|
|
We feel that diverse modalities such as massage, Reiki, yoga, ayurveda, acupressure, acupuncture, hypnosis, homoeopathy, naturopathy and many others can work in conjunction with each other as part of a unified team rather than in competition. We need to learn to combine the best of both worlds - high technology with high touch - and this is called integrative medicine, as pioneered by Dr Andrew Weil of the USA.
Integrative medicine neither rejects conventional medicine nor embraces alternative medicine uncritically - just because most alternative medicine systems are 'natural' does not automatically make them better! The most important requirement is that you need to find a good doctor, no matter what system of medicine you choose to follow. It is equally important that you understand the limits and the rationale of the system, so that you are not taken for a ride. Thus, if you have blocked tubes, remember that it is very unlikely that herbal medicine will help you open them. Also, do remember that infertility is a heterogeneous problem - and some modes of therapy may be better for treating certain problems, rather than others! A good doctor will be able to guide you, so that you are aware of the strengths and limitations of each approach.
As a patient, you should feel free to explore all possible options - remember that they are not competitive, and should be seen to be complementary to each other - after all; the goal for all of them is to help you to have a baby! Thus, if you find that Reiki helps you, you can combine Reiki treatment with IVF if you so desire! There is no harm in going to an alternative medicine doctor - but do let your infertility specialist know what other treatments you are taking. The combined knowledge of both old and new healing modalities is ultimately superior to a single-model approach - and you can learn to combine the best of both worlds!
© Dr. Aniruddha Malpani and Dr. Anjali Malpani www.drmalpani.com
Credits: How to Have a Baby: Overcoming Infertility
