1. How does the holistic health approach differ from a modern medical one?
Whether you are trying to optimize your conception, pregnancy, birth – or, you are having difficulty conceiving or sustaining a pregnancy to full term – a holistic perspective will enhance your experience. Scientific research demonstrates a vital connection between your reproductive and hormonal responses, and your emotions and thoughts.
In overcoming fertility and prenatal challenges, Western Medicine has greatly benefited many people who otherwise would not have been able to conceive or give birth. Yet, holistic health programs combine the best of all modalities — western doctors, nutritional and herbal education, psychological counseling, body-oriented therapies, homeopathy, acupuncture and eastern medicine, and for those who are interested, spiritual support. You will be investing your time and money towards both a healthier pregnancy and greater physical health.
While medical and technological assistance may be necessary at times, when combined with holistic health options, positive outcomes are often improved. Those who do not choose medical procedures will enhance their whole health, whether or not they conceive.
Your physical body may be prepared, but unresolved feelings, beliefs and memories may prevent a successful conception or pregnancy, or vice-versa. In this case, a mind-body approach could benefit your fertility and prenatal treatments.
2. What does the term “mind-body” mean?
It suggests that the physical, emotional, and mental states of your being are inter-related and interdependent. Your feelings and thoughts trigger physiological responses in the body that can affect the chemical and neurological balances of the hormonal system involved in reproduction. For example, one part of you may be ready to have a baby, while subconsciously you are ambivalent because of some unresolved memories from your past. The biochemical effect of suppressed emotions can confuse the hormonal system. Consciously addressing your feelings and thoughts may be the missing key to resolving your fertility or pregnancy challenges. Becoming self-aware of aspects of you that may be hesitant to become a parent can greatly enhance a positive pregnancy and parenting experience once conception occurs.
If you consider that your physiological processes and your states of mind are interconnected, you can have some direct control over your healing process and wellness. You can change your personal and professional life so that your mind-body is well balanced, thus optimizing your whole health. Lifelong beliefs and experiences about sexuality, conception, pregnancy, birth, children, parenthood and family relationships can be repatterned to increase your ability to conceive and nurture a healthy pregnancy to fruition.
3. Does the “mind-body” approach include spiritual considerations?
For those who are embrace a “mind, body, spirit” paradigm, there are many ways to include the knowledge of the Ageless Wisdom Teachings into one’s prebirth experience. No matter your spiritual orientation or religious tradition, your beliefs and principles can be integrated into your prebirth health plan. For those who are not spiritually or metaphysically inclined, the “mind-body” perspective remains comprehensive.
“We are so grateful that we learned to honestly express our fears about birth and becoming parents before our daughter was born. We were able to determine what support we wanted as new parents, and even created it! Treat yourself to a session with Carista.”
— Uma and Peter Moore, Proud Parents of a 4-year old
