How Reducing Stress can Help Cure Infertility

Perhaps one of medicines bigger riddles is the causal relationship shared by stress and infertility. The fact that infertility causes stress is self evident, but does stress cause infertility? The medical jury it seems is still out on this answer. Over the last few decades the idea of stress causing infertility had come to be viewed as a myth, or a misnomer conveyed by “Old School” doctors. More recently the idea of “relax’ has been revisited by infertility specialists looking to prove once and for all there is no myth interested here, and the idea of reducing stress is not only full of wisdom, but lends itself to more effective fertility treatments. The problem inherent to medical studies is that for every one which sets out to prove a theory there is another which seeks to disprove it.

However blooming the thread which links stress with infertility may be, there are undeniable biological changes which occur when humans are subjected to high levels of stress. The hypothalamus is responsible for both stress and sex hormones, high levels of stress can cause menses to cease, problems with ovulation, decreased sperm counts, and the loss of sexual desire. We know we can blame infertility for stress, and while science is deciding if we can blame stress for infertility, most experts agree, reducing stress can only prove beneficial to overall well being if not a cure for infertility.

Today more than ever American’s are turning to alternative treatments for both medical issues and the everyday run of the mill living in the rat hasten issues of stress. Couples faced with infertility often decide to Compliment archaic therapies with Alternative methods. Some of the following can be entered into as additional treatments for infertility while others are just great stress relievers.

Acupuncture – German studies have shown women who have undergone acupuncture treatments prior to and following embryo transfers had a significantly higher pregnancy rate, due to increased blood flow to the uterus which facilitates implantation. Acupuncture also reduces the stress hormones which interfere with ovulation creating a normal balanced environment for ovulation hormones where eggs can be released. Acupuncture is probably one of the most promising of the alternative therapies going for the treatment of infertility in both men and women.

Reflexology- using the approach that the feet are linked to all internal organs practitioners of reflexology stimulate the reflex points of the feet to treat corresponding organs. Although there is little evidence it is a cure for infertility, it has long been known for its stress relieving benefits.

Yoga- for centuries people have practiced yoga as a way of living, keeping the body and mind connection balanced. Today many people use it as a form of exercise and a means of reducing stress. Each yoga posture focuses on a different part of the body and breathing, it is believed that certain postures can help balance hormones through increased blood flow. Some postures aimed at the pelvic area are believed by some to counteract the issues of infertility.

Aromatherapy – No one will advise you infertility can be cured through the use of aromatherapy, but what they can tell you is some aromas have a positive direct effect on the nervous system and blood pressure. Since the stress of infertility can be overwhelming finding soothing aromas which can offer almost instantaneous results is well worth the effort.

Massage- Never underestimate the power of the human touch. Message is like so many other brilliantly simple ideas, whether done by a trained professional or a loved one, we all crumble under the well intended soothing touch of another. Massage releases endorphins while releasing muscle tension. How can you go wrong with that? Along with the more traditional forms of massage there are a few out there which claim to aid in not only stress relief but treating infertility as well, among them are Rolfing, Maya abdominal massage, Clear Passage Therapy, and the Wurn Technique

Reiki – This Japanese healing technique uses the laying on of hands to channel or redirect energy. The understanding behind Reiki is our bodies become stressed or ill when our life force is low; its goal is to promote health by using the healing response of the person being treated. There are no studies to indicate Reiki is a cure for infertility, but it is currently offered in some hospitals and doctors offices across the country as a CAM for other disease processes.

On a more pragmatic note some of these therapies can cost over $100.00 per treatment, and require several sessions. The financial burden of infertility treatments alone could make some alternative therapies cost prohibitive. This is merely a list of some of what is out there, and there are any number of ways to reduce stress without going broke. A daily dose of expend and solitary meditation may do the trick; DVD’s can bring Yoga and Tai Chi into your life without ever leaving the house. It may be a while before science brings in a verdict, but until then there are countless couples who will attest to the fact that reducing stress had a direct correlation with conception.

Sources:
http://www.sharedjourney.com/nat/hands_healing.html
http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/infertility-stress? page=3
http://www.assistedconception.org/archives/2004/10/14/reflexology-and-fertility/
http://www.internethealthlibrary.com/Health-problems/Infertility%20-%20researchAltTherapies.htm
http://www.pregnancy-info.net/alternative_medicine_fertility_yoga.html