instant family it does definatly depend upon the reason you cannot concieve to begin with. I did not mean to imply that the relaxation benefits were all it takes, only that relaxation was not an inconsequential side effect. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis in terms of Chinese Medicine and Orthodox medicine is imperative, which is why I have been emphasising the importance of only seeing a practitioner who has specialised in this field. Unlike many other holistic therapies, practitiones of chinese medicine receive thorough training in anatomy, pathology, pharmacology etc, etc, and can (and usually do) work alongside orthodox medical treatment.
iggi
PPF are ready made standardised formula in little pills which are usually around £5-£8 per pack (often last 1 week)They cannot be adapted. Powdered herbs (add to hot water) or 'raw' herbs which you boil to make a tea are more powerful and very effective (if a little bitter sometimes) can be prescribed to suit you perfectly (addition or subtraction of different herbs from the formula and in different quantities) and can cost around £12-15 per week minimum. These can be made into pills as well, for a little extra £.
It is possible to use a combination of PPF and powdered herbs, and the formulas used will be changed according to the stage of your cycle. ie, days 1-4, then 5-12, then ovulation, then luteal phase 15-28 (depending on the individual and their cycle obv.) PPF are still effective but cannot be personalised in the same way as raw or powdered herbs, but if cost is an issue they are a good option.
If you are about to start IVF cycle then you will prob not be offered herbs, but if you aren't, or are trying to prepare your body for IVF in future then you may be offered them. A typical minimum course of fertility treatment is 3 months (due to length of time for follicle to develop from antral cells 120 days), although happily some people conceive much sooner than this.
does that make any more sense lol??