Can Holistic Treatments Boost Fertility?

Camilla Hewitt on the holistic treatments available to optimise your reproductive health

Body & Soul: How Holistic Health Can Impact Fertility

For women or couples considering egg freezing or IVF, the outcome of an egg retrieval can often feel entirely in the hands of science and statistics. The process typically starts with an AMH (anti-mullerian hormone) test, which provides an indication of ovarian reserve or the amount of eggs you have remaining in your ovaries. However, this is only a snapshot of reproductive health, and there’s a bigger picture to consider. Since it takes around 90 days for an egg to fully mature, your overall health during that time can influence egg quality and potential. With this in mind, it’s important to adopt a holistic approach to health rather than focusing on fertility alone. 

Chinese Medicine can be useful for anyone wanting to address all aspects of their health in preparation for egg retrieval. At her Marylebone clinic, Ada Ooi supports patients by optimising their overall wellbeing. Her methods include acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutritional advice, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management.

Like most Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners, Ada begins with a comprehensive assessment, including a tongue and pulse examination to gauge energy levels and organ function, along with an analysis of the menstrual cycle. ‘The length, regularity, and consistency of the flow give insights into hormonal balance, deficiencies, or stagnation,’ Ada explains. She also discusses emotional and psychological health, including stress and anxiety, which can directly affect hormonal balance and reproductive health. 

Treatment plans are personalised but often include acupuncture to enhance blood flow to the uterus, creating a more favourable environment for the formation of healthy eggs, and herbal supplements to balance organ function and regulate hormones. 

Throughout regular visits, Ada monitors lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and sleep, adjusting them as needed. She may recommend warming foods to support digestion, noting that ‘effective and efficient nutrition and energy distribution are essential for reproductive health,’ along with breathwork for relaxation and low-impact exercise like walking or yoga to reduce physical stress.

The goal of Ada’s practice is to cultivate a warm, nurturing environment for eggs to grow. Her advice is to begin treatment three to six months before an egg retrieval, emphasising that, ‘there is no shortcut; you need to allow time for physiological changes for optimal egg preparation’. 

Supplements For Reproductive Health

• Vitamin D: Essential for reproductive health, Vitamin D has been linked to improved ovarian stimulation. £9.45, betteryou.com
• Ubiquinol: A powerful antioxidant, Ubiquinol is thought to improve egg quality. £57.50, solgar.co.uk
• Folic Acid: This B vitamin plays a crucial role in the development of healthy eggs. £16.25, pureencapsulations.co.uk

Check In:

Before starting any treatment, it is important to consult both a TCM practitioner and a fertility specialist to ensure it is safe for your specific health needs. For fertility treatment, The Evewell Clinic offers outstanding care and expertise. For holistic support, Ada Ooi specialises in integrative medicine for reproductive health.