Mind Body Spirit modalities for conception

Ten percent of modern couples have difficulty conceiving within the first year of trying for a baby here in the U.S. Many turn to natural health modalities and remedies as a complement or alternative to fertility treatments such as assisted reproductive technologies.

It makes sense that a healthy body, mind and spirit will make the best sanctuary to conceive and carry a baby. Complementary and alternative medicine focuses on the person, not the disease or diagnosis. This can often be a great thing for women who are going to the infertility clinic many times and lose the sense of individuality when all the doctor wants to talk about are statistics and tests.

Oriental Medicine

Seeing an acupuncturist is one of the more popular natural medicine modalities for fertility and conception. A wonderful primer on the complex nature of Traditional Chinese Medicine for fertility is Angela Wu's Fertility Wisdom. Two local Acupuncturists that both specialize in working with women's health, particularly fertility, are:

• Kate Ruma, Lic. Ac. on Massachusetts Avenue in East Arlington, 617-372-3960.
• Jennifer Anders, Lic. Ac. on Market Street in Brighton, 617-480-1998.

Bodywork for Fertility

Some forms of massage and bodywork can be very helpful for fertility and conception.

• Kym Feltovic practices Mayan Abdominal Massage in Arlington, 603-913-4267.
• The Barefoot Dragonfly specializes in Reflexology for women's health in Stoneham, 617-794-4755.
• Body Wisdom offers Bowenwork in Reading, 781-942-8811.

Yoga for Fertility

• The Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital combines yoga for couples with meditation and counseling in their weekly program for infertility. Call for details: 617-643-6090.
• The Domar Center for Mind Body Health in Waltham offers a restorative yoga program for women's health issues. Classes are available for individuals, couples or in a group setting. Call for details: 781-434-6578.
• Pamela Gaither offers fertility yoga at the Acupuncture and Wellness Clinic on Mountain Road in Burlington, they can be reached at 781-221-0162.
• Monica Morrell also teaches fertility yoga at the Andover realyoga studio and through the Boston Center for Adult Education, she can be reached at 978-749-0210.

Counseling

Deborah Issokson, Psy.D., specializes in working with women's reproductive health issues, including preconception and infertility. She has offices in Wellesley and Pembroke and can be reached at 617-314-9571.

Natural Fertility Awareness

Crunchy Granola Baby, a "green" retail store in Salem, will be offering a series of classes based on conscious conception, a mind body spirit approach to fertility. The classes will include information on natural fertility awareness, environmental precautions, tips on looking to nutritional influences on fertility, and ways the moon may help or hinder a cycle. Call for more information 978-741-0800.

(image A Kreydin)