Effect of Heartfulness meditation based integrative therapy on infertility outcomes: A retrospective case series evaluation.
Snehal Deshpande, Kamlesh D Patel, Tejal Parulkar, Kalpana Mahabalesh, Poornima Madhusudhan, Divya K Madhusudhan, Jayaram Thimmapuram
Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine January 1, 2023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaim.2023.100793 via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractIn India, infertility carries social stigma that often prevents couples from seeking support, increasing psychological distress. A retrospective series evaluated a Heartfulness-based integrative therapy combining a 5-day lifestyle workshop and online meditation sessions among 54 couples (mean female age 30.74, male age 34.03). Of these, 15 couples had male infertility, 16 female infertility, 5 both, and 18 unexplained infertility. 24 couples conceived: 18 naturally, five through assisted reproductive technology, and one spontaneous abortion. The program appeared beneficial for those who followed it as prescribed, suggesting Heartfulness meditation may support fertility outcomes, though causal relationships require future randomized controlled trials.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Retrospective series Randomized Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 54 |
| Population | Couples with infertility in India |
| Interventions | Heartfulness-based integrative therapy lifestyle modification workshop online follow-up meditation sessions |
| Duration | 5-day onsite workshop and online follow-up |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Assisted reproductive technology Heartfulness Infertility Integrative practices Lifestyle modification |
| Citations | 7 |
| Key finding | 24 out of 54 couples conceived after participating in a Heartfulness-based integrative therapy program. |
Abstract
In Indian context, infertility is often a silent struggle. Despite the high prevalence of infertility in the country, the majority of couples do not share their struggles with family or friends due to social stigma, thus increasing their psychological vulnerability. Heartfulness meditation has shown to decrease stress, anxiety, loneliness and improve sleep along with quality of life. The current retrospective series evaluated the effectiveness of Heartfulness-based integrative therapy on infertility outcomes. The program consisted of a 5- day onsite lifestyle modification workshop and online follow up meditation sessions. 54 couples with infertility participated in the program with a mean age of 30.74 years (SD 5.04) for females and 34.03 years (SD 4.54) for males. 15 couples presented with male infertility, 16 couples presented with female infertility and in 5 couples both partners had infertility problems. Further, 18 couples had unexplained infertility. 24 couples conceived with 18 natural conceptions, five via assisted reproductive technology and one spontaneous abortion. The program was beneficial in the cohort who utilized it as prescribed resulting in conception of 24 out of 54 couples. Future research investigating the causal relationship of Heartfulness meditation on fertility outcomes in a randomized control study could solidify this treatment method to be used independently or as an adjuvant therapy with assisted reproductive technologies.