Conscious Conceptions
Conscious Conceptions is a collaborative project of Keith Bell, L.Ac. Carol A. Jacobs, LCSW & Tina Shiver, RD & managed by Oriental Medicine Specialists, P.C., 5700 W. Grace Street, Suite 106, Richmond, VA 23226
Our mission is to assist women and their partners who are trying to conceive and maintain healthy pregnancies. We utilize a holistic ThreeFold approach combining Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nutrition - Functional Medicine and Group Workshop Experiences. Conscious Conceptions will nurture, support and guide you and your partner as you recognize the intricate connections that exist within yourselves, opening you up the opportunity and joy of becoming a vessel for creation and new life.
Conscious Conceptions is designed for anyone who wishes to incorporate natural treatments for fertility into their plan. We can work with those using Assisted Reproductive Technology or those who want to try only a natural approach.
To begin the Conscious Conceptions program you can schedule a 1 hour consultation and evaluation with Keith Bell, Clinical Director. During this time Keith will review your complete medical history and determine how the program can be tailored to fit your individual needs.
A Three Fold Approach
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Nutrition
Experiential Workshops
Traditional Chinese Medicine:
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine & Oriental Nutrtion
Keith Bell, Lic. Ac., Co-Founder of Conscious Conceptions
T.C.M. is a complete system of medicine that has evolved over thousands of years. Some of the oldest medical text in the world come from China including text dealing specifically with infertility that date back to 11 A.D.
A diagnosis in Chinese Medicine is highly individualized and from this Keith Bell can create a specialized treatment plan for you. You should keep in mind it takes at least three menstrual cycles to “normalize” a woman’s cycle; longer if she has taken hormonal therapies, including birth control and fertility drugs, has a history of sexually transmitted diseases, endometriosis or polycystic ovaries. Age is also a factor in determining the length of treatment time, on average fertility begins to decline rapidly around the age of 35. During the first three months of treatment, expect to receive at least 12 acupuncture treatments after your initial evaluation.
Treatments after age 35 become more aggressive. For a woman over the age of 40, it can take up to 20 months to conceive. Cost of treatment depends entirely on the amount of treatment needed, please see fee schedule for reference. Back to the top
Nutrition:
A Functional Medicine Approach
Tina Shiver, M.S., R.D., Co-Founder of Conscious Conceptions
Our generation is acutely aware that the foods we choose have a profound effect on our health. It is vital that women hoping to conceive cleanse and nutritionally prepare their bodies for the enormous task of pregnancy. Every woman has her own history and needs, therefore she requires an individualized food plan. Tina Shiver does just that.
For anyone trying to conceive, but especially for women who have a history of infertility and/or other health problems, the first step will be a detoxification plan. Detox plans usually involve a very specific food plan as well as food based supplements to aide the body in the elimination of toxic waste. Only after you body has been cleansed and detoxified will it be able to efficiently assimilate the nutrients needed to support a healthy pregnancy. After your detox, Tina will put together a plan to help you strengthen you body and build its resources in preparation for a healthy pregnancy.
You should expect to see Tina every other week and this aspect of the program works best when your partner or household is involved.
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Conscious Birthing:
The Mind-Body-Soul Connection An 10 week Group Experience
Carol A. Jacobs, L.C.S.W. , Co-Founder of Conscious Conceptions
This 10 week experiential group workshop is designed to help each woman prepare, honor and cherish her body, as it becomes a receptive container for new life. In a supportive group environment you will have the opportunity to learn about the connections between the body, mind and soul, and how that connection can be accessed and strengthened in order to create an optimal environment for new life to emerge.
Each weekly session is formatted to facilitate a deeper knowledge and connection to self. Sessions begin with group dialogue and support followed by guided meditation and responsive body movement exercises. These exercises facilitate a deeper understanding of your physiological and mental responses to external stimuli. Weekly instruction on mind-body theory provides the basis for practical applications such as breathing techniques, imagery, self expression and relaxation that you can use in your daily life and preparation for parenthood. Back to the top
