The kids are screaming; the lights are red; you’re running late or the cash point swallows your card. The following alternative therapies can all offer on the spot stress relief when other options aren’t available:

• Hand reflexology: Reflexologists believe that massaging key points in your hand can ease stress and tension. Try pinching the area between your thumb and forefinger about two centimetres into the palm to combat stress. This point is thought to correlate to the adrenal glands, responsible for releasing stress hormones into the body. Pinch the point firmly for three seconds and repeat three times or massage the area with circular movements.
• Breathe deeply: Breathing deeply is an instant tranquilliser reducing stress and releasing tension in your chest and neck. Breathe through your nose, inhale gently, then exhale slowly and feel the tension melt away from your shoulders and face.
• Look around: Direct your attention outside yourself to the sounds around you. Becoming aware of your peripheral vision helps you access a more open, state of mind. If you’ve been staring for hours at a computer screen this stresses your eyes and creates anxiety. The more relaxed your vision the more refreshed you’ll feel; so to instantly relax, unfocus your eyes and look around noticing what is around you as well as what is in front of you.
• Go green: Connecting with nature can help restore balance in your body, mind and spirit. There may not always be time for a walk in the park but you can spend a few moments gazing at a plant or a flower, in or outdoor. Study the plant in detail and develop a feeling of appreciation for nature and for your life.
• Drink tea: Make your own relaxation tea using chamomile, lime flower, linden flower, passion flower and lemon balm. The volatile essential oils in these plants can induce feelings of calmness.
• Yoga: Studies have shown that yoga positions can help ease stress and this spinal roll will help relax you, wherever you are. Lean forward, holding the elbow of your opposite arm with each hand and stay there for a minute or so. You’ll notice your breathing becomes deeper and tension is released across your shoulders and neck. Slowly roll your neck spine back to vertical then try it again; the rolling action really invigorates the spine and helps wash away tension.

Q: Can acupuncture boost fertility?

A: The treatment of infertility with acupuncture dates back thousands of years and several studies suggest that this ancient therapy can improve fertility rates and support a woman’s whole body, unlocking unlimited potential for health, healing and childbearing. For instance, a landmark study published in the respected medical journal Fertility & Sterility found that acupuncture dramatically improves the chances of becoming pregnant when used in conjunction with other assisted reproductive techniques.

Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical Centre in New York reviewed studies and concluded that acupuncture helps to:

• Increase blood flow to the womb, which improves the chances of an egg implanting in the womb lining
• Reduce anxiety, stress, and the hormones that are secreted during stressful situations that can significantly decrease fertility
• Normalise hormones that regulate ovulation, especially in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
• Positively affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which plays a key role in fertility
• Regulate menstrual cycles

In my opinion, acupuncture provides a safe, effective, drug-free, and natural approach to treating infertility and enjoying a healthy pregnancy. However, if you are having problems getting pregnant I would not recommend it as your only option; especially if you are over the age of 35. In my experience acupuncture works best alongside an integrated approach to fertility including nutrition and conventional medical investigations.

Aromatherapy is growing more and more popular and for a good reason. It’s simple and non-invasive. You use essential oils, which are distilled and purified from various plants. Aromatherapy is simple to use at home and very safe. Just remember never to take essential oils internally.

Aromatherapy can help alleviate the emotional stresses associated with infertility and especially when going through fertility treatment.

Work carried out by Dr. Gary Schwartz, Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at Yale University, found that the aromas of some essential oils by themselves affect the nervous system and even reduce blood pressure. The scent of spice apple, for example, was found to reduce blood pressure by an average of three to five points in healthy volunteers. Infertility problems can create enormous emotional stresses and certainly aromatherapy is an excellent therapy to help counter such stress and induce relaxation. Stress does in itself affect your hormones and insulin balance, and extreme stress can delay or even stop your periods.

The therapeutic massage combined with selected essential oils also makes aromatherapy an excellent aid in countering the effects of stress and inducing relaxation. Massage improves the blood circulation in several ways. It helps the flow of blood through the veins and also stimulates the nerves which control the blood vessels. It has the added benefit of relaxing tense muscles and tight connective tissues which may have been constricting blood vessels, and thus enables blood to flow more freely. It is for this reason that soothing massage helps reduce emotional tension, induces relaxation and calms stress-related conditions. It will therefore help improve your general health and well-being.

There are several oils that are reported to help increase fertility. The first is Clary sage, a golden yellow oil that is said to help calm nerves and reduce stress. It is also considered to have aphrodisiac properties. Rubbed into the skin, in carrier oil, over the reproductive organs it is said to help balance oestrogen levels.

Rose essential oil is another great choice to increase fertility. It has a pleasing, soothing scent. Like Clary sage, it is said to have aphrodisiac properties. Rose is excellent for enhancing both male and female fertility. Have your man take warm (not hot) baths with several drops of rose oil in the water. You can do the same.

Rosemary was traditionally woven into bridal headdresses because it was believed to grant fertility to young brides. The essential oil of rosemary is also seen to have fertility enhancing properties. Rosemary oil, diluted in gentle carrier oil, can be rubbed between the hip bones to help sooth inflammation in the reproductive organs, or to help open blockages. Men may also find this helps.

Finally, the versatile and ever pleasing lavender oil is useful for increasing fertility. Lavender is soothing and has slight aphrodisiac effects, both of which help to make lovemaking more pleasurable. Lavender oil is a wonderful balancing oil and is gentle enough to be used right on the skin.

Exploring aromatherapy for boosting fertility is enjoyable.  You may find that you love surrounding yourself with the luscious and pleasing scents. Cool oils also feel good when rubbed into your skin. The relaxing properties of oils will help ease your mind, and of course the possibility of an aphrodisiac effect will certainly encourage baby making.