The Fertile Secret ™

1. The Fertile Secret™ Dr. Robert Kiltz – Reproductive Endocrinologist Heather Smith- Acupuncturist Erin McCollough- Massage Therapist and Yoga Teacher

2. What is The Fertile Secret™? • Acupuncture • Massage Therapy • Herbal Medicine • Food Therapy • Supplements • Movement • Support

3. Integrating East and West • The Fertile Secret integrates state-of-the-art western reproductive technologies with the wisdom of eastern healing modalities • Connecting clients with the power of positive thinking • Holistic fertility plans designed to enhance conception

4. How can The Fertile Secret™ improve my fertility? • Increase blood flow to the reproductive areas • Balance hormones • Reduce stress & anxiety • Improve implantation • Reduce inflammation from Endometriosis • Decrease adhesions & fascial restrictions • Decrease incidence of miscarriage • Increase sperm count • Improve sperm motility and morphology

5. How does Acupuncture work? • Our bodies are made up of energy. • There are pathways of energy that run through our bodies called meridians. • When the energy is weak or blocked we have pain or illness. • Acupuncture works to restore proper flow

6. When should I get acupuncture? • For best resultsstart acupuncture 90 days before IVF cycles • At the beginning of a cycle for improving blood flow to the uterus (uterine lining) • Before ovulation to help follicles mature • 5-10 days after ovulation for improvedimplantation • Weekly when pregnant to prevent miscarriage during the first trimester

7. Recent medical studiesprove acupuncture can: • Improve IUI/IVF rates 50%, the acupuncture 25 minutes before and after embryo transfer • Increase the thickness of the uterine lining prior to ovulation • Reduce the effects of PCOS with Electro- acupuncture • Enhance the management of sub- fertility, ovulation induction, blood flow, increased sperm motility and stress reduction

8. What is ATMAM? Techniques developed by Dr. Rosita Arvigo after apprenticing with a Traditional Maya Shaman in Central America Non-invasive, external massage for men and women that guides abdominal organs into their proper position ATMAM works by relieving congestion and blockages to improve flow of chi and fluids of the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems Restores balance and hemodynamics It has been documented to improve fertility issues up to 30-40% in women

9. When should I get ATMAM? Women: Displaced or prolapsed uterus Painful periods and/or ovulation 6 Weeks post abdominal surgery Scar tissue and/or adhesions Endometriosis Irregular menstrual cycles No menstruation at all Frequent miscarriages Fibroids, polyps, cysts Painful intercourse • Men: • Low sperm count • Poor motility and/or morphology • Prostatitis • Men and Women: • For best results, start ATMAM 90 days before beginning ART • Minimum 1 treatment per month

10. Massage Works to Relieve Stress • Stress is reduced by activation of the parasympathetic nervous system • Relaxation response is activated • Increased levels of dopamine and serotonin are linked to decreased stress levels • Reduction in cortisol, norepinephrine and epinephrine levels • Release of endorphins

11. Herbal medicine and fertility • Chinese Medicine and Herbal Medication is over 2000 years old • There are more than 200 herbs used to treat fertility. • The herbs are prescribed on an individual basis. Each fertility patient can have a different prescription because in TCM all cases based on a underlying pattern of imbalance. • None the less, for thousand of years these herbs have played an important role in increasing fertility. • CNY is now also offering Rainforest Remedy herbs from Belize

12. Fertility Enhancing Foods Fresh vegetables and fruit Beans and non hormonally treated meats Whole foods such as brown rice, whole grains oats and spelt Natural sweeteners such as agave nectar Foods to reduce or avoid Refined Carbohydrates Coffee and alcohol Artificial sweeteners Wheat gluten Heavy Creams and Cheeses Diet and Food Choices

13. CNY Fertility and Healing Arts Minimal Recommendations: High Quality Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Fish Oil or Flax Seed Oil (EFAs) – decreases inflammation, calms reactivity, increases uterine lining quality, overall support for hormonal balance, moderates NK cell activity

14. CNY Fertility and Healing Arts Optimal Recommendations: OPC (powder)– decreases inflammation and increases circulation; helps to protect body’s cells from free radical damage; CoQ-10 – increases egg quality by supporting mitochondrial function & energy production; supports cellular energy production to improve motility Wobenzym – enzymes to help decrease autoimmune reactivity PABA – indicated for MTHFR, stimulates production of folic acid Wheat Grass – improves egg quality by lowering FSH levels Royal Jelly – improves egg quality by adding essential nutrients

15. Movement • Gentle, low-impact, nourishing movement that encourages blood flow to internal organs • Also important for detoxification, stress reduction and self expression • Dancing, yoga, walking, swimming, biking, Nia, T’ai Chi, Qi Gong

16. What is yoga for fertility? • Customized practice depending on diagnosis and where you are in your cycle • Restorative yoga after both retrieval and transfer during IVF cycle, and during ovarian stimulation if feeling bloated or distended • Physical postures that stretch and strengthen • Breath work to reduce stress and anxiety • Support network

17. Support • Fertile Friends Peer Program • Monthly Support Meetings • Website Message Boards • Workshops and Resources

18. Resources for further Info: • http://cnyfertility.com/fertility-treatments/the-fertile-secret/ • www.arvigomassage.com