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Join us this year, as we collaborate with Alberta Fertility Centre as well as Registered Psychologists, Caroline Andersen and Dr. Adrienne Witol to offer meaningful events to educate, empower and advocate for fertility supports.

We are joining Fertility Matters Canada in this year’s Canadian Fertility Awareness Theme: “One Voice,” which speaks to ‘the collective strength and unity of individuals and communities coming together to advocate for fertility awareness and support, emphasizing the power of standing united as one voice, raising awareness, breaking stigmas, and promoting education surrounding fertility issues and reproductive health.’

NEW STUDY FINDS FINANCIAL COST A MAJOR BARRIER TO CONCEIVE FOR MOST EDMONTONIANS WITH INFERTILITY

New data from Fertility Alberta reveals that most Edmontonians dealing with (in)fertility do NOT proceed with treatment due to financial cost, and of those who do proceed, nearly half take out loans for just a chance to have a baby.

The survey of 640 Albertans conducted in Sept 2023 found that most Albertans who need medical assistance to have a family are struggling to access the help they need. Survey highlights include:

• 74% of people who did not proceed with needed fertility treatments identified cost as the reason
  • 96% of these respondents said financial assistance from the Alberta government would have enabled them to proceed with treatment.
• 60% of those who did undergo treatment spent $10,000 to $50,000
• Nearly 50% of patients that underwent treatments required a loan to cover the cost

Currently, only seven provinces in Canada provide funding related to fertility and family-building care to residents, and the programs and access to services vary widely across the country, including fully funded IVF treatment, tax credits or reimbursement programs. Albertans do not receive any IVF funding.

We are working to increase accessibility to fertility patients and optimize chances for success, including offering free monthly Online Support Circles; Community Acupuncture; and donating all proceeds from upcoming CFAW events to local non-profits to support advocacy for IVF funding in Alberta. 

The CFAW events support Fertility Alberta, a patient-led, fertility advocacy organization, whose recent fertility survey results paint a sobering picture on treatment access in the province.

Canadian Infertility Awareness Week Events:

Wednesday, April 24 | Therapeutic Arts Workshop: Creative Journeys:

• Fertility patients will explore the transformative process of artistic expression, as they reflect on their fertility journeys through expressive arts and mindfulness. Individual art pieces will collectively form a ‘One Voice’ mural. MORE INFO

Thursday, April 25 – 7:30 p.m. | National Light Up the Night at the Muttart

• Edmonton’s Muttart Conservatory will be one of the monuments across the country that will light up GREEN, symbolising health, growth, and life in honour of the 1 in 6 Canadians who are impacted by fertility challenges. Join us and those on their fertility journeys at the light-up. MORE INFO

Saturday, April 27 – 4:30 p.m. ‘One Voice’ Mural Exhibit

• Join ARC and WFH as they unveil the mural exhibit from the ‘Creative Journeys’ Therapeutic Arts Workshop at Alberta Reproductive Centre, showcasing individual art pieces and stories, collectively representing and honouring the unified strength of individuals who face fertility challenges. MORE INFO

Location: Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC)
#102 – 17203-103 Ave NW
Day: Friday each week
Time: 1:30 – 4:30 PM

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Currently open to ARC patients, whether you are trying to conceive assisted or unassisted, at the beginning of your journey or in treatment.

We have teamed up with ARC to make acupuncture more accessible. Our community-based group setting & lower cost invites ARC patients to experience the benefits more easily.

What is Community Acupuncture

Did you know that acupuncture is traditionally offered in shared healing spaces & group settings in Asia?

Our community acupuncture is a modern interpretation of a centuries-old Eastern healing tradition. 

It is an accessible and affordable alternative to conventional acupuncture settings. This group acupuncture approach brings individuals together in a shared space, promoting both community support and individual well-being.  

Join others who are facing similar fertility challenges for acupuncture in our quiet, safe, & discreet group setting. Where we can share in a sense of collective well-being, support and community. 

Benefits of Community Fertility Acupuncture:

Accessibility

• Our group setting facilitates overcoming cost barriers.

Regular & Consistent Treatment Leads to Increased Success

• Accessibility allows for regular & consistent treatments, leading to higher success rates.
• Studies show that clinical pregnancy rates are significantly higher in groups that have received courses of multiple sessions of acupuncture during IVF, when compared to control groups.
• Research shows that acupuncture leads to improved clinical pregnancy rates & live birth rates in people undergoing IVF.

Community Support & Connection

• Know that you are not alone in our unique atmosphere of shared support & collective healing.

FEES

Initial Community Fertility Acupuncture Session (45-60mins) $60
Follow up Community Fertility Acupuncture Session (45-60mins) $60
Pre-paid Package of 6 Community Acupuncture Sessions (6x 45-60mins) $300

BOOK ONLINE HERE

Exciting announcement!

We are collaborating with Alberta Reproductive Centre (ARC) to offer Whole Person CARE Guidance.

At ARC, they understand the importance of personalized and comprehensive support throughout the emotional and medical process of your fertility journey.

That is why we have teamed up with them to offer fertility care including the following services to all ARC patients.

Introducing WFH’s Alda Ngo, the ARC Whole Person CARE (Coordinator and Reproductive Education) Guide: your Compassionate Coordinator on the Path to Parenthood at ARC.

Embarking on the journey to parenthood can be both exciting and challenging. At ARC, they understand that fertility care is not just a medical process; it is also deeply personal and emotional. That is why they are proud to introduce a dedicated Whole Person CARE Guide, a compassionate coordinator committed to supporting you every step of the way.

Together, ARC and WFH recognize that growing your family is a profoundly meaningful human experience. We are also aware that trying to create a healthy pregnancy can bring up challenging thoughts & emotions, as well as a sense of loss of control.

We want to nurture your sense of agency throughout the process, because we see that you should be in charge of your fertility journey.

Your Personal Advocate:

As your personal advocate and liaison at ARC, Alda brings a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to holistic fertility care. She will ensure that your journey to parenthood is physically supported and emotionally empowered.

Alda is not just a guide; she is your trusted advocate throughout your fertility journey.

Comprehensive Support Tailored to Your Needs:

The Whole Person CARE Guide goes beyond the traditional role. Alda will help you identify your fertility wellness goals as well as explore & navigate all the additional care options that are available to you.  

Tailored Key Services offered by our Whole Person CARE Guide at ARC:

1. Personalized Care Plan: She will work with you to create a personalized fertility plan that addresses all aspects of your unique fertility wellness needs & goals.
2. Information & Education: She will provide clear information about fertility treatments, procedures, and potential challenges, to ensure you are well-informed and empowered to make confident decisions.
3. Wellness Integration: She will provide you with information about curated supportive service options that are accessible to you. For example: counselling, acupuncture, Registered Dietitian, support groups, mindfulness, massage & yoga.
4. Coordination of Care: She will serve as a liaison between you and your holistic medical team, streamlining communication and ensuring a seamless experience throughout your fertility treatment process.
5. Empowering Emotional Support: She will offer a compassionate ear, ensuring you feel heard and supported, while helping you navigate your treatment plan options to create a positive experience.

How to Book

If you are a patient at ARC, please call the front desk at (587) 442-0461 to book a FREE appointment with your Whole Person CARE Guide.

A systematic review and meta-analysis presented in the “Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics” has opened up new possibilities for those undergoing IVF.

The conclusive evidence suggests that acupuncture is a valuable asset in enhancing the chances of a successful pregnancy and live birth during IVF treatment.

The recent systematic review and meta-analysis, published in July 2023 in the reputable Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, has shed light on the effectiveness of acupuncture in improving IVF outcomes.

The Study:

This research aims to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on IVF outcomes, particularly focusing on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR). The study is based on an extensive search of digital databases, including PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, the Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, ensuring a comprehensive examination of the available evidence.

A total of twenty-five trials, encompassing 4757 participants, were included in this systematic review. The research analyzed the data to draw insightful conclusions.

Key Findings

Improved Clinical Pregnancy Rate (CPR):

The analysis revealed that the pooled CPR in all acupuncture groups was significantly higher (43.6%) than that of the control groups (33.2%). This finding suggests that acupuncture has a positive impact on the likelihood of achieving a clinical pregnancy during IVF.

Key Findings:

Enhanced Live Birth Rate (LBR): Furthermore, the systematic review found that the pooled LBR in acupuncture groups (38.0%) was significantly higher than in the control groups (28.7%). This indicates that acupuncture can significantly increase the chances of a live birth following IVF.

Additionally, the study explored various factors that might influence the effectiveness of acupuncture in IVF, including different acupuncture methods (manual acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, and transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation), the timing of acupuncture (before or during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation and around embryo transfer), and the number of acupuncture sessions (at least four sessions and less than four sessions). The findings indicate that all these variables can have a positive impact on IVF outcomes, underlining the versatility of acupuncture as a complementary therapy.

Conclusion:

In light of these findings, it is important for healthcare providers and patients to consider acupuncture as a part of the IVF process. Its potential to improve clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates provides a ray of hope for people striving to expand their families through assisted reproductive techniques.

IVF Acupuncture

We are in collaboration with Alberta Reproductive Fertility Centre, to offer on-site acupuncture treatments specifically for individuals on their IVF journey, right on the day of embryo transfer.

Contact us for a free 15-minute session for further details about how you can optimize your chances of a healthy pregnancy.

Research:
doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07142-1

With cold season just around the corner, it’s time to fortify our defences against those pesky colds and flus. Did you know that Oil of Oregano can help you prepare for this upcoming winter?

A 2017 study published in the National Library of Medicine discusses how oil of Oregano is packed with incredible benefits for our immune system! Here are some highlights:

Immune Support

Oil of Oregano contains powerful compounds like carvacrol and thymol that have been shown to boost our immune response, helping us fight off those seasonal bugs with greater ease.

Antioxidant Rich

Oil of Oregano is loaded with antioxidants that help protect our body from oxidative stress, keeping us feeling our best year-round. ✨

Anti-Inflammatory

Say goodbye to that annoying cold-induced inflammation! Oil of Oregano has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sore throats and irritated airways.

Antibacterial & Antiviral

Oil of Oregano’s natural antibacterial and antiviral properties make it an excellent ally in the battle against common cold and flu viruses.

How to Incorporate it into Your Routine:

You can add a few drops of Oil of Oregano tincture to a glass of water daily.
It’s also available in capsule form for convenience.

An optimized immune system is your best defence during the cold season, and Oil of Oregano can be a fantastic addition to your wellness toolkit.

Feel free to contact us for more information on how we can support you through cold and flu season!

References

PMID: 28071000

Cortisol and Stress

Many of us have heard that having high cortisol levels can be damaging to our health, but what about having low cortisol levels? Studies show that low cortisol levels, or hypocorticolism, can be linked to long term exposure to stress.

During stress, the body adapts by increasing levels of cortisol to push the body to respond to danger (whether the danger is real or apparent). But if the stress response persists (like in the case of chronic stress), these elevated cortisol levels are unable to fall back within normal range & the body’s cortisol baseline level changes.

Chronic Stress and Hypocorticolism

After prolonged time of elevated cortisol levels, there is a fail-safe mechanism in the midbrain that tries to rebalance the hormone levels. For example, the amygdala and hippocampus can become less responsive, thus lowering levels of cortisol in the body. This negative feedback pattern continues and eventually the body can become less responsive to stress. This might sound good, but any long term imbalance can cause more issues down the road.

The body’s stress response is important & cortisol is designed to protect the body from danger and invasion. So when cortisol levels are chronically low, the body can become less responsive to inflammation and allergies.

Cortisol, Inflammation & Adaptability

Research has linked inflammation to higher levels of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis as well as symptoms like fatigue, stress intolerance, and low blood sugar. Those living with hypocorticolism are often tired, might be intolerant to exercise, overweight, crave sweet and salty flavours, and commonly experience anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Overall, having chronically low cortisol levels reduces the ability to adapt to changes and stressors in life. Finding ways to better manage stress through meditation and yoga, acupuncture, balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help bring the stress response back into balance.

Contact us for a free 15-minute consultation call to find out more about how we can help you manage stress and balance hormones.

Reference: PMID: 15950390

When it comes to fertility treatment, the emphasis is often on the physical aspects of the process. But we see the Whole You and we realize that your emotional and mental well-being should not be overlooked.

Did you know that research shows the psychological impact of fertility struggles are similar to those associated with conditions like cancer and IVF?

We know that compassionate care & support can make all the difference – helping to create a more positive experience with better outcomes.

A huge multinational study reports that supportive & mental health service offerings have significant positive impacts on achieving pregnancy, because folks actually continue on their fertility treatment journey.

Our Whole Person Fertility Care plans are designed to reduce stress & calm the nervous system while also addressing specific fertility concerns.

We understand that every person’s journey is unique & we’re committed to providing individualized Whole Person Fertility Care that meets the heart of your specific situation.

We want to get to know you, understand your unique circumstances & develop a customized treatment plan for your individual needs.

We aim to be trauma-informed & to build relationships to create a safe, supportive & non-judgmental space for open communication.

We’re here for you & to meet you where you’re at.

In addition to acupuncture and herbs, we offer mindfulness programs, individualized yoga, nutrition, massage & other resources that help you navigate your pathway to parenthood.

We are here to walk every step of the way with you & we’re so honoured to be part of your journey!

Contact us to set up a free 15-minute Connection Call.

One of our fertility experts would love to connect to hear your story & explore how we can support you 💚

References:
PMID: 8142988
PMID: 34756644

beautiful photo from @nushu 

Stress: why & how is it bad for us?

We know that stress is bad for us, but exactly why and how is it bad for us?

A study published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences of the U.S.A. cites that chronic stress changes the activation of genes in immune cells at the bone marrow level. These cells are primed at the level of the gene, so they’re programmed to be even more defensive against external threats, and are even more inflammatory than normal.

Typically, our body’s immune system responds to pathogens with some inflammation. However, in the case of chronic stress, there is no pathogen and the process is mediated by the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers an excessive level of inflammation. When this level of inflammation is present with no real protective or healing role, it actually becomes harmful.

What can we do to reverse impacts of inflammation?

So what can we do to both help manage our stress and reverse the negative impact that resulting inflammation has on our bodies?

My two personal favourite approaches are through acupuncture and mindfulness meditation, both effective in reducing stress and mitigating inflammation in the body.

Acupuncture

I don’t how many times first-time patients look at me dubiously as I reach for a fresh blister pack of acupuncture needles, reassuring them that acupuncture is very relaxing. It’s a little counter-intuitive that being pinned with tiny needles could be ahem… relaxing. But it really is! Despite any doubts, patients agree as some will joke about wishing they could stay in acupuncture all day when it comes time to take their needles out.

For the super skeptics, there is scientific evidence: one study shows that acupuncture decreases levels of Neuropeptide Y, a neurotransmitter secreted by the sympathetic nervous system in response to stress.

As for inflammation, when it is systemic, it can manifest physically in numerous different ways. Depending on each individual’s constitution, inflammation can present as poor digestion, pain, headaches, allergies, insomnia, asthma, pms, irregular menstruation, cramps, endometriosis, infertility, recurrent miscarriage …and that’s just to name a few.

According to Chinese Medicine, how these disorders manifest collectively maps out whether your body’s imbalance is due to deficiency, blockage, pathogenic heat, stickiness, or any combination of these. Once this pattern is determined, stimulation of specific acupuncture points can support your body to re-balance. This meta-analysis of studies speaks to the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment on various inflammatory disorders.

Mindfulness Meditation

The impacts of meditation on stress are more obvious, even if you’ve never tried it, chances are you’ve had some anecdotal exposure to the calming effects of meditation. Especially in today’s fast paced normal, there seems to be a naturally surging movement toward being ‘un-plugged’. People are looking for balance and one of the ways they are finding it is through the practice of being still and present.

A study published in the Journal of Behavioural Medicine in 2014 finds that a group of 174 adults dealing with stress-related problems, illness, anxiety and chronic pain practise mindfulness meditation for 8 weeks and experience symptom reduction as well as improved well-being.

But the positive effects of meditation don’t stop there. Research published in the Journal of Psychoneuroendicrinology in 2014 found that even 8 hours of mindfulness meditation triggers an anti-inflammatory response that is not observed when compared to a control group. Blood samples were taken from two different groups at the beginning and at the end of an 8 hour period. One group was comprised of 19 meditators, who practised mindfulness meditation. The second group was made up of 21 non-meditators who performed leisure activities (like reading and walking) for the same period of time. Despite similar baselines, they found significant down-regulation of pro-inflammatory genes in the meditation group.

So if you’re stressed out and feel like it’s starting to take a toll on your body, consider trying acupuncture and/or mindfulness.

Contact us for a free 15 minute consult to discover how we can help you.

April 23-29 is Canadian Fertility Awareness Week #CFAW

This year, we are joining the conversation to help elevate and redefine (in)Fertility to be more positive and inclusive.

In recognition of the diversity of modern families and that there’s more than one way to build a family, this year we are super happy and excited to join in the celebration of #CanadianFertilityAwarenessWeek

We are helping to raise awareness about the often stigmatized fertility struggles that #1in6 Canadians experience to build their families and to empower those who need access to fertility care to build their dream of becoming parents.

We believe in Whole Person Fertility Care.

Stay tuned for more juicy info throughout the month of April and for some exciting collaborative events we have planned for you for Canadian Fertility Awareness Week

February 4th is World Cancer Day and it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about cancer and the impact it has on individuals, families, and communities around the world.

Cancer & Fertility Preservation

One of the lesser-known impacts of cancer is the effect it can have on fertility. Many cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, can cause infertility and make it difficult for individuals to start a family after their cancer journey is over.

Fertility preservation is the process of preserving a person’s ability to have biological children before undergoing cancer treatment. It can include methods such as cryopreservation (freezing) of sperm, eggs, or embryos, ovarian tissue freezing, and gonadal shielding during radiation therapy. This allows cancer patients to have the option of having biological children in the future, even if their fertility is affected by the cancer treatment.

Fertility preservation is an important option for cancer patients of reproductive age and should be discussed with healthcare providers before treatment. This gives patients the option of having biological children in the future, even if their fertility is affected by cancer treatment.

When facing a cancer diagnosis, one of the concerns that may arise is how the treatment may affect fertility. Fertility preservation is the process of preserving a person’s ability to have biological children before undergoing cancer treatment. Here is an overview of a few methods that could be an option to preserve fertility.

Cryopreservation

Cryopreservation involves freezing sperm, eggs, or embryos for future use. This method is a good option for individuals who have not yet started a family and want to preserve their fertility before undergoing cancer treatment.

Ovarian tissue freezing

Ovarian tissue freezing is a method where a piece of ovarian tissue is removed, frozen, and stored for later use. This method is usually used for women who have not yet reached menopause. The tissue can later be transplanted back into the patient’s body to restore ovarian function and fertility.

Gonadal shielding

Gonadal shielding is a method where a shield is placed over the ovaries during radiation therapy to protect them from radiation exposure. This method is usually used for individuals who are undergoing radiation therapy to the pelvic area.

Ovarian suppression

This method involves the use of medication to temporarily suppress the ovaries from ovulating before cancer treatment. This method is usually used for individuals who are undergoing chemotherapy and help to protect the ovaries from the harmful effects of cancer treatment.

Diet

Making certain changes to your diet can help preserve fertility. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins E and C, may help protect eggs and sperm from damage.

It’s important to note that not all cancer patients are candidates for fertility preservation, and the decision to pursue it should be made on an individual basis, taking into account the type of cancer, stage of cancer, treatment plan, and patient preferences. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional as soon as possible to evaluate your options, and make an informed decision based on your personal circumstances.

Cancer & Acupuncture

In a cancer diagnosis, it can be difficult to navigate the physical and emotional aspects of treatment. However, acupuncture can be a valuable tool to help support cancer patients through their journey. Acupuncture has been found to be safe and effective in improving overall health and well-being, and can also be used to support fertility preservation.

Acupuncture has been found to improve ovarian function and increase blood flow to the ovaries, which can be beneficial for patients undergoing ovarian tissue freezing or egg freezing. A study published in the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics found that “acupuncture can improve ovarian function and increase blood flow to the ovaries” (Siterman, et al., 2017).

Acupuncture can also help to reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea, fatigue, and stress. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that “acupuncture can reduce the side effects of chemotherapy” (Smith, et al., 2016). This can be important for cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation, as the side effects of treatment can make it a difficult process to go through.

Acupuncture can also help to improve overall health and well-being, which can be important for cancer patients undergoing fertility preservation. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that “acupuncture can improve overall health and well-being in cancer patients” (Smith, et al., 2016).

Fertility preservation is an important option for cancer patients of reproductive age. Acupuncture can improve ovarian function and blood flow to the ovaries, reduce the side effects of cancer treatment, and improve overall health and well-being. It’s always recommended to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best integrative treatment approach for each individual.

To find out more about how we can support you through cancer treatment, schedule a free 15-minute Q&A consultation with one of our acupuncture specialists.

References

PMID: 28482596
PMID: 26887135
PMID: 26887135

Beautiful photo: @yaseminvollmond