Natural Fertility Treatments: How to Help Conception the Natural Way
Date Posted:17 May 2011
A growing number of couples are turning to natural fertility treatments to help them conceive; statistics show that the average sperm count has decreased by 48% since 1940, and that female fertility is also on the decline. This has been attributed to the stresses and strains of modern life, and the high levels of pesticides and chemical fertilizers used in food production. Another factor may be the fact that many women wait until later in life to start a family, deciding to focus on their careers in their 20s, which is the most fertile period of a woman's life. A woman's fertility starts to fall after the age of 30 and drops steeply after the age of 35. By the age of 40, only two in five women will be able to conceive naturally.
Many available treatments are painful, invasive, expensive and stressful. This is why couples are turning to Maharishi Ayurveda to help them conceive. The Ayurvedic focus is firmly on the bigger picture; the aim is not only to improve fertility through diet and lifestyle changes along with herbal fertility treatment, but also to create and raise healthy children. Conception is only the beginning!
What Makes a Healthy Child?
According to Maharishi Ayurveda, a healthy child begins with healthy sperm, ovum and uterus. The reproductive tissue (shukra dhatu) must be healthy in both the man and the woman. The process begins with the digestion of food, which is then transformed into nutrient fluid, fat, bone, muscle, bone marrow and shukra tissue. All other tissues in the body must be in good health for the shukra tissue to be healthy.
According to Ayurveda, fertility can be boosted by introducing certain foods into the diet, incorporating a suitable herbal supplement into the daily routine, and taking certain steps to lead achieve mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. Compared to the majority of modern fertility treatments, the Maharishi Ayurveda programme of natural fertility remedies is affordable, natural and designed to reduce—not increase—stress levels.
Diet & Lifestyle
All aspects of Maharishi Ayurveda medicine place great importance on what you put into your body; the food you eat, therefore, has an effect on your fertility. Reproductive health (shukra dhatu) is enhanced by certain foods and herbs. Bringhana is the group of foods that nourishes all seven dhatus, while vrishya is the group of foods that enhances shukra dhatu in particular. Herbal fertility treatments focus on enhancing fertility through diet, lifestyle choices and natural supplements.
The health of the shukra dhatu depends on the health of the other six dhatus (blood, fat, muscle, bone, bone marrow and nutrient fluid). This makes the bringhana foods crucial if you want to want to increase your fertility. The following foods are part of the bringhana family:
- Fresh, organic fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Dairy proteins, including milk, lassi, and panir cheese
- Mung dhal
- Soaked almonds or soaked walnuts
- Sweet, juicy fruits
- Dried fruits such as dates, figs and raisins
- Stewed apple
- Urad dhal cooked with equal parts turmeric, cumin, coriander and fennel (if your digestion is strong)
- Banana cooked in ghee, cinnamon and cardamom (if your digestion is strong)
The following foods are vrishya foods:
- Asparagus
- Broccoli
- Milk
- Rice pudding
- Spices such as ajwain powder, cumin, turmeric and black cumin.
It is vital to include a wide range of foods in your diet as part of a herbal fertility treatment, to make sure your body is getting all the nutrients it needs, both for your health in general and to boost your chances of conception. Try not to eat the same thing every day, and try new vegetables and fruits as often as possible.
Don't Want to Conceive?
Even if you are not planning to try for a baby, you can still benefit from natural fertility remedies, in particular by following a diet that enhances the shukra tissue; not only does shukra enhance the sperm and ovum, it also produces ojas (digestive fire). Healthy ojas leads to strength, immunity, glowing skin, sparkling eyes and a strong, healthy mind.
Two-part Programme from Maharishi Ayurveda
The Maharishi Ayurveda herbal fertility treatment is a two-part programme, consisting of an initial cleansing phase (before conception) and a fertility boosting phase (during attempted conception). The first cleansing phase purifies the genitourinary tract to remove impurities and obstructions from the tissues.
Natural fertility treatments Genitrac and Elim-Tox-O are formulated in accordance with Ayurvedic principles; two tablets of each should be taken every morning and every evening. Ayurveda recommends following this phase for three months before trying to become pregnant.
For the second phase of the programme, two tablets of Vital Lady or Vital Man should be taken every morning and every evening. This second phase is when the couple should attempt conception. In addition to the natural fertility remedies, a bringhana or vrishya diet should be followed during both phases. The woman should stop taking Vital Lady as soon as she becomes pregnant.
Couples trying to conceive should avoid stress as much as possible. Stress is believed to be one of the main reasons that couples struggle to conceive. Various Maharishi Ayurveda remedies are designed to reduce stress, such as Worry Free tablets, Worry Free Tea and Aroma Oil. Blissful Joy tablets help alleviate emotional stress. The Transcendental Meditation technique can also reduce anxiety and stress.
Additional Tips for the Over-40s
Couples over the age of forty who want to conceive are advised to pay close attention to diet and routine. It is crucial for both the man and the woman to avoid stress, get enough sleep and practice Transcendental Meditation. An early morning massage will help restore physical and emotional balance. Make sure you are getting enough protein, including dairy protein such as milk, lassi and panir cheese. Women over forty should keep strict watch on their general health, and follow certain guidelines during menstruation: get plenty of rest; avoid travelling; eat regular, balanced meals made up of warm, light, easily digested foods; and steer clear of processed foods.