Boost your chances of conceiving naturally with alternative therapies

Trying for a baby is not always a simple or linear process: some women will get pregnant very easily while it might be a long and complicated journey for others... If you are having difficulty conceiving, you may want to consider alternative or holistic therapies!

The list below is not exhaustive, but presents some of the more well-known natural therapies that may help you maximise your chances of conceiving naturally. Please always remember to check with your doctor before embarking on any alternative approaches.

Learn more about alternative fertility therapies

1. Orthomolecular (micronutritient) therapy
2. Nutrition while trying to conceive
3. Homeopathy and fertility
4. Hypno-fertility
5. Acupuncture
6. Fertility massage therapies


1. Orthomolecular therapy

Orthomolecular therapy works on the premise of maintaining optimal health by restoring and supplementing substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and trace elements. Struggles with infertility may in part occur when the circumstances are not optimal or “quite right” for conception. The environment and our diets are two major contributors to declining fertility and recent reviews substantiate the benefit of supplementation to boost natural fertility. 

If you are considering orthomolecular therapy while trying to conceive, please do so under medical guidance, as some micronutrients can be harmful if supplementation exceeds the recommended dose.

2. Nutrition while trying to conceive

Eating a healthy and balanced diet even before trying for a baby may not only boost your fertility, but also lower the risk of birth defects. A study by the Department of Nutrition at Harvard University found that for women trying to conceive naturally, folic acid, vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy diets such as the Mediterranean diet (which includes monounsaturated fats like olive oil, plenty of fruit and vegetables, whole grain foods, fish, and low-fat milk) have a positive link to fertility. Trans fats and unhealthy diets rich in processed meats, potatoes, and sugary foods and sugar-sweetened drinks were found to negatively affect fertility.

For men, the same healthy diet described above is shown to improve semen quality, while a diet high in trans or saturated fat has the opposite effect.

To give yourself the best possible chance for natural conception, it is important to try and follow a diet that balances your blood sugar and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Following an eating plan with adequate fibre, protein, and healthy fats and including regular exercise into your routine might have a positive effect when trying to conceive!

3. Homeopathy and fertilityHomeopathy trying to conceive

Homeopathic preparations, if taken under supervision, can be a safe an non-invasive way of addressing some of the underlying causes of infertility or difficulty conceiving.

Homeopathic remedies are derived from natural sources and may be considered as an alternative to conventional therapies. While there is no clear scientific understanding of why many homeopathic preparations work, there is anecdotal evidence that a homeopathic approach may improve fertility when trying for a baby.

Homeopaths usually take a holistic view of each person and can work with both partners while they are trying to conceive.

4. Hypno-fertility

The purpose of hypno-fertility is to assist women in managing the stress and anxiety that comes with trying to conceive. Extended periods of stress can result in a hormonal imbalance which may inhibit the body’s ability to successfully fertilize an egg and allow for implantation. As a therapeutic intervention, hypno-fertility works to place women in the best emotional, mental, and physical state to conceive.

5. Acupuncture

As an alternative therapy when trying for a baby, acupuncture is thought to work in three ways. Acupuncture is thought to balance the chemicals that affect reproductive hormones, stimulate blood flow to the uterus, and by inhibiting stress producing hormones. While there may not be a large amount of evidence that shows that acupuncture affects fertility directly, it has been shown to lower anxiety and stress levels – both of which may have a negative effect on the ability to fall pregnant.

6. Fertility massage therapies

There are a number of massage therapies that may be helpful when trying for a baby. Practitioners may use one or many techniques in combination depending on their training.

While there is no research that attributes fertility massage directly to fertility, massage in various forms is shown to decrease levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), increase levels of the “feel good” hormones - serotonin and dopamine, cleanse the body of toxins, and stimulate reproductive organs (in the case of reflexology). Fertility massage, or massage with the intention of improving fertility may also support digestive health which is a vital for reproductive health and break down any adhesions or congestion in the abdominal area.

Fertility massage sessions are suggested up to the day before ovulation for both reproductive partners and may include:Fertility Massage

  • Scalp, jaw, and shoulder massage (for relaxation).
  • Reflexology on acupuncture points in the feet and ankles for reproductive organs, and supporting organs and glands.
  • Abdominal massage (which includes the non-invasive fertility massage technique known as a Mayan massage) to gently manipulate the muscles and connective tissue in the pelvic region. It is important to note that this should not be a painful therapy and you should advise your practitioner if you feel any discomfort.
  • Swedish massage – known to be a relaxing and light for relief of stress.
  • Shiatsu massage – a pressure point technique that can reach areas that correspond with reproductive organs as well as promote deep relaxation.

Remember to always advise any therapists or practitioners that you are trying for a baby. Essential oils may be used for some therapies and certain oils are should be avoided when trying to conceive and during pregnancy.


Browse through our network of alternative fertility therapists and book a consultation now! 

Want to get in touch or book an appointment now? Browse through our network of alternative fertility therapists and book a consultation! If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to our team at hello@parentally.nl. We are here to help!