Infertility is being labeled the “western” disease as more and more research is beginning to point to stress and the busy western lifestyle as part of the underlying problem. People are truly living in an unprecedented age of success and independence – and enjoying it rightfully so. Pursuing successful careers, later marriages and keeping up with the Jones’ has slowly pushed baby-making off to the sidelines and into later years.
So, when the mid thirties or early forties come around … the ticking biological clock becomes a stark realization – and now it’s a race to get the “baby-making” phase started. It’s typically seen as the next important thing on the list that needs to be checked off – preferably very soon. The truth however, is that the mind and body need to be nurtured to prepare for this giant undertaking.
You expect pregnancy to happen – there’s no reason why it shouldn’t. You and your partner are healthy and virile and this shouldn’t be a problem. Right?
So, what’s wrong then?
- Why am I not getting pregnant?
- What’s wrong with me?
- How do other couples try once and voila, here I am trying for months, if not years, with no luck?
Do these sound familiar? There are many more thoughts like them racing through your mind now, right?
I think you get the point! We’re not going to rehash the feelings these thoughts bring about but, that’s where it all starts. When the expectations are not met, the mind quickly rationalizes that there must be a problem and begins to look for the fix.
This is the crux of it all.
“The problem is not the problem, the problem is your attitude about the problem” – Captain Jack Sparrow
These famous words uttered by Captain Jack (Johnny Depp) although a catchy phrase hold a profound and deeper truth. Our perception is all that matters. And since we generally build our perceptions around our expectations, the failure to meet an expectation becomes the real problem.
Are you starting to see the picture here ?
In other words, it’s the perception that a problem must exist that sends us into the tail spin. It’s the perception that something is “wrong with me” that captivates the mind and sends it into the vicious cycle.
We’re blinded by the illusion that traps us into the cycle and the vortex has such a strong hold that it’s hard to see the light at times.
Here’s the billion dollar solution – “nurture the body and empower the mind”
Here’s what we do!
The body needs to be nurtured and balanced. If you’ve been on birth control, your progesterone/estrogen cycle may also need balancing. Toxins need to be eliminated through proper detoxification procedures, and revitalized with hydration and nutrients. Eliminating processed foods and adhering to an organic, green and wholesome diet will enhance the liver to detoxify your body.
Acupuncture treatments have been shown to cleanse the body, reduce high stress levels and nurture the reproductive organs to increase ovulation and thicken the uterine lining for successful implantation.
These processes prepare the reproductive organs for fertilization and give you the energy you’ll need for the entire term of the pregnancy.
Preparing the mind is equally as important.
First and foremost, overcoming the psycho-social challenge of “why am I not getting pregnant?” needs to be addressed. So long as the mind is stuck in this vicious cycle, pregnancy will continue to be a challenge. So, getting over this hurdle is the primary focus.
It’s not as difficult as you may think. There are various mindfulness tools and techniques used to recognize specific habitual patterns and tendencies that keep you locked into a mind frame. Recognizing these patterns and bringing them to your awareness is the key that literally “sets you free” from the shackles of your mind.
Harnessing your mind is the understanding that YOU – and ONLY YOU – hold the reigns.
Treating infertility is about treating from the inside out. Recognizing that a problem is only a problem if you choose to see it that way. You also have an equal choice to recognize it as an opportunity to change yourself to be more aligned with the person you’d rather be – A BETTER YOU!
This is a path that will empower your mind and strengthen your resolve to achieve the results you are looking for. And when you do achieve those results you will look back and realize the enormous change that has occurred within you.
I’ve practiced acupuncture from this perspective for the last 10 years and treating infertility is no different. If you’re looking for a more natural and holistic approach to overcome infertility, then I encourage you to schedule a FREE 10-minute consultation with me to see if this is right for you. You can reach me at 416-218-8870 or by email at info@shantfilo.com.
To Your Health,
Shant Filo R.Ac
Acupuncturist & Mindfulness Meditation Specialist
