Sufferers of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome will often consider a natural treatment for PCOS. For some this may be because they have previously used or always been open to alternative medicine, but for most it is because conventional medicine just doesn't seem to have the answers they are seeking.

Natural treatments (or complementary therapies or alternative therapies) are also aften called holistic medicine because they aim to treat the person/patient as a "Whole", mind, body and spirit, and to understand everything that is going on with that person.

Some areas of natural treatment practice you may wish to consult, who take that holistic approach, include:

Kinesiology

Kinesiologists use muscle testing to identify imbalances in the body and discover what the body needs for healing. They may utilize various other complementary therapies when working with a patient including nutrition, acupressure, affirmations and flower remedies. There are many branches of kinesiology and you should seek out a practitioner who has followed a thorough course (I consult with a systematic kinesiologist) in their field and is accredited by a respected school or organisation.

Herbalism

As the name suggests, Herbalists use herbs and medicinal plants to treat a patient, seeking to treat the underlying cause of any disease or illness (in this case PCOS) with an aim to also prevent further disease and help the body to heal itself. Herbal medicine is safe and effective when prescribed by a fully qualified herbal practitioner (do not self-medicate as many herbs can have strong and unexpected effects, especially in combination).

Homeopathy

This holistic system is based on the theory of treating "like with like". i.e. using highly diluted natural substances that if given in stronger doses to a healthy person would produce the symptoms you are experiencing. It is a very subtle and gentle therapy and probably the only one that cannot be practised in conjunction with any prescription drugs. Again, choose your practitioner wisely.

For more information on PCOS visit the PCOS Matters website

Many natural therapies have been subject to research and testing to see whether they do have an impact on a person's health and/or specific illnesses and medical problems.

At my local hospital, there is an ongoing Reflexology program for those suffering with fertility problems, especially due to PCOS. Reflexology involves the application of pressure and movement to the feet and hands to effect corresponding parts of the body.

There has been great success in this program. Some cynics say it is simply down to the relaxation effect of the reflexology while supporters of natural health point to the treatment's ability to target specific parts of body and enable the proper flow of the body's energies.

Either way it has enjoyed a good success rate in helping women become pregnant.

Other therapies you might consider that work in a similar way to Reflexology are acupressure, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

These therapies will also,

- Improve circulation

- Strengthen your immune system

- Decrease stress and anxiety (the stress hormone cortisol contributes to blood sugar imbalances, high blood pressure and lower immnuity)

- Improve Mood (and we'd all like a bit of that, wouldn't we?)

Find the natural health solution that suits you best (or a combination of treatments) and enjoy the many benefits.