What are the first steps to reproductive health?

One of the first steps to reproductive health is reconnecting with your reproductive cycle, how long is your cycle, on what day do you ovulate, how may days of fertile cervical fluid? I often will get women to make notes about how they are feeling each day of their cycle both physically and emotionally as this can often give clues to any imbalances within the body.

 How do you feel about your menstural cycle? Many women have grown up thinking of it as the curse and wishing it away their whole life. Having a monthly cycle ,the preparation for pregnancy is what makes us fertile women. The ebb and flow of our cycles is natural and empowering.

Recognizing fertility signs, is ovulation ocurring and in what part of the cycle. Fertility signs include increased cervical mucous, which is similar to ray egg whites in appearance and texture, this fertile cervical fluid provides a sperm friendly environment. Many women experience increased libido at ovulation. If basal body temperature charting there may be a slight dip in temepratures right before ovulation occurs, or not as this dip does not happen to everyone. I often recommend basal body temperature charting at least for a few cycles as it gives so many important fertility clues.

POSTED July 28th, 2009 By Michelle Hughes

Comox Valley Acupuncture presents Personalized Meditation
Create a meditation personalized just for you, with our Mind Body Therapist and Counsellor, Jennie Bridgman.  Learn to relax and ground and find a meditation practice which works for you.

Meditation is a great way to relieve tension and create calm and balance in one’s life. Taking time out for yourself through meditation can improve your health and mind.

There are many different ways to meditate and sometimes meditation can seem daunting.  Create a meditation which feels manageable and is easy to add to your daily regime.  A meditation which will help you reach your goals whether they are specific, general or a combination of needs.

Some examples of focus for your personalized meditation are:

Relaxation
Fertility
Health
Chronic Pain
Releasing Blocks
Connecting with Self

Please call the clinic for more information or to book a one hour consultation.

POSTED July 15th, 2009 By Michelle Hughes

 One of the first questions patients often ask is how long will it take them to get pregnant. If only I could answer this question…. everyone is coming in with such different circumstances, life experiences and levels of health.

 One of the first things to monitor is the menstrual cycle, is it regular? What is blood quality like? Are there clots and pain?Any spotting before or after?

Physical health is also important, not being overweight or underweight which can both effect fertility. Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly.

 Have their been previous surgeries that could create scar tissue and impede blood flow to the reproductive organs?

Emotional health is also very important. What are stress levels like?How do you feel about your body and its fertility potential?

An effective treatment plan encompasses all of the above. When people get to a point in their treatment  where their menstrual cycle is occurring at regular intervals with a good red blood flow with minumal discomfort or premenstrual symptoms, body weight is within a normal range with reduced stress levels and stable emotional health then we really are “fertile”

POSTED July 10th, 2009 By Michelle Hughes