This article has been contributed to fertility clinic IVF London, by Ayurveda practitioner, Dr Ashish Paul.
Ayurveda is an art and science of living your life which originates in India. It is one of the oldest systems of healthcare in the world and focusses on the prevention of any disease with a balanced diet and lifestyle. Ayurveda also recommends a number of therapies and physical treatments to maintain health and well being.
Ayurveda and IVF
The journey through IVF treatment is stressful for most couples, especially for women. This effect is visible in short-term and longer-term health manifestations, especially in mental health. As a society also more stress is part of our daily lives. Ayurveda offers various ways to destress at the time of IVF.
One of the therapies from Ayurveda that I offer at IVF London is called Shirodhara. ‘Shiro’ means ‘head’ and ‘dhara’ means ‘flow’ and Shirodhara is the flow of warm oil on your forehead. The flow of oil puts you into a trance kind of state. Shirodhara balances the activity of the brain to give it a calmer state of mind. It calms your mind, induces better sleep quality and helps to bring clarity.
Shirodhara is a non-invasive treatment and takes one hour. The warm oil flows on your forehead and ‘third eye’ (a specific chakra point, just above the eyebrows). I recommend experiencing this treatment with Abhyanga, which is a warm ayurvedic oil massage. Your practitioner will recommend treatment according to mind-body personality constitution called dosha constitution. This ensures you get bespoke oils suitable to your personality type.
Ayurvedic treatments are holistic, natural and without any side effects. These therapies are safe and can be undertaken alongside all IVF procedures.
Author: Dr Ashish Paul – you can find out more about the author on her website: www.ashishveda.uk
Edited by: Victoria Anderson
