Fertility, Massage Therapy and other Natural Treatments

So, you’re ready to get pregnant. Now what? There are many different ways to increase your chances using massage therapy varying on technique and body area. In this post, I’ll cover the basics of fertility massage, include some quotes by fellow massage therapists that specialize in pelvic bodywork and highlight the most frequently asked questions regarding this unique treatment.

What is it?

The goal of fertility massage is to assist your body in pregnancy, therefore certain modifications need to be made throughout the session. It’s true that stress creates a barrier when it comes to an attempt at conceiving and a traditional Swedish massage can lower general tension. However biologically, there are many muscular and ligament restrictions that can be released and a fertility massage consists of assisting with this. So what makes fertility massage special? It may consist of some relaxation techniques coupled with a pelvic work, warm castor oil packs and a manual but safe arterial release to assist with fresh blood flow into the uterus.

According to Jennifer June HHP, LMT and owner of South Philly Wellness “Abdominal therapy or Arvigo techniques of Mayan Abdominal Therapy is offered in my practice largely for its digestive and reproductive benefits.” June with her practice located in Philadelphia, PA mentions cases such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, low ovarian reserve and poor egg quality. June goes on to share “This technique serves to bring structural alignment to the entire pelvic girdle focusing on tonifying the ligament structures that run from the sacrum through the pelvic bowl suspending the uterus.”

Some women may suffer repeated disappointment with each in vitro fertilization office visit resulting in insecurity and psychological pain. This can cause immense strain in a marriage or any relationship where the couple is striving to expand their family. It’s at this crucial time that a woman needs to partner with a sensitive and competent massage practitioner that can provide education, patience and a whole lot of nurturing.

Your OB Doctor: A Conventional Guide

Some modern OB doctors encourage natural methods for fertility. At this point every intervention is a trial and you and your partner are in a phase of investing time, energy and finances. After all fertility doctors cannot guarantee results, and no provider should.  Health care providers are simply facilitators in assisting your body to conceive. Our role is to work with integrity and humility, helping each woman and creating a hospitable environment for soon-to-be-baby. Some doctors discourage complimentary treatments such as uterine massage, acupuncture and chiropractic work. It’s not their fault they weren’t educated on this in medical school and if they were it was a mild dose in their curriculum. Many women inform their doctor of these fertility services and some doctors are grateful for the information. So don’t assume your doctor will be turned off by the idea of fertility massage and help them know if it’s available in your area.

Timing and Scheduling

With IVF, it can be a tricky situation in terms of calculation the perfect time to have a fertility massage; but make no mistake, timing is important. If you’re undergoing hormone therapy calculate the best possible time that resembles the space between the end of your menstrual cycle and the beginning of your ovulation. This is key when receiving your fertility massage.

*Tip. Fertility massage specialists do not come in large droves, if there is one in your town or city chances are they get booked pretty fast. Time your window accordingly and schedule your appointment in advance to increase your chances.

Benefits of Fertility Massage

breaks up scar tissue

floods uterus with fresh blood

reduces overall stress and stress hormones

aligns tilted uterus

Castor Oil & Self Massage

There are self massage techniques that can be applied at home in between sessions. There are some angles which will be awkward to mimic and are easier when done by your massage therapist. However some self massage methods may be learned from your therapist. Practice these at home as well as applications of castor oil packs. All you need is:

• hot water bottle/ electric heater
• castor oil
• flannel or wool cloth to cover tummy

Soak the cloth with castor oil generously and set aside in a small bowl. Apply quarter size of castor oil in your hands and begin to massage your tummy, along the border of your pelvic bone and above your pubic bone for three to five minutes. Then, apply the castor oil soaked cloth over tummy. The cloth should be wide enough to cover entire stomach region and long enough to begin just under your rib cage and just above your pubic bone. You may set a plastic sheet to cover and avoid staining. Place a hand towel over plastic sheet, lay the water bottle/electrical blanket over on a low setting and let it sit on tummy for 20-30 min. Repeat once every three days. This may also help diminish uterus related fibroids, cysts and those suffering from endometriosis. (Warning: castor oil may cause cramping in some women, if this occurs feel free to suspend this part of your home care).

Loving Your Uterus

Women rarely caress and place loving hands over their lower belly. In fact, most of the time people touch this area in a state of great pain (labor or menstrual cramps) or disdain with thoughts such as “my belly fat, ugh!” But, where is the space for loving touch over the womb? It rarely comes. The thoughts and feelings associated with this part of the body are powerful in the journey of conception. Create a ritual of kind words towards your body and especially your uterus during this time in your life. It may feel silly at first but I can assure you that feeling anger and frustration towards your body is never a useless habit. Turn it around and speak love towards your womb. These are not magic words that will confirm the arrival a baby but it is a good pattern to adopt for every person.

Meditations

As you slowly begin to adopt kind words towards your body, I will list some helpful phrases that I’ve created that you can meditate on. Handwrite these and choose to ruminate on these words if you feel they help you. You can couple this by laying your hands gently over your uterus as you would a baby. You can do this alone, during your massage session or both.

• “I am grateful for you, no matter what. You have done the best you can do in my life and I am grateful to you.”
• “Whether you house a baby or not, I love and accept you. You are worthy of caring for, no matter what”
• “I choose to care for you, investigate in a calm state how to help you function the healthiest way. Not for what you can give me, but for just being you.”
• “I am excited to create a loving space in my womb for myself and for my children”
• “I forgive you for the cysts and fibroids that you have, they are not your fault, I will care for you and take action to help you function well.”
• “I forgive you for the pain you caused me during menstruation, it’s not your fault, I will take action to learn more about our body and how to reduce our pain.”
• “You are not my enemy, I love you and you are a gift.”

Mental Health Counseling

Since the world wide pandemic of the Coronavirus, access to mental health therapy has abounded. Now, counselors can see you virtually or in person. In the book, Awakening Fertility, author Heng Ou writes on the importance of healing emotional wounds from your past. The negative association we have with our own mother often physically prohibits conception. The association of trauma or hurt from the past is worthy of exploring. Fertility should approached holistically and you have emotions tied to the concept of parenting. Delving into the past and breaking through old hurts and pain will prepare you best for motherhood. For a list of qualified counselors please visit our network page right here on this website. Do not make the mistake of dismissing the emotional care that you need on your motherhood journey.

Causes of Infertility

Hormonal imbalance may play a role in infertility. It’s importance to have your blood tested throughout your lifetime especially when conception is a goal. Dr. Pamela Wartian Smith writes in her book What You Must Know About Women’s Hormones that excess testosterone is a sign and symptom of infertility. Ways to lower testosterone levels include using Saw Palmetto 240-260mg twice per day, Spironolactone: 100mg twice a day (prescription, may have side effects, try other methods first), Urtica Dioica (nettle) : 300 mg twice a day (root), Camellia Sinesis (green tea) 270 mg, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (licorice root) 3.5 g licorice containing 7.6 percent glycyrrhizic acid, Spearmint tea, White peony(Paeonia laterflora). Another hormonal imbalance that may cause infertility is a low progesterone-to-estrogen ratio. These two hormones are meant to work together in the body. DHEA is a sex hormone that when balanced in the body can boost fertility. However, be warned that most women have higher DHEA levels than men. Excessive intake can have negative side effects. Please have your DHEA levels measured prior to taking any replacement. Cortisol is another sex hormone that plays a role in fertility. Most people associate it with stress due to how it influences that in your body. Abnormal levels of cortisol may cause infertility so it’s important to check those as well. Cortisol may be tested through a salivary test. If you are taking steroids however it will not give accurate results. Speak with your doctor about how to measure cortisol levels effectively if you’re taking steroids due to medical conditions. Dr. Smith continues by saying “Any attempt to reduce testosterone levels should be done under the guidance of a health care professional.” and I agree.

Herbs & Plants

Taking herbs and plants to assist your fertility journey is a viable option. Ayurveda (traditional medicine from India) and Chinese Medicine have long used herbs and plants to treat maladies successfully over centuries. Please be aware that the quality of the herbs varies from manufacturer. (*Warning : Research high grade herbs to avoid lead and other metals.) One therapeutic beneficial herb for infertility is Holy Basil (do not take if you are allergic to mint or any herbs within the mint family).

Conclusion

This period of time can be incredibly painful and draining for most women and need often to find a place to seek comfort. Whether that be their faith, friends and family or an infertility support group. Another important aspect is practicing self care, having the knowledge that you should care for yourself is worthless unless you place that knowledge into action.

Women are magnificent whether they conceive or not. At times we fall into the pressures of our society to get pregnant, at times it’s a very real dream of our own to experience motherhood. There is no path that is superior than another for women. As long as you ground yourself into the identity that your circumstances do not define you but simply surrender and embrace life as it comes. As always, I wish for each woman that desires to be a mother to realize this dream. It is my honor and privilege to work with those that have chosen this path for themselves. I have been blessed to have seen the result of massage therapy combined with IVF treatments. I respect the combination of conventional medicine coupled with natural therapies. For those of you that didn’t know this type of massage was offered, now you know!