Approximately 5% of couples in the Western world will experience some form of primary or secondary infertility during their lives. Primary infertility is defined as an inability to have children while secondary infertility is described as an inability to conceive or carry a viable pregnancy to a full term after giving birth to one or more children. While most cases of infertility are caused by physical causes such as blocked fallopian tubes or low sperm count, there are many cases that remain unexplained. Healthcare professionals suspect that a lot of these cases are psychosomatic in origin with stress playing a big role in the inability to conceive.
Stress, coupled with unhealthy eating habits and poor lifestyle choices can play havoc with the body, leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect a couple’s chances of conceiving. Often, difficulties in conceiving can cause additional stress in both the partners, making it a self-fulfilling prophecy. For this reason, it is important for couples facing fertility issues to learn to relax.
One of the most effective ways to relax and de-stress is to meditate. Meditation is good for fertility because it helps to relax the body and clear the mind, ushering in a positive frame of mind that boosts self confidence. Coupled with dietary changes and a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and excludes habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol and caffeine, it can be a potent aid in your efforts to conceive.
There are many different ways to meditate and several different techniques that you can follow. One of the simplest yet most effective ways to meditate is to focus on one’s breath as outlined in yoga techniques or in the Silva method.
Prior to sitting down to meditate, you need to choose a quiet room or space that you feel comfortable in. The room should be free of any sources of potential disturbances such as telephones or alarm clocks. The best time to meditate is soon after you wake up as your mind is fresh and you are less liable to fall asleep. Your stomach should not be full for the same reason.
Your posture may vary. Some techniques suggest sitting cross-legged on the floor while others allow you to sit on a chair or a bench. Remember that you will have to remain in the meditative posture for a long period of time, so make sure you choose a comfortable position.
Now close your eyes and focus on your breath. Quietly observe your breath as it enters and leaves your nostrils. Do not try to alter the tempo of your breathing. Let the breath flow naturally. Keep your body totally still and do not fidget.
You will notice that while your breathing will eventually slow down, the mind keeps racing from one thought to another. This is only natural and reflects the agitation present in our minds during every waking moment of our lives. Every time you notice that your mind has wandered away from your breath, bring its focus back to your breath. Initially it may seem difficult, with your body resisting the enforced stillness and your mind rebelling against the attempts to fetter it.
Initially, it may seem like a big effort but you can start for a short period of time, say even 10 minutes and gradually work your way up to an hour. At the end of it you will end up feeling more relaxed and much better able to handle the stresses of day-to-day living.
There are several different types of meditation that will help you de-stress and can improve your chances of conceiving. They include:
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