IVF and complementary medicine

[JM]

Hi

Having read through some of the topics on this site have found this very helpful, informative and positive. I think it is a extremely difficult time to go through. I think I will be starting the stimulating drugs this week, this is my first IVF treatment cycle. I am having acupuncture during this time and have a very supportive therapist who is of the thought that acupuncture will support the body during this time. I am a reflexologist/reiki practioner myself so have seen positive results from complementary therapies.

What I would like to introduce to this site (not sure if it has been mentioned before - sorry if I am covering old ground here!) is Bach flowere remedies. They work on the emotional level and this is a very emotional time. There are 38 different remedies to treat different emotional states for example walnut is to be taken for major biological and emotional changes in life (it helps support the system) and another example is crab apple (this helps when the body is overloaded with toxins, chemical drugs). If anyone is interested I would be happy to advise as have done the courses.

JM

[LittleP]

Hi there

What a wonderful idea - what would you do for stress and relaxation?

Anything I could do to make me relax would be wonderful!

Little P

[JM]

What emotions are you feeling at the moment?

eg excited, anxious, fear, impatient, worried etc (could use the icons for this!!)? Specific emotions need a specific flower remedy

[NickiMark]

I am feeling impatient, and scared that I will get a -ive.

[LittleP]

Anxious and worried - scared in a way.

LP

[JM]

Ok.

You can purchase the flower remedies from Holland & Barrett, Boots and probably some other health shops.

For fear which I am sure is extremely natural throughout whole of IVF process the flower remedy is MIMULUS.

For thoughts that keep going around in the head in circles and worry the flower remedy is WHITE CHESTNUT.

Impatience emotion has an easy flower remedy to remeber as is the same name IMPATIENCE.

The classic flower remedy mix which alot of people have heard of or use is rescue remedy, which is also excellent for panic/stress situations and a good all rounder!

Hope this helps.

[LittleP]

JM

Can you mix them together?

You know you've started something here - you're probably going to get loads of questions about it. This sounds absolutely fascinating.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

Little P

[k]

Hi JM
I am a qualified Aromatherapist and a big fan of complementary therapies because they have helped me with a number of things. We touched on Bach flower remedies during our training and a couple of years ago I found them invaluable when going through a very stressful time in my life.I always carry the Bach flower Rescue Remedy with me. I have regular Aromatherapy massages (although unfortunately of course cannot risk at the moment being nearly 6 wks pregnant!). I have also had the benefit of reiki and recieved acupuncture in the weeks leading up to ET and before and after ET on the day itself. I am convinced it helped with my +ve result and was v. relaxing for me (which I really needed on ET day). It also helped sooth a hip problem I have!
I can definatly recommend trying complementary therapies during stressful times such as IVF to anyone, as im sure anything which can sooth and relax you during these time must be beneficial. Bach flower remedies are also safe and natural products. I think it's great that you brought this subject up, JM.
Kim

[k]

Following writing my last post, I have read on the May 2ww thread about the use of lavender oil as a massage. Although most complementary therapies are safe during pregnancy, as an aromatherapist I would advise caution using essential oils, especially during the first trimester. Lavender is best avoided at this time and the rest of pregnancy if prone to miscarriage. There are some essential oils which can be beneficial, especially during late pregnancy and labour, but it is always best to check with a qualified aromatherapist or read up on essential oils prior to using them.
Kim