REFLEXOLOGY CARE SCHEDULE FOR ASSISTED CONCEPTION: FROZEN EMBRYO TRANSPLANT

ReproFlexology is highly advanced Reproductive Reflexology Protocols that allow me to support the efficacy of Assisted Conception procedures and medications in cooperation with your Fertility Clinic Experts.

Studies show that Assisted Conception live birth success rates jump from 25% to 52% when supported by a Certified ReproFlexology Therapist.

Preparation for the Frozen Embryo Transplant begins immediately after retrieval. Best chances for a successful implant start with a balanced system.

Your Fertility Clinic Expert might recommend you complete the cycle after Retrieval and have a full natural cycle before scheduling your Frozen Embryo Transplant. This allows your body to rest and reset, ReproFlexology helps ensure this occurs at a higher level.

AFTER RETRIEVAL:
Weekly ReproFlexology after your retrieval helps to flush excess hormones and pain management medication out of your system to allow your retrieval cycle to end on a more natural note and often quicker than they would without ReproFlexology.

NATURAL CYCLE BEFORE FET:
Weekly ReproFlexology during your natural cycle allows me to help your body be as balanced and healed as possible before heading into the FET protocols.

FET CYCLE:
Your FET cycle will again include high levels of hormone stimulating medications to support the Frozen Embryo Transplant. Weekly ReproFlexology FET protocols support the efficacy of the Fertility Clinic Protocols and help manage side effects of the process like hot flashes, nausea, irritability.

FET TRANSFER:
ReproFlexology 0-48 hours after an FET Transfer can help soothe any of the discomfort experienced in the procedure, help with implantation of the embryo and soothe the mind during this anxious time.

POST TRANSFER:
Weekly ReproFlexology post transfer again helps support the efficacy of the hormone stimulating protocols recommended by your Fertility Clinic Experts, manages symptoms of these protocols like bloating, constipation, nausea, tender breasts, and supports a healthy implantation of the embryo.

POST BFP
Weekly sessions would continue after the positive pregnancy test until the First Trimester has passed and regular Maternity Care Schedule could be assumed.

To learn more about ReproFlexology head to https://studioon27.com/natural-fertility-therapies/

REFLEXOLOGY CARE SCHEDULE FOR ASSISTED CONCEPTION: RETRIEVAL

Studies show that Assisted Conception live birth success rates jump from 25% to 52% when supported by a Certified ReproFlexology Therapist.

In the Retrieval phase of an Assisted Conception Cycle, multiple hormone increasing medications are injected/ingested/inserted to encourage multiple follicles in your ovaries to mature in preparation for retrieval.

ReproFlexology sessions would start as soon as you make the decision to go into an Assisted Conception cycle.

1 MONTH PRIOR TO RETRIEVAL:
Weekly sessions work to prepare the body for upcoming stimulation by creating a more balanced system to start with.

BLEED BEFORE STIMULATION:
Work to clear endometrial lining and prepare for the upcoming stimulation

DURING STIMULATION:
1-2 Sessions weekly working to support the efficacy of the stimulating protocols your Fertility Clinic Experts have recommended and manage symptoms of these protocols including hot flashes, nausea, irritability, abdominal discomfort.

TRIGGER/RETRIEVAL:
Absolutely no work is done between the trigger shot and retrieval to prevent any premature ovulation

POST RETRIEVAL:
0-48 hours after retrieval working to relieve the pain and discomfort of the retrieval, flush excess hormones and pain management medication from your system and work to bring your body back to balance quickly.

To learn more about ReproFlexology head to https://studioon27.com/natural-fertility-therapies/

REFLEXOLOGY FOR HEAVY PAINFUL PERIODS

DYSMENORRHEA & MENORRHAGIA

“my teen has super painful and heavy bleeds, and really doesn’t want to take the Oral Contraceptive Pill to manage it. can ReproFlexology help?”

absolutely! in fact, OCP should never be used to regulate or manage menstrual cycle problems because that’s not what it does, that’s not what it’s designed to do. OCP was designed to shut down your reproductive system (google menopause consequences because this is what OCP is) so that pregnancy cannot occur. it does absolutely nothing to balance hormones and reduce the period symptoms tour teen is facing, so once they decide to come off the OCP their symptoms are the same or worse as when they started.

with ReproFlexology protocols we are able to address the hormonal imbalance that is causing the period problem and help your teen come to experience a trouble free period – as is normal. in fact, the younger the period problems are addressed, the quicker the response time to ReproFlexology techniques because the body hasn’t been out of balance for years or decades.

ReproFlexology is not just for Fertility.. it’s for anyone experiencing any kind of cycle disruption or any disorder of reproductive organs.tag

RED CLOVER (trifolium pratense)

“One of the most cherished of the fertility-increasing plants is red clover (Trifolium pratense). Common in fields and along roadsides, it has bright pink (not really red) blossoms from mid-summer into the chilly days of fall. A favorite flower of the honeybees, the tops (blossoms and appending leaves) are harvested on bright sunny days and eaten as is, or dried for medicinal use. The raw blossoms are delicious in salads and nutritious when cooked with grains such as rice or millet.

To make a fertility-enhancing infusion, I take one ounce by weight of the dried blossoms (fresh won’t work for this application) and put them in a quart size canning jar. I fill the jar with boiling water, screw on a tight lid, and let it steep at room temperature overnight (or for at least four hours). Dozens of women have told me that they had successful pregnancies after drinking a cup or more (up to four cups) a day of red clover infusion.

It is especially helpful if there is scarring of the fallopian tubes, irregular menses, abnormal cells in the reproductive tract, or “unexplained” infertility. It may take several months for the full effect of this herb to come on and pregnancy may not occurs until you have used it for a year or two. You can improve the taste by including some dried peppermint (a spoonful or two) along with the dried clover blossoms when making your infusion. Treat the father of the child-to-be to some red clover infusion, too!”

Excerpt: @susunsweed nourishinginfusions.com/RedClover.html
Image: @unsplash / Timothy Dykes

OATSTRAW INFUSIONS

Susun Weed – one of the most active online herbalist pioneers, has been one of my best friends in the last few weeks (month). An incredible source of well balanced information in an easy to read format, she makes Herbalism and getting your nutrients from your food easy.
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I’ve been diving deep into the world of Infusions lately and have been so very pleasantly surprised at the strength of Water Medicines. Let’s see what Susun has to say about Oatstraw Infusions.
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“Oatstraw (Avena sativa) is the herb of longevity in the Auryuvedic system of India. It restores nervous system integrity, emotional flexibility, and sexual flow. Oats and oatstraw are exceptionally good at nourishing heart health and moderating cholesterol. Oatstraw infusion (not tea, not tincture, not capsules) provides lots of protein, all macro- and trace-mineral in high amounts, and very high amounts of B vitamins – excepting vitamin B12.
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A cup of oatstraw infusion contains more than 300 milligrams of calcium plus generous amounts of many other minerals. Its steroidal saponins nourish the pancreas and liver, improving digestion and stabilizing moods.
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Oatstraw is best known however for its ability to enhance libido and mellow the mood.
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Oatstraw infusion is another favorite of those who want to feel less anxious. Preparation is the same as for nettle infusion; remember to avoid tea bags and capsules.
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The taste of oatstraw is softer and more mellow; you will enjoy it warm with a little honey. It is especially useful for those whose anxiety is combined with excessive nervous energy.
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Oatstraw infusion builds deep energy for the next day, especially when you have been riding an emotional roller coaster. Oatstraw nourishes the nerves, easing anxiety and improving our ability to live with uncertainty.
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Oatstraw infusion has been an ally for depressed women since earliest times. Oatstraw infusions have helped when muscles lack minerals — especially calcium and magnesium”

NETTLE INFUSIONS

Stinging Nettle (Urtica Dioica)is a herb that strengthens the Kidneys and Adrenal Glands giving deep long lasting energy not found in caffinated beverages and greatly reducing Anxiety. It detoxifies the body and and helps to improve the nutrient uptake efficiency of your gut.
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In pregnancy, Nettle Tea (Infusion) is often recommended for women undergoing a particularly painful birth, it helps protect against excessive bleeding (due to it’s high Vitamin K content) and can act as a coagulant. It also helps stimulate the production of milk and makes the lactation process easier.
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Stinging Nettle relieves cramping and bloating associated with Menstruation and can reduce quantity of blood flow due to it’s astringent properties, and helps reduce water retention. For women undergoing Menopause, Stinging Nettle helps acts as a restorative and helps smooth the transition so the hormonal fluctuations aren’t as pronounced.
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The combination of high vitamin C and Iron content make it ideal for dealing with Anemia by stimulating red blood cell production. Stinging Nettle has also been successfully shown to be used in Inflammatory Conditions such as Rheumatic Arthritis, Chronic Muscle Pain and Gout (but also think Endometriosis)
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Stinging Nettle can also be used as a preventative for Prostate Health, but due to the path this treatment takes it cannot cure an already existing condition. Also, used with Palmetto – it can reduce the urge of frequent urination.
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Stinging Nettle is also widely used in treatment of hayfever and other allergies.
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There are no contraindications to the use of Nettle Leaf infusion. Nettle Root tea does have known side affects and drug interactions.
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If you drink 4-5 quarts of nettle infusion weekly, you can expect to see results within 3-6 weeks.
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Sources: https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/stinging-nettle.html http://nourishingherbalinfusions.com/Nettle.html Book: Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

Red Raspberry Leaf

Red Raspberry Leaf, sometimes referred to as a “woman’s herb” is an especially popular herb due to it’s possible benefits for pregnant women. There is also anecdotal evidence that suggests Red Raspberry Leaf helps relieve PMS symptoms such as cramping, nausea, and diarrhea.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Red Raspberry Leaf increases Fertility in both men and women, and is an excellent Fertility Herb when mixed with Red Clover.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While Red Raspberry Leaf is generally a herb recommended for 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy to tone the uterus, it is also used by many women in the 1st trimester to help ward off nausea.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Other known benefits of Red Rasberry Leaf:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– very high in vitamins & minerals, supplying much needed nourishment to the partaker⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– helps to prevent Loss of Pregnancy and hemorrhage⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– reduces pain during labour and after birth⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– assists in breast milk production⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– provides a safe and speedy birth all the while not increasing the intensity of the contractions but rather the efficiency of the uterus⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– boosts immune system⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– protects the heart⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– decreases inflammation⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– supports a faster metabolism⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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While Red Raspberry Leaf appears to be safe for everyone, there are some side effects to note:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– laxative properties could cause increased bowel movements and bladder voiding in some people⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
– increased Braxton Hicks contractions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sources: http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Pregnancy_Problems.htm https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/red-raspberry-leaf-tea#pregnancy https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/raspberry-leaf-tea.html

MULTIPLE THERAPIES WHILE TTC:

Is it OK to see other Therapists?

Maybe one of the more frequent questions I am asked by my clients is “is it ok to also have other therapies while having Reflexology” and the answer is an unmitigated, “Yes, but not within 24-48 hours of each other.”

A good number of my TTC clients also receive Acupuncture treatments or Mayan Abdominal Massage or Chiropractic – all therapies that are also proven to aid in the regulation of the body’s health and encourage Fertility.

But why the 24- 48 hour proviso?

Allowing 24-48 hours between the therapies ensures that any system that is trying to heal itself does not become overloaded by too much attention from multiple treatments in too short a time frame. Giving the therapy time to be affective and the body time to heal between treatments will ensure no mixed signals occur and healing is as linear as possible.

In every other way, all of these therapies work in such a similar way that they work to complement each other and speed the healing process for the body.

Best Wishes
Gloria

Period Pain

Painful cramps and major discomfort with your period, a major bell ringer for Hormone Imbalance, is common but not NORMAL.

Feeling muscle soreness or awareness similar to that of muscles after an invigorating work out is normal for the uterus during menstruation as it is actually contracting and working to shed the endometrial lining in preparation for your next cycle. Cramps and debilitating pain mean something is wrong… And it’s 99% chance your hormones are not in balance.

Things to do to rebalance your hormones:
· clean up your diet, remove added sugars, junk or fast foods, reduce wheat and maybe even remove milk
· get active! I don’t mean you have to train for a marathon, but take a walk or do yoga or ride your bike. Something small EVERY DAY will start making a difference.
· talk to a herbalist or naturopathic doctor about whether there’s some natural supplements, like Vitex (available at @goodnnatural ) you can add into your new healthier life that will expedite the healing and balancing
· seek hormone regulating therapy (like REFLEXOLOGY) and be consistent in your treatment plan.

R E M E M B E R : The imbalance of one cycle can follow you for the next 3, healing takes time, give your new routines the precious time they need to start working.

Things to do for the period pain in the meantime:
· drink warm fluids, lots of them, particularly ginger based or Hawthorne or Rosehip
· go for a walk to improve circulation
· take natural tinctures of 50/50 Cramp Bark and Black Cohosh (in water) for the pain, it’s much safer than Ibuprofen and just as effective if taken properly (available at @hollow_reed_holistic )

#womenshealth #periodpain #hormonebalance #reflexology #certifiedreproductivereflexologist

Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance

Hormone Balance, or imbalance, affects women across all the stages of menstrual life.

From the very beginning stages, a young woman approaching Menarche starts exhibiting signs of surging hormones, mood control issues, headaches, increased appetite, acne… fast forward to a woman who has been menstruating for a few years already and she is experiencing Pre Menstrual Symptoms like back pain, tender breasts, mood control issues, increased appetite, cyclical acne…. a New Mother, recently birthed and hormones having a hard time normalising, experiencing frequent bleeding well past the time of lochia, perhaps she is experiencing mood control issues as well and not sleeping well even when babe is sleeping, and a Peri Menopausal woman, night sweats, anxiety rushes, tender breasts, lack of sleep in luteal phase, loss of libido and all of the above symptoms as an added bonus… in the majority of cases these hormonal imbalances can be addressed and significantly improved if not resolved through natural medicines and natural foods.

Seed Cycling is one very easy and delicious way at addressing hormone imbalances.

Simply stated, the different types of seeds you eat during the different parts of your cycle have properties that will naturally begin balancing your hormones.

Now not every cycle is 28 days, as my clients know VERY well, [soapbox time] .

“Normal” cycles run from 21 to 35 days. To best calculate your follicular and luteal phases if you have a regular cycle, take your cycle length and subtract 12 or 14 (the number of days in an ideal luteal phase) to get the number of days in your Follicular Phase.

So if you generally have a 35 day cycle (give or take) you likely ovulate around Day 21-23. if you have a 21 day cycle you likely ovulate around Day 9-11.

If you are dealing with a more serious diagnosis like PCOS or Secondary Amenorrhea, this can still be VERY beneficial for you. You likely (especially if you are TTC) are already tracking your cycle in a Period Tracker of some sort (I recommend Kindara to all of my clients due to ease of use, adaptability and easy share function). Simply follow instructions for Follicular Phase until you have a positive ovulation indicator, then carry on Luteal Phase instruction.

So how does one go about Seed Cycling?

Here’s a cute infographic (that i couldn’t find an original source for so if someone knows, PLEASE educate me)

During your Follicular Phase (Start of Bleed until you Ovulate)
1 tbsp. freshly ground flax seeds: full of lignans that block any excess oestrogen.
1 tbsp. freshly ground pumpkin seeds: high in zinc which supports progesterone production.

During your Luteal Phase (After Ovulation until your next bleed)
1 tbsp. freshly ground sunflower seeds: high in selenium for hormone metabolism and liver detoxification.
1 tbsp. freshly ground sesame seeds: full of lignans that block excess oestrogen

Now, before you run out to your local Bulk Barn to load up on these tasty treats which are sure to send you into hormonal bliss, lets discuss FRESHNESS and ORGANIC!

I am not a huge pusher of organic, not because I don’t believe true organic is beneficial, rather because I know things marketed as organic AREN’T always, but they DO always carry a higher sticker price. So unless you are able to grow your own FRESH and ORGANIC seeds (and please, if you are, send some my way), find a reliable source for FRESH and ORGANIC seeds, like your local health food supplier (not grocery chain)… I stress FRESH because ground seeds lose their nutrients quickly enough that you don’t want something that’s been sitting around in barrels or bags for a long time. For maximum effectiveness, fresh is your best bet. I say (in this case) ORGANIC because why would we put something grown with hormone altering chemicals into our body as a way to regulate hormones… silly question, I know, you already thought of that yourselves because you are one smart group of readers!

Now, how do we consume these amazing hormone regulating tasty treats?

How about:
– on a bowl of hot breakfast cereal
– as a salad topper
– mixed into your 5% Greek Yogurt
– on top of that zucchini noodle coconut amino stir fry you just made

the possibilities are as endless as your Pinterest Search options.. now GO, DO!

Gloria Laing – Reflexology Therapist and Doula
Reflexology for Women’s Health, Fertility, Maternity, Birth Support