When trying to conceive, it’s natural to want to do everything you can to support your body. Beyond the doctor’s office, there’s a world of treatments that can help you feel more in control and support your overall well-being. Discover alternative and complementary therapies that can help you in your fertility journey.

Understanding Alternative and Complementary Fertility Support

Many women turn to alternative and complementary medicine when trying to conceive, hoping it might boost their chances. These approaches can help support your body and mind along the way, especially when you’re dealing with tough emotions like stress, sadness or even relationship struggles that can come with infertility. Rather than focusing only on hormones, these methods look at the bigger picture — your lifestyle, physical health and finding ways to manage stress.

4 Popular Mind and Body Therapies

Discover the most common alternative and complementary fertility therapies.

1.   Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a common ancient practice that’s considered safe and can be performed alongside other therapeutics. It’s believed to balance qi — the energy force that flows through your body’s pathways called meridians.

An acupuncturist inserts sterile needles into your skin at certain places to prompt your body’s healing response. It’s thought to help increase blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, regulate menstrual cycles, and calm the nervous system.

2.   Naturopathy and Nutritional Therapy

A naturopath takes a holistic look at your health, using lifestyle changes, nutrition and sometimes herbal medicine to support the body’s natural healing ability. During your initial session, you’ll talk about your diet, lifestyle, family background and history of illnesses.

For fertility, a naturopath can create a personalised plan to address nutritional deficiencies and help balance hormones through diet and supplements. If this is something you’re interested in, choose a professional who is a member of a professional body, such as the Australian Natural Therapists Association.

3.   NAD Therapy

A woman’s chance of conceiving decreases monthly when they step into ages 25 to 40s. While this is irreversible, modern science has found a way to help keep egg cells as healthy as possible.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) therapy is an emerging complementary care that provides every cell with what it needs to function, including egg cells. Using it has been scientifically proven to boost egg quality, helping repair cells and improve fertility rates. You may also experience a boost in energy levels and better sleep quality.

4.   Mind-Body Medicine

Mind-body medicine aims to harness the mind’s ability to influence bodily functions. Some examples include meditation, fertility-focused yoga and mindfulness exercises. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that can also be integrated into mind-body therapies.

A study found that a mind-body program improved women’s mental health and well-being. While it didn’t find a direct impact on pregnancy rates, the powerful reduction in stress and anxiety is a major benefit for anyone going through the emotional challenges of fertility treatment.

How to Choose the Right Path for You

Alternative and complementary approaches can be helpful, but it’s important to remember that not everything will work for everyone. What works wonders for your friend might not do the same for you, and that’s OK. The good news is you’re in control of your own wellness journey. Here are tips to help you get started:

• Visit your fertility doctor: Before starting any new therapy, discuss it with your physician. This ensures the practice you choose won’t interfere with any other treatments you’re undergoing.
• Consult a naturopath: Treat your naturopath as a part of your support group in this journey. They must work with your doctor. Bring copies of all previous bloodwork and imaging results to help them help you.
• Eat a fertility-boosting diet: Follow a diet plan that supports your fertility treatments. Keep your plate colourful — add leafy greens, avocado, nuts, berries and lean proteins. Focus on eating folate-rich foods like eggs, beans, bananas and nuts.
• Manage stress well: Schedule downtime just as you would a doctor’s appointment. It can be a walk in nature, a warm bath, a quick weekend vacation or a 10-minute quiet time.

Choose What’s Best for You

Your fertility journey is unique. There are many ways to nurture yourself along the way. Talk with your doctor and explore which therapies work best for you. With the right complementary therapy, support team and a positive mind, you can take the next step with confidence.

Mia Barnes is a professional freelance writer and the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine. Mia specialises in women’s and family wellness with the goal of empowering parents everywhere to be the best they can be.