Fertility treatments

Trying for a baby either naturally or using other forms of fertility treatment can cause couples a great amount of emotional and psychological distress. There could be a number of reasons for infertility including environmental effects such as pesticides in our food, poor nutrition, hormones leaking into the water table to name but a few. Also choosing to have children later in life when fertility levels are reduced. 
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Relaxation is absolutely essential. If stressed or worried, this can lead to an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system (ANS) which may alter the release of hormones responsible for regulating the maturation and release of the oocyte or egg cell. Psychologically, the more pressure we put on ourselves to conceive, this causes more stress and hamper the process of conceiving.

Other causes of infertility could be:-

• Hormonal problems due to malfunction of Hypothalamus or Pituitary Gland
• Inability to produce mature eggs
• Physical damage to the ovaries
• Follicle Dysfunction
• Premature Menopause
• Endometriosis
• Chronic Abdominal Diseases
• Previous Pelvic or Abdominal Surgeries
• Ectopic Pregnancy
• Diet and poor nutrition

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What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance which is linked to diabetes can cause PCOS. The video below from Dr. Nadia Pateguana and Dr. Jason Fung talks about Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and the causes which have proven to be diet related.

Shiatsu massage aims to:-

• Increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, facilitating fertility
• Boost production of endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals that impact certain hormones.​
• Reduce stress, tension, depression and promote relaxation.
• Support and soothe you through your treatment by helping you let go and reduce anxiety and stress through a combination of nurturing touch, breathing, visualisations and posture awareness.

Tips to help boost fertility

• Relaxation and rest as much as possible
• Take the pressure off and stop trying, you may just conceive!
• Enjoy life and do things that increase joy
• Lower belly or hara breathing
• Keep a positive mindset
• Don't give up
• Visualise holding your baby
• Eat a balanced diet of fresh nourishing leafy greens, seeds, comforting soups, beef, sardines, apricots, grapes, beetroot, watercress are all helpful.

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Shiatsu supports your body if you are undergoing fertility treatment
Shiatsu can not override the powerful effects of the drugs that you may be taking, but only support your body and help you process some of the emotions which may come up.