Common Ground Wellness - Legacy Page

01/15/2025

I would love it if you all would have a listen to my very first podcast interview with Amy of The Holistic Health Show! We chat about why women are struggling to get pregnant, why more men aren't involved in the process, plus many other topics. Check it out!

Trying to conceive can be a frustrating and lonely journey. In this episode, Amy chats with Shelby Van Cleave (MAOM., L.Ac., FABORM. Clinical Director and Fe...

04/30/2024

✨Embarking on the journey towards parenthood can be both exhilarating and daunting. Amidst the excitement, it's crucial to acknowledge the role of lab work in understanding and optimizing fertility. Here's why getting lab work done is essential and what you can expect:

✨Understanding Your Unique Fertility Profile: Lab work provides invaluable insights into your reproductive health. Hormone tests, for instance, can reveal crucial information about ovarian function, egg quality, and menstrual cycle regularity. Understanding these aspects of your fertility profile empowers you and your healthcare team to tailor a treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.

✨Identifying Potential Challenges Early: Fertility lab tests can uncover underlying issues that may hinder conception. For example, semen analysis can assess s***m count, motility, and morphology, shedding light on male fertility factors. Similarly, tests such as hysterosalpingography (HSG) can detect blockages or abnormalities in the fallopian tubes or uterus. Early detection of such challenges allows for prompt intervention and increases the chances of successful fertility treatment.

✨Optimizing Treatment Strategies: Armed with the information gleaned from lab work, fertility specialists can develop personalized treatment strategies. Whether it's recommending lifestyle modifications, prescribing medications to regulate hormone levels, or proceeding with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) like in vitro fertilization (IVF), the insights obtained from lab tests guide decision-making and enhance the effectiveness of fertility treatments.

✨Providing Peace of Mind: The journey towards parenthood can be emotionally taxing, often accompanied by uncertainty and anxiety. Lab work offers reassurance by providing concrete data about your fertility status. Understanding the factors influencing your ability to conceive can alleviate worries and instill confidence as you navigate the fertility treatment process.

You do not have to walk this path alone. At Common Ground Wellness, Holly and Shelby have been guiding couples on their paths to parenthood with custom-tailored testing, treatment, and support.

Are you ready for a change? Great, we are here to help. Schedule your Initial Fertility Visit online today or call the office at 502.882.0545 and we will help find a time that works for you!

04/27/2024

Did you know that as women, you have a va**nal microbiome? That complex balance of beneficial microorganisms is not limited to our gut but is found EVERYWHERE in and on our bodies!

The va**nal microbiome is the complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, that live inside the va**na (aka the va**nal microbiota or va**nal flora). Although you may have never heard of the va**nal microbiome, it plays a major role in your reproductive — and overall — health.

Vaginal discomfort is one of the leading reasons women seek healthcare advice, and over 90% of these cases can be attributed to imbalances in the va**nal microbiome. Imbalances in the va**nal microbiome can manifest as yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis (BV), cytolytic vaginosis (CV), aerobic vaginitis (AV) and more. Symptoms can include but are not limited to odor, itchiness, burning, pain with s*x, redness, swelling, va**nal dryness, or excessive discharge.

But your va**nal microbiome affects far more than just your va**nal health. An imbalanced va**nal microbiome is also associated with infertility, pregnancy complications, s*xually transmitted infections (STIs), and possibly even cancer. So, why is it still such a mystery?

Microbiome research is a fascinating field that's evolving quickly. While scientists have been working on deciphering the microbiomes of different parts of our bodies (like our gut and skin) for decades, the va**nal microbiome hasn't been given as much attention as it deserves — you can blame the gender health gap for that.

Take your va**nal health into your own hands! You can order your own at-home test kit to learn about your personal va**nal ecology and what you can do to remedy any issues. Follow the link to learn more about Evvy or order your kit!
https://www.evvy.com/

Are you ready for a change? Let's bring your body back into balance. Use our online scheduling tool to grab your initial visit with one of our acupuncturists today and start your journey toward a more balanced and ease filled life!

04/25/2024

💦Vaginal Dryness Part 2💦

There are many reasons you could have low fertile mucous. These include:

💧Being dehydrated
💧Having low estrogen
💧Lacking good blood flow to the reproductive organs
💧Scar tissue on the cervix

Solutions:

💧Staying hydrated is easily remedied - drink more water or consider adding in electrolytes.
💧You can get a test for your estrogen levels around ovulation to see if they are up to s***f.
💧Exercise and massage are excellent ways to increase your blood circulation.
💧Scar tissue could be caused by surgeries or other gynecological procedures (such as LEEP for cervical dysplasia) and is not easily remedied but can be assessed by your OBGYN.

Additional things to try include adding grapefruit juice to your diet. It potentially increases cervical mucus by inhibiting the breakdown of estrogen. It can also help balance the pH in the body which may make cervical fluid more hospitable to s***m. There is no scientific evidence to support this practice, but it is generally considered a safe and healthy addition to the diet unless you are on certain medications, such as those that treat high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

Also, avoid antihistamines (allergy medications) as their purpose is to dry up mucus in the sinuses which could also have a drying effect on your cervical mucus.

As a last resort, you could try taking some cough syrup that contains guaifenesin, which helps to thin out mucus, in your fertile window.

Are you ready for a change? Let's bring your body back into balance. Learn more tips and tricks to increase your fertile potential in the Wild Rose Woman program. See the link in our bio!

04/24/2024

💦Vaginal Dryness Part 1💦

As it turns out, discharge, that unsightly goo in our panties we have always been embarrassed about is incredibly important ☔️ If you don’t have enough of it, the s***m’s chance of surviving the va**nal environment plummets. That mucous provides the necessary nutrition the s***m need to make their trips up to your eggs. It also creates an alkaline environment to protect the s***m from the otherwise acidic va**nas.

Right around ovulation, with the rise in estrogen from your growing follicle, your discharge thins out into a wet and stretchy Fertile Cervical Mucus. The egg white consistency of fertile mucous provides more free movement for the s***m, as opposed to the sticky or creamy mucus during other times in the cycle that dampens their mobility.

You may notice some on your panties or with wiping, but many women have to insert their fingers into the va**na to check for their mucus. If you find that it is wet and kind of stringy, then you have found the right stuff. But if it just feels sticky, creamy, dry, or the wetness evaporates from your fingers quickly, then there is work to be done. You may notice fertile mucus anywhere from just a day or two up to five days.

Follow along for more info in part two...

04/18/2024

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: S*X

Is your s*x drive truly low or are you pleasuring yourself instead of connecting with your partner?

💥 It's a topic that can ignite passion and deepen intimacy or sometimes stir controversy within relationships. Why? Because it's not just about physical connection—it's loaded with emotions, expectations, and vulnerabilities.

From differing libidos to unspoken desires, navigating s*xual compatibility can be complex. Cultural upbringing, past experiences, and personal values all shape our attitudes toward s*x, adding layers to the conversation. And let's not forget external factors like stress, health issues, or societal pressures that can impact our s*xual dynamics.

But here's the thing: addressing these nuances openly and honestly is key. It's about fostering communication, understanding, and mutual respect. Recognizing that each partner brings their own perspectives and needs to the table paves the way for growth and deeper connection.

When it comes to s*xual intimacy on the fertility journey, it can become another item on the to-do list instead of a way to connect with your partner and find release from tension. When coaching couples on tracking their fertility and timing s*x appropriately, we work to optimize their hormones, work through their emotions, and foster communication so that you can listen to your body's clues on when is the right time to procreate... because if all these factors are addressed, you will be naturally 'in the mood' during your ovulatory window, so no ovulation testing is even required, which really takes there pressure off to perform.

So, let's work to optimize our overall health and foster open communication as a means to embrace the complexity of s*x in relationships. Because only by confronting the discomfort can we truly cultivate intimacy and fulfillment. 💞

Are you ready for a change? Let's bring your body back into balance. Hop on over to our online scheduling tool and grab your 15-minute Discovery Call to see if we are a good fit to guide you on your fertility journey!

04/16/2024

🌹Wild Rose Woman Module 4🌹
Did you know that your diet is the single most important and effective way to improve your health? And your fertility is part of your health status.

I know there is a lot of conflicting information out there and new fad diets all the time, and there is a time and a place for some of them. But, there is a big difference between a therapeutic diet and a lifestyle diet. A therapeutic diet can be done for short periods to reach a certain goal. But in reality, therapeutic diets are not very sustainable long term.

The most well-researched diet with the most widespread benefits is the Mediterranean Diet. It is the most common diet found in the “Blue Zones”: areas of the world where the residents tend to enjoy longer life spans with less chronic disease. It emphasizes moderation with its allowance of occasional good red wine or crusty sourdough bread. But that’s just it, isn't it: moderation is the key to a healthy lifestyle. But it’s a concept most humans struggle with for sure.

The basic steps for healthy eating:
🍏Eat organic foods when possible
🍎Eat unprocessed foods that grew in the ground or once walked the earth
🍐Enjoy your food and take your time eating. Sit down and relax while you eat.
🍊Enjoy cooking, smelling, and chewing your food.
🍋Remember to be thankful for the food in front of you.

Ready to revolutionize your fertility journey? Dive into Module Four of the Wild Rose Woman course, where lifestyle diets take center stage. Discover how simple yet profound lifestyle changes and dietary adjustments can positively impact your fertility. Unlock the secrets to optimizing your body's reproductive health through holistic practices. Join us as we embark on a transformative journey towards conception and well-being!

https://www.commongroundlouisville.com/wild-rose-intro

04/13/2024

🌝 Nourishing Yang = Luteal Phase Support🌚

The concept of Yang in Chinese medicine is best understood as heat: it is the warming function in the body. I often think of it as the sum of all our metabolic processes, including digestion, cellular function, and growth and regeneration. It gives us energy and clear thinking, motivation, and drive, and keeps our digestion and elimination running smoothly.

Women who are Yang deficient tend to feel heavy and lethargic, have difficulty losing weight, have cystic ovaries, copious va**nal discharge, bloating, loose stools, feel cold all the time, and have foggy thinking.

Eating primarily warm, cooked foods and warming spices can provide the extra support your body needs to keep your temperatures steady in the luteal phase. If you generally run cool, have hypothyroidism, or if your BBT tends to be low, between 96-97 degrees in your follicular phase, or if you are unable to maintain over 98 degrees in your luteal phase, focusing on yang nourishing foods are beneficial.

In addition, do your best to keep warm by not eating cold food and drink and keep the middle of the body covered (no midriff tops!) to prevent additional loss of your warm energy.

Other ways to nourish Yang include:
🌔Adequate aerobic exercise is essential for good digestion and strengthening Yang.
🌓Use warming cooking methods like baking and roasting. Avoid raw foods.
Eat easy-to-digest, simple meals. Soups and stews are the easiest-to-digest foods. When Yang is deficient, digestion is weak.
🌒Use enzymes to improve digestion. Papaya enzymes are useful for digesting meat.
🌑Aromatic herbs and spices warm Yang and help digestion. Dried ginger is beneficial.
🌘Clearing up old fears and engaging in inspirational activities will nourish the Yang.
Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and clove are excellent Yang tonic spices.
🌗Essential oils: cardamom, fennel, thyme, caraway, juniper, ginger, and cypress

This natural, whole systems approach to fertility enhancement ensures that your body has everything it needs to inspire life to bloom within. Need more guidance? We are here to help! Don't hesitate to drop us a message with questions or head on over to our online booking system to get started on your path to natural motherhood!

04/12/2024

🌹Wild Rose Woman Module 3🌹

Infertility can stem from various factors, but optimizing nutrition and incorporating the right supplements can enhance fertility efforts. Key causes of infertility include hormonal imbalances, reproductive organ issues, and lifestyle factors. However, targeted nutritional supplements can support conception by addressing deficiencies and promoting reproductive health.

By focusing on nutritional supplemetation alongside other fertility strategies, individuals can boost their chances of conception and embark on the journey to parenthood with confidence.

Eager to unlock the secrets of fertility supplementation? Explore Module Three for invaluable insights into optimizing your fertility journey.
https://www.commongroundlouisville.com/wild-rose-intro

04/10/2024

🌹Wild Rose Woman Module 2🌹
Curious to learn more about the intricate factors affecting fertility? Dive deeper into Module Two for a comprehensive understanding and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate fertility challenges effectively.

Struggling with infertility can be complex, influenced by various factors ranging from lifestyle choices to biological conditions. Lifestyle factors such as excessive stress, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet can impact fertility. Hormonal imbalances, irregular menstrual cycles, and conditions like polycystic o***y syndrome (PCOS) can also affect fertility in women. In men, factors such as low s***m count, poor s***m motility, or structural abnormalities in reproductive organs can contribute to infertility. Additionally, certain complex conditions like endometriosis, autoimmune disorders, and genetic factors may play a role. Understanding these diverse causes is crucial for those navigating fertility challenges.

Curious to learn more about the intricate factors affecting fertility? Dive deeper into Module Two for a comprehensive understanding. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate fertility challenges effectively.

Follow the link to purchase the Wild Rose Woman Course!
https://www.commongroundlouisville.com/wild-rose-intro

04/09/2024

Are you looking for a food-based option to support your egg quality? This delicious, chocolatey berry may be right up your alley!

🫐Acai is a delicious, dark purple berry from South America. It was made popular a few years ago by a company called Sambazon that used it in specialty juices. You should give them a try, they are a unique and delicious way to flavor your smoothies. However one of the premier fertility clinics in the United States, CCRM, has found that the antioxidant power of this particular berry is useful in promoting egg quality and thereby increasing the success of their IVF cycles.

🫐The founder of the clinic believes the health-promoting power of a natural antioxidant such as Acai, is more potent than isolated or lab-created antioxidants such as CoQ10. I understand this rationale, as I have always been a big proponent of food or herb-based nutrition as the whole plant works synergistically to deliver its nutrients to our system. Keeping foods whole and ‘as close to what God created’ offers the body a recognizable, naturally occurring substance, versus man-made. That being said, they are using a capsule form of Acai and not the berry itself, to deliver a more concentrated version.

🫐CCRM is conducting an ongoing OvaHealth study using their proprietary Acai supplement and has had great results so far in terms of the number of eggs retrieved and fertilized, number of chromosomally normal embryos, and live birth rate. They have study participants take 600mg of Acai three times a day for 8-12 weeks before their IVF cycle.

You can follow the links below to get more information on the research that CCRM is doing on this tasty morsel. In addition, you can find Acai berry in our online dispensary and Sambazon online or in the freezer section of your local health food store!

https://www.ccrmivf.com/ovahealth-study/ , https://www.ccrmivf.com/blog/ccrm-study-finds-that-high-doses-of-acai-berry-can-improve-ivf-outcomes/

04/08/2024

Wild Rose Women is a comprehensive fertility course that contains ten different modules to guide you through your own fertility journey.

A wild rose is a potent metaphor for the path to motherhood: a journey that can be fraught with the thorns of pain, challenge, grief, and loss.

But the wild rose grows in even the most difficult environment: rising up as the first plants to establish after a forest fire, blooming on the edges of a wild beach landscape, and surviving hard pruning, pests, and diseases.

These tenacious beauties persevere and come back strong, resilient, and more beautiful than ever. And in the end, their delicate blossoms enchant and they release a beautiful scent for all the world to enjoy.

Your path to motherhood may present challenges, but the desired outcome is worth the wait.

Follow along this month to get an insight of each module of Wild Rose!