As with everything in nature there is an element of right timing and balance required for new life to be created. However, tell this to a couple desperate to bring a child into the world! According to the HFEA, it is estimated that one in seven UK couples have difficulty conceiving –approximately 3.5 million people.
Fertility problems usually occur when our physical, physiological or psychological systems are out of balance; with each individual factor affecting the other. Imbalances can be caused by a number of internal and external factors including lifestyle and even subconscious blocks that we may be completely unaware of.
Our modern industrialised world exposes us to a host of chemicals that disrupt the natural processes of the body. We are commonly exposed to pesticides in foods and in the air that we breathe. Pesticides are produced with the sole purpose of destroying life. It’s no wonder they are closely linked to fertility problems.
Toxic heavy metals such as mercury, aluminium and lead are known to cause cellular disruption and raise acidity levels in the body, compromising nutrition and impacting fertility. There are household chemicals from solvent-based paints, preservatives in carpets and cleaning products.
We then have the complex psychological factors that can affect fertility in both men and women. Our reaction to and ability to deal with external stressors, fears and anxiety about childbirth or parenthood, negative beliefs and negative self-talk, repressed emotions, unconscious blocks, sleep problems and depression, to name just a few. The extent of these psychological factors usually increase when there are fertility problems present, thus creating that very vicious cycle.
Past traumas, unhealed and unresolved cellular memories create imbalances and affect our wellbeing and chances of conception. Previous relationship issues, infidelity, miscarriages and terminations. Fears about pregnancy, childbirth, needles and hospitals can also affect fertility on a subconscious level.
There can also be conflicts in the unconscious regarding parenthood. A woman may desperately want a baby, however there may be concerns buried in her psyche that parenthood might affect her career, her independence, her physical appearance or even her relationship.
As you can see there are so many visible and invisible intricate factors that can affect fertility, as well as our overall health and wellbeing.
The Platinum Healing – Pre Conception Optimization Plan
Sara Rooney, Medical Herbalist at Platinum Healing says research shows that pre conception optimization is a fundamentally part of a successful pregnancy and a baby’s future health’. Pre conception care is also of great benefit to couples who want to improve their success through IVF or similar procedures.
Sara says ‘It takes three months for sperm and eggs to mature before being ready for conception, so the preceding months are an enormously important developmental time for the baby. The health of the parents at this time provides the blueprint for their future baby’s health’.
A study by the University of Surrey showed that couples with a history of infertility who made changes in their lifestyle, diet and took nutritional supplements had an 80% success rate. Of note, is that IVF success rate is around the 25% mark.
The effects of stress and environmental toxins culminate over time and can dramatically affect a person’s fertility. Detoxing the body, regulating hormone levels, supporting liver function and improving sperm quality can all be achieved by making necessary lifestyle changes.
At Platinum Healing we take a truly integrative approach to address fertility on a physical, physiological and psychological level, incorporating herbal medicine, oriental medicine/acupuncture, yoga, pranayama, meditation, a pH balancing juice detox program, hypnotherapy, visualisation, nutritional therapy, NLP, life coaching, emotional support and many other holistic therapies for rebalancing all body systems.
From an Oriental Medicine perspective Bradley Carr – Acupuncturist at Platinum Healing says that he looks for depletion or blockages in any of the energetic channels (Meridians) that are not allowing the person to function at their full potential. Treatment is aimed at allowing all of the various cycles (hormones, digestion, circulation, respiratory etc) to work at their optimum and with particular focus on the Conception Vessel, a meridian in Acupuncture that must be working properly in order to conceive. This aligned with correct nutrition and a balanced mental and emotional state will greatly enhance the chances of conception.
Leticia Hughes – Emotional Well being Manager at Platinum Healing followed a pre conception optimization plan prior to both her pregnancies and went on to help many clients following her own personal fertility experience. Detoxification and following a mostly alkaline diet is essential for men as well as women to boost fertility. As with everything in the body, the liquids which sperm travel through also have a PH factor. It is quite often the case that once the man improves his diet the women gets pregnant. Leticia has no doubt that cleansing the body and mind boosts fertility.
It is important to identify and address any unconscious blocks and negative beliefs about conception, birth and parenthood. As a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Fertile Body Method Practitioner, most patients I see view fertility through a solely medical and physical viewpoint. Addressing physical, physiological, psychological and of course energetic imbalances holistically can significantly increase chances of conception and enhance overall well being.
Embrace the journey as a whole and enjoy it! Focus on the overall long-term health of your family, rather than on just getting pregnant.
The team of specialists at Platinum Healing look forward to welcoming you and your partner to our retreat centre to get started on your ‘pre conception optimisation plan’.
Author:Kate Tyler Founder of Platinum Healing
