IVF
The other day in class Georgina told me she is attempting to
become pregnant through an In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) program.
We all talked about this meaningful (and emotional) experience,
and the appropriate Yoga practices relevant.
Meditation throughout would clearly be ideal - the more mental
balance one has, for handling all experiences in life, the better.
Early on, when so many medical tests are being taken, and during
fertilisation stages, it’s natural for people to become anxious;
therefore Slow Deep Breathing would be helpful here. The Sleeping
Abdominal Pose is also useful, simply because it is relaxing. It’s
also very smart to take Rest often: Proper Health cannot exist
without proper Resting.
Preparatory Practices:
(NOTE: Excellent Diet throughout all stages should be obvious).
Before the actual fertilisation, a woman can prepare her body with
gentle stretching and breathing, making her body as near to
optimum health as possible. Sun Salutes are energising and
cleansing. All Asana (Yoga Poses) will help clean the blood, clear
the arteries, remove toxins from muscles and organs, clear the
lymphatics, stimulate the brain, and balance all gland responsemechanisms so they are communicating well.
The ‘Jesus Twist’ pose is ideal to massage the digestion but
especially the uterus. Sleeping Abdominal Flex achieves similar
results with added blood-flow. The Triangle opens the front of the
pelvis.
Slow and gentle Handstands and the Shoulder Stand Cycle would
be perfect (perhaps for experienced practitioners). These turn the
body upside down temporarily, which helps regenerate all cells and
glands and also reorganises (reboots) all organisation structures
(homeostasis). The Shoulder Stand can be perfect to massage and
vitalise the uterus, though should NOT be done once fertilisation
has been made.
What would be a good ratio balance in a standard preparatory and
therapeutic Yoga session? 30% Asana, 30% Pranayama (Breathwork), 30% Meditation, 10% Lie down Rest.
Energy Work: The 5 Dynamic Tibetans practice would be ideal, 24wks beforehand. The Tiger is another vitalising practice.
Acupuncture perhaps 3 times in the preceding week, plus the day
after transfer would help facilitate natural flow. Georgina tried
Tibetan Pulsing - a fascinating massage - and I have no doubt this
would have helped her.
In the preceding 3-5 days before actual transplant into the womb,
Rapid Breathing would be ideal to raise Pranic levels. This should
also be performed - gently - for the following 3-4wks. This Pranic
action is similar to the idea of sparking a flint to create fire. The
mother’s body needs to connect to the new foetus - again,
meditation is appropriate here. Laughing is another excellent
practice. People can become so serious - especially when trying to
control the universe - and not only will regular laughing loosen this
up, it will also invigorate one’s body and mind. A baby might like
being welcomed into a happy body.
Once transfer has been made, Om Triangles (Slow breath In, Hold
Full 3-5seconds, Very slow Out breath chanting Om) is the perfect
daily practice. It’s best to start this immediately.
Once a woman is pregnant, normal PreNatal Yoga is a perfect
accompaniment during all stages. One can act normal just like any
other pregnant person.
Male Preparation:
Optimum health (this has little to do with fitness) is preferable,
and can be supported by regular Asana, Pranayama and
Meditation.
Tantric Sex would be perfect preparation. One can build up sexual
energy in waves, and with periods of abstinence and also
containment of ejaculation make one’s sperm powerfully loaded
with Prana. Many experts in this field attest to the loss of energy
with ejaculation; a conservation of sperm achieves the opposite.
Peter told me how he was celibate for 5mths before he met his
eventual wife, and his first child was conceived the first time they
had sex. Before IVF procedures men are definitely advised to have
sex less often, and to ejaculate less.
In the month prior to fertilisation, men would do well to practice
Rapid Breathing every day, and also the Root Lock (Moola
Bandha). The Mountain pose draws energy into the pelvis as well.
FRAMING ONE’S MIND:
Georgina asked me about a spiritual approach with which to frame
her mind. Many prospective parents will like to create themselves,
their minds, and their reality (the universe) in an orderly fashion
as befits their wants (and hopes), but this is unnecessary. People
doing IVF have already changed, they have set their focus clearly;
this is enough. It’s best to remain expanded in one’s mind - all
attempts at control represent a narrowing (tight Prana). The most
fluid way is to relinquish control and embrace abundance.
The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying gives amazing insight into
the concept of ‘Bardo’ - the 49 days after death when a soul
prepares to reincarnate. I think a person who believes this idea
would find for themselves a beautiful relationship with their child
even before it is conceived. This might serve an IVF process well.
Does the embryo have a soul? Will the baby?
a) Yes - it is consciousness (doesn’t have consciousness).
b) This does not matter anyway; it’s not important. There is no
need to get egocentric about this.
Concerns?
At the end of one’s life, a human will have a story to tell - many
stories in fact. This will just be another story. Once a child is 50 it
really doesn’t matter how they were conceived. The ‘how’ is just a
story. A person’s life includes all adventures and factors; in the end
we will all be dead. If you’re doing IVF, enjoy it, have fun, and be
prepared for it not to work. Your story continues, either way.
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Years ago I taught a woman almost every day through her whole
IVF and pregnancy process. She ended up having the baby in the
car on the way to the hospital. Her husband was driving, and didn’t
even realise she’d just given birth (in the back seat). The very
healthy baby seemed to pop out easily. This may or may not have
had something to do with all the Yoga she did.
NOTE: It’s nice to remember that everything starts with a
thought.
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