Seeds Wellness: Cultivating Whole Health

The Fertility Wellness Group

Introducing an integrative and holistic program for fertility issues and reproductive health.  Three practitioners, with backgrounds in women’s health, have come together to combine their unique approach to fertility.  The collaboration includes an Acupuncturist, an Herbalist and a Naturopathic Doctor.  The combined approach will offer women trying to conceive a team approach that will support them in achieving optimal reproductive wellness.

The Services:

Naturopathic Medicine is rooted in the core philosophy that the body has an inherent wisdom to restore health and balance. Infertility may arise as a sign that an aspect of the body, mind or spirit is in need of support to re-establish harmony to the whole being. Naturopathic medicine combines the knowledge from ancient healing traditions with the scientific data from modern medical science to identify and individually treat any underlying causes of imbalance using natural therapies whenever possible.

A full naturopathic evaluation for individuals experiencing infertility includes a review of hormonal cycles, dietary patterns, exploration of food sensitivities, and an understanding about stress and lifestyle factors that may interfere with conception. An individualized treatment plan may incorporate dietary recommendations, nutritional supplementation, herbal or homeopathic remedies, and therapeutic bodywork such as massage or cranio-sacral therapy for stress reduction. Recommendations for labwork and further testing may also be included to better understand hormone and nutrient status.
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Acupuncture has been gaining much attention in recent years, particularly in the realm of fertility.  The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the ability of acupuncture to effectively treat gynecological disorders, such as irregular, heavy, or painful menstruation, premenstrual syndrome and infertility in women and men.  Acupuncture has also been proven effective by various studies to improve the outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (such as IVF).

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has a different way of looking at the health of a person than the one adopted by our typical medical models.  It is common in Western medicine to think of the body in a mechanistic way, focusing more on its parts than the whole.  Eastern medicine however thinks of the body, as it’s own ecosystem where all the parts are interrelated.  The approach to helping a woman conceive is to be sure that the entire person is in balance.

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Herbal Medicine has been used to enhance fertility throughout history, and throughout the world.  Many plants, fruits, and seeds serve as symbols of fertility and the reproductive process.   The primary value of herbal medicine is its ability to help restore proper functioning to the body’s systems while balancing underlying disharmonies that may be contributing to complications in conception.

Western drugs, which provide chemically based substitutes for hormones and substances and suppress or stimulate the body’s functions, rarely address the underlying cause of targeted imbalances.  When an underlying cause of imbalance in the body is addressed, it is able to function more healthfully on its own.

In the context of fertility, herbal medicine improves the quality of every aspect of the reproductive process.  Herbs are used to promote hormone balance, improve sperm and egg quality, regulate the menstrual cycle, enhance mucus secretions, tone the uterus, nourish the endometrial lining, maintain pregnancy, improve postpartum recovery, and enhance breast milk production and quality.

Research demonstrates the negative effect of stress on menstruation and reproduction.  Herbal therapy can help promote restful sleep, improve energy levels, and help one manage stress, anxiety, and depression.

Each herbal prescription is uniquely tailored to a patient’s detailed health history, acts to administer treatment on a daily basis, and deeply restores the body.  In conjunction with acupuncture and naturopathic medicine, herbal therapy is a strong asset to a holistic and integrative approach to fertility enhancement.

What to Expect:

A woman or couple who is trying to conceive will meet with each of our practitioners.   Initially we will gather all the necessary information needed to make recommendations and begin a treatment plan.  You will be guided though a customized plan that is intended to bring your body into a state of wellbeing and balance.  From this place, conception becomes possible for most women.

Many clients find their time in our treatment setting and with our compassionate practitioners as very relaxing, reassuring and supportive.  We develop lasting relationships with our clients and often continue to provide care into pregnancy and beyond.  We are also happy to complement the work you may have already begun with a fertility specialist.

To learn more about our Fertility Program email us at info@seedswellness.com or call 410-235-1776, ext 9.