Other Therapies
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Although in most cases the principal treatment at Conceive consists of acupuncture and Chinese medicine, the clinic also works closely with gynaecologists, male infertility experts, nutritionists and other complementary health practitioners to offer an integrated approach. Other services offered are:
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Gynaecologist/Andrologist
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Conceive has links to private gynaecologists and andrologists at The Lister Hospital and in Harley Street, to whom we can refer patients. We work closely with these specialists in the treatment of our patients, combining the benefits of western medical investigations and treatment, with the natural, health-promoting power of complementary medicines.
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Nutrition
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Optimum nutrition is fundamental for optimum fertility. In order to produce healthy eggs, healthy sperm and healthy babies, you need to eat a balanced and healthy diet. However, food can be lacking in nutrients due to modern agricultural and production processes, so very often you need to supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals, which are crucial to your reproductive health and to the health of the unborn baby. Your nutritional needs will vary according to your lifestyle, age, gender, metabolism and general health. The nutritionist will make a personalised assessment of your nutritional status and give you advice on the optimum foods and supplements for you.
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Our acupuncturists, Eloise Minton and Anga González, are also both trained in Nutrition, and will be able to offer you advice on supplements and diet.
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Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage
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Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage was founded on the ancient massage techniques taught to Dr Rosita Arvigo by Don Elijio Panti, a traditional healer from Belize. This type of bodywork involves external non-invasive manipulation that gently repositions internal organs that have shifted, thereby restricting the flow of blood, lymph, nerve and energy.
Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage helps the reproductive organs by relaxing tight ligaments and toning weak ones, facilitating the movement of arterial and venous blood, moving congested lymph fluid and nodes and opening up energy channels that are stagnant, so that nutrients, disease fighting-agents, hormones, proper nerve signals and Qi can flow efficiently through the whole body. The individual then has more capacity for balance and healing.
Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage helps to reposition a tilted uterus, regulate hormones, break up scar tissue, promote blood circulation in the uterus and cervix and encourage the liver to get rid of excess hormones.
It can be helpful in treating endometriosis, PCOS, ovarian cysts, blocked fallopian tubes, scar tissue, tilted uterus, unexplained fertility and menstrual cramps.
Our practitioner, Anga González, practises Maya Abdominal Fertility Massage, and can combine this with acupuncture.
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Hypnotherapy
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Hypnosis is a powerful tool to enable you to engage your healing resources and manage your own comfort. Its effectiveness in the fields of fertility and childbirth is well documented. Occasionally women who experience difficulty conceiving or carrying a child to full-term may be harbouring unconscious beliefs or emotions that sabotage their attempts to bring a child into the world. Hypnotherapy can help uncover and resolve such conflicts, at the same time as relieving stress and reducing stress hormones which adversely affect fertility. Research has also demonstrated that hypnosis can aid the childbirth process, resulting in shorter labour times, reduced need for chemical pain relief, less likelihood of complications and medical intervention, lowered incidence of post-natal depression and a subjectively more satisfying and enriching childbirth experience.
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At Conceive, we are able to refer to a hypnotherapist where necessary, with whom we work closely.
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Counselling
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Difficulty in conceiving, recurrent miscarriage and IVF treatment can often give rise to anxiety and depression, which further impair and perpetuate the ability to conceive and carry to term. Counselling can help the patient overcome their anxieties and depression and create the right conditions for conception and pregnancy. It also helps expectant or new parents work through common emotional issues involved in this transitional life phase.
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At Conceive we work closely with councillors, to whom we can make a referral.
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Cranial Osteopathy
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A subtle and delicate balance of biochemical and biodynamic factors within the body is required to achieve maximum potential for conception. It is this balance that cranial osteopathy aims to redress.
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This gentle form of treatment enables the osteopath to identify areas within the body, particularly the pelvis, that are congested, blocked, irritated or inflamed and not functioning as well as they should. The organs within the pelvis can be affected by strains imposed on the muscles, ligaments and bones surrounding them. Allowing the body to release mechanical stresses and strains will help optimise metabolic function and thus facilitate pregnancy.
Osteopathy can also help the mother’s body adapt to the growing baby. By releasing the strain on the tissues, it can relieve symptoms encountered during pregnancy, such as morning sickness, heartburn, blocked sinuses, as well as back and pelvic pain. A combination of treatment, exercises, posture and advice will encourage optimum foetal positioning to maximise the chances of a good natural delivery.
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Where necessary, we can refer patients for treatment with a cranial osteopath.
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Reflexology
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Reflexology is also offered at Conceive. Reflexology is based on the principles that different areas of the foot correspond to different organs of the body. By stimulating these areas through massage, the function of the organs themselves can be influenced. Reflexology can therefore be used to improve overall health, stimulate the reproductive system and regulate the menstrual cycle.
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Pregnancy Massage
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We also offer pregnancy massage. This massage is especially adapted for each stage of your pregnancy, and can be useful in relieving aches and pains and promoting relaxation.
