important role and has a powerful influence over our physiological and psychological well-being. Breathing is something we don’t pay a great deal of attention too. In fact, its is an unconscious response we do naturally. What I teach my patients is conscious breathing and conscious awareness; it is a form of mindfulness.

Have you ever noticed when in a stressful situation that your heart rate increases, your breathing becomes more shallow or labored. This is our body going into what we call the “Flight or fight” response. All you can think is, how can I get out of this situation. Your head is screaming, “run”. In this heightened state our body begins to produce the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is well known for its impact on fertility. Stress reduces the changes of conceiving with In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) according to recent studies.

Different types of breathing patterns have distinct physiological effects. When we connect to conscious breath, it triggers the physiological response of rest and digest. Everything in the body begins to slow down; our heart rate, our mind, our breathing becomes deeper and consciously we begin to connect into our body. Suddenly, we notice we are in a more relaxed state.

The breath we want to promote in fertility is the belly breath. Slow deep rhythmic abdominal breathing. Belly breathing stimulates our vagus nerve, which controls important body functions such as respiration and digestion and sends sensory information to the brain.  Using this breath shifts the hormonal milieu in the body from “flight or fight” to “rest, digest and nest”.

Close your eyes and focus on breath. Begin to identify your breathing pattern. Are you holding tension in your shoulders, back and neck? Is your belly moving?

If you’re not using belly breath, try this exercise/

1. Lie down on the floor with legs extended.
2. Place your right hand on your heart and left hand on your lower belly
3. Close your eyes and begin to breath in and out of your nose.
4. As you inhale feel your belly expand. Breath into your belly
5. As you exhale, feel your belly contract, gently drawing belly to spine.

Continue this belly breathing for 5-10 minutes.

FERTILITY YOGA WORKSHOP

www.angeayoga.com.au

Fertility & Vitamin E

Fertility & Vitamin E

There are so many supplements on the market that can improve and increase our fertility. I am going to share with you, what I find is important to improve and increase our reproductive health and wellness.

Our body and reproductive system is made up of million and millions of cells, including our sperm and eggs. Vitamin E is essential in protecting and improving our cellular health. It is an important antioxidant for reproduction and fertility.  Research has shown it can improve the overall health of Men's sperm and in Women can increase our overall egg health. This is great news!

The chemical name of Vitamin E is Alpha-Tocopherol, it comes from the Greek word Tokos which translates to "offspring" and Phero which means to "bear". It literally means to bear children. I love it when we can find naturally produced foods that contain these qualities. Vitamin E is found in foods  such as almonds and other nuts, sunflower seeds, spinach and apricots.

For the Woman!

Women under going IVF cycles who have been found to have  a thin uterine lining <8mm, Vitamin E has been shown to increase uterine activity and can aid in increasing  the thickness of the endometrial lining. A study published by Fertility & Sterility April 2010,  found that Vitamin E could increases uterine radial artery blood flow. Results showed vit. E given at 600mg a day increased uRA in 72% of patients and endometrial thickness (EM) in 52% of patients.
If you are starting an IVF cycle this may be something you might like to consider. It is always important when going for your scan to ask the thickness of your endometrial lining.

For the Boys!

Vitamin E has been shown to increase your overall sperm health and motility. Vitamin E when taken with Selenium increases live sperm rate. This is most important when having to give a sample for an IVF cycle.  Vitamin E has also been shown to reduce sperm defects. The numbers are actually really good, showing that men who take Vitamin E supplements for even just a few months, can see up to a 10% increase in fertility. I recommend you start now!

In another study, males enrolled in an in vitro fertilization program who had previously had low fertilization rates were treated with oral vitamin E for three months. Fertilization rates increased significantly from 19% to 29% after one month of treatment (Geva).

I would recommend a diet rich in Vitamin E foods and a daily dosage of 500mg.

Sources

Takasaki A, Tamura H, Miwa I, Taketani T, Shimamura K, Sugino N (April 2010). “Endometrial growth and uterine blood flow: a pilot study for improving endometrial thickness in the patients with a thin endometrium”. Fertil. Steril. 93 (6): 1851–8. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.12.062. PMID

Geva E, Bartoov B, Zabludovsky N, et al. The effect of antioxidant treatment on human spermatozoa and fertilization rate in an in vitro fertilization program. Fertility and Sterility. 1996;66:430–434

Practice Breath - The art of Receiving and the art of Releasing...............

When we are born, the very first thing we do is take in a breath, inviting life force to fill out bodies and feed our vital organs. Breath is Life itself. The act of inhaling is the act of receiving. The act of conceiving is also an act of receiving.

BODY AWARENESS

Thought for today!  

Body Awareness

It is easy to judge your body for not supporting you or notice what’s “not working”. It is common to feel let down by our bodies when facing our fertility challenges. I encourage you to shift your awareness to what is working in your body and how your body is responding. Begin to notice how your body feels each day as you move through your day. Focus on the positive aspects. How is your body supporting you. What feels good? What can you do live a healthier life?

TOP 10 NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS & TIPS TO INCREASE YOUR FERTILITY

 

• Start taking your nutritional supplements at least 3 to 4 months before your IVF treatment or natural fertility cycle commences.  
•  Drink at least 2 liters of water a day. Water is vitally important for every cell in the body and helps to remove and eliminate toxins. 
• Vitamin C: 500 mg a day will help collagen production and is vital for wound healing following egg retrieval. There is some evidence to suggest that it may help to prevent miscarriage.  Reduce Vitamin C intake to 250mg before transfer.  
• Folic Acid: helps prevents spina bifida and produce DNA and RNA. 
• CoQ10: May improve blood flow, enrich endometrium, and improve fertilization rates, “mitochondrial nutrients” may improve egg quality and response to ovarian stimulation. Can improve sperm quality. 
• Bromalein: Using Pineapple & pineapple core can help to assist implantation: Pineapple contains bromelain. Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that breaks up proteins that inhibit embryo implantation. Consuming a whole pineapple (focusing on the core as it has the highest concentration of Bromelain) during a fertility cycle can be beneficial.  
• Magnesium: helps improve fertilization rates  
• Zinc: promotes cell formation and wound healing after surgery and is vital for hormone production and implantation, plays a vital role in cell division  
• Selenium: improve fertilization rates, prevents chromosome breakage
• Vitamin B complex: will help your body cope with the stress of invasive procedures

Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture & Labour Induction

Chinese Medicine and its role in pregnancy and birth

Acupuncture is an integral component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a wholistic system of healthcare continually practiced and developed throughout Asia for many thousands of years.  Traditional Chinese medicine has developed specialised treatment for women in promoting fertility, pregnancy care and postpartum recovery. Today TCM care is become increasingly valued in Australia, as it is in New Zealand, England, Germany and France where acupuncture is available in specialised antenatal clinics and maternity hospitals.

Pregnancy, child birth and postnatal recovery are viewed in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a window of opportunity to enhance and support the woman’s wellbeing. Conversely if adequate care is not taken the resulting problems may continue long after birth.  Value is therefore placed on offering preventive care to strengthen the mother and baby as well as dealing with problems as they occur during pregnancy.

Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a safe, effective alternative for treatment of pain and discomfort during pregnancy and a great alternative to western medicine drugs. Moreover, it provides an excellent compliment to midwifery, doula, and obstetrical care.

TCM effectively treats

• Morning sickness,
• Musculoskeletal conditions such as sore hip
• Threatened Miscarriage
• Fatigue
• Morning sickness
• Musculoskeletal pain (back, sciatica etc)
• Heartburn
• Pregnancy Induced Hypertension
• Stress and anxiety
• Insomnia
• Oedema
• Breech and Posterior presentation
• Labour preparation – Pre Birth Treatment
• Labour induction
• Pain relief during labour
• Post Partum Care

LABOUR PREPERATION

Pre-Birth treatment involves a series of four treatments weekly from 36 or 37 weeks to prepare for labour. Points are used according a woman's constitution and pregnancy history.

These include points to

• Cervical ripening
• Promote optimal energy and stamina for labour
• Help to shorten duration of labour
• Reduce the rate of caesarean sections and need for interventions 
• Reduce the need for pain medications or epidurals
• Greater satisfaction with birth experience
• Boost energy and help with pain relief

INDUCTION OF LABOUR

Acupuncture can provide a gentle inducement of labour when the baby is overdue.  It can be an effective alternative to Syntocinon drip or prostaglandin gel induction.  Acupuncture encourages the body to release hormones such as oxytocin and prostaglandins that instigate labour as well as encouraging the baby downward in the birth canal.

Many mothers find this treatment very relaxing, feeling calmer, more relaxed and have a more efficient labour.  One or more treatments are usually required.  As with the pre-birth treatment if you do not go into labour, you will respond well to medical induction.

PAIN RELIEF & SUPPORT IN LABOUR

Acupuncture offers drug free alternatives for pain relief during labour. 

Acupuncture in Labour can help with:

• Promoting efficient contractions
• Encourage baby into optimal positioning
• Aiding cervical ripening and dilatation
• Pain relief
• Promote endorphin release (primal state) rather that adrenaline release (fear state)
• Smoothing the transition between the 1st and 2nd stage of labour
• To promote delivery of a retained placenta

A Brazilian group has shown that electro-acupuncture (EA) can be used to promote labour as efficiently as the prostaglandin analogue misoprostol which is used to induce labour and cervical priming, but with fewer complications. 67% of woman... in labour were randomised to receive either EA or misoprostol. Woman who received EA experienced significantly fewer obsetric complications along with higher frequency of vaginal deliveries. This was taken from Arch Gynecol Obstet 2011: Electro- Acupuncture for cervial ripening prior to labour induction.

FERTILITY YOGA

Fertility Yoga

 

www.angeayoga.com.au 

Fertility Yoga

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This article is written about two passions of mine fertility and yoga.

The journey of trying to conceive is an emotional roller coaster. It brings with it, it’s own anxieties, stress,  confusion, questioning, doubt, frustration, anger, sadness, a sense of your body letting you down, isolation, regret, happiness. By the end of the journey you have completed a 360 degree circle of emotions, experiencing each and everyone of them. The magic of yoga is it helps to bring stability and support into your life, especially during life’s most challenging moments. The beautiful gift of yoga, whilst it offers so many health benefits is time devoted to yourself. For an entire hour you have the opportunity to give back to yourself.   A Fertility Yoga class is a place for women to come out of isolation and into a community of support. Fertility Yoga becomes a place to realize you are not alone and to connect with other woman who are experiencing similar emotions and challenges. 

Yoga and fertility are two passions of mine.  Firstly, I love working with woman and secondly I love yoga!  Some of you may think of yoga as stretching and postures. However, it is so much more than a physical practice. It is a way of living that brings about peace, calm and awareness. It has a wonderful way of working its magic off the mat into your daily life. When I first started yoga, I was working full time, running my own business and training to compete in triathlons. Of course, I thought I could do it all (as we do as woman) Realistically, something needed to give as I was constantly putting my energy into my work and training and neglecting myself. That’s when I discovered yoga

My first experience of yoga was amazing, it was one of those light bulb moments. I walked off my mat that day and as profound as this may sound, it changed my life. For myself personally, yoga transformed my relationships, my attitude towards life, it brought clarity, calmness, nurturing. And in my hardest times – my breakup of my thirteen-year relationship and the passing of my Mum it gave me peace and the space to feel what I needed too. 

Since I began living my yoga, I am better able to handle stressful situations by responding without reacting.  I am more calm, grounded and at peace with my life.  When challenges arise, I am able to face them directly and respond with love and compassion - most of the time!

"Connect with a community of support, relax and stay positive on your journey to conception.

Benefits of fertility yoga:

• Simulates and tones reproductive organs
• Helps you feel more in control
• Increases blood flow to reproductive organs
• Releases tightness in muscles
• Lowers blood pressure
• Reduces stress levels
• Increases sense of well-being
• Regulates menstrual cycle
• Releases emotional tension
• Releases tight fascia & connective tissue
• Renew physically, mentally & emotionally
• Balance your endocrine/hormones
• Calm your mind
• Re-connect mind and body

Why Fertility Yoga Yoga for fertility classes are designed to support women, those new to yoga or couples who are trying to conceive, either naturally or through assisted reproductive technology (IVF). Yoga for fertility uses specific postures to nourish and stimulate the reproductive organs, reduce stress and relax the mind and body.
Our Classes use special fertility balls in a series of poses to nourish the reproductive organs, calm the nervous system, relax the body and mind to help release accumulated anxiety and stress.

TIMETABLE
We run our fertility classes every Monday Night @ 7.30pm, Saturday mornings @ 8am and Sunday @ 9am.
To find out more you can contact our studio on 9510 3700 or email info@angea.com.au 

Detox Day 1

Chakra Fruit Salad with Enlightened Tahini Sauce

Serves 4

Fruit Salad:

currants – red / root chakra

oranges – orange / sacral chakra

plums – yellow/ solar plexus chakra

kiwi – green / heart chakra

blueberries – blue / throat chakra

blackberries – indigo / third eye chakra

grapes – violet / crown chakra

Enlightened Tahini Sauce

hemp hearts to garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Choose fruits representing every colour of the rainbow.

2. Wash and prepare with love and gratitude.

3. Drizzle with tahini sauce and sprinkle with hemp seeds. Share and enjoy.

Enlightened Tahini Sauce

Makes about 1 cup

Ingredients:

¼ cup tahini

1 Tbsp. raw honey (or maple syrup)

2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon or orange juice

¼ tsp. cinnamon

pinch dried ground ginger

pinch of sea salt (unless you are using salted tahini)

4-6 Tbsp. water

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients in a jar with a tightly fitting lid and shake well to combine. Add more water to thin if desired. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week.

To start my first day of my detox. How could I possibly go pass this amazing Chakra Fruit Salad. This recipe was taken from My New Roots. I have to say amazing. It has all the colours of the Chakras. There are 7 Chakras in the body in which energy flows. Chakras are centers of energy, located on the midline of the body. The first chakra begins at the base of the spine and energy moves up the length of the spine to finish at the crown of head chakra. This is a great way to bring balance into our energetic system through the foods we consume.

From a yoga perspective the endocrine system is linked to the Chakra system. Chakras functions as wheels, drawing in life energy prana. They circulate prana along the main channels and distribute it to the glands, organs, blood and nervous system. Each chakra corresponds to an endocrine gland, physiological function and specific region of the body. Asanas or yoga poses stretch and compress different parts of the body. By choosing different postures we stimulate different chakras or endocrine function. With regular practice we improve our endocrine function, by stimulating the production of hormones and correcting the imbalances. Hence, improving our emotional and physiological well-being.

Having permission to cut loose

There are days on this journey when you feel like you could scream, eat a piece of chocolate, have a coffee, throw in the towel, give up, cry. I am giving you permission to let it all out! Feel free to purge your thoughts below, let it go. Let's make this Cut Loose Thursday!

Stress Less

When you are having a stressful day. Here are a few things to remember!

A beginners guide to Natural Fertility

A Beginners Guide to Natural Fertility

Getting to know your cycle is key to understanding your fertility. You need to appreciate what is happening to your body at each stage of the month so that you can interpret signs and work with your natural rhythms to enhance your fertility.

Every aspect of your cycle is equally important. Your menstrual flow is a good indicator of general overall health and fertility. Women today do not talk as much as they used to about their cycle, so more and more women don't know what is considered a "normal" cycle. Now that you want to conceive, it is time to get involved, talk about it, learn about it, feel it like never before. Always remember what is normal for some is not for others. Volume, colour, length etc all vary from woman to woman. If you decide to visit a Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner to increase your fertility, you will be asked questions about every little sign and symptom that is involved in your cycle.


The Ovarian-Hypothalamus-Pituitary female sexual hormonal axis. If this regulatory system is balanced the woman will feel very little changes throughout her cycle. Most women have some kind of imbalance, therefore they do feel the changes in their cycle, although, these are good ways to get to know what is going on, and aids in the process of rebalancing. 10-15% of miscarriages happen due to hormonal imbalances. Many infertility problems are due to hormonal ovulatory disorder. It makes good sense to get to know this part of you and start balancing it today.

Start making a daily diary of how you feel throughout your cycle. This is a good way to get in tune with your hormonal fluctuations. Recording your BBT (Base Basal Temperature) temperature each morning is another great contraceptive tool. Basically, all charts record the basal body temperature and compare the values over the the entire menstrual cycle. They also have spaces to note down many other signs and symptoms such as cervical secretions, intercourse etc.

The cycle begins with the start of your period (the first day when normal flow begins). There is about 14 days until ovulation (follicular phase), estrogen levels constantly increase, toward ovulation your sex drive may rise, cervical mucus appears, and you become fertile. The second half, the luteal phase, is from ovulation to your period. This is when fertilization occurs, if not, the egg is absorbed and the uterus prepares to shed its lining. Progesterone rises in the luteal phase and estrogen levels fall in the last 7 days. This is the Pre-menstrual phase.

Fertile signs
Cervical mucus: this is a reliable way to know when you are fertile. The secretions become slippery, elastic, and egg white in character.
Cervix: By feeling the cervix at the same time each day you can tell when you are fertile. When it is high, soft, and open, this is your fertile time.
Basal Body Temperature: Don't become obsessive about this. Pregesterone causes a rise in temperature of about 0.2 degrees celcius immediately after ovulation. This should remain high until menses begin. Other conditions cause raises in temperature; infections, stress, medication, drinking alcohol, of lack of sleep. A temperature that is consistantly below 36 degrees celcius during the follicular phase may indicate an underactive thyroid (lethargy, weight gain, sensitivity to cold). A high temperature before ovulation may indicate an overactive thyroid. If your temperature does not change throughout, it may point to a luteal phase defect, or that you may not be ovulating.
LH surge: This takes place just before the egg is released. Some women ovulate immediately after the surge. Do not wait to have intercourse. These are kits that come with sticks you urinate on daily.
Sex Drive: This is a simple and wonderful indicator of your fertile time. When you want it, go get it!

Week One
Falling estrogen and progesterone levels signal the hypothalamus to release GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone) which triggers bleeding and the start of the cycle. This makes the pituitary release FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which starts the growth of the follicles with an egg inside each of them.

Bleeding generally lasts from 4-7 days with the heaviest bleeding on day 1. The amount bled is usually about 50-80ml. The endometrium starts to regenerate and by day 5 it will be about 2mm thick.

Most women in the swest believe that menstrual pain is normal, they take painkillers to manage. The painkilling medication can also effect your fertility. Pain is a sign that the flow of energy and blood is impeded. The blood should be red, not dark-brown and thick, or pinkish and watery. Clots also are a sign of imbalance.

Get to bed early during bleeding. Eat nourishing easily digestable foods. Do not expose yourself to climactic extremes. Try not to swim in cold water, and avoid sex if possible.

It is also highly recommended that women stay away from tampons. The use of reuseable pads and cups such as 'the keeper' are the safe way to go, they just take a little getting used to. If you must use tampons, educate yourself in the dangers associated with them, and only use organic cotton unbleached.

Vitamins A, E, and selenium are all important to build up the endometrium. Foods rich in iron and vitamin C help compensate for the blood loss. CoQ10 helps oxygenate and move the blood, and vitamin B1 also helps build blood.

Do light exercises during your period such as yoga, qigong, or meditation.

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can help regulate all aspects of your menses. From pain to clots, and irregular cycles to bleeding between periods.

In ancient cultures of all types, menstruation was a time for women to rest and not have to deal with society. It was a cleansing time, cherished and honoured. Take back some of your red tent ritual!

Week Two
Between 10-20 follicles have been developing, but this week, the ONE will be chosen for ovulation. FSH levels continue to rise to stimulate follicle growth. The dominant follicle may grow to become 20 mm in diameter. The ovaries tell the endometrium to thicken to foster the possible coming implantation. When estrogen rises, FSH declines so that no more follicles mature. Estrogen peaks at around day 12, this tells the hypothalamus to release LH. LH levels surge around day 14, 24-36 hours later the wall of the follicle ruptures and releases the egg which then begins its journey into the fallopian tubes.

B vitamins are needed for proper release of the egg and synthesis of RNA and DNA. Zinc, magnesium, selenium, and vitamin A aid egg production and cell division. Vitamin C, E, selenium and zinc are all thought to be important elements in the follicular fluid that surround the egg to aid in its suvival.

During this week you will have more energy, feel more alive. Do regular aerobic activity (brisk walks, aerobics, martial arts, running, swimming, cycling, weights). You cannot have sex too much! This does not weaken the sperm, actually, chances of conception are increased with more frequent sex. Some say that sperm can last up to seven days if their seminal and protate emisions are healthy. An egg is fertilizable for 12-24 hours after release. So when fertile signs are at their optimum, intercourse is important. Day 10-15 are the days on a 28 day cycle where a woman is most fertile. 5 days before ovulation and 2 days after equals 1 week of conception intercourse every cycle. Enjoy!

DO NOT LET SEX BECOME A TIMED SYSTEMATIC EVENT!!!
CARESSING AND FOREPLAY INCREASE FERTILITY!!!
DO NOT USE ARTIFICIAL LUBRICANTS.
TRY TO OBTAIN ORGASM TOGETHER!!!
STAY IN BED FOR 30 MINUTES AFTER SEX!!!
DO NOT GO TO THE TOILET FOR 30 MINUTES AFTER SEX!!!
TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM THE USE OF ALCOHOL AND DRUGS TO SET THE MOOD!!!

Week Three
Now that FSH has dropped, and LH is slowly declining, it is the time of progesterone. This phase is called the luteal phase. This is from ovulation until bleeding. This should last at least 10 days for their to be time for fertilization and implantation. The site where the follicle ruptured on the ovary turns into the corpus lutem which secretes progesterone.
Progesterone; 1. builds and thickens the uterus endometrium to support the embryo which will burrow into its layers, 2. turns off LH and FSH so no more eggs are produced, 3. raises the bady temperature ever so slightly, and 4. closes the cervix and forms a plug to stop things from entering the uterus.

Zinc and vitamin A are important for the production of progesterone. Vitamin C is important for the corpus luteum and its release of progesterone.

Do moderate exercise at this time (walking, cycling, taiji, yoga), and avoid excessive weights and aerobic activity.

Acupuncture at this time can help you relax and aid in the process of implantation.


Week Four
Time to hope, pray, stay calm, and think positive. The embryo gets to the uterus 4-5 days after fertilization. The egg has 2 days to become fertilized. 7 days maximum for the egg to get fertilized and into the uterus. Another 2-3 days may be required to complete implantation. Therefore, implantation occurs about 7-10 days after ovulation. An embryo (or blastocyst) has about 30 cells by the time it reaches the uterus and starts to break its cellular capsule (zona pellucida) to begin implantation. As women age, the zona pellucida becomes tougher. After implantation has taken place, the placenta begins to form and HCG (human chorionic gonadotophin) is released signaling pregnancy. This makes the endometrium not be shed (menses), and the corpus luteum to produce more progesterone to sustain the pregnancy for the next 12 weeks until the placenta can do it on its own. If no conception has taken place, the corpus luteum will degenerate after 12-16 days post ovulation, and the 8-10mm thick endometrium will stop developing and begin to shed. Estrogen and progesterone levels fall, the hypothalamus releases GnRH which releases FSH. Bleeding occurs, follicles begin to develop, and the whole cycle starts again.

Try to eat warming foods (cooked), but not too spicy. Stay away from too many raw and cold food and drink. Ensure a healthy supply of essential fatty acids, vitamin B6, E, zinc, and magnesium are in the diet.

Exercise at will unless you think you may be pregnant, then stay away from high impact, heavy weight, extreme aerobic activities. Deep breathing and visualization of an implanting embryo is of utmost importance at this time.

Improving Cervical Secretions
Cervical secretions are vital to fertility. They indicate fertility, and aid the sperm in their journey. The cervix is filled with a mucus secreting membrane. Estrogen changes the cervical fluid. the vagina gets moist wet and slippery, secretions may show on your underwear and toilet paper, and this fluid becomes stretchy like egg white if stretched between finger and thumb. The mucus will stretch 2-4 cm when you are most fertile. The fertile mucus creates ease of passage for the swimming sperm through the cervix. Progesterone kicks in immediately after ovulation which dries up this cervical mucus and gives it a lotion like character.

When you are not detecting fertile cervical mucus, it is possible that you are ovulating right after you are bleeding so that the fertile mucus is blended with the blood.

Other causes for inadequate cervical mucus; low estrogen levels (low body weight), rapid weight changes, too much wheat bran in diet, vitamin A deficiency, antihistamines, ulcer medication, clomid, some antidepressants, too much exercise reduces circulating estrogens, smoking, high doses of vitamin C dry up mucus, synthetic underwear, fabric softeners, scented toilet paper, tampons, vaginal lubricants, pH out of balance, and poor sexual techniques where the woman is not excited enough to produce sufficient secretions.

Cervical secretions can be improved by; eating foods rich in B vitamins, drinking plenty of water, and including wheat germ in the diet all can help.

If you have determined that your pH balance is off the following is a quick dietary reference to help.
Alkaline foods (to correct acidity): millet, almonds, seaweed, beets, artichokes, asparagus, green, broccoli, brussels sprouts, celery, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale, cucumber, endive, escarole, leeks, kohlrabi, lettuce, onions, garlic, ginger, parsley, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, turnips, watercress, brown rice, apples, apricots, fresh figs, bananas, berries, melons, kiwi, grapes, lemons, limes, pears, plums, peaches, mangos, papayas, bamboo shoots, bok choy, parsnips, eggplant, okra, peppers, radishes, swiss chard, rhubarb, spinach.
Neutral foods: yogurt, butter.
Acid foods: lamb, chicken, turkey, goose, duck, salmon, white fish, eggs, beans, barley, buckwheat, oats, rye, white rice, mushrooms, raisins, beef, veal, pork, ham, bacon, cheese, goat and cow milk, wheat, corn, tomatoes, oranges, grapefruit.

Monday's Inspiration

I have decided to a Monday's Inspiration- we all need a little inspiration for the beginning of the week.

Chinese Medicine & Fertility. Life's Balancing Act

CHINESE MEDICINE & FERTILITY.    LIFE'S BALANCING ACT

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Fertility is no longer a topic that is discussed behind closed doors. Today, more and more couples are being affected by the ability to non-conceive.  Being diagnosed as “infertile” literally feels like you’ve had the rug pulled from underneath your feet. The word “infertility” holds so much gravity, negativity and disappointment to it. That in one form or another it eventually attaches itself to our psyche, having a widespread affect on the body, emotionally, physically or mentally. Many couples are now turning to reproductive technologies to help them with their fertility issues.  Whilst time may be a factor in all of this, Chinese Medicine can help assist couples in increasing their fertility.

The definition of fertility is described as: “The condition, quality, or degree of being fertile”. Similar to a tree, there are many branches to being fertile. What I love about Chinese Medicine is its philosophy and approach to fertility. Chinese Medicine is all about making our bodies fertile.  You plant a seed in the correct environment with the right parameters and you watch this seed grow and blossom into a beautiful healthy flower.  The same principle applies to our body. 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body as a whole integrated system that looks at the individual person, as well as the signs and symptoms they present.  Through various diagnostic tools, a TCM practitioner can determine a patient’s strengths and weaknesses and irregularities that may affect their fertility. TCM is based on the Oriental philosophy, which centres on the concept of balance- Yin and Yang. Achieving and maintaining balance is the goal of life. When we are in balance, our bodies and minds function correctly. TCM medicine is all about restoring our body to balance so that it may work the way in which it was attended.  Better health brings a greater ability for the body to function properly and overcome fertility issues.

Often when female patients seek out TCM in regards to infertility, they are tired and stressed. They have problems with their menstrual cycles, but assume that everyone’s reproductive system works a little differently and their menstrual cycle is normal. In most cases, there is some form of menstrual issue.  Through acupuncture and herbal medicine the menstrual cycle can be shifted to function correctly. For example: regulated cycle, functioning luteal phase, correct LH surge.  Patients find that once their menstrual cycle is more regulated they feel better, have more energy and handle stress better, often with fewer emotional swings and a more positive outlook on life.  Many patients report they never realized how much the menstrual cycle affected their overall well-being. These outward signs reflect improved functioning of the intricate process of the reproduce system.

The question is, So how do we improve our fertility? My philosophy in life is based on health-life-balance. If you want your eggs and sperm to be healthy and active you also need to be healthy and active. Take the same care of your body as you would if you were already pregnant. Do it for that same reason you would if you were already pregnant. For the most part, the things that keep your body healthy also support your fertility. I take the firm stand: everyone who wants to conceive will benefit by getting himself or herself in good shape before hand. As long as you are making healthy choices for your general health, you will be doing the right thing and you will be rewarded for your efforts. The truth is, the older you get the more the lifestyle choice matters.  When you’re in your 20’s it can be as simple enough thing to get pregnant for some. However. when you’re 38 its quiet a different story. Peak reproductive capacity is a benefit of youth. Women under age 25 years have a 96% chance of conceiving and bearing a child. That figure drops down to 86 % between ages 25 & 34. The odds decrease again for women at age 35 with further drops offs at 38 and again at 42. 

It is important we begin to take care of our bodies and health. Each choice we make in life can impact our fertility further down the track. Be mindful of your choices. Begin to plant that healthy seed in your body and watch the changes as the seed grows and as your grow.  Instead of feeling as though your body can no longer support you, you will begin to feel a new sense of love towards your body.  We are all fertile. Sometimes we just need to make the changes to get us there. Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can help support you on your journey to fertility either naturally or through your IVF cycles.

For Me!

Sometimes the universe just puts in front of us, words we need to hear. It comes in many forms - friends, songs, words...........................This is what i needed today. Remember to smile and laugh!